Cassius pov
I know I had only been at the pack for several hours, but I was looking forward to being with April again.
I was halfway to the door when Thomas, one of my senior warriors, stepped forward, offering a respectful nod.
“Alpha, it’s good to see you,” he said, his tone steady, carrying the weight of genuine regard. “The pack has missed your presence.”
I inclined my head in acknowledgment, keeping my expression composed. “I haven’t been far.”
Liana, one of the younger she-wolves, spoke softly, her eyes kind. “Even so, it’s different when you’re not around. Things run smoothly, but it always feels… steadier when you’re here.”
Others murmured in agreement, their gazes filled with respect rather than expectation.
I exhaled slowly, a flicker of guilt settling in my chest.
They weren’t pressuring me. They weren’t demanding anything. They simply missed their Alpha, the leader who had always been there for them.
And I understood.
I had spent my life for them. For this pack. Every decision, every sacrifice, every ounce of my strength-I had given it all to them.
And I would never stop.
But for the past couple of days, I had done something I hadn’t allowed myself in years.
I had taken time for myself.
I had been with April.
Not as their Alpha. Not as a leader burdened by duty. Just as a man. A man who had found something-someone-that made him feel whole in a way he hadn’t realized he was missing.
And now, reality was pulling me back.
I gave Thomas a firm nod. “Thank you. I appreciate that.”
He smiled faintly, stepping aside as I moved forward, but then Gabriel fell into step beside me, speaking through our link.
“Cassius, the meeting is about to begin. If you want to leave, this is your chance,”
I fought the urge to sigh. How could I possibly leave now? “I’m on my way.”
There was no escaping it.
No pushing it off.
My pack needed me. My duty awaited.
And that meant I wouldn’t be seeing April tonight.
The thought settled in my chest like a weight.
I had only just begun to hold something for myself, something real. And already, I had to let it go, even if just for a night.
I hated that.
But I had no choice. The pack came. First; that is what being an Alpha meant, putting your pack’s needs, safety, and desires first. The rest came second, and I hated it sometimes, but damn heavy is the head that wears the crown.
With one last glance toward the exit-the direction that led to her-I turned and headed for the meeting, locking the longing away.
At least for now.