It's complicated

Adira’s POV

After my shower, I put on the lace bra and panties.

He bought it for me before the wedding. I touched the delicate lace, feeling a wave of nerves in my stomach. I felt exposed and unsure, my heart racing with anticipation. Would he like it?

I put on my bathrobe and walked into the bedroom.

Magnus was on the phone, shouting. When he saw me, he lowered his voice. I let the bathrobe drop. Magnus froze, hung up, and crossed the room in two strides.

"It looks amazing on you. My beautiful Luna," he whispered, kissing my neck.

"Magnus," I said, "what do you want?"

"I want you," he said, picking me up and pressing me against the wall. His kisses grew desperate, and his hands gripped me tightly. Magnus growled as he lifted me easily, my legs wrapping around his waist. I could feel his animal need.

When he pulled away, breathless, he rested his head on my forehead. It felt like he was struggling to hold himself back.

"Magnus?" I whispered. "Why did you stop?"

He chuckled. "I didn’t mean to be so rough," he said, then carried me to the bed, tossed his clothes onto the floor.

"Hmm, I don’t even know where to start..."

"Magnus," I said, giggling. He kissed me softly at first, then with a possessive, heated passion.

Magnus’s POV

She’s trying to please me, and she looks so sexy and adorable. Han, behave. I started to kiss, and my animal part just naturally came out, my hands holding her hard. I wanted her.

Then I pulled back. Keep control, I told myself. There’s no way I would hurt her.

Where should I start?

Her body was so beautiful, perfect in all places; her scent was arousing me. Well, seeing her there like fragile prey may have aroused me more. I kissed her softly, as I tried to control the beast in me.

My lips moved lower, down her thigh and to her most sensitive spot, making her moan and squirm. I thought, I’m going to lose my mind.

I felt the low rumble of my wolf, Han, in my mind. Since his first shift, Han had always been a voice I could hear, a presence that came through as clear thoughts and urges no one else sensed. Our connection was private and constant, a running conversation in my head that no one else could hear.

"Mate," Han said, "tell her." Beautiful mate.

Shut up, I have to be gentle. Until she gets her wolf, behave. I almost lost control.

"Mate," his wolf whispered. Her scent was intoxicating for both of us.

"Magnus," she said sleepily, "are you happy?"

"Of course. Or do you not remember me from before?"

She chuckled. "The grumpy Magnus?"

"Grumpy? Oh yeah," I said, pulling her on top of me. I couldn’t help touching her cute backside.

"I feel like you’re not enjoying yourself..."

"You feel that? Tell me more," he asked, confused.

"Well, it’s just a feeling. I can’t really explain it."

How is that possible? I know we bonded when her wolf came out, but she was asleep, I thought.

Should I tell her? No, I’m scared. What if she pulls away from me? What if it hurts her, or she thinks I’m too much, too intense, too bonded? The thought of losing her, or seeing doubt or fear in her eyes, made my chest tighten. I wanted to protect her, not burden her with more than she was ready for.

"Tell her," Han said.

"No, not yet."

"Magnus, are you talking to your wolf?"

"Yeah, I do. Why?"

"What does he say about me?"

"He loves you. I love you...

"You’re so cute when you say that," Adira told me as her head rested on my chest and she drifted off to sleep. I ran my fingers through her hair, fighting the urge to hold her tighter and never let her go. She’s so sweet, I thought, and I’m not okay with her leaving for her pack.

Every part of me wanted to keep her close, to make sure no one could take her away. But seeing her so peaceful, knowing how much her pack meant to her, I forced myself to let her go because it made her happy. The push and pull tore at me, longing mixed with fierce love, making me want to give her freedom even though it hurt. I hated the emptiness I already felt at the thought of her leaving, but I loved her enough to let her go.

I touched her softly and closed my eyes, savoring the intimacy and calm of the moment.

I woke up to my wolf thrashing inside me.

Mate, mate, he shouted.

I opened my eyes and saw that her wolf had appeared again.

Save her, danger, save her. Han got loose. The wolves stared at each other. Han nuzzled her wolf, and she closed her eyes.

Adira was moaning. What’s happening? Should I wake her up?

Get back in. But he wasn’t listening. Adira reached for my face. I closed my eyes for a few seconds.

"Han, get back now. You’re making me angry."

Mate, he whispered, mate. But he listened and got back in.

Adira sighed, making a disappointed noise. She sleeps all over the bed, I thought, chuckling.

I moved her next to me. Her wolf returned, and I stood there in the dark thinking of the words. “ Save her. “

"From what? Where?"

I took her into my arms. I won’t lose her. I’m so conflicted.

Woke up feeling grumpy. I didn’t want her to leave, and it felt like a pain in my chest.

"Adira," I started, but I couldn’t bring myself to say more when I saw her smile and her bright eyes looking into mine.

"Call me when you get there. I gave you four guards."

"Magnus, I’m nobody. My pack is safe, and Dad is the Beta."

You are the Luna of this pack, you are mine. Never say that again.

"I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to insult you, Magnus," she said, hugging my waist.

Why do I feel so awful? I thought. Half a day. She’ll be back by sundown.

I kissed her several times before finally letting go.

I paced for the first hour and couldn’t concentrate. Michael walked in several times, and I dismissed him each time. Then I sat at my desk, trying to bury myself in work.

Two more hours, I thought. I even set a timer. I sounded like a creep, an obsessed man, and I laughed at myself.

Suddenly, I felt pain burning inside me. I jumped to my feet and, with shaky hands, dialed her number.

"Adira!" I heard many voices shouting in the background.

No, I thought. No, no... Adira... I was shouting into the phone.

Michael walked in, and his face said it all.

Her pack was attacked. Rumors spread that the rival Bloodfang pack, jealous of their growing strength and alliance with Magnus, had crossed the border for revenge. They took Adira prisoner as leverage, leaving devastation behind. Her father and mother were dead. dead.

I felt like I was sinking in quicksand. I couldn’t breathe, and I bent over, holding onto the wall.

"They’re... hurting... her..." I said, dropping to the floor.

Michael stared at me.

"You lied to me," Michael said, arms crossed. "You bonded."

"It’s complicated. How much time has passed?"

"Ten minutes." "The pack is waiting." I walked outside and howled.

My Luna was taken. I laid out the map and pointed, giving directions to the north, where she’s most likely being held.

"May I join the search?" a voice said behind me. Then ten more spoke up.

I turned to see the rogues, led by Brent.

"Thank you."

My phone rang. Alpha, the trail is cold. The first team that Michael sent responded. Followed the tracks north.

I held my head, struggling to steady my breathing as panic threatened to take over. Pain throbbed through the bond; Adira was hurt, and every part of me screamed to reach her. But beneath the fear, determination grew inside me. I wouldn’t let anything stand in my way. No distance, no enemies, no fear could keep me from her. Gritting my teeth, I squared my shoulders.

"I’m coming to save you, Adira," I whispered. I will tear apart anyone who touched you.