Dominic stared out over the pack territory, his dark eyes distant and thoughtful. Cassandra watched him from a few feet away, her heart fluttering nervously in her chest. She knew that something was bothering him, and she couldn't help but worry that it had to do with their relationship.

"Is everything okay?" she asked after a moment, stepping closer to him.

Dominic sighed and turned to her, his expression pained. "No, everything is not okay," he said heavily. "Cassandra, there's something you need to know."

Her heart sank at the seriousness in his tone. "What is it?"

"It's about my father," he began, his voice low. "He's the Alpha, and...