Claude pov

Something was happening.

Something terrifying.

Something that had even me, Alpha Claude, the most handsome and extraordinary man in the world, sitting stiff and silent.

You’re probably wondering what could make a man like me frown, brows drawn together, shoulders tense as I sat in the study with my brothers, the only sound being the relentless ticking of the clock.

I will tell you this much—this was rare. Very rare.

And even Lucien…

My gaze drifted to him slowly as he sat beside me, his expression icy, somehow colder than usual, if that was even possible. His posture was straight and rigid, an unlit cigar perched between his...