Ryan's POV
The moment Lucian Blackwood walked into the room, the air changed. I felt it instantly. A challenge to my authority in my own territory. But it wasn't his status as a rival Alpha that made my blood run cold. It was the way Diana's face softened when she saw him, the immediate ease that replaced her rigid posture.
"Alpha Blackwood," I acknowledged stiffly, refusing to show how deeply his unexpected appearance had rattled me. "I wasn't aware we'd be hosting Red Fang Pack representatives."
Lucian smirked, his dark eyes assessing me coolly. "This isn't an official visit. I'm here for Diana."
The casual possessiveness in his tone made my wolf bristle. I stepped forward slightly, an unconscious move to assert dominance in my own territory.
"Lucian," Diana interjected, clearly sen
