Although Alpha Lucien never shared the kind of close bond with his parents that others in regular families enjoyed, there were still rituals that kept them loosely connected, monthly dinners, brief exchanges, and the formalities expected of a pack's ruling family.
That fragile relationship had frayed even further since Valessia entered his life. The damage worsened when former Alpha Rhode issued commands under Lucien's name, twisting his intentions and widening the distance between him and his parents. Which was why it startled him to hear they were requesting a meeting.
Alpha Lucien froze, pausing mid-motion, head tilting slightly, his sharp gaze narrowing on Varek's face without a single word.
"I will not be returning to the office, so you may take the rest of the day off to be with your wife," Lucien said finally, his voice low and unhurried. He did not answer Varek's earlier question, instead striding toward the tall man standing with an iPad balanced in one hand.
