A wolfless servant

Adira’s POV

Magnus is avoiding me, and I know he’s doing it on purpose. That’s fine.

I see who he really is. His aura shines gold on the inside, but on the outside, it’s dark. He has suffered.

A lot. In an arranged marriage, his child died. I am getting fond of him and Diane. The more time I spend with them, the more it tugs at something deep inside me I didn't know was there.

I start to catch myself looking for Magnus everywhere, feeling this strange ache in my chest when he's near but not looking at me. I wonder if he feels the same about me, or if I'm imagining all these moments that mean the world to me. His scent is driving me insane, pulling at my senses, making it so hard to think straight around him.

Sometimes I feel so young in his presence, so unsure—he probably thinks I’m a girl, not a woman. And then there’s that part of me no one knows, the part that’s never belonged to anyone. Virgin.

I wonder if he sees that when he looks at me, or if he sees through all my masks and fears. I wish I could tell him what I want, but I’m scared to hope for something I might never have, let out a breath, and notice someone standing beside me. I turned and saw Michael.

How are you feeling?

I’m fine, Michael. Thank you for asking.

Magnus, is he treating you well?

I’m getting used to his mood, I guess. He’s in pain, both physically and emotionally.

Tell me, what did you do in your pack before volunteering to be his servant?

Ouch. I just wanted to save that child’s life. I don’t really believe Magnus will keep me here forever.

You said it yourself; he is not a monster.

Agreed. So, what were your dreams?

I got a scholarship to an accelerated medical school program. I’d still like to go.

A doctor? What kind of doctor?

I want to be a surgeon. I want to help my pack and be part of them.

Adira, he began, then stopped and turned away from me.

“Michael,” Magnus shouted, “we need to talk.” His eyes were stern as he looked at me. He looked angry, but somehow still cute.

His dark shirt, his hair falling onto his face... Oh no, I need to stop thinking like this. Focus.

Adira, Diane ran to my arms. I miss you.

I miss you, too, beautiful girl. Okay, I’m free now. What do you want to do?

Can you make me a crown? I am a princess, you know?

Yes, your majesty. I curtsy, and she giggles.

We walked to the clearing, and I collected some flowers. Then set down and breaded the stems to make her crown.

“You need one too. You’re a princess too,” Diane said.

Okay, I will make one for me.

We walked back, as her nanny omega stomped her feet coming at us like a dark horse.

“Where did you take her?” she demanded, then slapped me.

Stop it, Diane shouted. I told her to do this. Go away, her little hands tried to push her.

A large shadow fell over us. It was Magnus.

Back off, Aida. What happened here?

I was looking for Diane, but she had taken her somewhere.

“Daddy, I asked Adira to make me a crown, she said as she put her hands on her hips. Aida slapped her.”

“What?” He turned to me, looking at my face. “You will not touch her ever again. Apologize now,” he shouted.

To a wolfless servant?

Magnus slapped her hard. Everyone jumped at his reaction.

Call her again and see what happens. Get out of my sight.

Diane, go with her, he told her softly.

But, Daddy, kiss me first. Magnus lifted her and kissed her cheek, then placed her down and ran after her.

He turned to me. “Adira, tell someone when you leave.”

“I did. I told him, the guard,” I said, pointing. He growled. I grabbed his wrist. “Please, I...”

 “Go to your room, now,” he said. I ran inside and straight to the bedroom.

Later on, right before bedtime, he walked into my room.

“I need you in my bed,” Magnus said.

“What? I... no,” I said.

To make sure you’re okay, I need to keep an eye on you.

He seems nervous. What is he hiding?

I changed into my pajamas and walked to his bedroom. Sleep, Adira, he said.

Yeah, right. How am I supposed to sleep looking at his body? I felt so attracted to him, and I hated myself for it.

“Let me massage your foot,” I blurted out before I could stop myself. Maybe that’s my way of flirting.

He pulled me close. His scent was overwhelming. Then he kissed me.

I melted in his arms. My body was trembling as his hands touched me. I didn’t want him to stop.

“Why are you nervous?” he asked, looking at me sternly.

“I... I’ve never done this before, Magnus.”

“Feel my hands on you,” he whispered.

I am. I was trying to focus on relaxing as his lips traced slow, almost reverent patterns along my body. My breath caught, whole body strung tight between anticipation and nerves.

His hand slid between my legs, and I gasped, embarrassment flooding me as I came so quickly. My cheeks burned with shame and wonder all at once. It was overwhelming, how intensely I felt, how powerless I was under his touch, yet how safe.

For a moment, I let myself trust him, and in that wave of sensation, a part of me wanted to believe I could belong.

I felt his arousal on me. He pushed in and moved slowly. I could tell he was holding back. He was enjoying it but was scared of hurting me. And it hurt. But mixed with pleasure.

He held me in his arms as I grew tired, thinking that I didn’t care about anything in this moment except Magnus. His scent filled my senses as I closed my eyes.

I dreamed I was walking toward the northern lights. They called me. My silver wolf was there, and I named her Tala. When I met her gaze, something inside me shifted.

I felt she held the key to a part of myself I’d always been missing. In that moment, I wondered if Tala’s presence would change everything for me, if she were the answer to the feeling that I was meant for more, for something beyond just surviving here. I felt a pull, like fate moving inside me, quiet but unstoppable.

“Adira,” she said, “you need to help me get out. I’m bound inside you.”

I touched her. So pretty. Silver. My wolf, Tala.

When my eyes opened, it was daytime. I smiled. I saw my wolf in my dream. I hope she was real. Tala.