Chapter 0129

There's nothing more intoxicating than having a powerful Alpha at your complete mercy. The way Adrian trembled under my touch, surrendering to every stroke—it made me feel like a goddess. And when he took control? Sweet Selene, that man's tongue should be classified as a lethal weapon. I was reduced to a trembling mess, barely able to form coherent thoughts afterward.

His tenderness afterward nearly undid me completely. The way he bathed me with such reverence, ensuring every inch of me was cared for before we headed to the packhouse. It's these moments that make me fall harder for him. He constantly shatters every expectation I've ever had.

I'm still sprawled across the bed when he emerges from the shower, water droplets glistening on his sculpted torso. He leans over me, his damp hair brushing my cheek. "Still with me, little guardian?" His voice is rough with concern.

"Mmhmm," I manage, still dazed. "Just... processing. That was..." Words fail me.

His smirk tells me he understands perfectly. "Need another minute?"

"Maybe half of one."

Adrian chuckles and strides toward my closet, the towel riding dangerously low on his hips. The play of muscles across his back as he rifles through my clothes is downright criminal. I bite my lip hard enough to draw blood. Selene's voice purrs in my mind: Go on. Run your tongue along those ridges. Then maybe find some clothes.

I feel my wolf pressing against my consciousness, urging me forward. With effort, I regain control and meet Adrian's amused gaze. "Excuse me, Alpha. I believe I need clothing for dinner."

His eyes darken. "Indeed you do, little guardian."

Before I can slip past, his fingers tangle in my hair, tilting my head back for a searing kiss that leaves me breathless.

"Get dressed, love." A sharp smack on my backside sends heat flooding through me as he saunters out.

I emerge minutes later in dark jeans and an emerald sweater, knee-high boots completing the look. Adrian's changed into fresh black slacks and a gray Henley that clings to every ridge of muscle. "Ready?" I ask.

His fingers intertwine with mine. "Always."

At the packhouse, he whisks me to his room to change into something more formal. When we enter the dining hall hand-in-hand, the continued chatter is a welcome change from previous awkward silences.

"Let's greet our parents first," Adrian murmurs, thumb stroking my wrist. "Then we'll sit with the pack. Agreed?"

"Perfect."

We approach the high table where my father sits with Alistair and Seraphina. Dad's actually laughing at something the former Alpha says—a sight that warms my chest.

"Hey Dad."

His head snaps up, nostrils flaring as his eyes narrow at Adrian, who merely shrugs. Gregory turns back to me with forced casualness. "Evelyn. Good day?"

The way his jaw twitches tells me he knows exactly what kind of day I've had.