30
~Alex's POV
After Luca left, I sank into one of the chairs at the head of the dining table, my head in my hands. My thoughts churned, anger and frustration fighting for dominance in my chest. Cedric's arrogance was unbelievable. Did he think I was weak? That I would just sit back and let him challenge my authority without consequences?
The room was dead silent, except for the faint ticking of the clock on the wall. I leaned back in the chair, staring up at the ceiling, trying to steady my breathing. For years, I had worked to build this pack, to make it strong, untouchable. My pack wasn't just my responsibility—it was my family, my legacy. And I'd be damned if I let some power-hungry fool like Cedric threaten it.
A soft knock on the door pulled me out of my thoughts. "Come in," I barked, not even bothering to hide the edge in my voice.
