ALPHA’S HEART, My Haven

Episode-12

Dorian's Point of View

I froze, as the words hit me. Viktor’s pack. A chill ran through me. We weren’t prepared for this.

I exchanged a look with Kael, the smile on his face dropped as he straightened up, his expression hardening.

“Viktor?” I demanded. My instincts were already on high alert.

Mason nodded his head. “Yes, my lord. We need to be ready.”

“Prepare the warriors. I’m not taking any chances,” I said as I moved towards the door.

The packhouse was tense as I gave my orders to the guards. “Stay close to the pack house. No one gets in or out without my approval. Understood?”

“Yes, Alpha,” they replied in unison before dispersing to take their positions.

I turned to Kael and Mason, and we were ready to head out when I heard someone scream my name.

“Dorian!”

I didn’t need to turn to know it was Lucia. Her voice was filled with panic as she rushed toward us. “What’s going on?

“Lucia, this isn’t the time for questions,” I said firmly.

“But I deserve to know!” she insisted.

I lost it. “Stay in your chambers until we return!” I barked, the sharpness in my tone stopped her mid-way.

Her mouth opened as if she wanted to argue, but nothing came out. She just stood there, watching me like I was a stranger. I didn’t have time to deal with her. I turned back to Kael and Mason. “Let’s go,” I said.

Without another glance at Lucia, I strode toward the gates, ready for whatever waited at the border. There was no room for distractions now.

Kael and I reached the border quickly, Mason leading the way. The air was tense, and my warriors were already lined up, their stances strong, their eyes focused.

"Where are they?" I asked Mason.

"Just ahead, Alpha," he replied, his voice steady but cautious.

As we moved closer, I saw a small group of wolves standing just beyond the boundary of our territory. One wolf stepped forward, he was the leader of the group. He was tall and broad, with a scar running down his cheek. His sharp eyes met mine, and I could feel the challenge in his presence.

“Alpha Dorian,” the man called out, his voice loud and clear. “I have come bearing a message from Alpha Viktor.”

Kael shifted beside me, his usual carefree attitude replaced by a seriousness. I stepped forward, keeping my expression neutral.

“Speak,” I said.

The emissary smirked. “Alpha Viktor has declared the fugitive Aria to be his property. He accuses your pack of harboring her and demands her immediate return. If you refuse, he will take this as an act of war.”

Kael growled low under his breath, but I raised a hand to calm him. My heart pounded in my chest, though I didn’t let it show. Viktor’s words were a direct challenge to my authority and my pack’s honor.

“Aria is not Viktor’s property,” I said coldly. “She came to my pack seeking refuge. She is under my protection now.”

The emissary’s smirk faltered slightly, but he recovered quickly. “You would risk your pack’s safety for one wolf? Viktor does not take betrayal lightly.”

I stepped closer, my voice sharp. “If Viktor has an issue, he can come to me himself. I will not hand Aria over. My pack does not cower under threat.”

The emissary’s face hardened, and his smirk faded entirely. “You’ll regret this, Dorian,” he said, “Viktor will not let this slide. Be ready for the consequences.”

“I’ll be ready,” I replied, my tone final. “Now leave my territory before I take this as an act of aggression.”

The emissary hesitated for a moment, then turned and signaled to his group. They retreated into the woods, their dark shapes disappearing among the trees.

Kael let out a breath, his hands clenched into fists. “That bastard,” he muttered. “He thinks he can bully us into submission.”

I nodded. “He’s testing us. But we won’t give in.”

Mason approached, his expression serious. “What are your orders, Alpha?”

“Double the border patrols,” I said. “Make sure everyone is prepared. Viktor may try something sooner rather than later.”

Mason nodded and left to carry out the orders. Kael turned to me, his face full of concern.

“What’s your plan?” he asked.

I looked toward the woods where the emissary had disappeared. “We stand our ground,” I said firmly. “Aria is under my protection, and I won’t let Viktor or anyone else take her away.”

By the time we returned to the packhouse, the weight of the encounter was pressing heavily on my shoulders. Viktor was not the type to make empty threats, and I knew this was only the beginning.

Aria was in her room when I arrived. She looked up as I entered, her expression lighting up for a brief moment before she noticed the tension in my face.

“What happened?” she asked softly, but her eyes were filled with worry.

I sat down across from her, taking a moment to gather my thoughts. “Viktor sent a message,” I began. “He’s declared you a fugitive and is accusing my pack of harboring you.”

Her eyes widened as fear flashed across her face. “What... what does that mean?”

“It means he sees you as his property,” I said, gently. “And he wants you back. He sent an emissary to demand your return.”

Aria’s hands gripped the edge of the chair, tightly. “And... what did you say?”

I leaned forward, holding her hand. “I told him no,” I said firmly. “You’re under my protection now, Aria. I won’t let him take you.”

I could see the mix of emotions in her eyes, as she sighed heavily. “But Viktor doesn’t give up easily,” she whispered. “He’ll come after me. He’ll come after all of you.”

“Let him try,” I said, my voice hardening. “This pack is strong, and we won’t back down. You’re safe here, Aria.”

She looked down at her hands, her shoulders trembling slightly. “I don’t want anyone to get hurt because of me,” she said quietly.

I moved closer to her as I placed my hands on hers. She flinched at first but didn’t pull away. “This isn’t your fault,” I said. “You didn’t ask for this. Viktor’s actions are his own, and he’s the one putting people in danger, not you.”

She looked up at me then, her eyes shining with unshed tears. “Thank you, Dorian,” she said softly. “For everything.”

I nodded, my grip on her hand tightening slightly. “You’re not alone in this, Aria. We’ll face whatever comes together.”

*****

Later that evening, Kael found me in my study. He was smiling, his energy as infectious as ever.

“You’ve got your hands full, brother,” he said, flopping into a chair across from me.

I raised my eyebrows. “What do you mean?”

He leaned forward, his smile widening. “Aria. She’s something special, isn’t she?”

I sighed, leaning back in my chair. “She’s been through a lot,” I said. “She deserves to be protected.”

Kael moved his head, studying me. “You like her,” he said bluntly.

I didn’t respond, but my silence was enough.

Kael laughed, the sound filling the room. “I knew it,” he said. “You’ve got that look, Dorian. Don’t try to deny it.”

“Enough, Kael,” I said, though there was no real anger in my voice.

He stood, still smiling. “Just don’t let Lucia find out,” he said. “You know how she is.”

I nodded, though I couldn’t help but feel unease at his words. Lucia’s jealousy was already clear, and I knew it would only grow worse if she suspected my feelings for Aria.

For now, though, I pushed those thoughts aside. There were bigger threats to deal with, and I needed to stay focused. Viktor’s shadow loomed over us, but I was determined to protect what mattered most.