Darius’ POV
"Lucien won't be joining us today," I said casually, breaking the silence between us. "Pack troubles."
Clara's gaze flicked to mine, thoughtfully. "So it's just Alpha Ronan then?"
I nodded. "Just Ronan."
A small smile played at the corner of her mouth. "Disappointed?"
"Not at all," I replied. "One Alpha or two, the outcome will be the same."
She raised an eyebrow. "So confident in me, Alpha?"
"Should I not be?" I challenged. "You've given me every reason to believe in your abilities."
Something flickered in her eyes—surprise, perhaps, or a flicker of warmth. Then it was gone, masked by her usual composure. "I won't let you down," she said, echoing her words from the night before.
I found myself reaching out, my fingers brushing briefly against hers on the tabletop. "I
