Kaidan’s muscles strained as he grappled with the massive wolf, its jaws snapping dangerously close to his throat. But as the creature’s movements became more coordinated, he realized this was no ordinary predator. There was an intelligence behind its eyes. With a mighty heave, Kaidan managed to throw the wolf off, putting some distance between them. The creature landed with a thud, letting out a guttural snarl. Kaidan braced himself, ready to continue the brutal fight.

Suddenly, the wolf’s form began to shift and morph. Kaidan watched in stunned silence as the creature’s features became more human, the fur receding to reveal familiar traits.

“Kane,” Kaidan growled, his voice laced with barely contained fury, as he shifted back into human form.

His twin brother stood before him, a mocking grin spreading across his face. “Hello, dear brother. I must say, I’m impressed. You’ve been holding out on me.”

Kaidan’s jaw clenched, fists balling at his sides. “What are you doing here?”

Kane chuckled, eyes gleaming with amusement. “Why, I’ve come to visit you, of course. And to meet your new… companion.” His gaze drifted toward the cabin, and Kaidan’s heart lurched.

“Stay away from her,” Kaidan warned, his voice low and dangerous.

Kane raised his hands in a gesture of innocence. “Oh, don’t worry, dear brother. I have no intention of harming your pet.” His lips curled into a devious smile. “I’m simply… curious, that’s all.”

Kaidan took a step forward, muscles coiled and ready to strike. “How did you find me?”

Kane’s eyes narrowed, a hint of smugness in his expression. “Let’s just say I have my ways. And I must admit, I’m intrigued by this little arrangement of yours.” His gaze drifted back toward the cabin. “Nova’s really beautiful, you know. I can see why you’ve taken an interest in her.”

Kaidan’s nostrils flared, his restraint slipping. “What do you want, Kane?”

His brother’s smile widened. “Nothing more than to… observe. After all, it’s not every day I get to witness my dear brother’s… romantic exploits.”

Kaidan’s gaze narrowed, expression deadly, as Kane’s mocking words hung in the air. The tension between the two brothers was palpable, a lifetime of resentment and animosity crackling in the charged silence.

Finally, Kane’s smirk faded, and his tone turned serious. “Actually, dear brother, I didn’t come here just to torment you. Father is sick, and he’s requested your presence.”

Kaidan’s jaw clenched, eyes flashing with a mix of anger and disbelief. His voice was cold and detached. “After all these years, he wants to see me now? Why should I care what that man has to say?”

Kane held up his hands in a placating gesture. “I know you two have your differences, but he’s insisted. He’s on his sickbed, and regardless of the past, he’s still your father.”

Kaidan scoffed, lips twisting into a sardonic grin. “That man stopped being my father the day he banished me from the pack without a second thought.” He stepped closer, voice low and laced with venom. “You can tell your father that I have no desire to honor his call. I made my peace with his decision long ago.”

Kane held his brother’s gaze. “I see.” He nodded slowly, expression unreadable. “Very well, then. I’ve delivered the message. The choice is yours.”

With that, Kane turned and disappeared back into the forest, leaving Kaidan alone with his thoughts. He stood there, fists clenched, the weight of his past bearing down on him. The idea of facing his sick father, the man who had cast him out without remorse, filled him with a mix of rage. Taking a deep breath, Kaidan steeled himself and started back toward the cabin, jaw clenched, expression hardened. Kane’s presence had left him on edge, stirring emotions he had long since buried. But now, his primary concern was Nova’s safety.

As he approached the cabin, he saw her standing on the porch, eyes scanning the forest anxiously. When she caught sight of him, relief flooded her features.

“Kaidan! Thank goodness you’re alright,” she called, running toward him. “I was so worried when you didn’t come back.”

Kaidan’s gaze narrowed, voice clipped and cold. “What were you thinking, going out there on your own?” he demanded. “I told you it wasn’t safe. Why are you so stubborn?”

Nova’s brow furrowed, taken aback by his harsh tone. “I was looking for you! I woke up and I…” Her voice trailed off as she noticed the tension in his posture.

“You could have been killed,” Kaidan snapped, anger barely contained. “Did you not understand the gravity of the situation?”

Nova’s eyes widened, and she took a step back, confusion and hurt etched on her face. “I was worried about you,” she said softly. “I just wanted to make sure you were alright.”

Kaidan let out a frustrated sigh, pinching the bridge of his nose. “You have no idea what’s out there, Nova. Those woods are dangerous, and you’re putting yourself at risk by wandering around.”

“How did you even know I was out there? And how did you know my name? I never mentioned it,” Nova asked, gaze searching his face.

Kaidan hesitated, mind racing to come up with a plausible excuse. “I… I heard you leave the cabin,” he lied, voice betraying a hint of uncertainty. “I couldn’t risk you getting hurt, and you mentioned your name in your sleep.”

Nova studied him for a moment, Kaidan watching the wheels turning in her mind. But before she could press further, he turned and headed for the door, movements tense.

“Just… stay inside from now on.”

Without waiting for a response, he stepped back into the cabin, leaving Nova standing on the porch.