AlexeiI take a step toward the door, ready to head out, but something holds me back. I glance over my shoulder and find her still standing there. She hasn’t moved.I turn around fully, eyes falling on her hands. They’re clasped tightly in front of her, fingers wound together like she’s holding herself in place. Her shoulders are slightly hunched, her gaze unfocused. Like she’s here but also not.“Irene?” I walk back to her, voice soft. “What’s wrong?”She looks up slowly, like it takes effort. Her lashes flutter once before she speaks.“I... I don’t know. I just... I’m feeling anxious,” she admits, her voice barely above a whisper. She bites the inside of her cheek, eyes flicking down again. "I don't like going out... it makes me nervous."My heart clenches a little at her words. Not because she’s anxious, but because she trusted me enough to say it out loud.“You don’t need to think about anything else right now,” I say, gently reaching for her hands. “I’m gonna be right there with
AlexeiMy eyes roam her face, soaking in every detail. The soft curve of her cheek, the way her lashes brush the top of her skin when she blinks. But my gaze drops to her lips. They’re slightly parted, her breath brushing softly against my face, and my forehead leans into hers. That closeness, it’s not just physical. It’s something else. Deeper. Like I’ve stepped into a space that only exists for the two of us.I’ve never felt this desperate in my life. Not like this. Not with anyone. And what makes it all the more intense is that it’s not just me. My wolf feels it too. He’s pacing inside me, restless, needing her like I need air. This isn’t a pull. This is a storm, and she’s right in the center of it.What I am feeling is something deep and real and clawing at me from the inside out."Irene, do you trust me?" My voice comes out low, and I slide my fingers gently into her hair. The strands are soft against my skin, and I tilt her face up just a little, needing her eyes on mine.I don
AlexeiThe car hums beneath us as we roll past the Adolphus border, the tires crunching against the gravel. I glance out the window and feel the shift almost instantly... the air, the buzz, the colors draped along the trees and poles. Streamers, lights, and flowers in deep reds and rich golds. The scent of sweet herbs and polished wood carries on the wind. This isn’t some simple event. It’s not even close to the last time we were here for the Full Moon Ball. This… this is something else entirely.It’s a damn celebration.A wedding, their version of it anyway.I press my fingers into my knee to stop them from bouncing, but it doesn't help much. My wolf’s restless under my skin, ears flicked forward like he’s trying to catch every sound, every scent, and most of all, her.“They’ve gone all out,” Mikhail mutters from the passenger seat, adjusting the cuffs of his dark shirt. His tone is unreadable, but I catch the way his eyes narrow just a little as he takes it all in.“Lavish,” Sophia
AlexeiThe room’s quiet except for the soft shuffle of paper and the occasional scratch of a pen. Mikhail’s at his desk, reading over some pack members requests while I go through the numbers of the pack's finances. The paperwork’s boring, but it keeps my hands busy. My mind... not so much.Mikhail reaches for a thick envelope from the pile between us. It’s cream-colored with a silver crest pressed into the front. His brows pinch slightly, but he doesn’t say anything as he tears it open.I don’t look up until I hear the paper rustle.Then I hear him exhale, just once, through his nose.He slides the card out, flips it open. His face stays unreadable.He holds out the card.I take it without thinking.And then I see the names.Irene and Owen.My hand tightens around the card.There’s a golden script printed across the top, all fancy like it’s something to be celebrated.Union Ceremony.Something in me snaps.My wolf stirs hard in my chest, growling low. My eyes flash before I can stop
Alexei“Oh... so the rumors are true.” Caleb strolls into the room with that smug grin he wears like it’s stitched to his face. He raises an eyebrow and nods toward the phone in my hand. “Finally we’re moving up in the world. Technology and all.”“I thank God for that,” Anastasia chimes in as she walks in right after him. “Hey, Caleb.” She gives him a casual side hug before dropping down on the couch beside me like she owns the place.Then, without missing a beat, she grabs an apple from the fruit bowl and takes a loud bite. “So, I heard our Beta boy here snuck into the Alpha’s daughter’s room to help her. Is it true?” she says, her tone way too casual but the mischeivous spark in her gaze tells she is enjoying this too much."Yup, totally true." Caleb nods his head as he leans against the wall. “So... did you have fun helping her?” He tosses me a wink like he’s proud of that sentence.“I’m sure he must’ve,” Anastasia laughs, reaching across to give Caleb a high five while chewing on
Alexei Officially, I’ve lost it. Because there’s no other reason why I’m out here like some lunatic, crouched below her damn window, checking over my shoulder to make sure no one’s watching me. This isn’t something I do. I don’t sneak around. I don’t tiptoe into bedrooms like some creep in the middle of the night. And yet, here I am. Like a goddamn thief. The window’s unlocked. And instead of feeling relieved, I’m pissed. Who the hell leaves their window unlocked at night? Anything could’ve happened. Anyone could’ve climbed in. What if it wasn’t me standing here? What if it was someone who actually meant harm? I push it open, trying not to make a sound, even though part of me wants to slam it shut just to prove a point. I swing my leg through and step inside, landing quiet on the floor. My foot touches the wooden floor, and then I’m in. No turning back now. She’s curled up on the bed, blanket tangled at her hip, brow creased like even sleep can’t give her peace. I pause, l