Chapter 26 26
Damien POV
The moment I reach the main gates, it’s obvious the pack has tightened security since my last visit. Guards positioned with purpose, posture sharp, senses alert. Good. Paranoia suits them it makes them predictable.
“May I help you?” a male wolf crouches to peer into the window of my red sports car.
Perfect. Exactly the reaction I counted on.
Let them see the flashy car and assume I’m too arrogant or too stupid to return later on foot. They’ll watch me drive off and dismiss me. That’s the smokescreen.
I slide off my sunglasses, meeting the guard’s eyes head-on. Strong wolf. Too strong to be standing gate duty. Warrior level at minimum. Clever misdirection. I almost smile.
“I’m here to see the Alpha,” I say.
“And you are…?” His gaze drifts along the length of my car, assessing everything from the engine purr to the leather interior—sizing me up.
“An alpha,” I answer simply, keeping my tone intentionally vague. “I’m here to discuss joining the alliance.”
“Alpha…?” His brow lifts, fishing for my name.
“I was guaranteed anonymity for now,” I reply smoothly. “I assume you understand.”
“Yes, of course, Alpha. But… were we expecting you?”
“No.” I drum my fingers lightly on the steering wheel. “I was passing through. Thought I’d put a face to the name.”
“The Alpha isn’t available.”
“I can wait.” I let a hint of my aura seep out not enough to reveal my identity, just enough to remind him who’s in the car.
“Look,” I add, “I’m not a threat to your Alpha.”
Not yet.
“I’m alone, and I’m merely being polite. It would be rude to be this close and not introduce myself. Your Alpha isn’t rude… is he?” I smirk.
The wolf shifts, jaw tightening. I’ve boxed him in neatly.
“I’ll give you a tour,” he says at last, though irritation flickers across his features. “But like I said, the Alpha”
“isn’t available,” I finish for him.
He climbs into the passenger seat and signals the guards to open the gates.
The territory looks different now. Last time I came through, devastation sat on every corner, and the Alpha house had been reduced to ash and rubble after the fire. But the rebuilt structure in the distance looks strong proud even.
“What’s your name?” I ask as we roll forward.
“Théo, Alpha.”
“And your position? You’re too strong to be a simple guard.” I cast him a sidelong glance.
“One of the Head Warriors, sir,” he replies with a chuckle.
One of how many? Interesting.
I park outside the Alpha house. Théo steps out, announcing my arrival to the Alpha and Beta. I hop onto the bonnet, letting my gaze sweep across the territory, noting every change, every reconstruction, every trace of growth.
Théo remains nearby, eyes sharp. His wolf knows I’m masking something. He’s right. My full aura stays caged.
“Théo?” a young blond boy calls out as he steps out of the Alpha house, scooping up a handful of pebbles.
“Hey, kiddo. What’s going on?” Théo replies, his tone softening protective.
“Who’s this?” I call, unable to ignore the pull in my wolf.
“I’m Dominique,” the boy declares, walking up as he tosses pebbles across the courtyard. “Who are you?”
“I’m an alpha,” I say, looking down at him. He looks familiar something in his eyes, maybe. Perhaps I’ve met his father before.
“You are?” His eyes widen. “Which pack?”
“Oh, you wouldn’t have heard of it.” I wave off the question, but I catch Théo watching me closely.
“How many are in your pack?” The boy fires off the next question, bright and eager. I laugh despite myself. He reminds me of me before everything. Before my mother died. Before I learned what loneliness tastes like.
“You’re very curious about alphas,” I say. “Are you a warrior’s son?”
“I’m the son of the Alpha!” Dominique declares proudly, chest puffed out. “I’m going to be the Alpha of the Darkvale Pack one day.”
His confidence is so pure, so unfiltered, I can’t help but grin.
“I don’t doubt it.” I step closer and ruffle his hair.
Then
A faint breeze brushes my cheek.
And with it, a scent hits me.
Something familiar.
Something impossible.
My wolf stirs, confused then sharpens, alert.
Whatever that scent is… it changes everything.