Let Them Kneel (kaelani and Julian) novel Chapter 19

Julian sat behind his desk, the glow of his computer screen casting pale light across the office. Spreadsheets filled the screen, reports detailing supply shipments and land contracts. His eyes moved steadily, each keystroke deliberate, as though order on the page might impose order everywhere else.

The door opened with a quiet knock. Jace stepped inside, a few files under his arm.

“Alpha.” His voice was even, efficient. “Border scouts reported no disturbances today. The new patrol rotations have been implemented without issue.”

Julian gave a curt nod, eyes still on the screen.

Jace set another file on the desk. “Also—financial records from the west holdings. The tax revisions will benefit us more than projected.”

Another nod.

Finally, Jace hesitated, the last folder still in his grip. “And…the test came back negative.”

Julian’s hands stilled over the keyboard. For a fraction of a second, the silence stretched taut. He knew exactly what test Jace meant. His expression, however, never shifted. “Good.”

Jace slid the folder across the desk. “These are the results, along with everything I could find out about her.”

Julian glanced at it once, then swept the file into the trash bin at his side without breaking stride. “I didn’t ask for anything beyond the result.”

Jace’s jaw shifted slightly, like there was more he wanted to say. But in the end, he decided against it.

“Understood, Alpha.”

Julian resumed typing, posture unchanged, as if the exchange had never occurred.

Jace inclined his head once more. “If there’s nothing else, I’ll leave you to it.”

The Beta slipped out, the door shutting with a muted click. Silence settled heavy over the office, broken only by the low hum of the air vent. Julian returned his gaze to the spreadsheets, fingers poised over the keyboard.

But the lines blurred. Numbers that had always anchored him wavered, meaningless. His hand flexed once, then stilled.

The result was good. Clean. Exactly what he wanted. No complications. No ties. It should have been finished.

So why didn’t it feel finished?

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