Stefan returned to the estate and went straight for the Alpha’s study.
He knocked once, briefly, then stepped inside.
To his surprise, Kadel was still there.
The Alpha sat hunched over the table, his broad shoulders slumped, his head lowered as though sleep had taken him where exhaustion could not be ignored.
Stefan took a step closer. “Alpha…” he said softly.
Kadel slowly raised his head.
The moment their eyes met, Stefan felt his chest split open.
There was no anger in his Alpha’s face.
No strength or command. Only deep worry… and something that looked painfully like regret.
Stefan’s throat tightened.
How am I supposed to tell him this now? he thought desperately. How do I break such a devastating truth when he already looks this broken?
“Stefan,” Kadel’s voice said quietly, p
