Richard pushed through the heavy oak doors of his family estate well past midnight, exhaustion weighing on every muscle in his body. The lights in the main hall blazed bright against the darkness outside, and he knew immediately that his parents had waited up for him again.
"My son." Adrian Delmark's voice carried from the curved staircase where he stood on the second-to-last step, hands tucked in his pockets. His broad smile revealed the faint dimples that always appeared when he was genuinely pleased. "Welcome home."
Richard crossed the marble floor, noting his mother seated in her favorite chair near the stone fireplace. A walker stood within reach, a constant reminder of the accident that had nearly stolen her ability to walk six months ago. The sight still twisted something in his chest.
"Hello, Father." Richard embraced Adrian, breathing in the familiar scent of pine and old leather that always clung to his father. They descended the stairs together.
Adrian Delmark had served two full terms as Pack Council Elder of Z-Territory before stepping down. At fifty-two, the former Elder commanded respect wherever he went. His massive frame still carried the strength of a warrior, though gray now streaked through his black hair. His pointed nose and hooded gray eyes gave him a dignified appearance that matched his reputation for unwavering honesty. After his second term ended, Adrian and Jane had retreated to the Northern Territories for three years, seeking peace away from pack politics.
During those years, Richard had completed his healer training in X-Territory and worked there until his parents decided to return home. Only then did Richard resign his position and join them, taking up work as a consulting healer at the Hudson Healing Center.
"How have you been lately, Richard?" Adrian settled into the chair beside Jane, his gaze sharp despite the late hour. "We could not wait for dinner. Are you working twelve-hour shifts now?"
Jane had insisted Adrian stay awake to speak with their son tonight. She believed something important weighed on Richard's mind, and Adrian trusted his mate's instincts completely.
"I apologize, Father. It was not intentional." Richard ran a hand through his hair. "My friend Aurora got shot protecting Alpha King Jack. She was dying. I needed to join the other healers to save her life."
Adrian's expression shifted, recognition flashing in his eyes. "Forgive me. I should not have questioned you." He leaned forward. "I saw the broadcast. That woman pushed the Alpha King aside and took those bullets meant for him. Her courage surpasses anything I have witnessed in my years on the council. How is she? Did she survive?"
"By a breath." Richard's jaw tightened. "Her life hung by a thread when she arrived at the Healing Center. She is out of danger now but still unconscious."
"I hope she is not the same friend who nearly died a week ago." Adrian studied his son's face carefully.
"She is." Richard's voice dropped. "That is what makes this harder. She keeps escaping death by the narrowest margins. I cannot shake this feeling that I need to protect her. Her happiness feels like my responsibility somehow."
The words surprised him even as he spoke them. Something about Aurora pulled at memories he could not quite grasp, as though they had known each other in another life. He needed to investigate their shared past, discover if they had grown up together or shared some childhood connection he had forgotten.
Adrian shook his head slowly. "That poor woman. Leaving the Healing Center after one brush with death only to return for another." He paused, his expression softening. "You are like me, Richard. That is what makes you my son. Keep helping people. Give them a shoulder to lean on when they need it most. All the kindness you offer will return to you someday."
"Thank you, Father." Richard had learned compassion from Adrian, had watched him serve their pack with dedication and integrity. He hoped to become half the man his father was.
Adrian nodded, then shifted the conversation. "How is Nonna? When will you bring her home to meet us properly?"
Jane had mentioned that Richard had a girlfriend named Nonna, and Adrian wanted to know his son's intentions. At Richard's age, he should be considering a mate bond and settling down.
"She is well, Father. I will bring her when Aurora is discharged and recovering."
"Is Nonna Aurora's friend?" Jane asked, speaking for the first time since Richard arrived.
"Yes. They grew up together. I met Nonna through Aurora actually."
Adrian's laugh filled the room. "You see what I said? The good you show others comes back to you. Look at you now, son. You helped Aurora and found your potential mate through that friendship."
Richard smiled despite his exhaustion. "You are absolutely right, Father."
The three of them shared a moment of warmth, his parents teasing him about having two important women in his life now, one a potential mate and one a dear friend. Richard reminded them they had met through mutual friends as well. He was simply following the pattern they had set.
Jane's soft laughter filled the spaces between their words until Adrian's expression grew serious. The change was subtle but unmistakable.
"Richard." Adrian's voice dropped an octave. "I want to discuss something very important with you."
The warmth drained from the room. Richard straightened in his chair, his healer instincts recognizing the shift in his father's demeanor. Whatever Adrian wanted to discuss was not casual conversation.
"What is it, Father?"
Adrian glanced at Jane, who nodded once. Some silent communication passed between them, the kind that came from decades as mates. When Adrian turned back to Richard, something in his gray eyes made Richard's pulse quicken.
"It concerns your future, son. And perhaps the future of our entire pack."