Back in his office, Michael sat behind his broad oak desk, papers stacked neatly in front of him. The scent of ink and parchment mixed with the faint smell of coffee, and the weight of responsibility pressed against his shoulders. Calvin, his loyal beta, stood at his side, reviewing reports of patrol schedules and recent rogue activity. The atmosphere was quiet but heavy with the urgency of their work.
The office door swung open without so much as a knock. Michael looked up, his brows furrowing the instant he saw who had entered. His father.
“What do you need, Father?” Michael asked evenly, though his voice carried a faint edge of annoyance.
Efrein didn’t bother sitting down. His presence filled the room, his eyes sharp with disapproval.
“I was informed you called Alpha Darius here. To
