20. The Calm Before the Storm

Luca

"Do you have any idea what this is about? Why Father summoned us so suddenly?"

Gareth shook his head, his brow furrowed with a mix of concern and confusion. "I'm just as in the dark as you are, brother. All I know is that he's been holed up in his study all day, going over reports and maps like a man possessed."

Luca felt a flicker of unease at his brother's words, a sense of foreboding that made his stomach clench and his heart race with a sickening kind of dread. He knew that whatever had prompted this sudden summons, it couldn't be good news.

As they walked, Gareth turned to him, his expression curious. "So, that man back at your house… was he your mate?"

Luca felt a rush of warmth and affection at the mention of Rowan, a soft, dreamy smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Yeah, he is. His name is Rowan."

"I've never seen you like this before. So… happy, so at peace with yourself."

Luca ducked his head, feeling a sudden, uncharacteristic flush of embarrassment at his brother's words. "I know it's sudden, and I know it's a lot to take in. But I can't help how I feel, Gareth."

Gareth nodded, a look of understanding and sympathy crossing his face.

Their father was seated at his desk, an imposing figure even in this bastion of his power. Maps, reports, and papers littered the surface in organized chaos, a testament to the weight of responsibility upon his shoulders - the burden of leading a pack in a troubling time.

Luca and Gareth entered the room, the air thick with tension. Their father glanced up, his expression unreadable as he motioned for them to take a seat.

Luca hesitated, his muscles tense, before slowly lowering himself into a chair. He searched his father's face for any clue about the purpose of this meeting but found none.

"Father," Luca began, his voice tight, "how was your trip to the Jensen pack?"

Their father leaned back in his chair, his eyes hardening. "The trip was enlightening, Luca. It's the reason I called you both here."

Luca and Gareth exchanged a glance, their curiosity piqued. Their father rarely discussed pack business with them, preferring to keep his own counsel.

"We've made a decision," their father continued, his voice grave. "We're going to confront the Silverfang pack."

Luca's eyes widened, shock and disbelief coursing through his veins. The Silverfang pack was known for their ruthlessness, their disregard for pack laws and borders. Confronting them was a dangerous move, one that could have far-reaching consequences.

Gareth leaned forward, his brow furrowed in concern. "Father, are you sure that's wise? Confronting the Silverfang pack could lead to an all-out war between the packs. We need to think this through carefully."

Their father slammed his hand down on the desk, the sudden noise making Luca flinch. "Don't you think I've considered that, Gareth?" he growled, his eyes flashing with anger. "But we have no choice. The Silverfang pack has been taking wolves from our allies, and we cannot stand by and do nothing."

Luca's heart raced, his mind reeling with the implications of his father's words. The thought of innocent wolves being taken, their fates unknown, made his stomach churn with a sickening sense of dread.

"When do we leave?" Luca asked, his voice low and steady, despite the fear that gripped his heart.

Their father leaned forward, his gaze intense. "We leave at midnight, under the cover of darkness. We'll need the element of surprise on our side."

Luca and Gareth nodded, their expressions grim. They understood the gravity of the situation, the duty they had to protect their own and their allies.

* * *

As he stepped through the door, Luca was greeted by the sight of Rowan, curled up on the couch, his chest rising and falling with the gentle rhythm of sleep. His mother sat nearby, her eyes fixed on the television, a moment of normalcy amidst the chaos that swirled around them.

He couldn't resist the pull of his mate, the need to be near him, to feel the warmth of his skin and the beat of his heart.

With a soft, reverent touch, Luca leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on Rowan's forehead, his lips lingering for a moment as he breathed in the sweet, intoxicating scent of his mate. It was a gesture of love and reassurance, a silent promise that he would always be there, always fight for the happiness and safety of the man he loved.

Rowan stirred at the touch, his eyes fluttering open to meet Luca's gaze. "Hey," he murmured, his voice rough with sleep. "You're back."

Luca smiled, his hand coming up to brush a stray lock of hair from Rowan's forehead. "Yeah, I am. I'm sorry if I woke you."

Rowan shook his head, a small, sleepy smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "No, it's okay. I'm glad you're here."

Luca's mother, who had been watching the exchange with a knowing look in her eyes, chose that moment to speak up. "Luca, honey, is everything alright? What did your father want?"

