He feels responsible

Adira’s POV

Adira, give Jay to the nanny, Magnus said.

But then I looked at his face. He needs me, I thought.

"I need you," he said, raising his voice. "It's been three days since I touched you."

The mighty king acted like a child who hadn’t gotten enough attention.

I gasped and covered my mouth. "Are you jealous of a baby?"

"Very funny. Now go give him to her, Adira,"

I came back into the bedroom. He was not there. Then I heard the water run.

Dressed in sexy pajamas and pretended to be asleep.

Oh, no, he whispered. His eyes scanned my body, taking in the black lace I wore, as I watched him through my lashes.

"I think she wants me to go insane,"

He got into bed. Then I turned.

"Got you," I chuckled.

Oh yeah, he said, getting on top, pinning me. His kisses were soft at the beginning, then he got hungry and desperate, his hands possessive on my body.

"I missed you," he whispered.

Hmmm, don’t stop Magnus, I whispered back.

The world faded away when I was with him. Nothing else mattered, I thought, sitting there breathless.

"We’re just getting started, Adira. You’ve starved me," he said as he turned me face down.

Magnus’s POV

I watched her sleep, gently stroking her hair.

I’m in love with her, I told Han my wolf.

He was content now.

Nothing felt more grounding than falling asleep with her in my arms. In the middle of the night, I woke up to find her restless beside me.

Adira's eyes were half-shut, her body tensed.

I could sense something shifting in her, an ancient power stirring to the surface.

Her wolf, the wild and protective spirit inside her, had emerged. Sometimes, when emotions ran high or danger lurked, Adira’s wolf would surface, her mind sharing space with the animal within. It spoke to him now, its words clear, yet different from Adira's own voice. Save her, she said, danger.

I wondered if I was dreaming. Was she really in danger? Who would dare to take my mate, I thought, touching her gently, and her wolf retreated. I drifted back to sleep.

Adira’s POV

I kissed his arm, then got out of bed, showered, and got dressed.

Walked to the nursery to get Jay, swaddled him against my chest, took Diane’s hand, and went for a walk in the forest.

. The quiet trees and fresh air always helped me feel grounded, letting my worries fade, and my heart settle.

I needed this gentle peace, a moment to breathe, to heal, and to find strength for myself and my new family.

"Adira," Diane said, "I miss my mommy."

I stopped. Can I tell you a secret? Your mommy is always with you. Close your eyes. Do you see her?

"Yes," she said, smiling. Thank you, Adira.

"How about we find some berries?"

"Yes," Diane said.

I looked at Jay as he looked at me, then I smiled. he smiled back. So adorable. Jay was part of Magnus.

Hey, your first smile, she said. Diane, your brother smiled...then her smile faded.

The air in the forest suddenly felt heavier, a cold shiver tracing up her spine. I glanced over her shoulder, the hairs on the back of my neck prickling, but saw nothing except shadows between the trees.

Despite the breeze, the woods were strangely quiet, as if even the birds were holding their breath. I took Diane's little hand and walked back fast, my senses on edge.

"But Adira, we didn’t get berries..."Diane listened to me, and we have to go back. A twig snapped. I turned to see a rogue wolf growling, coming towards them.

I closed my eyes and pushed Diane behind me. I raised my arm. When I opened my eyes, the wolf was gone.

Magnus looked at me angrily as I walked into the pack house.

The omegas took Diane and Jay. Magnus led me into the bedroom.

"Why are you defying me, Adira?" he growled.

"I just went for a walk. They need to be outside... I need to be..."

"Not alone!" he shouted, then took a deep breath.

He didn’t know what to do, so he just kissed me. I felt his battle inside him. He was overprotective of me.

"I’m not taking any chances, Adira. Do you understand? You are my treasure."

"Magnus," I said, "I am here. I will never leave you..."

His eyes locked with mine.

Promise me you’ll listen to me. I’m just trying to protect you, Adira.

"You need to promise to trust me, Magnus. I can’t stay locked in a room all the time."

"Then we have to compromise," he said. I can’t believe I said that word, he thought.

I smiled. "Yes, exactly," I said, hugging his waist. His body relaxed.

He let out a breath. "I have to tend to business. Don’t get in trouble, Adira." Magnus kissed me, then turned and left.

I walked back to the nursery. As the acting Luna, I have been caring for Jay ever since his mother passed, but not everyone in the pack accepted my new place. Some of the omegas, especially those who had served in the old Luna’s household, resented my presence; I was still seen as an outsider, someone who hadn’t earned their trust. Jay was crying, so I picked him up.

"You’re not his mom," the omega said to me.

No, I am not, but he thinks I am. He needs comfort.

"You think a servant like you can win his heart just by showing fake love for his kids?

"Fake? Nothing I do is fake, and you should be careful how you talk to me."

"Or what? Release your invisible wolf?" she laughed.

I stared at her. "Show respect!" I shouted.

The air changed as my anger had risen inside me.

I will not apologize to a servant, she said defiantly.

Yes, you are, Magnus said from the doorway. Did I not make myself clear? Anyone messing with my mate will be severely punished.

"Alpha Magnus, I’m sorry," she said.

Don’t look at me, he shouted. Look at her; she will be your Luna tomorrow. Do it.

"I’m sorry," she spat, her eyes blazing.

"You’re not taking care of my son. Go now, until I decide where to send you."

After she left, I looked at him. "Magnus, I can defend myself."

No one will disrespect you, he said sternly. Then his eyes dropped on his son, who was smiling at them.

He took Jay from my arms and kissed his little face. "You lucky boy, in her arms all day, huh?" I managed a small chuckle, but my heart ached as I looked at Jay's big, searching eyes.

He pressed his tiny hand to my chest, hungry for warmth, for someone to fill that impossible space his mother left behind.

"Magnus, he needs comfort. He misses his mom," I said, my voice trembling a little. For a moment, I saw a shadow cross Magnus’s face, his jaw tight as he tried to be strong for both of them. The loss was still so fresh, clinging to the edges of every day.

His eyes went back to being stern. What happened was on her, not me. Then he left the room.

"He feels responsible," I whispered.