I lean in again, this time kissing her forehead, then her cheeks, trailing my lips down to her collarbone, wanting to memorize every inch of her. The world outside fades away as I lose myself in the beauty of her presence. Tonight, it’s just us, our love, and the dreams we’re building together.
The thought of our future, of building a life together, fills me with determination. I’m ready to fight for her, to protect her, and to cherish her in every way possible.
As I press my lips to her skin, I vow silently to myself that I will always honor and cherish her, not just as my mate, but as the love of my life. Together, we’ll face whatever challenges come our way, hand in hand, heart to heart.
And I know the secret messages are still an issue later tonight but right now, as we lay together in our sanctuary, I can’t help but feel that the best is yet to come.
The moon hangs high,casting a silvery glow over the landscape as I wake up, the faint sound of crickets chirping filling the silence of the night. I glance at the clock on the bedside table —11:47 PM. I’ve got to be on the West side of the territory soon. The message I received earlier in my office had been cryptic, but it was enough to pull me from the warm cocoon of sleep.
Carefully, I extract myself from Octavia's embrace, her soft breathing a soothing melody that I can’t help but pause to listen to. She’s so beautiful, her dark hair spilling across the pillow, her delicate features relaxed in sleep. I can’t help but smile, but the urgency gnaws at me. I slip out of bed, pulling on my dark grey joggers and a black hoodie, the fabric familiar and comforting against my skin.
Once I’m dressed, I tiptoe down the stairs, the old wood creaking slightly under my weight. The packhouse is quiet, save for the occasional rustle of a distant wolf outside. I step into the garden, the cool night air wrapping around me like a cloak. The moonlight dances on the dewy grass as I jog towards the West side of the territory, the rhythmic pounding of my feet on the ground a steady reminder of my purpose.
It takes me ten minutes to reach the small pond, the water shimmering under the moonlight, creating a surreal reflection of the night sky. I stop to catch my breath, leaning against a tree, my senses heightened. Something feels off. The air is thick with tension, and I can feel my wolf stirring restlessly inside me.
From the corner of my eye, I catch movement. Soft footsteps break the tranquil silence, and I turn to see a small figure making her way towards me. As she steps into the moonlight, I recognize her instantly. Rachel. My one-night stand from months ago, the same woman who caused chaos at the coffee shop with Octavia. My blood boils at the sight of her.
“What are you doing here, Rachel?” I demand, my voice low and dangerous. “Was it you who texted me earlier? How did you get my number?”
She smiles, a coy smile that sends a jolt of irritation coursing through me. “I’ve been thinking about you, Wyatt. Since thatnight we spent together and you took me on my hands and knees, leaving carpet burns on my legs from how rough you were. I knew you’d be thinking of me too.”
Her words hang in the air, and I can’t help but roll my eyes so far back in my head that it hurts. “What do you want? I’m not interested in whatever game you’re playing.” The last thing I need is her trying to weave her way back into my life.
Rachel steps closer, her blue eyes glimmering in the moonlight. “Come onAlpha, you can’t tell me that you don’t miss what we had. I know you’ve got that silly outsider, Octavia, but she doesn’t know you like I do. She could never handle you between the sheets.”
Fury bubbles up inside me, and my wolf growls in response, a deep rumble that reverberates through my chest. “Octavia is my mate,” I say through gritted teeth. “You don’t know what you’re talking about. She was literally made for me.”
Rachel takes a step back, but then, as if emboldened by my anger, she reaches out to grab my hand. I jerk away, the movement sharp and defensive. “Leave me the hell alone, Rachel. You and I were nothing. You’re a mistake I made once, and I’m not going to make it again.”
Her expression shifts from playful to desperate, tears welling in her eyes. “Wyatt, please. You have to understand. I feel like the Moon Goddess messed up when she gave you to Octavia. You belong with someone who understands you.”
I can’t believe this. The audacity of her claims sends me into a rage. “You don’t get to decide who I belong with. Octavia is my world, my mate. You need to lose my number and stay away from us before you regret it.”
I turn, my heart pounding as I walk away from the scene. The anger is still churning in my gut, but the thought of Octavia waiting for me back at the packhouse, her warmth and love, pulls me back to calmer waters. I don’t look back, not even whenI hear Rachel’s sobs behind me. I won’t let her theatrics affect me any longer.
As I jog back, my thoughts are consumed by Octavia. She’s everything to me — strong, fierce, and undeniablymine. I reach the packhouse and slip inside, moving quietly up the stairs. The familiar scent of her fills the air, and I can’t help but smile as I enter our suite.
I slide into bed beside her, careful not to wake her, but she stirs slightly, turning towards me, her face softening as she unconsciously seeks my warmth. I wrap my arms around her, feeling the tension of the night slip away as I breathe in her scent, a blend of cherries and juniper, something uniquely her.
Octavia murmurs in her sleep, a soft sound that brings a sense of peace over me. The chaos of the outside world fades as I hold her close, feeling the steady rhythm of her heartbeat against my chest. This is where I belong. No matter what Rachel thinks or how she tries to manipulate me, my heart is anchored to Octavia, my soul tied to hers, and nothing will ever change that.
As I drift into a light sleep, I let the warmth of Octavia lull me into a dreamless slumber, protected by her love and the bond we share.
11
BACON IS A MUST
Octavia
The sun filtersthrough the curtains, casting soft golden rays that dance across the room. I blink awake, the remnants of dreams still swirling in my mind, but there’s a reality that pulls me back to consciousness — a warmth enveloping me. I turn slightly to find Wyatt still asleep beside me, his chest rising and falling gently. My heart swells at the sight. The memory of last night rushes back: laughter, shared secrets, the intimacy we’ve shared.
As I carefully move to extricate myself from his embrace, I feel a flutter of reluctance. I don’t want to wake him, but nature’s call is insistent. Slowly, I slip out of bed, trying not to disturb him. The sheets cool against my skin as I tiptoe across the room, every creak of the floorboards an echo of my caution.
The bathroom is blissfully quiet. I empty my bladder and splash some cold water on my face, waking up fully. I stare at my reflection, bed head mess of hair framing my face, cheeks still slightly flushed from sleep. I can’t help but smile; I feel different,lighter, as if I’ve stepped into a new chapter of my life. Wyatt’s presence has shifted something in me, and I like it.
After washing up, I tiptoe over to the closet, my fingers brushing against the soft fabric of Wyatt’s shirts. I pull out a blue and grey plaid flannel, the fabric warm and comforting. As I button it up, I feel his scent surround me — leather, pine and something distinctly him. It makes my heart race a little faster.
I slide into a pair of sweats, and with a glance back at the sleeping Wyatt, I make my way down the stairs. The house is still, the only sounds are the faint creaks of the old wood beneath my feet. I navigate the familiar path to the kitchen, excitement bubbling in my chest. I want to make Wyatt breakfast, something special to show him I care and love him, but I realize I don’t know his favorites yet.