Chapter 0126

Panting heavily, we collapse onto the soft earth. Theron pads over and nuzzles Selene affectionately, his rough tongue swiping across her muzzle in encouragement.

Selene rises with newfound energy, sauntering toward him with deliberate grace. She presses her body flush against his, marking him with her scent. The boldness of it makes me blush. Just when I think she might do something even more brazen, she flicks her tail sharply across his face before darting away, her playful yips echoing through the trees.

Theron gives chase instantly, his teeth snapping playfully at her heels. They race through the forest for what feels like hours, reveling in the freedom of their wolf forms. Eventually, Theron mind-links that it's time to rest, leading us to a secluded pond before disappearing into the underbrush.

Selene laps at the cool water before stretching out in a sunlit patch of grass. Theron returns moments later with a freshly caught hare, dropping it at her paws like some primal courting gift. She devours it while he settles beside her, watching with unmistakable pride.

I tune out until she's finished. Love her as I do, some wolf habits still turn my stomach. When she's done, she rubs her muzzle against Theron's shoulder, and he cleans the remaining blood with slow, deliberate licks. The intimacy of it—lingering far longer than necessary—sends warmth flooding through me. She rests her head on his paws, and he drapes his own across her neck protectively as she drifts off.

Hours later, Theron rouses her with gentle nudges, and we begin the leisurely trek home. Selene moves slower now, muscles tired but content. Back at the clearing, I shift and reach for my discarded clothes.

Adrian materializes behind me, his arms encircling my waist. "Theron hasn't stopped talking about today," he murmurs, his breath hot against my bare shoulder. "He's been waiting months for this."

I twist in his embrace—both of us achingly aware of our nakedness. "Selene loved every second. Next time, she won't go easy on him." My gaze lifts to his glacier-blue eyes, crinkling at the corners with amusement.

"Theron thrives on a challenge." His hands slide downward, palms curving possessively over my hips. "Has anyone told you how breathtaking you are?" He leans back, drinking me in with shameless appreciation. "I knew you were stunning, but this—" His thumb brushes my collarbone. "—this is art."

His nose traces the shell of my ear, his voice dropping to a growl. "One day, I'll memorize every inch of you. Every scar, every freckle, every place that makes you gasp." My knees nearly buckle as his teeth graze my pulse point. "Would you like that, little guardian?"

"Yes." The word escapes in a shuddering exhale. I've never wanted anyone like this—never imagined I could. But Adrian ignites something primal in me, something that hums beneath my skin.

"Good." He steps back abruptly, putting frustrating distance between us. "For now, get dressed. Dinner at the packhouse awaits."

I gape at him. "How do you just—stop?"

His smirk is downright sinful as he gestures to his very evident arousal. "Does this look stopped to you?"

My throat goes dry. Goddess above, the rumors about alphas weren't exaggerated. That's... intimidating. And intriguing.

Adrian cups my chin, his thumb brushing my lower lip. "It's meant for pleasure, not fear." The promise in his eyes steals my breath. "When the time comes, I'll prove it." A chaste kiss lands on my nose. "Now clothes. Before I forget my resolve."