No Alphas Allowed

JULIAN

I stood outside the imposing gates of the Moonstone estate, my heart hammering against my ribs. Alpha or not, I felt like a damn rookie wolf on his first hunt. The text from Vanessa had been crystal clear: "Fabian wants to see you. Tomorrow. 3 pm. Don't be late."

No pleasantries. No room for negotiation. Just a command that carried more weight than any Alpha order I'd ever given.

The guards recognized me immediately, nodding with practiced deference as they swung open the gates. I'd visited countless times as Alpha Julian Sinclair, but never like this—as a man who had broken a promise to a child.

As my car crunched up the gravel driveway, I spotted Vanessa waiting on the front steps, arms crossed, her auburn hair catching the afternoon sunlight. Her expression was unreadable, but her posture said everything: protective, guarded, ready to tear me apart if necessary.

"You're on time. That's a start," she said as I approached.