Heart of a rogue

* Chapter 10

Declan's POV

As Nova and Declan sat together in the dimly lit confines of the packhouse, the tension in the air was palpable, each passing moment weighed down by the gravity of their conversation. Outside, the soft murmur of the surrounding forest provided a stark contrast to the urgency that pulsed within the walls of their sanctuary.

Nova's brow furrowed in concern as she relayed her observations, her words punctuated by the weight of their implications. "Alpha, we have a problem," she began, her voice low yet resolute. "I've been noticing an increase in wolves from nearby packs attempting to hunt on our grounds. Despite the agreements we've made, they seem to be disregarding the boundaries we've set."

Declan's expression darkened with displeasure at the news, his jaw tightening in frustration. "That's concerning," he murmured, his voice tinged with a hint of anger. "We can't afford to have our resources depleted by outsiders. We need to reinforce our borders and ensure that our territory remains secure."

But Nova's troubled expression betrayed a deeper unease as she continued, her words hesitant yet urgent. "It's not just the encroachment of other packs that worries me, Alpha," she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper. "I've also noticed something... unsettling happening at the edge of our territory."

Declan's interest was piqued at her words, his gaze narrowing in anticipation as he leaned forward slightly. "What do you mean?" he pressed, his voice tinged with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension.

Nova hesitated for a moment, grappling with the weight of her revelation before continuing. "The greenery at the edge of our territory... it's changing," she explained, her voice tinged with a hint of dread. "Turning dark, as if some malevolent force is creeping closer, threatening to consume everything in its path. It's like the curse that's been plaguing nearby packs is coming for us too."

A heavy silence settled over the room at her words, the implications sinking in with a leaden weight. Declan's jaw clenched in frustration, his mind racing with the potential dangers that lay ahead. "We need to act quickly," he declared, his voice firm with resolve. ''We need to invenstiagte that curse...''

As Nova rose from her seat, a flicker of concern flashed across her features, her gaze lingering on Declan with unspoken questions. "Alpha, may I ask... is everything alright with your mate?" she inquired softly, her voice laced with genuine concern. She sat down next to him on the couch. 

Declan's expression softened slightly at Nova's inquiry, a hint of weariness creeping into his eyes. "Lucy and I have been facing some challenges," he admitted, his voice tinged with a mixture of frustration and longing. "She's been through a lot lately, and it's been difficult for both of us."

Nova nodded understandingly, her features reflecting a mixture of empathy and resolve. "If there's anything I can do to help, please don't hesitate to ask," she offered sincerely, her loyalty to her Alpha unwavering.

Declan hesitated for a moment, a sense of vulnerability flickering across his features before he spoke again. "Actually, Nova, I value your perspective," he began, his voice tentative yet earnest. "I've been considering options to ensure the future of our pack, and... well, I've been thinking about the possibility of seeking out another wolf to impregnate Lucy."

Nova's eyebrows lifted in surprise at Declan's revelation, her gaze meeting his with a mix of curiosity and understanding. "It's understandable, Alpha," she replied, her voice measured yet supportive. "Securing the lineage of our pack is vital, and having an heir is a responsibility that weighs heavily on your shoulders."

''It is...''

She hummed softly, her brows knitting together in concern. "And what does Luna think about this?" she asked, her tone gentle yet probing.