The Fall – 1
Sebastian’s POV
“Alpha, would you like me to bring you something from the cafeteria?” Rayne asked. I remained facing the floor-to-ceiling window, my mind far from the office. The view was impressive—distant mountains gleaming in the sunset. It was all my territory, one reason I’d chosen this office. Today, however, the scenery felt dull, the usual satisfaction absent.
“Not necessary,” I replied curtly, without turning.
He hesitated before quietly closing the door. I sighed in frustration. An ominous feeling had been shadowing me, intensifying today. Danger. My wolf growled deep inside, yet even he couldn't pinpoint the threat. As Alpha, I was accustomed to control; this nameless fear left me feeling powerless.
I tried to focus on Thea, on the distrust in her eyes two days ago when I confessed my feelings. I understood her disbelief. For seven years, I’d played the cold, heartless husband, repeatedly emphasizing she was merely Aurora’s replacement. I’d done everything to make her feel worthless.
How could I expect her to believe I suddenly loved her? If our roles were reversed, I would have scoffed too. Seven years of pain aren't overcome in a day or a week. Healing the wounds I’d inflicted might take years; the scars would likely remain.
I wanted her. I wanted her in my life, to build a life with her. I craved that more than anything, but if she wouldn’t have me, so be it. I had only myself to blame. This would be my penance for the years of hurt I’d caused.
My wolf stirred again, huffing. I loosened my tie, seeking some breathing room. I couldn’t sit still; the unease grew stronger. I’d never felt this inescapable sense of impending doom. I tried to reassure myself, but it was futile.
I turned on the television, hoping outside voices would dispel the gloom. Other people’s voices were preferable to my wolf’s uneasy warnings.
Just as I paced my office for the tenth time, the door burst open. Damien stood there, eyes blood-red, breathing rapidly, his expression etched with deep concern and pain. My blood ran cold. Shit. My brother was usually composed, not easily rattled. As twins, we shared that trait. If he looked this way, something serious was wrong.
“What is it?” I asked, my heart racing. Was it our parents? Or Leo?
“Sebastian…” he began, his voice laced with pain.
“Damn it, Damien, tell me what’s going on. Is it Mom or Dad?”
His Adam’s apple bobbed; his gaze finally met mine.
“It’s Thea,” he said, the name strained.
Before I could ask more, an unfamiliar voice mentioned her name. I turned toward the TV.
“Sebastian, don’t look, look at me!” Damien pleaded, but I ignored him. All my attention was on the “Breaking News” banner flashing on the television.
“We’ve just learned that Ms. Thea Sterling, founder of the Dawnhaven Foundation and second daughter of the Sterling family, has been shot downtown by unidentified individuals. Her condition is unclear, but according to witnesses, this appears to be a targeted attack. The following footage may be disturbing…”