Chapter 28 Chapter 28

Chapter 28 Chapter 28

Alessio.

The moment the guards told me a stranger who was also a traveler was within my walls, not only that but he was having his wounds tended to by Katsura.

I knew who this stranger was.

Drogo Draven, my father’s bastard.

I dismissed the council meeting early and walked straight to my study. I did not sit. I did not pour a drink. I stood by the tall window, hands clasped behind my back, staring at the land I ruled.

The minutes passed by slowly, but I wasn’t in a hurry to have him brought before me. I wanted to remain as calm as possible.

I looked out of the window satisfied at the serene clan which I had ruled since I was fourteen, not even a half man walked into my clan freely, and yet one man had walked in as if he owned it.

The door opened behind me with heavy footsteps of leather boots. There was a stumble…

My guards shoved him into the room like unwanted cargo and slammed the door shut behind them.

I did not turn to look at him immediately, he irritated me and I didn’t want him in my space.

“Sit, Drogo,” I said calmly.

I called his name which felt like poison in my mouth.

He hesitated, then obeyed. The chair creaked under his weight. He was too relaxed for a man who should have been afraid. That alone made my blood boil.

I turned, and in two strides I charged toward him.

The pen knife slid out smoothly, small and light in my hand. I pressed it hard against his throat, just enough for the blade to kiss skin.

“I warned you,” I said quietly. “I told you never to show your face anywhere near my clan.”

His pulse beat against the blade. I could see the bulge of his throat move.

And then… he laughed.

A low, careless laugh, like death was a joke meant for someone else.

I snarled and stepped back before my control shattered. The knife vanished back into my sleeve as he adjusted himself and leaned into the chair again like he had just been mildly entertained.

“You’re still too quick to anger,” he said. “You always were.”

“What do you want?” I demanded. “Why are you here?”

He crossed his legs. “If someone heard us now, they would never believe we are brothers.”

I felt my lip curl.

I hated it whenever he said that word… brother. I was no brother of his, I made sure to keep that clear, but he always had a way of getting on my nerves.

“Do not call yourself that,” I said coldly. “You are a bastard. Born from a whore who crawled into my father’s bed and thought herself clever.”

He only smiled. “I won’t take offense. I never do.”

The silence stretched, thick and sharp.

“You asked what I wanted,” he crooked a brow and ran his tongue through his lips.

“I don’t have all the time in the world,” I snapped.

Then he said it. “I want Katsura.”

The room vibrated underneath. I thought he was joking at first. I waited for him to laugh it off and tell me he was only bluffing but… he didn’t.

My wolf stirred, furious, and dangerous. My nose flared as heat rushed through my veins. “Say her name again,” I growled, “and you won’t leave this room alive.”

He stood slowly, hands raised in mock peace. “Relax. I’m only stating a demand.”

“You asked that I say what I wanted.” He chuckled.

“Is my lord perhaps incapable of granting me my wishes,” he teased but it was no fun for me.

“You do not demand anything from me, definitely not Katsura.”

“Demand something else,” I banged my fist on the table.

“Oh, but I do,” he said softly. “Because I know your secrets.”

He walked toward the window, standing beside me now, looking out at my land as if it were his to admire.

“You masked her scent,” he continued. “Hid her in plain sight. Let the clan believe the omega hasn’t been found while she healed their children and their warriors.”

My jaw tightened.

How the hell did he know all these?

Did Katsura tell him all these?

No… no she wouldn’t dare. She wants a pup from me, and she wouldn’t get it from me if she gave herself away to a stranger.

“No, she didn’t tell me,” he shook his head as if he had heard my thoughts.

“I could summon the elders,” he went on. “Tell them their great king harbored the very omega they hunted. Tell them you lied. That you betrayed tradition.”

I turned sharply. “You wouldn’t dare.”

He looked at me then, eyes sharp. “Try me.”

The weight of the crown pressed down on my skull.

“You think this is about power?” I said. “You think I’d crumble because of whispers?”

He smiled. “No. I think you’d crumble because you care.”

“You love her, don’t you?” He smirked.

I said nothing. That was enough to answer.

“I can’t crumble because of my people or clan,” I blurted.

“You always did,” he added. “You protect what you claim.”

“She is not yours to touch,” I said. “Not now. Not ever.”

He shrugged. “Then give her to me.”

I stepped forward, towering over him. “Leave,” I ordered. “And I will give you my answer in two days.”

He studied my face, then nodded. “Two days.”

As he walked toward the door, he paused. “Think carefully, brother.”

The door closed.

And for the first time in years, I felt something close to fear. Drogo Draven might not wield as much power as I did but he sure was stronger than me.

And whatever he demanded… he got.