Let Them Kneel (kaelani and Julian) novel Chapter 68

68 /90

Later that evening, the dining room of the Blackthorn packhouse was quiet but tense. The long mahogany table, polished to a mirror shine, stretched between the families of two powerful Alphas. On one side sat Julian’s parents—Alpha James and his mate, Vanessa. On the other, Alpha Garrick, his sharply dressed Luna, and their son Christian, who lounged with casual arrogance, drumming his fingers against the wood with every passing second.

Elara sat poised halfway down the table, her eyes flicking toward the entrance for the fifth time in as many minutes.

Omega staff moved silently around the room, setting down dishes with refined etiquette—roasted meats, charred root vegetables, spiced wild rice—but Elara barely touched her wine. Her fingers gripped the stem of the glass a little too tightly, her lips tightening every time the door failed to open.

Her jaw clenched.

He was late.

James caught the subtle shift in her demeanor and didn’t bother hiding his sigh. He reached out through the mind link—sharp and direct:

“Julian. Get over here. Now.”

Elara forced a light laugh and turned to her parents with a saccharine smile. “He must be finishing up a call. You know how duties are.”

Internally, the mask cracked.

He better fucking show up.

Or there will be hell to pay.

And then—

The double doors opened with a soft creak.

Julian strode in—unapologetically tardy. A crisp white button-up clung to his broad frame, the sleeves rolled once at the forearms. Black slacks. No tie. No jacket. His hair—still those wavy tresses—untouched by the stylist’s hands.

Of course, Elara thought bitterly. Missed the appointment.

But the flicker of irritation was quickly swallowed by something else.

Relief.

Her grip on the glass eased just slightly.

He showed up.

She won.

Elara’s lips curled into a triumphant smile as Julian crossed the threshold.

“Darling,” she said, voice smooth as silk and twice as smug, “so glad you could finally join us.” She gestured gracefully to the empty chair beside her.