Chapter 12

Kent’s POV

I stepped into Zane’s study. He stood by the fireplace, his back straightened as if he’d been waiting for me. The room felt colder than I remembered, despite the fire burning in the fireplace.

“Hey, Alpha,” I greeted casually, hoping to lighten up the mood because a lot of things seemed to have happened when I was away.

Zane didn't turn around. “Cut the bullshit, Kent.”

I raised an eyebrow, smirking to myself. Same old Zane always to the point, especially when things were complicated. I couldn’t blame him. He had a lot on his plate, and I’d been gone for weeks.

“Take it easy on me, man,” I said, settling into the chair across from his desk. “I’m just coming back from burying my mate in her hometown.”

Zane finally turned to face me, his eyes softening for a moment, and I could see the genuine regret there. “I’m sorry, Kent,” he said, his voice low. “I didn’t mean to ”

“It’s alright,” I cut in, waving it off. “ It’s sad, but it’s over now. She died of that damn disease. The g