“I know, and I’m not,” Luke replied. He wasn’t lying. He understood this was going to take time. Maddis might be growling and restless, but they both knew the right way to handle this. Marking and mating Bella too soon—without her full consent—could lead to resentment. Neither of them wanted that.
We could sneak in and cuddle her while she sleeps, Maddis suggested with a cheeky chortle. Then sneak out before she wakes up.
Luke laughed softly to himself. When did you become so cheeky and naughty?
We used to be. Remember? Tyler and I played a lot when she was younger.
Luke shook his head, amusement flickering in his eyes. Maddis wasn’t wrong—it wasn’t the worst idea he’d ever had. But sneaking into Bella’s room without waking her? That would be a challenge. Still, it was an interesting thought.
Luke’s mind drifted back to memories of Maddis and Tyler chasing each other through the pack. Maddis had always delighted in the hunt, in the thrill of finding Tyler and pouncing on her. He’d loved bowling her over while she was in full stride, trying to outrun him. They’d tumble together in a playful heap until Maddis would stand over her, dominant and triumphant, with Tyler’s tiny wolf lying submissively between his front paws. He’d stare down at her with that you can’t outrun me look, then give her a playful swat with his paw, letting her scramble up to run again and giving her a head start for the next chase.
“Sat on her more than once!” Maddis chortled in Luke’s mind. “She was so tiny. Easy to dominate.”
“Not so little now,” Luke mused.
“Ah, but she always enjoyed me pouncing on her,” Maddis replied with a tone of pride. “She loved it when I dominated her.”
Maddis was content, happy with his Mate and the bond they shared, and Luke couldn’t help but smile at the thought. Maddis’s joy and playfulness were a refreshing contrast to the worry and tension of the past.
Luke stood and decided to head to the Alpha Suite. It felt right to be close to Bella and the children tonight. For the first time, his family was under his roof. It wasn’t complete yet—she wasn’t in his bed, not his Luna fully—but that would come with time. He was confident of it.
Taking the stairs at an easy pace, he pushed open the doors to his suite. He avoided checking on the children, not wanting Bella to think he was hovering or stalking her. He trusted they were fine. Instead, he headed straight for the shower, washing off the long day’s events before crawling into bed.
He sighed as he looked at the empty pillow beside him. Soon, he told himself. Soon she’d be lying there, next to him, close enough to touch, to wake up with.
Sneak down to her. Cuddle her, Maddis urged playfully. Luke couldn’t help but chuckle. He liked this mischievous side of Maddis, one he hadn’t seen in years.
Still, he knew better. Maybe tomorrow, he told Maddis. Let’s give her space tonight. Just one night where she feels safe in the Alpha Suite, secure knowing we won’t mark or mate her unwittingly. She needs to know she’s safe with us.
Maddis huffed but didn’t argue. He seemed to understand, though his frustration was clear.
Meanwhile, Bella lay in her bed, staring at the ceiling. She hadn’t been able to sleep for hours. Her mind refused to settle, replaying the events of the day over and over. Tyler, instead of helping, was making things worse.
Go to him, Tyler had been urging her relentlessly for nearly an hour.
I’m not ready, Bella thought firmly.
Bullshit, Tyler snorted, irritation flaring. You wanted him earlier.
I know, Bella admitted. But that was different. I was caught off guard.
Tyler huffed in annoyance, her tone softening after a moment. You want him. You need him. You remember how his kisses used to make you feel? How your whole body melted into his?
“Enough, Tyler,” Bella whispered aloud, as if saying it would silence her wolf’s thoughts.
It’s even more intense now, Tyler murmured. The Bond is stronger. You can’t deny it. You want him, Bella.
Bella groaned and rolled over, burying her face in the pillow. “Tyler, please,” she begged, her voice muffled. Her wolf was relentless, her whispers filled with temptation, riling her up when Bella was trying to resist.
Her emotions warred within her—desire, hesitation, and the remnants of confusion from the day’s revelations. She squeezed her eyes shut, trying to block out Tyler’s voice and her own traitorous thoughts, but the Bond pulsed like a persistent flame, refusing to be ignored.
Bella sat on the edge of the bed, her chest rising and falling as she tried to steady herself. Her body still tingled from the release she’d just given herself, but it wasn’t enough. Tyler’s relentless whispers echoed in her mind, urging her toward the one person who could truly satisfy the longing burning inside her.
“Go to him.”
Her wolf’s voice was soft yet commanding, filled with certainty that their mate was waiting, just a few steps away. Bella’s hesitation lingered, a quiet war between her desire and her fears.
“What if he’s not there?” she whispered aloud, her voice shaky. The thought of finding his bed empty and being left alone in her yearning made her stomach twist.
“He’s there. I can feel him.” Tyler’s voice was low, a soothing hum in her mind. “Our mate is near, waiting for us.”
Bella bit her lip, her teeth pressing hard against the already tender skin. She was caught in the web of her emotions, her body aching to follow Tyler’s guidance while her mind wrestled with the vulnerability of putting herself in his space. The memory of his hands, his lips, his eyes—dark and filled with hunger—was overwhelming. She could almost feel his warmth, the way he’d pull her close and make her forget the rest of the world.
