Chapter Eighteen

Alpha Sebastian's POV

The chill of the early morning air didn’t quite reach my office as I stared out the window. The sound of hurried footsteps echoed down the hallway outside. The guards had arrived quicker than expected. My jaw clenched when I heard the door open sharply behind me, followed by the unmistakable voice of Jonas, the head of my border patrol.

“Alpha,” he said, breathless. “Alpha Devon is coming.”

I turned slowly, letting the silence stretch for a moment before meeting his eyes. "Unannounced, you say?"

He nodded. "Yes, Alpha. He insists on coming alone, with no entourage. But he's moving quickly. He'll be here by midday."

“Perfect,” I muttered, my voice low. "Tell the others to be prepared. Secure the pack. And Leila—" I hesitated, fighting the rush of protectiveness that hit me like a wave. "Lock her in her quarters. Now."

Jonas hesitated but gave a sharp nod. "Understood, Alpha."

The door shut with a soft click behind him, and I ran my hand over my face. This had been coming. I knew it. Alpha Devon wouldn’t have stayed away forever. He was too drawn to Leila, too restless. But this time, I wouldn’t let him take her from me. Not now. Not when I had spent so long building what we had.

I took a breath and paced across the room. Devon’s sudden appearance wasn’t a surprise, but it didn’t make it easier. Leila had been mine for months now, and every day we grew closer. But Devon, her true mate, would always linger in the background. He wasn’t someone I could simply erase from her life, no matter how hard I tried. Still, I wouldn’t make it easy for him.

By the time midday arrived, I stood at the gates of the pack, watching the dust rise in the distance. I could already feel the weight of his presence, thick in the air like an approaching storm. As the vehicle rumbled closer, the guards fell into position, their movements practiced and sharp. I gave them a quick nod, signaling them to remain calm and collected.

The black SUV pulled to a stop just outside the gates, and I could already see him—Alpha Devon, tall and commanding with that familiar cocky grin playing at the corner of his mouth. His striking features were almost too perfect, that dangerous glint in his eyes unmistakable as he stepped out, his sharp suit a stark contrast to the wildness of the pack lands.

“Sebastian,” he called, his voice booming with that same confidence I hated.

“Devon,” I greeted, my tone cool, controlled. I held my ground, not flinching as he closed the distance between us, extending his hand with that smile of his.

"You look good," he said, his smile widening as he took my form.

I didn’t respond immediately, just nodded and clasped his hand. His grip was firm, almost too firm as if he were trying to assert his dominance right from the start. I could feel the tension in the air between us, the thick unspoken challenge that always existed when we shared the same space.

“You’ve been away a long time,” I finally said, breaking the silence. "What brings you back to our lands, Devon? Not often I get a surprise visit from you."

He chuckled his laughter light, almost teasing. “I figured it was time to check-in. You know, see how the pack’s doing. Catch up with old friends.”

“Of course.” I took a step back, gesturing toward the pack house. "Well, you're always welcome here. Things have been running smoothly. The pack is strong, united."

We walked side by side as I led him toward the main building. I could feel the weight of his gaze on me, but I refused to show any weakness. This wasn’t about me; this was about Leila.

Devon’s eyes scanned the surroundings as we walked, his posture relaxed, though I could tell he was taking in every detail, every little change. The land here had flourished under my leadership, and I was proud of it. But I had no intention of letting him in too deep.

As we entered the large open hall, he glanced around, his eyes lighting up at the familiar faces of my pack members. He exchanged a few casual greetings, his easygoing nature making the tension of the moment almost bearable.

It was when he stopped in front of the fireplace, eyes drawn to the flickering flames, that he finally spoke again, his voice quieter, almost softer.

“So... how’s Leila?” he asked, his tone casual, but there was something underlying the words that made the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end.

I froze for a moment, my body tensing involuntarily. He had been waiting for this moment. He knew I couldn’t keep her hidden forever.