Julian POV
"Get out of my way, Ethan."
I did not look at him as I kicked the heavy oak door open.
"Alpha Julian, please," Ethan said. His boots scuffed against the stone floor of the Blue-Claw Pack headquarters. He was moving too fast, breathing too loud. "Your father has just returned from Westview. He is inside the family chamber."
I stopped at the top of the stairs. The air inside the corridor felt thick, heavy with the scent of old ash and damp stone.
"Did he bring it?" I asked. My fingers gripped the cold iron of the handrail.
Ethan did not answer. He lowered his head. His eyes darted to the floorboards.
"Tell me," I said.
"The chamber door is locked from the inside," Ethan whispered. "There was no shouting. No breaking of furniture. He simply walked past the guards and turned
