Page 51 of The Alpha's Forbidden Heir

Nathaniel's eyes darken slightly, but his tone remains steady. "This isn't about tradition, Bane. This is about stability. About the future of the pack. You've brought a human woman into our midst, along with her… half-breed child. Do you not see the risk you've invited into our territory?"

I let out a sharp laugh, the sound echoing in the room. "Risk? The only risk I see is from cowards too afraid of change to adapt.The world's moving forward, Nathaniel. Maybe it's time you tried keeping up."

Nathaniel's jaw tightens, but he doesn't rise to the bait. "This isn't about me. It's about the pack. Your decisions have consequences, Bane. Bringing Vittorio Sorrenti's daughter here—"

"She's not Vittorio," I snap, my voice cutting through his.

"She is his daughter," Nathaniel presses, his tone hardening. "Bloodlines matter, Bane. Allegiances matter. You've invited the enemy into your home."

I push off the desk, stepping closer to him. "And what would you have me do, Nathaniel? Kick out my mate? Abandon my son? Bow to a bunch of spineless wolves who don't have the guts to say this shit to my face?"

Nathaniel holds his ground, his steel-blue eyes boring into mine. "I would have you put the pack first, as any good alpha would. Your personal attachments should not come at the expense of our safety."

I laugh bitterly. "Safety? You think Vittorio's going to back off if I send Aria away? He'll see it as a weakness, a crack in our defenses. But you wouldn't understand that, would you? You're too busy clutching your pearls over bloodlines."

Nathaniel's lips press into a thin line. "Your insolence does you no favors, Bane."

"And your outdated bullshit does you no favors," I shoot back.

Rook clears his throat, drawing both our attention. "If I may," he begins cautiously, "perhaps we should focus on the real issue here. Vittorio. Whether or not Aria stays, he's going to make a move. We need to be ready."

Nathaniel regards Rook for a long moment, then nods slowly. "Your beta speaks sense, as always."

"Of course he does," I say, my tone dripping with sarcasm. "It's why I keep him around."

Nathaniel ignores the jab, his gaze returning to me. "I'll take my leave, Bane. But mark my words: your decisions will shape the future of this pack. Be certain they are the right ones."

As soon as the door clicks shut behind Nathaniel, I exhale loudly and drop into my chair like I've just run a marathon.

"Gods above," I mutter, scrubbing a hand over my face. "I hate that old man."

Rook leans back in his chair, casually grabbing his wine glass again. "What's not to love? He's charming, full of wisdom, and definitely doesn't look at you like you're a rebellious teenager every time you open your mouth."

I glare at him. "Sarcasm noted, Rook. You could've backed me up a little more, you know."

"You handled it better than I expected," Rook says, a smirk tugging at his lips.

I shoot him a look. "Don't get used to it."

Rook chuckles, raising his glass in a mock toast. "Here's to surviving another round with the fossil brigade."

I shake my head, my thoughts already shifting back to Aria and Elias.

He shrugs, taking another sip. "You seemed to be having so much fun on your own. Didn't want to steal the spotlight."

I roll my eyes and stand, adjusting my shirt. "I'm leaving."

"Leaving? That's it? No brooding or ranting about Nathaniel's 'outdated bullshit'?" Rook smirks, leaning forward slightly.

"Not in the mood," I reply, heading for the door.

Rook's grin widens. "Where are you off to, then? Let me guess—checking on a certain human and her kid? Or are you finally going to admit she's got you wrapped around her little finger?"

I stop mid-step and shoot him a glare. "I don't have time for this, Rook."

"Of course you don't," he says, leaning back with a smug expression.

Before I can retort, the door opens again, and a guard steps in. Rook immediately wipes the grin off his face, sitting up straight and fixing the newcomer with a raised eyebrow.

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