He stirred

Finland,  Rova’s ancient territory

Adira’s POV

I stared, motionless, as the man everyone feared, the savage alpha king Magnus, approached and carefully took his daughter from my arms. I could feel the strength in his hands and the tension in my body, afraid to move as he stepped closer.

Magnus’s stern expression faltered, shifting to confusion as he carefully cradled his daughter. Despite holding her, his amber eyes never left mine, making it impossible to look away or read exactly what he was thinking.

Goddess blessed him; he was a sight to look at, I thought to myself. If only he would smile. His dark, long hair, his stubble, tall and imposing, stop it, Adira, he is married.

The thought stung sharper than I expected. Shame tangled in my chest, warring against that secret thrill at his nearness, and I scolded myself for even noticing. What kind of person lets their heart leap at a man who belongs to someone else?

Still, I couldn't make my eyes behave, couldn't stop the ache in my chest. Pull yourself together, Adira. Remember your place. But my pulse was traitorous. I pressed my lips tight and tried to focus on handing over his daughter, wishing desperately that I could silence the wild hope fluttering in me.

Your name, he asked, showing no emotions whatsoever.

Adira, I said, not breaking the stare. I should’ve had my eyes down for respect of his rank. But I couldn’t help that something inside me was telling me to reach out.

With trembling fingers, I reached out and touched his arm, a bold and forbidden act, considering his position as king. In our pack, only his mate or family could touch him, and anyone else risked punishment. Five guards stepped forward, tense and prepared to intervene, making me realize the gravity of my mistake.

He raised his other hand to stop them.

Your daughter is unharmed, I found her just here by the border, I said

He turned and left.

Rude. You’re welcome, I called after him.

A man walked towards me, and he smiled.

I’m Beta Michael. Thank you for keeping her safe.

Of course, she was searching for her mother.

Yeah, well again, he extended his hand to me. I appreciate it, and alpha too, but right now he has many... let's say unfortunate events happening.

You don’t need to make excuses for him. I do understand. Okay, then I have to go. Bye for now.

I started to walk away, but paused to glance over my shoulder. I saw Michael watching me intently, his posture tense, until the savage king’s voice broke the silence and startled him.

Michael, he shouted. He turned and bolted.

I walked back to the pack. No one will ruin my day. I got into a top university, and my life is about to start. I will be this pack’s doctor, just like I promised my parents.

The weight of that promise settles in my chest. Ever since I was a child, I dreamed of making them proud, of giving back to my family and everyone who gave me a place in this world. Sometimes, it feels like everyone sees the alpha or the powerful bloodlines, but I want to be seen for what I choose to become.

Maybe that’s why, even with everything that happened, I refused to let my mind wander from my goals. The heat of the king's gaze lingered, but I pushed it aside. My future matters more. If nothing else, I owe that to them, and to myself.

 

Magnus’s POV

The eyes captured me first, big green, such an unusual green. I thought of feline, and spring leaves. Her hair, down to her hips in light brown waves, makes her look so fragile and innocent.

She is holding my daughter in her arms. Diane, my four-year-old, ran after her mother.

I reached for her, and the scent hit me hard, catching me off guard. It was as if summer itself had been bottled: wildflowers after the rain, sun-warmed earth, the soft sweetness of honey drifting on a warm breeze.

The aroma filled my senses, dizzying and golden, and for a second, I forgot everything else. My skin prickled, heat crawling up my arms, and my heartbeat kicked up, thudding hard in my chest.

I swallowed, but the taste lingered at the back of my throat, strange and familiar all at once. Maybe it was all those things, mixed into one intoxicating, impossible scent that pulled at something deep inside me.

Han stirred. My wolf. I thought he was dormant; we barely even talk. He stirred.

As I took Diane in my arms, the scent became even stronger.

She touched my arm, bold, truly, and a jolt shot through me.

Mate, Han said. Ask her to come with us.

What the hell, no, I don’t know her.

Invite her, Han insisted.

Stay out of it.

Your name? I asked

Are you a robot? “ Your name,” Han mocked me.

Shut up Han.

Adira, she said, smiling.

Get closer, Han insists.

I turned and walked away, unsure how to handle any of this.

Han was angry with me. This conversation was more than we had all year.

Her scent is still creeping into my nostrils, and I like it too much.

Rude. “ You’re welcome," she called after me.

I nearly smiled at her remark.

She is right, you’re rude, Han said.

What’s got you going? I asked him

Her scent is familiar. Mate.

Yeah, right, don’t forget I just divorced, not getting involved ever with a woman. What’s the point? Trust shattered too easily, even after so many years.

Sometimes, late at night, my mind still circles that final fight, her accusing eyes, the breaking of something I thought I could never lose. The ache is still there, raw and dangerous, reminding me why it’s better to keep everyone at a distance.

I turned around to see Michael talking to her. The growl came low, almost like my body wasn’t listening to me.

" Told you," Han said. "You keep fighting it."

Michael? I shouted, then he turned and bolted, coming towards me.

You could’ve at least said thank you, Michael said, but don’t worry, I smoothed things over.

Didn’t need to do that; I can handle myself.

No need to be arrogant, she’s just an innocent girl.

I allow Michael to talk to me like that because he is my best friend forever, and he is more than that, like a brother. I rely on him for many things.

Diane, my baby girl, why did you do that? I ignored Michael's comments.

My mommy left me, she said

Your mom had an accident. We will talk about this later. Next time, ask Michael or me if you want to do something.

Daddy, Adira is nice, but you didn’t say thank you.

Great, now my daughter is scolding me too.

Go and get her back, Han said

Leave me alone, I will not. But her scent was all over me, and I couldn’t get her beautiful face out of my mind.