Chapter 3 The Alpha's Reckoning

The aroma of home enveloped Selene like a phantom-pine and earth, softened by the murmur of a looming storm. She had not entered Ravenstone territory for almost five years, but as soon as she crossed the unseen boundary, her wolf began to move anxiously beneath her skin. The attraction was unmistakable. Lucian was nestled close to her, his tiny hand clutching the material of her cloak. His breath had become slower, fatigue pressing on his small body. She swept a strand of dark hair from his brow, her heart tightening at the likeness.

He was Kade's son entirely-his defined jawline, the contour of his nose, and even the manner his brows knitted together during sleep. A new surge of anger washed over her. Kade had no prior knowledge of his child. Not that he had earned it. The wind screamed amongst the trees, bringing along the distinct aroma of a patrol. Selene felt tense. They were near. "Lucian, rise and shine," she murmured, lightly shaking his shoulder. His eyes sprang open, blinking the sleep away. "Mom?" She placed a finger against her lips. "We're not by ourselves." In just moments, shadows shifted among the trees. Suddenly, wolves came forth from the shadows-five in total, their eyes shining amber in the moonlight. Selene set her shoulders firmly. She was familiar with these wolves. She had previously referred to them as family. A huge black wolf advanced, transforming mid-step into a human shape. Beta Tobias. His eyes fixated on her, surprise flashing on his face before it turned into a more distant expression. "Selene?" She compelled herself to stay composed. "I must meet Alpha Kade." Tobias squinted. "You were banished." "You can't simply stroll back in here and insist on a meeting." Lucian whined next to her, gripping her leg tightly. Tobias' eyes darted towards him, eyebrows furrowing in doubt. Selene stood firm. "I wouldn't be present if it weren't significant." "We lack time for niceties." Tobias paused for a moment, yet then his position changed, a conflict raging within his gaze. At last, he nodded decisively. "Join me." The other wolves surrounded them as they ventured further into the territory. Selene's heart raced. She had devoted years to get ready for this moment, yet now that she was present, uncertainty ate away at her. What if Kade chose not to pay attention? What if returning was the gravest error of her life? THE FURY OF THE ALPHA Kade Raventhorn was not a man who could be easily surprised, yet when Tobias entered his office with her, the atmosphere in the room shifted. Selene. The companion he had turned down. The woman he had endeavored for five years to overlook. She faced him, as defiant as always, her violet eyes smoldering with unvoiced anger. And next to her- Kade's breath hitched. The young male. Her son. The space was quiet except for the sounds of the crackling fire. Kade's muscles tightened, his wolf rising within him, seeking dominance. He could perceive the reality in the boy's aroma-his blood. His successor. "Selene," he uttered, his tone ominously quiet. "What have you accomplished?" She raised her chin, facing his gaze unafraid. "I accomplished what was necessary." Kade tightened his fists, his whole body shaking with controlled fury. "You prevented me from seeing my son." Selene remained unperturbed. "You turned me down, Kade." What were your expectations of my actions? "Remain and plead for leftovers?" Heat ignited between them, heavy with unaddressed tension. The burden of years spent apart, of words left unsaid, of hidden truths-they all weighed on them like an unseen power. Tobias cleared his throat, feeling uneasy as he shifted. "Alpha, I believe-" "Go away." Kade's order was incisive, unequivocal. Tobias paused for just a moment before agreeing and leaving the room, closing the door after him. Kade advanced steadily, his eyes fixed on Selene. Clarify. At this moment. Selene clenched her jaw. "Only after you vow that Lucian is safeguarded by you." His gaze grew shadowy. "He belongs to me." "No one will lay a finger on him." The ownership in his tone drew a chill along her back, but she remained steadfast in her determination. "I'm not here for your sake, Kade." "I'm here due to Lucian being at risk." A muscle twitched in Kade's jaw. "From whom?" "Darius Alpha." His face became lethal. Selene inhaled deeply and explained everything to him. How Darius had pursued them. How he became aware of Lucian's exceptional talents. How he wished to take the boy for his own group. Kade's fists tightened into balls. "Does he have the audacity to pursue my blood?" Selene breathed out gently. "This is more than just blood, Kade." "There's additional depth to this than you realize." He remained silent for an extended moment. He then looked at Lucian, his expression becoming a bit softer. The boy looked up at him with large golden eyes, examining him with interest. "What is your name?" Kade inquired. Lucian paused prior to responding, his voice quiet yet consistent. "Lucian." Kade felt his chest constrict. The burden of what he had lost-what he had overlooked-hit him like a tidal wave. After years, Kade Raventhorn experienced an emotion he believed he would never feel again. Sorrow. THE CONFLICT INSIDE That evening, Kade walked back and forth in his office, his mind a storm of feelings. Selene was correct regarding one thing-this was greater than just the two of them. If Darius was targeting Lucian, it signified conflict. He was unable to permit that. He wouldn't do that. A rap on the door interrupted his reflections. "Enter." Selene entered, her arms folded. "What do you intend to do?" Kade breathed out, sweeping his hand through his hair. "I require time to evaluate the danger." Until that time, you remain here. "Both of you." Her eyes glimmered. "You don't have the right to dictate-" "This isn't concerning you, Selene." "It pertains to our son." The words lingered in the air, weightier than rock. Selene's shoulders drooped slightly, the determination fading a bit. "I only wish for his safety." Kade gave a nod. "Me too." Their eyes met, a tension building between them-something they both hesitated to label. However, one thing was definitely clear. Selene was back. And everything would change forever.