9. Whispers In The Kitchen (2)

Garrick's hands lingered on my hips, his thumbs tracing lazy circles through the fabric of my dress as our breaths mingled in the quiet aftermath. The kitchen felt smaller now, the air thick with the scent of sex and soap, the trash bin a silent witness to my impulsive act.

“This night, you should come to my quarters,” he murmured, his voice a low rumble against my ear, pulling me closer as if to seal the invitation with his body.

I nodded, my heart still racing from the thrill. “Of course.”

We kissed again, slower this time, his lips firm and possessive, tongue sliding against mine in a deep, lingering claim.

I smiled up at him as he pulled back, watching his hands move to adjust his pants, tucking his softening cock away and straightening the rough wool over his hips.

He smoothed his shirt, running a hand through his disheveled hair until he looked composed enough to pass for just another guard on duty.

Satisfied, he leaned in for one more kiss, quick and heated, before turning toward the door. But he froze mid-step, his body going rigid. I followed his gaze, and my stomach dropped.

Alpha Thorne stood in the doorway, his massive frame blocking the light, golden eyes fixed on us like a predator sizing up prey. His scarred chest heaved slightly under his open tunic, muscles rippling with every controlled breath.

Our eyes widened in unison, mine and Garrick's as panic surged through me. We both dropped our heads in a hasty bow, necks bared in submission, the air turning to ice.

Did he see us? The thought hammered in my skull. The Alpha never steps into the kitchen unless it's an emergency, blood, fire, or betrayal. What the fuck is he doing here?

Thorne's gaze bored into me, unblinking, his presence filling the room like a storm about to break. “You. Follow me.”

His voice was a command, gravelly and absolute, leaving no room for question. He turned on his heel and strode off down the corridor, his boots echoing like thunder.

I panicked, my legs moving before my brain caught up, starting after him on shaky steps. A strong hand clamped around my wrist, yanking me back. Garrick's face was pale, his whisper urgent against my ear. “Be careful.”

I nodded, swallowing the lump in my throat, and slipped from his grasp. My pulse thundered as I hurried to catch up with the Alpha, the cool stone floor blurring under my feet.

Every step felt like walking toward a cliff, the secret of his earlier touch burning in my veins, Elowen's warning a ghost at my shoulder.

He led me through the winding halls of the pack house, past curious glances from other servants who bowed low as we passed. No one dared meet his eyes.

We reached his study at the end of the east wing, a heavy oak door carved with wolf motifs that swung open under his push.

Inside, the room was dimly lit by a single lantern on the desk, shelves lined with ancient tomes and maps of the territory. The air smelled of leather and ink, mingled with his musky scent that made my knees weaken.

Thorne crossed to the large chair behind the desk, sinking into it with a grace that belied his size. The wood creaked under him as he spread his legs slightly, golden eyes locking onto me expectantly.

I closed the door behind us with a soft click, the sound sealing me in with him. Turning, I faced him and bowed my head low, hands clasped in front of me, waiting for whatever judgment or command he had in store.

The silence in the study stretched taut, broken only by the faint crackle of the lantern flame. Alpha Thorne's golden eyes pinned me in place, his broad shoulders filling the chair like a throne. I kept my head bowed, pulse hammering in my ears, waiting for the axe to fall.

“Kneel,” he commanded, his voice a deep growl that vibrated through the floorboards.

My body reacted before my mind could protest. I dropped to my knees on the worn rug, the rough weave biting into my skin through my thin dress.

Inches from his boots, I folded my hands in my lap, thighs pressing together as heat pooled low in my belly unwanted, but undeniable.

Thorne leaned forward, elbows on the desk, his scarred fingers drumming once. “This morning... did you enjoy it?”

Stunned, I jerked my head up just enough to meet his gaze, my breath catching. What? Was he really asking me that? The words hung there, loaded, twisting my gut.

He smirked, a flash of teeth in the dim light. “Did you enjoy me fucking you?”

Heat flooded my face, but I couldn't lie not to him. I nodded slowly, my voice a whisper. “Yes.”

Goddess, yes, I thought, the memory crashing back: his thick cock stretching me open on that massive bed, pounding deep while Elowen watched and commanded. It made perfect sense now why the Luna always seemed lost when he was away on hunts or patrols.

She missed more than his touch, she craved that massive dick filling her, owning her, just like it had owned me.

Thorne's eyes gleamed with approval, his nod sharp and satisfied. He shifted in the chair, the leather creaking as his thighs parted wider. “The Luna only lets me fuck omegas during the mating ceremony as it is demanded that I ruin them before handing them to find their mates. She never allows me to touch a maid. So, fucking you like that... it means she fancies you. Likes you.”

A smile tugged at my lips, relief mixing with a strange pride. “I'm pleased the Luna is happy with me,” I said, meeting his eyes steadily. “And I'll do my best to keep making her happy.”

Thorne's gaze lingered on me, heavy with unspoken expectations, as his fingers traced the edge of the desk. “Only if I permit it,” he added, his tone laced with possession, like he was marking territory I hadn't even claimed yet.

“Of course, Alpha,” I murmured, lowering my eyes again, the submission sending a thrill through me that I couldn't quite suppress.

He paused, the air thickening, then leaned back with a sigh that rumbled from his chest. “I suspect the Luna is indulging in other acts when I'm away. Usually, we had an agreement to do them together.”

Stunned, I froze on my knees, my mind reeling. Other acts? With who? But the shock didn't blind me, rumors had swirled through the pack for moons, whispers of the Luna tangled up with bodyguards during the Alpha's long patrols. I'd heard the tales in hushed tones among the maids, but never pinned down names.

Thorne's eyes narrowed, reading the flicker on my face. “Since she fancies you so much, I'll be assigning you as her personal maid.”

Joy bloomed in my chest, warm and unexpected. Beaming up at him, I clasped my hands tighter. “Thank you, Alpha.”

His expression hardened, the approval shifting to something sharper, more calculating. “I want you to keep an eye on her. And tell me who it is she's fucking when I'm away.”