Alpha Terrell's POV
I walked through the familiar corridors of my castle with the kind of bone-deep relief that only came from returning home after weeks on the road.
Home.
My territory. My pack. My castle.
Where I was unquestionably Alpha, where I was going to finally drop all the pretense.
Except I still had to pretend. At least for a few more hours.
Christ, I'm tired.
"Alpha! Welcome home!"
Kane appeared from around a corner - my Beta, looking exactly as he always did. Gray hair, sharp observing eyes, and an alert posture.
He'd been my Beta for two decades now. A good man. Loyal. Competent.
Also infuriatingly annoying in his old age.
"How was the journey?" Kane asked, falling into step beside me. "Any difficulties? I heard there was quite a storm in the eastern region…"
"I want a hot bath," I interrupted flatly. "And rest. That's all."
