Chapter 4 THE ALPHA'S RETURN

The war had taken its toll on Kade Silas.

Standing tall, broad-shouldered, and battle-worn, the Alpha returned to his pack's territory to cheers and cries of joy. Wolves young and old lined the path as he passed, their voices raised in celebration. He'd led their warriors to victory, kept their lands safe, and proven once again why he was the leader they all revered.

But beneath his stoic expression, Kade felt only exhaustion.

He nodded curtly as he walked through the crowd, his piercing amber eyes scanning faces but finding little comfort in the adoration that greeted him. His mind was on his warriors-the brothers and sisters who hadn't made it back, the bloodshed he couldn't forget.

It wasn't the victory people made it out to be.

When he reached the Alpha's manor, the doors swung open to reveal his Beta, Marcus.

"You look like hell," Marcus greeted, though there was a grin tugging at his lips.

"Feels about right," Kade replied, dropping the satchel he'd carried onto the floor with a heavy thud.

"You should rest," Marcus suggested, his grin fading. He lowered his voice. "The council's waiting. They want a word."

Of course they do. Kade sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Let me guess-this isn't about the war, is it?"

"Not entirely." Marcus's hesitation was enough to confirm Kade's suspicions.

Kade leaned against the wall, closing his eyes for a moment. The weight of responsibility was back on his shoulders the moment he'd crossed the border. No respite. No peace.

"Give me five minutes," he muttered before pushing himself upright and heading into the council chamber.

The room fell silent as Kade entered, his imposing presence demanding attention.

The council elders, a group of older wolves who had advised his father before him, sat in a semicircle. Their faces were lined with age and authority, their gazes sharp as they watched him take his seat at the head of the table.

"We've been discussing matters of the future," Elder Freya began, her voice steady. "The pack owes you its gratitude for your leadership during the war."

Kade nodded, waiting for the "but" that was sure to come.

"However," Freya continued, confirming his thoughts, "our focus must now turn to the strength of your bloodline."

There it is.

"You want me to find a mate," Kade said flatly.

Elder Viktor leaned forward. "It is time, Alpha. You've proven yourself as a warrior and a leader, but the pack needs stability. An heir. A Luna to stand beside you."

Kade clenched his jaw, his patience thinning. "I just returned from a war. You want me to start courting right away?"

"It's not just for you, Alpha," Freya said, her tone calm but firm. "It's for the pack. Camille Winters has been suggested-her family is powerful, influential. A union with her would secure vital alliances."

The name sent a spike of annoyance through Kade. Camille Winters was the daughter of Alpha Cedric, leader of a neighboring pack known for their political maneuvering. Kade had met her a few times at gatherings and had always found her shallow, more interested in appearances and power than anything else.

"I'll think about it," Kade said, rising to his feet.

"The Winters are expecting an answer," Freya pressed.

"I said I'll think about it," Kade repeated, his tone colder this time. Without waiting for their approval, he turned and left the chamber, his frustration mounting.

Outside, Marcus was waiting for him.

"How bad was it?" Marcus asked, though he already seemed to know the answer.

"They want me to mate with Camille Winters," Kade said, his voice laced with irritation.

Marcus raised an eyebrow. "That's a strategic choice."

"It's a forced choice," Kade shot back. He stalked down the hallway, his fists clenched at his sides. "I don't need some council telling me who to spend my life with."

"Still, you need to consider-"

"What I need," Kade interrupted, "is time to breathe. I'm not going to be pushed into anything just because they think it's best for the pack."

Marcus didn't argue, but his silence was heavy.

That evening, Kade found himself wandering the edge of the territory. The war had left scars on the land-burned fields, uprooted trees, and the scent of smoke lingering in the air. He stopped by a stream, crouching to wash his hands in the cool water.

His reflection stared back at him-tired eyes, a jaw set in perpetual tension, and a haunted look he couldn't seem to shake.

Why couldn't they understand? He'd given everything for the pack-his strength, his loyalty, even his peace of mind. Wasn't that enough?

The next day, Kade reluctantly attended a gathering arranged by the elders to formally introduce him to Camille. She arrived dressed to impress, her golden hair perfectly styled, her lips painted a shade too bright.

"Kade," she greeted, her voice dripping with false warmth. She stepped closer, laying a hand on his arm. "It's good to see you again."

"Camille." He nodded, keeping his expression neutral.

The conversation that followed was excruciating. Camille spoke at length about herself-her accomplishments, her family's influence, her ideas for the future. Kade responded where necessary but offered little more than polite indifference.

"You're not much of a talker, are you?" Camille teased at one point, her smile coy.

"Not when I have nothing to say," Kade replied evenly.

Her smile faltered for a moment before she quickly recovered.

Afterward, Marcus cornered Kade near the training grounds.

"How did it go?" Marcus asked, though the look on Kade's face was enough of an answer.

"She's everything I expected," Kade said. "And nothing I want."

"You have to take this seriously," Marcus said, his tone uncharacteristically firm. "The council won't drop it, and Cedric's alliance could benefit us in the long run."

"I'll take it seriously when it becomes my choice," Kade said. He crossed his arms, glaring at the horizon. "Not theirs."

"Choices come with consequences," Marcus warned.

"Let them come."

Kade turned and walked away, his resolve hardening with every step. He didn't know what the future held, but one thing was certain-no one would dictate his fate, not even his own pack.