Bittersweet Reunion

Nathan

I paced anxiously in the courtyard outside my father’s private rooms, pausing every few moments to glance down the tree-lined drive for any sign of Terra’s arrival. After endless torturous days spent negotiating her help from afar, today she finally returned in person to assess my father's declining condition. The prospect of having her near again was both a blessing and exquisite torture.

From atop the stone steps, Derek observed my restless prowling with a knowing smirk. “Relax, Alpha. Wearing a trench in the pavers won’t hasten her arrival.”

I shot him an irritated scowl, even as his teasing words brought heat to my cheeks. Of course I knew hovering here obsessively would not actually summon Terra faster. But remaining cooped up inside had proven unbearable. Out here, at least the fresh autumn air soothed my frazzled nerves slightly.

“I only want to be on hand when she gets here, as any good host would,” I defended. Derek’s grin only widened, clearly seeing through my feeble