Semua Bab By Shadowlight Lake: Bab 31 - Bab 40

I found Oliver waiting outside my last class, leaning against the wall with that easy smile that had become so familiar over the past weeks. The late afternoon sunlight caught in his sandy hair, making him look like something from a university catalog - the perfect "what all the girls want in a boy" boyfriend.Which was exactly the problem."Hey," he greeted, falling into step beside me as we headed across the quad. "Ready for that coffee before your big meeting?"The territory access meeting with Carson. Just thinking about it made my wolf stir restlessly. I'd been distracted all day, checking the time constantly, wondering what I should wear, what I should say..."Actually," I started, then faltered. This would be easier if Oliver wasn't so damn nice. "Can we talk for a minute?"His expression shifted, understanding immediately washing over his features. We found a quiet bench beneath one of the massive oaks that dotted the campus, its branches providing a canopy of privacy."So," h

Our eyes met, and the air between us seemed to thicken, charged with something I couldn't name but my wolf recognized instantly. For a moment, neither of us spoke, and I found myself studying the subtle changes in him since I'd last seen him up close. A new tension in his jaw, perhaps? A slightly sharper focus in his golden eyes?He looked tired, I realized. Not in an obvious way - no Alpha would ever allow themselves to appear weakened - but in the slight shadows under his eyes, the tightness at the corners of his mouth."The Northern territory negotiations were successful?" I asked, breaking the silence with the first neutral topic that came to mind.Something flickered in his expression. "Yes. The alliance is... progressing."I tried to

 I took a long sip of the wine, letting its subtle magic calm my wolf. Over the rim of my glass, I couldn't help but watch as Elise led Carson toward a group of important-looking wolves, her hand still on his arm, her body angled toward his in obvious interest. "She's practically climbing him like a tree," I muttered before I could stop myself. "Political alliance," Odette reminded me. "Though I agree, her approach lacks subtlety." "Not that you care," Lila added innocently. "Since you and Carson are just professional associates discussing territory management." I was saved from responding by Oliver's arrival. He looked handsome in his formal attire, his easy smile a welcome distraction.

I stared at my reflection in the ornate bathroom mirror, barely recognizing the flushed girl with bright eyes and kiss-swollen lips looking back at me. My fingers trembled as I tried to repair my lipstick, but the evidence of what had just happened was written all over my face.Carson had kissed me. And not just any kiss, a claiming, desperate kiss that had unleashed something primal between us. A connection neither of us could deny any longer.Mate.The word still echoed through me, making my wolf restless and eager. I closed my eyes, trying to collect myself. He'd been called away for an emergency before we could talk about what happened, before we could make sense of that shared recognition.The bathroom door swung open suddenly, making me jump. Odette burst in, her violet eyes wide with urgency."There you are! I've been looking everywhere for you," she exclaimed, then stopped abruptly, her gaze sweeping over my appearance. Her eyes na

A soft sound from the balcony made me freeze.Someone was trying to open the balcony doors.My heart hammered against my ribs as I instinctively backed toward the bed. The palace was supposed to be the most secure place in Royal Pack territory, who could possibly be trying to enter through my balcony? My mind raced with possibilities, each worse than the last. A rogue? An assassin?The lock clicked, and the balcony door eased open silently. A tall figure slipped inside, silhouetted against the moonlight. My breath caught in my throat, my wolf suddenly alert but not alarmed—something familiar about the scent...Pine and storm."Carson," I whispered, relief flooding through me as recognition dawned.He turned at the sound of my voice, golden eyes finding mine in the darkness. "Astraia, I—"I didn't let him finish. Before I could think better of it, I was rushing across the room and throwing my arms around him. The solid warmth of him, t