Chapter 0348

The water runs cold as I finish my shower. Toweling off, I realize with sudden clarity - I have no clue if anyone in this pack owns a functioning vehicle. Beatrice's extensive shopping list won't fulfill itself, and all I know about this area is the tiny town Victor and I passed through when we disembarked from that godforsaken bus.

Victor strides in just as I'm buttoning my jeans. His presence fills the small space effortlessly. "Does anyone here actually own a car?" I ask, watching him peel off his sweat-drenched shirt.

Muscles ripple beneath golden skin, every morning's injuries already vanished thanks to our accelerated healing. My fingers itch to trace those defined ridges.

"Donovan has one. Why? Planning an escape already?" His smirk tells me he's joking, but the possessive glint in his eyes says otherwise.

I step closer, running my palms down his torso. "Maybe I just want to admire my mate without interruptions." My fingers dip lower, brushing the waistband of his pants.

Victor's growl vibrates through me as he spins me against the wall. My jeans pool around my ankles before I can blink. One strong hand grips my hip while the other tangles in my hair, tilting my head back.

No foreplay. No gentle caresses. Just raw, claiming possession as he drives into me. The wood paneling digs into my palms, but I don't care. This - the desperate joining, the primal need - it's everything.

We collapse against each other, sweat-slicked and panting. Victor nips at my shoulder. "Distracting me won't get your shopping done, Little Alpha."

I turn in his arms, meeting his darkened gaze. "Who says that wasn't the goal?"

His answering snarl sends heat pooling low in my belly. Strong hands flip me around again, bending me over the dresser this time. When his palm connects sharply with my backside, stars explode behind my eyelids.

By the time we're both sated and dressed, the morning light has shifted to afternoon gold. Victor kisses me roughly before shoving me toward the door. "Leopold will know who can drive you. And Isolde?" That wicked grin reappears. "Wear the red panties tonight."

I find Leopold in his office with Donovan, their conversation halting abruptly at my entrance. "Apologies for interrupting. I need transport to town for supplies."

Donovan rises immediately. "I'll take you, Luna. Where are we headed?"

"The market. The packhouse kitchens are practically bare."

Leopold's expression darkens. "We don't have funds for-"

"The pack doesn't," I interrupt. "I do." Turning to Donovan, I add, "You'll also be playing bodyguard. Can't have humans thinking a lone female is easy prey."

Leopold barks a laugh. "As if you need protection. If anything, Donovan here should worry about you defending him."

"Leopold," Donovan groans, rubbing his neck. "Alpha only asked me about the Gamma position an hour ago."

I study the broad-shouldered warrior. "You'll make the right decision. Victor doesn't choose pack hierarchy lightly."

Donovan nods, ears turning pink. "When do we leave?"

"Now, if you're ready."

Victor catches us at the front entrance, his scent still clinging to my skin. "Going somewhere, trouble?"

"Donovan's escorting me for supplies."

Victor's arms band around me. "We can't afford-"

"The pack can't," I correct, pressing closer. "We can."

His grip tightens. "I don't want you spending your money on-"

I twist free, spine straightening. "Am I your Luna or not?"

"Isolde, that's not-"

"Is the pack's wellbeing my responsibility too?" My voice drops to a whisper only he can hear. "Either we're partners in this, or we're not. Your pride won't feed our people."

Victor's jaw works silently. I see the battle raging behind those stormy eyes - Alpha instincts warring with reason.

Finally, he exhales sharply. "Fine. But I'm repaying every cent."

"Wrong answer." I frame his face with my hands. "When I claimed you as mine, I claimed this pack too. Let me help build something extraordinary."

His kiss steals my breath, slow and deep and promising retribution later. "Goddess help me, I adore you."

"Remember that when you see the bill." I step back, calling over my shoulder, "Donovan! Let's move before the stores close!"

The engine roars to life as I slide into the passenger seat. My mate watches from the porch, arms crossed, looking every inch the dominant Alpha - and entirely at my mercy.