An Alpha's Agony, A Journey into Enemy Territory

Sunlight streamed through the partially open curtains, warming my face and pulling me from sleep. I squeezed my eyes shut against the intrusion, a growl rumbling in my chest. My head throbbed, a familiar pain that never truly left me.

"Alpha Knight? Are you awake, sir?" A hesitant voice called from outside my door, followed by feminine giggles.

"It's your turn to wake him," one maid whispered to another, loud enough for my enhanced hearing to catch every word.

"No way! Remember what happened to Tessa when she disturbed him last month?"

More giggling. More whispering. My patience snapped.

"Get the fuck away from my door unless the building's on fire!" I roared, making the oak door rattle in its frame.

Startled gasps and the sound of hurried footsteps retreating followed my outburst. I rubbed my temples, trying to dull the ache that had become my constant companion.