Chapter 53

JACKSON'S POV

I stared outside the window as I was driven back to the palace. My inspection of the northern borders had taken longer than expected, and I was more than a little tired. But the pack's safety came first, always.

As I approached the entrance of the palace, the guards bowed in respect and so did the other workers. I made my way to the boardroom and saw the lights still on. Good. Jason and Kevin, my head guard were already waiting. There were a few things we needed to discuss, and it was better to get them out of the way tonight than let them wait till morning.

I pushed open the door and both men looked up from the papers scattered across the table. Jason leaned back in his chair, rubbing his temples like he had a headache. Kevin, sat with his arms crossed, his usual stern expression in place. He never really let down his guard, not even in casual moments.

"Alpha," they greeted in unison, standing and bowing their heads as I entered.

"Sit," I said, waving them back down a