Patrick could feel the tension even before he was ushered into the Alpha King's study. The air was thick, almost tangible, and the moment he stepped in, he saw why.
The Alpha King stood with his back turned to him, his shoulders rigid, and posture taut like a bowstring about to snap. The guard at the door cleared his throat lightly before announcing, "Alpha, Patrick is here."
Only then did the Alpha King move, turning slowly to acknowledge his presence. His face practically was carved from stone, his eyes dark and unreadable.
"You may leave us," Elijah said to the guard.
The guard bowed low and quietly exited, shutting the door behind him with a soft click. Even with that, Elijah made no move to sit and made no effort to invite Patrick to sit either.
Patrick, having known the Alpha King long enough, understood his temperament and what could possibly happen if he ruined his mood further. So he remained standing, waiting without complaining.
