It was always the same dream, and this night was no different. She would come to him, smiling, twirling around, her carefree expression a sign of her happiness. He could feel it too, that warmth spreading through his chest, reminding him of a time when happiness was not a distant memory.
Where the dream always changed was when she would sit on his thighs. Suddenly, her belly would swell with pregnancy, though it hadn't been there before. Her smile would fade, and she'd look at him with gentle seriousness.
"It will happen, and there is nothing you can do to stop it," she'd say, then smile again. "She will come like a storm and sweep you off your feet. Don't push her away, Kade. She is the second chance you deserve."
He always tried to speak, but his voice never came. No matter how hard he fought to say something. To say she was the only one he wanted, the only one he didn't deserve. She would caress her pregnant belly and give him a smile—this one softer, sadder—before rising to her feet.
"Don't come here again, Kade Strongborne, husband of Lyra Strongborne." She would trace his cheek with her fingertips. "Don't come looking for Lily and me again."
"We forgive you."
And as always, she'd walk to the middle of the field, beginning her carefree dance once more. She would smile at him, but tonight, that smile felt like a goodbye.
"Go, Kade. She's waiting."
Kade Strongborne woke with a start. He sat up, sheets falling away to reveal his fit torso, strong pecs, and a washboard stomach—the very physique that left women in the pack whispering behind flushed cheeks whenever he trained with Tyrone in the training field. His brooding, deep brown eyes fell on the pink bra hanging on the tapestry beside the door. He turned to the figure snoring softly next to him.
A quiet sigh escaped him as he threw the covers aside, his 6'4" frame towering as he stood on the polished wood floor. His usually messy crewcut was rougher than usual, and the marks on his back were evidence of the obvious but unspoken events from the night before.
Kade walked out into the hallway, his presence intimidating the omegas who scurried around, sensing his brooding mood.
He entered the kitchen, where a few omegas were preparing his breakfast. He grabbed a stool and sat down, biting into freshly baked fruit bread just as an omega stepped forward, bowing low. She looked pale, tired, and nervous. Moreover, her scent was different, the faint musk of rain and something else. Something that smelt familiar yet unfamiliar.
"Good morning, Alpha. I am Luna, your server for today. How would you like your coffee?"
Kade paused, glancing at her before turning fully. "Are you new?"
His voice, husky from sleep, sent a shiver down her spine. She nodded quickly. "Yes, Alpha. I am Luna Mycroft from—"
"From Wind Winder Pack," a female voice cut in. "You can go ahead and say it, Luna. Everyone here knows RainStrider raided your home. She's with me."
Kade's muscles tensed at the sound of the voice, his back stinging in memory.
She entered the room dressed in nothing but a flimsy lace nightdress. Her black hair fell in seductive waves, and her eyes sparkled with mischief as she grabbed a mug, poured freshly brewed coffee, added sugar, before placing the mug in front of him with a smirk.
Luna remained silent, her head bowed, as the woman stole Kade's half-eaten bread from his hand, biting into it. Kade watched her quietly, though a storm brewed behind his cryptic eyes.
"You left without a word," she mused, taking another bite.
Kade straightened. "Leave us."
His command was simple, but it carried enough authority that Luna and the other omegas immediately scurried out of the kitchen.
Kade stood and loaded his plate with more food before sitting across from the woman. "What are you doing here?"
"I'm here for breakfast—"
His hand slammed against the table. "What are you doing in Strongborne, Tyra?" he growled.
Tyra Moonclaw smiled coyly. "My father wants to marry me off to Alpha Stryker's son. I came for fresh air, and you didn't seem to mind last night."
Kade glared. "You can't stay here. You know that, Tyra. The treaty between our packs is still on the rocks. One wrong move you could start a war."
She gave a nonchalant shrug, "I'm worth fighting over, wouldn't you agree?"
"Find someone else."
"What do you expect me to do?" she snapped. "Just sit back and let my father marry me off to someone who doesn't care about me?"
"Yes," Kade said coldly. "You're going to be Luna, Tyra. Even if he isn't what you want, you'll have everything else. So yes, you'll go back to your little pack and wait for your mate."
Tyra's face softened, her voice subdued. "My mate is dead, Kade. I thought we could bond over that." She chuckled, but it was hollow. "Last night—"
"Was a mistake," Kade cut her off.
Tyra's eyes narrowed. "It didn't seem like one."
Kade shot her a warning glare. "We have nothing in common, Tyra. Whatever happened last night stays in the past. You'll marry Regulus Stryker. He's a good man."
He pushed his plate aside just as Logan Nightshade, his beta, strode into the kitchen. The man cast a wary glance at Tyra, noting her revealing nightdress before addressing Kade.
"Alpha," Logan greeted with a respectful nod.
Kade returned the gesture, then followed his beta out of the kitchen.
"Care to explain what that was about?" Logan asked as they walked.
"Nothing," Kade grunted. "Make sure Tyrone gets her back to RainStrider before Gregor loses his mind."
Logan hesitated but then clamped his mouth shut. "You'll need to get dressed. There's something you need to see."
"How serious?" Kade asked.
Logan's silence was answer enough.
Kade's lips thinned into a grim line. "Give me a minute."