Chapter 5: A Sibling Call
1384 Words
The boardroom had emptied out, but the buzz of Kael’s last meeting still clung to his skin like humidity. The sleek glass windows of the corporate tower reflected the deep hues of dusk over Windhaven, and Kael leaned back in his chair, loosening his tie. The meeting had been long—tedious negotiations, a stubborn stakeholder, and far too many pleasantries—but the deal was progressing. Barely.
He rubbed his jaw and exhaled, the city lights flickering to life one by one below. The scent of strong coffee and ink lingered in the room.
His phone vibrated on the polished wood table, and he glanced down at the screen: "Incoming Call – Kade."
A tired smile tugged at Kael’s lips as he swiped to answer. "Did the tomatoes win the battle against Dad today, or did he finally accept defeat?"
"Hah! He’s still arguing with them like they’re going to grow better if he yells. You know how it is. You good? You sound like you got run over by a board of directors."
Kael chuckled, pushing to his feet and walking to the minibar. "Something like that. These Windhaven folks don’t play. Negotiating with them feels like outmaneuvering a den of foxes."
"So... you're saying it’s a good thing they sent the dangerous brother and not me?"
"Please. You’d charm them into giving away half their assets and not even realize it."
"True," Kade replied with a mock sigh. "It’s hard being this charismatic. But hey, at least I didn’t get distracted by a pretty girl in the middle of a negotiation."
Kael froze mid-pour, the whiskey in his glass sloshing against the rim. "I think that's something we should discuss in person."
Kade’s tone softened. "She matters that much, huh?"
Kael stared out at the Windhaven skyline. "I don’t know. I can’t explain it. One look, and it was like everything in me went still and wild at the same time. She didn’t even give me her name. But I felt her. Deep. My wolf won’t shut up about her."
"Sounds like a bond starting to awaken," Kade said thoughtfully. "You’re lucky. Most don’t even get that."
"You would know," Kael replied. "You met yours at a battle summit and declared she was yours before she even sat down."
"Yeah, and she nearly broke my nose the first time I kissed her. Worth it."
***********
The Stormridge estate is tucked deep within the dense mountain forest, far from the reach of human civilization. Kael hadn't stepped foot on its moss-covered grounds in nearly eight months, not since the last full council gathering. But now, with the mate bond stirring restlessly inside him, he had summoned a rare, private meeting with his brother, Kade Storm.
The thick trees gave way to the great stone house, its steep roof and carved wooden beams rising like the throne of a forgotten king. Kael stepped out of his black SUV, inhaling the crisp air that was thick with pine, magic, and the unmistakable scent of home.
Before he could knock, the front door opened. Kade stood there, tall and broad-shouldered, his expression unreadable.
“You’re early,” Kade said, stepping aside.
“You always hated waiting,” Kael replied, brushing past him into the grand hall.
The hearth burned with slow, steady fire. The walls were lined with portraits of past Alphas, including their father, now retired and living quietly with their mother on the east ridge. Kael felt their presence in the silence.
Kade crossed to a leather armchair and dropped into it, motioning for Kael to sit opposite him. “So, you found her.”
Kael met his brother’s golden eyes. “You felt it too?”
Kade nodded. “The whole bloodline did. It was like a surge through the pack bond. Strong, fast, and... unstable.”
Kael frowned. “Unstable?”
“Like something awakening too quickly. Too forcefully. We felt your wolf’s call and her absence.” Kade leaned forward, elbows on his knees. “She’s human, isn’t she?”
“Yes.” Kael said the word like a confession.
Kade exhaled deeply and stood, pacing slowly toward the fire. “Damn.”
Kael tensed. “You disapprove?”
“I don’t disapprove,” Kade said, choosing his words carefully. “I worry. You know what happens when humans are pulled into our world without warning. The fear. The denial. The breaking of the bond.”
“She’s stronger than that,” Kael said without hesitation. “She’s a fighter. A protector. She’s already living in a world full of chao and choosing to make it better. She doesn’t run.”
Kade turned, arms crossed over his chest. “Is that your wolf speaking or your heart?”
Kael didn’t answer.
Kade softened. “I know what this means to you, little brother. Believe me. I remember the day I saw Mila. I remember the storm inside me when the bond clicked into place. But she was born into our world. Maya wasn’t.”
Kael’s gaze sharpened. “You looked into her?”
“Of course I did,” Kade said. “As Alpha, I had to. She’s impressive. Dedicated. Respected. And vulnerable. You are showing up in her life will tilt her axis and not necessarily in a good way.”
“I don’t want to hurt her.”
“But you might.”
Kael stood now too, the energy shifting. “Do you think I haven’t thought about that? Do you think I’m charging into this blind?”
“I think you’re already bonded to a woman who doesn’t know what you are,” Kade said calmly. “And I think that terrifies you more than you’re willing to admit.”
Kael's voice dropped. “It does.”
Kade nodded, stepping closer. “Then take it slow. Win her trust. Protect her before she needs protecting. And for the goddess’ sake, don’t tell her about the pack until she’s ready.”
Kael ran a hand through his hair, tension pulsing through his shoulders. “What if she never is?”
“Then you’ll have a choice to make,” Kade said. “The bond will only stretch so far without snapping. If she rejects it…”
“She won’t,” Kael interrupted, fierce and certain.
Kade raised an eyebrow. “And if she doesn’t? If she accepts you, the pack, everything, what then?”
Kael looked toward the window, where the mountains rose like slumbering beasts beneath the moonlight. “Then I bring her here. I show her who I am. Who we are. And I protect her, no matter what.”
A long silence stretched between them.
Kade finally nodded. “Then we’ll stand behind you. But know this, if the bond draws danger to her, the pack will intervene. Even if it means stepping into the human world.”
“I understand,” Kael said quietly. “I wouldn’t expect less.”
Kade clapped a hand on his shoulder. “You’re not a boy anymore, Kael. You’ve spent your life among humans, building alliances, speaking in boardrooms. But this, this is not a contract. It’s destiny. And it doesn’t come with fine print.”
Kael gave a small, grim smile. “Neither do wolves.”
Kade grinned. “You’ve got your work cut out for you.”
“I know.”
“You’ll need help. Discretion. Someone who understands both worlds.”
Kael hesitated. “I have someone in mind.”
“Amari?”
“She’s already watching Maya from a distance. I’ll ask her to ease in closer.”
Kade nodded approvingly. “Good. And if you need backup…”
“I’ll call you,” Kael finished. “But only if I have to.”
The brothers stood in quiet unity, the fire casting long shadows on the walls.
As Kael turned to leave, Kade called after him. “Kael.”
He paused.
“You’re not just second-born anymore. You’re a mate. And mates shape the fate of packs.”
Kael met his brother’s eyes one last time. “Then I’ll make sure she knows she’s worth that fate.”
And with that, he stepped into the night, the path before him clearer than ever, even if the road ahead would be anything but simple.
- Writer