Luca felt his stomach clench at the question, a sudden, sickening sense of dread washing over him. He didn't want to burden his loved ones with the weight of what he knew, didn't want to see the fear and worry in their eyes when they learned of the danger that lay ahead.

But he also knew that he couldn't keep this from them, couldn't bear the thought of leaving them in the dark, not knowing what he was facing or why.

With a heavy sigh, Luca sat down on the couch beside Rowan, his hand finding his mate's and twining their fingers together in a gesture of comfort and support. "Father called a meeting," he said, his voice low and rough with emotion. "He's decided that we're going to confront the Silverfang pack, tonight at midnight."

Rowan's eyes widened, his grip on Luca's hand tightening as he sat up straighter on the couch. "What? Why? What's happened?" His voice was filled with concern, a hint of fear lacing his words.

Luca sighed, his heart heavy with the weight of the truth he had to share. He didn't want to overwhelm Rowan, not when his mate had just emerged from the curse and was still adjusting to the world around him. But he also knew that he couldn't keep this from him, couldn't bear the thought of hiding the truth from the man.

"The Silverfang pack has been taking wolves from our allies," he said, his voice low and rough with emotion. "Innocent people, torn from their families and their homes. They're causing chaos and fear, and we can't let it continue."

Rowan's expression darkened, his violet eyes flashing with a mix of horror and anger. "That's awful," he whispered, his voice trembling with the force of his emotions. "How could they do something like that? How could anyone be so cruel, so heartless?"

Luca shook his head, his jaw clenching with barely suppressed rage. "I don't know, Rowan. But we can't let them get away with it. We have to stand up for what's right, no matter the cost."

For a long moment, Rowan was silent, his gaze distant and thoughtful as he processed the weight of Luca's words. And then, with a sudden, fierce determination, he turned to face his mate, his expression hardening with resolve.

"I want to help," he said, his voice steady and strong despite the fear that Luca could see lurking in the depths of his eyes. "I can't just sit here and do nothing while you and your pack risk your lives to protect the innocent."

Luca's heart clenched at the words, a sudden, fierce protectiveness surging through him like a tidal wave. "No," he said, his voice low and rough with emotion. "Absolutely not. You just woke up from the curse, Rowan. You're still recovering, still adjusting to everything that's happened. I can't bear the thought of you getting hurt again."

But Rowan was already shaking his head, his expression set with a stubborn, unyielding kind of determination. "Luca, I appreciate your concern, but I'm not some fragile flower that needs to be coddled and protected. I have magic, powerful magic that could help turn the tide of this battle in our favor."

He reached out, his hand finding Luca's and twining their fingers together in a gesture of comfort and support. "We're mates, Luca. That means we face everything together, no matter how hard or scary it might be. I can't let you go into this fight alone, not when I have the power to help you."

Luca's heart ached with the force of his love for this man, the fierce, unshakable bond that tied them together, now and forever. He knew that Rowan was right, that they were stronger together than they could ever be apart.

But he also knew that he would never forgive himself if something happened to his mate, if Rowan was hurt or worse because of his involvement in this battle.

"I don't know, Rowan," he said, his voice low and rough with emotion.

Rowan's expression softened, his eyes shining with a deep, aching understanding. "If you want this to work then I am going to need you to trust me."

For a long moment, Luca simply stared at his mate, his heart torn between his desire to keep Rowan safe and his understanding of his determination to help. And then, with a heavy sigh, he nodded, his expression hardening with a fierce, unyielding kind of resolve.

"Okay," he said, his voice low and rough with emotion. "Okay, you can come. But you have to promise me that you'll be careful, okay?"

Rowan's smile was soft and sweet. "I promise, Luca. I'll be careful."

They simply held each other, their hearts beating in perfect sync as they savored the warmth and comfort of each other's presence. And then, with a final, lingering kiss, Luca pulled away, his expression hardening with a fierce, unyielding determination.

"Mom," he said, his voice steady and strong despite the fear and uncertainty that swirled within him. "I need you to do something for me."

His mother looked up, her expression filled with a mix of love and concern. "Of course, honey. What is it?"

Luca took a deep breath, his hand finding Rowan's and holding on tight. "I need you to get in touch with Benjamin and Adrian. Let them know what's happening, and that we might need their help. They're powerful allies, and I have a feeling we're going to need all the support we can get."

