Page 14 of Sweet on the Alpha

His eyes, still heavy-lidded, sparkle with mischief. “That’s Mr. Donahue-Carter to you, sunshine.”

I giggle, my heart fluttering at the reminder. It’s been six months since we said “I do” in a magical ceremony in the town square, surrounded by friends, family, and pack. Six months of wedded, mated bliss.

Aiden captures my lips in a lazy, thorough kiss that quickly turns heated. I moan into his mouth, desire already stirring in my veins.

“Mmm, as much as I’d love to continue this,” I murmur against his lips, “we have a busy day ahead. The summer festival won’t set up itself.”

Aiden groans, flopping onto his back dramatically. “Can’t we just stay in bed all day? I’m sure the town can survive without their alpha and luna for a little while.”

I prop myself up on his chest, tracing the lines of his face with a gentle finger. “Tempting, but you know how much this festival means to everyone. It’s a chance to bring the whole community together, humans and shifters alike.”

He sighs, but I see a proud gleam in his eye. “I know. And I’m honored to be a part of it. I just wish it didn’t start so damn early.”

I press a consoling kiss to his jaw. “Tell you what, my grumpy wolf. You get that sexy butt of yours out of bed and help me set up, and I promise I’ll make it worth your while later.”

Aiden’s eyes flash gold, his hands sliding down to cupherbutt. “Oh yeah? And just what did you have in mind, my naughty little mate?”

I lean in until my lips brush the shell of his ear. “Let’s just say, I have a new lingerie set that I’ve been saving for a special occasion. One that leaves very little to the imagination.”

Aiden growls, the sound sending shivers down my spine. “Minx. You know just how to motivate a man.”

With a playful nip to my earlobe, he rolls us out of bed and heads for the shower, casting a heated look over his shoulder. “Care to conserve some water with me, darling?”

Laughing, I chase after him, already counting down the hours until I can have my wicked way with my mate. But first, we have a festival to attend.

***

Aiden

I watch Grace as she flits about the town square, directing volunteers and making sure every last detail is perfect. She’s avision in a breezy sundress, her hair piled atop her head in a messy bun with a few tendrils escaping to frame her face.

My mate. My wife. My luna. Even after all these months, I still have to pinch myself sometimes to make sure I’m not dreaming.

“Earth to Aiden!” A hand waves in front of my face, startling me out of my reverie. I look up to see my best man and beta, Marcus, grinning at me.

“Sorry, man. I was just…”

“Making heart-eyes at your woman. Yeah, I know.” Marcus claps me on the shoulder. “Can’t say I blame you. You’re a lucky son of a gun.”

I grin, watching as Grace throws her head back and laughs at something Lila, one of the young shifter girls, says. “Don’t I know it.”

Marcus leans against the railing beside me, his expression turning serious. “I’m proud of you, you know. Of both of you. What you’ve done for this town, for the pack here… it’s incredible.”

I duck my head, uncomfortable with the praise, even as warmth blooms in my chest. “I was just trying to make things right. To be the alpha, the man, that Grace and the pack deserve.”

“And you have,” Marcus says firmly. “You’ve brought humans and shifters together in a way I never thought possible. Shown that we’re stronger united than divided. That’s all you, Aiden.”

I swallow past the sudden lump in my throat, casting my gaze out over the bustling square. Shifters and humans alike work side by side, hanging streamers, setting up booths, laughing and chatting like old friends. I once thought I’d never see such a sight.

“I couldn’t have done it without Grace,” I say softly. “She’s my strength, my guiding light. Without her, I’d still be that bitter, broken wolf, licking my wounds in the shadows.”

Marcus smiles, his eyes finding his own mate, Gina, in the crowd. “Funny how the right woman can change everything. Make you want to be a better man.”

I nod, my gaze drawn back to Grace as if by a magnet. As if sensing my regard, she looks up, her eyes meeting mine across the crowded square. She smiles, the force hitting me like a physical blow.

Mate. Mine. The words echo through me, a primal claim. I know my eyes are glowing gold, my wolf risen to the surface. From the sudden flush on Grace’s cheeks, the quickening of her breath, I know she feels it, too.

“Go on,” Marcus chuckles, giving me a little shove. “I can hold down the fort for a bit. Go steal a moment with your lady.”

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