Chapter 276: The first attack...
Lucius
I arrived at Greyhound pack, my body aching from the long journey but my mind sharp and alert. The familiar scents of home washed over me as I made my way to the pack house, nodding briefly to the guards who recognized me. Despite the comfort of being back, I couldn’t allow myself to relax. There was too much at stake.
Quickly, I headed to my quarters, shedding my travel-worn clothes and stepping into the shower.
I stripped down, the warm water from the shower washing away the dirt but not the tension. I could already anticipate the confrontation that was waiting for me. Xavier wasn’t one to forgive easily, and I had left him without any warning.
As the steam enveloped me, I let my mind wander for just a moment. I could still feel the tug of the mate bond, the pull to be with Kurtis and Emilia, the warmth of their presence lingering like a phantom touch. But I had made my choice. Duty came first, and I had no right to indulge in what I wanted when so many lives depended on me.
I dried off and threw on a fresh set of clothes, a grey shirt and dark slacks. It wasn’t my usual armour, but it would have to do. Squaring my shoulders, I left the room and made my way to Xavier’s office.
As I dressed in clean clothes, I steeled myself for the conversation ahead with Xavier.
The upper floor of the pack house was eerily quiet, the only sound the echo of my boots on the hardwood floor. Xavier’s office door was closed, but I didn’t bother knocking softly. I rapped my knuckles against the wood and waited.
I paused outside Xavier’s office, taking a deep breath before knocking. My heart raced, anticipating his reaction to my sudden return.
"Enter," came Xavier’s voice from within, cool and authoritative.
I stepped into the office, immediately noticing Xavier bent over his desk, surrounded by stacks of documents. He didn’t look up as I approached, and I felt a pang of guilt at the obvious strain my absence had caused.