His mother nodded, her eyes shining with a fierce, unwavering pride. "I'll do it, Luca. You can count on me."

"We should get some rest," he said, his voice low and rough with emotion.

Rowan nodded, his hand tightening around Luca's as he rose to his feet. "Lead the way,"

Together, they made their way to their room, their steps heavy but purposeful as they walked hand in hand. Luca knew that the road ahead would be long and treacherous, that there would be dangers and challenges waiting for them at every turn.

As they lay together, wrapped in each other's arms, Luca felt a sense of peace and rightness wash over him, a deep, unshakable belief that this was exactly where he was meant to be, with the man he loved more than life itself.

He could feel Rowan's heart beating in sync with his own, a steady, comforting rhythm that seemed to chase away all the fears and doubts that had plagued him since the moment he had learned of the Silverfang pack's treachery.

But here, in the safety and comfort of Rowan's embrace, he felt like he could finally let his guard down, could finally allow himself to be vulnerable and honest in a way that he had never been before.

"I just… I can't lose you, Rowan. Not again. Not after everything we've been through to find each other." His voice was rough and choked with emotion, his fingers clutching at Rowan's shirt like a lifeline.

Rowan pulled back slightly, his violet eyes shining with a fierce, unwavering love as he gazed down at Luca. "You won't lose me, Luca. I promise you that. No matter what happens, no matter what we have to face, I will always be by your side. Always."

He surged forward, capturing Rowan's lips in a desperate, hungry kiss that seemed to set his very soul on fire.

Rowan responded with equal fervor, his hands tangling in Luca's hair as he deepened the kiss, his tongue sliding hot and slick against Luca's own. They clung to each other like drowning men, their bodies moving together in a dance that was as old as time itself.

But even as Luca lost himself in the heat and passion of the moment, he couldn't shake the feeling of unease that lurked in the back of his mind, the nagging sense that something wasn't quite right.

With a supreme effort of will, he pulled back, his breathing ragged and his heart pounding in his chest. "Rowan, wait. We can't… we shouldn't…"

Rowan frowned, his eyes dark with confusion and desire. "What's wrong, Luca? Don't you want this?"

Luca swallowed hard, his throat suddenly dry and tight. "Of course I want this, Rowan. I want you more than I've ever wanted anything in my life. But…"

He hesitated, his gaze dropping to the bed as he tried to find the words to express the fears and doubts that swirled within him. "You just woke up from the curse, Rowan. You're still healing, still recovering from everything that's happened. I don't… I don't want to hurt you, or push you into something you're not ready for."

For a long moment, Rowan was silent, his expression unreadable as he stared down at Luca. And then, with a soft, gentle smile, he reached out and cupped Luca's face in his hands, his touch warm and tender against Luca's skin.

"Luca. You could never hurt me. Not now, not ever. And as for being ready…" He leaned in, his lips brushing against Luca's ear in a whisper that sent shivers down Luca's spine. "I've never been more ready for anything in my life."

Rowan's whispered words sent electric shivers racing down Luca's spine. His heart thundered in his chest as Rowan leaned in close, soft lips brushing the sensitive skin of Luca's ear.

"Fuck, Rowan," Luca breathed, barely recognizing his own voice, low and rough with desire. "You can't just say things like that…"

Rowan pulled back slightly, violet eyes dark and heated as they met Luca's gaze. A playful smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth. "And why not? Afraid you won't be able to handle it, wolf boy?"

Something snapped inside Luca at the challenge in Rowan's tone. A growl rumbled deep in his chest as he surged forward, capturing Rowan's mouth in a searing kiss. Rowan met him with equal intensity, lips parting eagerly as Luca licked into his mouth, chasing the intoxicating taste of his fated mate.

Rowan's fingers tangled in Luca's hair, blunt nails scraping deliciously against his scalp. Luca groaned into the kiss, pressing closer, desperate to feel every inch of Rowan's lithe body against his own.

Rational thought fled as Luca lost himself in the slide of Rowan's lips, the clever stroke of his tongue. His hands roamed greedily over the planes of Rowan's back, slipping under the hem of his shirt to stroke the smooth, heated skin beneath.

