His Delicate Love

3

The next day, the rain fell in relentless sheets, the sound of it drumming against the windows of the Blackridge manor like a warning from the storm. Inside, the air was thick with tension, the crackling of the fire from the grand hearth the only warmth in the cold atmosphere. Alpha Cade stood at the large window, his silver eyes narrowed as he watched the rain pour down over his lands, the forest beyond shrouded in mist. His expression was hard, unreadable, but the weight of the situation clung to his rigid posture.

Behind him, seated by the fire, was Alpha Lucas from the neighboring Blackthorn Clan, his broad frame illuminated by the flickering flames. Unlike Cade, Lucas was calm, though his expression remained serious as he stared into the fire, his brow furrowed with thought.

"If they attack your land, you retreat to ours," Lucas said, his voice steady but firm, leaving no room for argument. The tone carried the weight of a strategic mind, one that understood the importance of calculated moves. "We can regroup, strengthen our forces, and strike back with power."

Cade sighed deeply, his fists clenched by his sides. He turned away from the window, his silver eyes meeting Lucas's for the briefest of moments. "We will fight first," Cade said, his voice low, almost a growl. "I refuse to give up my land without a fight."

Lucas's gaze flicked up from the fire, meeting Cade's with a mixture of understanding and concern. "Cade, no one is asking you to give up," he said, his tone softening slightly. "But don't be a fool. This isn't just about pride. If Ravenstone is really pushing for war, and those rogue wolves are involved, we have to be smart about this."

Cade's jaw tightened as he turned back to the window, watching the rain as if searching for answers in the storm. The land outside, his land, was soaked and dark, but it was still his. The thought of retreating, of abandoning his territory to another clan—especially to the likes of Ravenstone—was unbearable. It wasn't just about power. It was about legacy, about protecting what his ancestors had fought to build. And yet, he knew Lucas was right. Reckless pride could lead to ruin.

"We'll fight," Cade repeated, though there was a heaviness in his voice now. "But... if it comes to it, I'll consider your offer."

Lucas nodded, his expression unreadable, but he didn't press the matter further. He knew Cade well enough to recognize when he had pushed him to his limit.

The silence between the two alphas stretched out, broken only by the crackle of the fire and the rain hammering against the roof above them. Outside, the storm showed no sign of stopping, and neither did the looming threat of war.