Chapter 0340

Waking up with my mate curled against me is pure bliss. Her lavender scent wraps around me, and her body molds perfectly to mine. My arm rests possessively around her waist, my hand cupping her breast. She’s flawless in every way.

Last night thrilled me when she embraced her Alpha nature, taking control, demanding what she wanted—until she reached her limit. I knew her confidence would falter when inexperience took over. That’s when I stepped in.

She has no idea what she does to me when she calls me Alpha. Hearing that word from a strong, dominant woman is intoxicating. From my mate? It’s electrifying.

I’d planned to go slow, be gentle. But between her taking charge, that husky Alpha on her lips, and the raw emotions flooding our bond, restraint shattered. My body claimed her. She insisted she was fine afterward, just tender. So I held back, even though I was ready again almost instantly. Instead, I tucked her against me, my favorite way to sleep, and we drifted off together.

Now, she stirs awake, arching her back, pressing against my already-hard length.

"Good morning, sweetheart. How do you feel?" I murmur, my hand gliding over her hip.

"Good morning." Her voice is sleep-rough, delicious. "I feel amazing. And I want more of what you gave me last night." She rocks back, teasing, and I hiss through my teeth.

My fingers find her nipple, rolling it until she moans. Then I grip her thigh, lifting it slightly, positioning myself at her entrance. "Is this what you need?"

"Yes, Alpha."

That’s all it takes. I sink into her, slow and deep. This time, I savor her—tracing her nipples, circling her clit, drawing out every shudder. When she comes for the third time, clenching around me, I lose control and spill inside her.

Afterward, I nip playfully at her neck. "You know exactly what you’re doing when you call me Alpha, don’t you?"

Her soft laugh is answer enough. "I like this position. We should use it more often."

I grin against her skin. "We’ll try them all. You can tell me which ones you love most."

"Mmm, Alpha," she purrs, arching again, and I’m hard inside her once more. So I take her again, exactly how she likes it.

After a shared shower, we head downstairs hand in hand. The dining hall is nearly empty except for Leopold.

He glances up, smirking. "Everything good?"

"Perfect." I lift Isolde’s hand, kissing her knuckles, loving how she blushes.

"Where is everyone?" I ask.

"Late start. Most are already at their assigned posts. Ready to begin patrols?"

I turn to Isolde. "What’s your plan today?"

"I’ll start in the kitchens—check staff, supplies, everything. You handle patrols, and I’ll bring food up later." She smiles at Leopold. "Have you eaten?"

"I’m fine, thank you, Luna."

"Then I’ll see you both soon." She squeezes my hand before heading to the kitchen.

"She’ll make an exceptional Luna," Leopold remarks.

"No doubt." I follow him to his office, mentally noting we need dedicated spaces for our work.

We spend the next hour reviewing patrol rotations, unassigned pack members, and housing. Almost every room in the packhouse is full.

"Where will new arrivals go?" I ask.

"Beta and Gamma floors. Since you haven’t appointed a Gamma, that floor’s empty. And aside from me, the Beta floor has space."

"What about the first floor? The omega quarters?"

His expression darkens. "Already packed. Most newcomers are omegas—abused, traumatized, seeking refuge. We’ve doubled up, even built bunk beds."

As we talk, I realize many unmated wolves have joined—some rejected, others widowed. I make a note to discuss pack mingling with Adrian and Sebastian. Maybe their unmated wolves are destined for ours.

Adrian insists Isolde visit them, believing it’ll trigger her memories. Possible, but we have pressing matters here. Until Alpha challenges conclude or she’s ready, it waits.

Morning flies by. Another omega knocks, delivering lunch from Isolde. I check the clock—already afternoon.

Over the meal, I outline the day. "I’ll interview new members for patrol eligibility." I take Leopold’s files.

"I’ll check on Isolde first."

"I’ll join you," Leopold says, standing.

We carry our trays to the kitchen—and I freeze, stunned by the sight before me.