The small, needy sounds that Rowan made only spurred Luca on, inflaming his desire to a fever pitch. He wanted - no, needed - to hear more of those intoxicating noises, to wring every last gasp and moan of pleasure from Rowan's lips.

With a low growl, Luca tore his mouth away from Rowan's, trailing biting kisses along the column of his throat. He laved his tongue over the racing pulse point, savoring the salt-sweet taste of Rowan's skin.

"Luca, please…" Rowan panted, arching into Luca's touch like a man starved. His hands scrabbled at Luca's shoulders, tugging impatiently at his shirt. "Need you. Need to feel you."

"Fuck, baby," Luca groaned, nipping sharply at Rowan's collarbone. "Want you so bad. Want to make you fall apart."

In a tangle of limbs and frantic, groping hands, they managed to shed their clothes, not caring where the fabric landed. The first press of skin against skin dragged twin moans from their throats, the sensation almost overwhelming in its intensity.

Luca pulled back just enough to look at Rowan laid out beneath him, all smooth, pale skin and toned, slender muscles. His golden hair fanned out across the pillows like a halo, kiss-swollen lips parted invitingly.

"You're so fucking beautiful," Luca rasped, reverent fingers tracing the dips and planes of Rowan's chest, his stomach. "Can't believe you're mine."

Something flickered in Rowan's violet eyes at that, an emotion that Luca couldn't quite decipher. But before he could dwell on it, Rowan surged up to claim his mouth once more, kissing him with a desperation that bordered on feral.

Luca growled into the kiss, pressing Rowan back into the mattress with the weight of his body. Their hips aligned in a delicious slide, hardness pressing against hardness, dragging broken moans from their throats.

"Luca…fuck…need you inside me," Rowan panted, hitching his hips in a needy, wanton roll. "Please. Need to feel you."

Luca's heart stuttered at the raw plea in Rowan's voice, the blatant desire and need. The wolf inside him howled in approval, urging him to claim his mate, to sink into that welcoming heat and make Rowan his in every way possible.

But the rational part of his brain, the part not wholly consumed by the inferno of lust, held him back. He pulled away reluctantly, searching Rowan's lust-blown eyes.

"Are you sure, baby?" he asked, voice rough and unsteady. "I don't want to hurt you."

Rowan silenced him with a searing kiss, hands fisting in Luca's hair almost painfully. "If you don't get inside me right the fuck now," he growled against Luca's lips. "I swear to the moon goddess herself I will hex your furry ass into next week."

Luca couldn't help the breathless laugh that escaped him at that, even as his cock twitched eagerly at the demand in Rowan's voice. "Well, since you asked so nicely…"

They came together in a heated rush of desperate touches and filthy, open-mouthed kisses. Luca worked Rowan open with slick fingers, reveling in every gasp and moan he drew from his mate's lips. By the time he finally pushed inside, Rowan's slim legs wrapped around his hips, they were both trembling with need.

"Fuck, you feel so good," Luca gritted out, bottoming out in one long, slow glide. He paused for a moment, muscles quivering with the effort of holding himself still, allowing Rowan time to adjust.

Rowan clung to him like a drowning man, short nails digging delicious furrows into Luca's shoulders. "Move," he demanded breathlessly. "Fuck me, Luca. Make me feel it."

With a low, rumbling growl, Luca obeyed, setting a deep, driving rhythm that had the headboard slamming against the wall and the bed frame creaking ominously. Rowan met him thrust for thrust, heels digging into Luca's ass as he urged him on.

The slick, obscene sound of Luca's hips smacking against Rowan's ass, the broken moans and growled curses, filled the room, drowning out the distant crash of thunder overhead.

Luca angled his hips, searching for that spot inside Rowan that would make him see stars. He knew he found it when Rowan cried out, back arching almost painfully as his head thrashed against the pillows.

"There! Fuck…right there," Rowan babbled, nails scrabbling at Luca's sweat-slick back. "Don't stop…gonna…fuck, Luca!"

The sight of Rowan coming undone, the way his velvet heat clenched rhythmically around Luca's cock as he climaxed untouched, was almost too much to bear. Luca pistoned his hips savagely, chasing his own release with single-minded determination.

He came with Rowan's name on his lips, a broken, worshipful prayer as he spilled himself deep inside his mate's willing body. For a timeless moment, he swore he could feel the earth move beneath them, the air around them crackling with ancient, primal magic.