Chapter 1

MELISSA

I stirred into consciousness, the gentleness of the early morning sun filtering through the blinds and bathing the room in warm golden slivers. I rolled on the pillow and smiled at Rico, sleeping peacefully beside me. Dark lashes rested against his cheekbones, his steady breathing, his powerful chest moving rise and fall steadily.

My mate. The Alpha of the Lycan Pack.

I couldn't resist, leaning forward to brush a light finger against his jawline. He stirred at my touch, his eyelids flashing open to reveal piercing gray eyes, clouded with sleep.

A slow smile creased his lips. "Morning, beautiful," he muttered, his voice thick with sleep.

I smiled. "Morning, sleepyhead."

He chuckled, pulling me closer, his arms holding my waist tightly. "You're an early riser."

"I woke up and found you sleeping peacefully. Couldn't help but admire the view," I teased.

Rico hummed, his head going back to lay a soft kiss on my lips. I eased into it, the kiss slow and deep, the warmth growing between us as the kiss grew more demanding. Rico's hand slid down my spine, his fingers wrapping around my waist as he twirled m over, pinning me into the bed.

I blew a laugh, breaking the kiss. "If we keep this up, we'll never leave this room."

"Sounds good to me," Rico whispered in my neck.

I playfully slapped his shoulder, wriggling free of his arms. "Alpha duties, remember?"

Rico let out a sigh, flopping onto his back. "Shower before I change my mind."

I giggled, springing from bed and padding to the bathroom. The hot spray of the shower was refreshing, washing away the last of the drowsiness. When I came back a few minutes later, dressed in comfortable jeans and a tight black top, I found Rico seated at the small desk in our room, already engrossed in paperwork. His black hair was mussed, standing up in wild tufts from sleep, and making him look fierce and yet somehow lovable at the same time. "Already working?" I asked, going over and placing a kiss upon the crown of his head.

"Yes, shame," Rico growled, stroking his face. "I've got a luncheon with the border patrol at noon, then a meeting with the Elders about the alliance talks. Then I need to catch up with the construction crew about building out the training facilities."

I nodded, sitting on the edge of the desk. "Sounds like a lot of work."

He leaned back in his chair, regarding me. "And you?"

I stretched my arms over my head. "Helping with training, going with the healers to check on the injured warriors, and near the nursery to watch the pups."

A sunny smile wrinkled Rico's face. "You're too easy on those youngsters, you know."

I raised an eyebrow. "Says the Alpha who lets them climb all over him like a playground."

Rico grinned, standing up. He cupped my face in his hands, leaving a soft kiss on my lips. "Be careful today."

"You too," I breathed.

With a quick peck, I spun and walked out the door.

---

The Pack House was bustling as usual. As I walked through the corridors, I was greeted by a number of members of the pack, each one of whom greeted me with respect and warmly called out my name.

"Luna!"

"Good morning, Luna Melissa!"

"Training today, Luna?"

I smiled at them all, addressing each one by name and asking after their families. I had been mated to Rico for a few years now, and over that time, I had come to care about the Lycan Pack like they were family. As their Luna, it was my responsibility to be well-versed in the ins and outs of their lives.

Of course, I wasn't any Luna—she was a hybrid. A hybrid werewolf and witch. My mother had been a witch, my father a warrior werewolf. That combination of blood made me both valuable and respected in the pack.

I spent the morning observing the warriors training, offering advice and sparring a couple of times. Then I visited the healers, who told me about the condition of the injured warriors. Finally, I visited the nursery, where the pups immediately swarmed me with laughter and chattering.

By evening, I strolled to the mess hall. The large communal room was filled with the aroma of roasted meat, fresh bread, and hearty stew. Pack members were in little groups, chomping and chatting enthusiastically.

My best friend, Lorinda, leaned provocatively against a table, twirling her blonde hair around her finger as she spoke with one of the guards. The young warrior appeared ruffled, his cheeks flushed as Lorinda stroked a finger down his arm.

The guard straightened at my arrival and bowed in a hurry. "Luna."

Lorinda pouted as he hurriedly excused himself. "Melissa, you always ruin my fun."

I laughed. "I'm pretty sure you frightened him more than I did."

Lorinda puffed, taking my arm in hers. "Come on, let's go get food before all the good is gone."

The servers welcomed me with smiles as they took our plates. While I chatted with one of them, Lorinda abruptly whispered under her breath, "Of course, everyone just loves you."

I paused, blinking in confusion. "What?"

Lorinda quickly plastered on a bright smile. "Nothing! Just saying you're the star of the pack, as always."

I frowned but let it go. We found a seat, and as we ate, Lorinda launched into gossip, sharing updates about neighboring packs.

"And did you hear about Alpha Reed's daughter? She apparently bolted with a rogue—"

Lorinda cut off, her gaze drifting past me to a spot just behind me.

I turned to see Rico ignoring the pack and making his way in my direction, his tall height gliding through the crowd. The moment I stood, he swept me into a hug, kissing my temple.

"Already missed me?" he teased.

I smiled. "You know I did."

There was a yell, a whoop, and we parted and laughed together. When I turned to Lorinda once more, I caught sight of an unfamiliar expression on my friend's face—a stormy one, almost dark. But it was only there for an instant, disappearing in the same instant that her warm face was back in place.

"I'll go get Rico a plate," Lorinda said quickly. "Give you two some room."

Before I could object, Lorinda was already out of the room.

Rico leaned in, whispering against my ear. "I have something serious I need to discuss with you. There's been news of roguish movements along the eastern border."

I scowled. "I'll go investigate."

Rico exhaled in relief. "I was hoping you'd say that. You have a better chance of getting through to them without violence than I do."

Lorinda returned then, setting a plate of food in front of Rico. "Here you go, Alpha. Enjoy."

I got up. "I'll be right back."

Rico merely nodded, already beginning to eat his meal. Lorinda waved me away, smiling.

As I walked away, I couldn't help but notice the strange feeling in my heart. Something in Lorinda's expression a while back lingered in my mind. But I pushed it aside. There were more pressing matters to deal with.