Davian settled back into his chair, getting lost in the stack of documents on his desk. Just as he was starting to focus, the door creaked open, and Marvin stepped in. He seemed so relaxed, which really stood out in the serious vibe of the office.
Davian looked up and raised an eyebrow when he saw Marvin just standing there, not saying anything. "Something on your mind, Marvin?"
Marvin chuckled, leaning against the doorframe, his thumb casually hooked in his belt. "Just thinking about your new bride. She seems different from the other women that been chasing you around."
Davian's expression hardened slightly, doubt written all over it. "Really? Don't be fooled by her appearance. She'll probably reveal her true nature in a few days."
Marvin rubbed his beard thoughtfully, a glint of amusement in his eyes. "I don't know, Davian. I have a good feeling about this one. Wanna bet?"
Davian's lips twitched, hinting at a rare smile. "I believe you came here for a reason other than gossiping, Marvin."
"Right, right," Marvin conceded, stepping away from the door and settling into a chair across from Davian. "But mark my words, there's something special about her."
Davian's thoughts briefly drifted to his past experiences with women. They always seemed to gravitate toward him, drawn by his status and looks, but he never showed any interest back. His heart had hardened over the years, partly due to his father's insistence on this arranged marriage.
It was a duty he had accepted reluctantly, knowing it was for the good of the pack. His father had always emphasized the importance of alliances and strength through unity. The arranged marriage with Roseanne was another step in securing their pack's future. Davian went along with it, though it was tough for him. Love was a luxury he couldn't afford; his responsibilities as Alpha came first.
"Let's get to business," Davian said, shifting the topic. "What's the latest on the rogue sightings?"
Marvin's expression turned serious, his easygoing manner replaced by the gravity of their situation. "We've had more reports coming in. It's getting worse. They're becoming bolder, attacking closer to our borders."
Davian's eyes darkened as he leaned back in his chair, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the armrest. "They were bold enough to come after us during the trip back. That attack wasn't random—it felt planned."
Marvin nodded, his expression matching Davian's intensity. "Yeah, I've been thinking the same. The way they ambushed you—it wasn't like the usual rogue tactics. They knew where to hit, and they came prepared."
"We need to strengthen our patrols and set up more traps. We can't let them think they can breach our territory without consequences."
Marvin nodded, pulling out a detailed map of their territory and spreading it across the desk. "I've already instructed the patrols to increase their frequency, but we might need more manpower. The rogues are smart, and they're working in larger groups."
Davian studied the map intently, his eyes narrowing as he traced the areas where recent attacks had occurred. The lines on his face deepened with concentration. "We should consider reaching out to neighboring packs for temporary alliances. If we show a united front, the rogues might think twice before attacking."
Marvin agreed, his finger tapping on a particularly troubled spot on the map. "We also need to gather more intelligence. Find out where they're hiding and what their next moves might be."
Davian's mind raced with strategies. "We'll increase patrols and set up surveillance points. I also want to create false trails to lure them into traps."
Marvin's eyes lit up with approval. "That's a solid plan. We need to stay ahead of them, let them know we're not to be messed with."
As the meeting drew to a close, Marvin stood up, giving Davian a knowing look. "Just think about what I said. Sometimes, things aren't always what they seem."
Davian nodded, a hint of contemplation in his eyes. "I'll keep that in mind. Now, let's just make sure we're ready for whatever those rogues throw at us."
Marvin lingered for a moment longer, as if he wanted to say something else, but he eventually nodded and left the office. The door clicked shut, leaving Davian alone with his thoughts. He stared at the map on his desk, the lines and markings blurring as his mind wandered back to Roseanne.
The way she had bravely faced the dangers during the attack had surprised him. There was more to her than met the eye, and despite his earlier words to Marvin, he couldn't deny that she intrigued him.
But Davian quickly shook off the thought. He had to remain focused. Roseanne was now part of his life, but his priority was protecting his pack. Love and emotions were weaknesses he couldn't afford, especially not now.