Zahra's POVAiden leads me into the main cabin, and I take in the wide hallway with double doors on either side. The doors on the left open into what looks like a lounge and games room, while Aiden swings open the doors on the right to reveal a large cafeteria. The space is bright and bustling, with a food service bar along one wall and rows of tables filling the rest of the room.There’s a line of people waiting at the counter, and several omegas are busy serving food and restocking dishes. The smell of grilled meat, spicy sauces, and freshly baked bread hits me like a freight train, and my stomach growls loudly in response.Unfortunately, the moment we walk in, all eyes turn to us. I can feel the weight of their stares, and Tobias’s team closes ranks slightly around me. Their protective instincts are obvious, but I don’t need to be coddled. I’m perfectly capab
Tobias's POVAfter a hasty breakfast in the residence dining room, I kiss my mother and sister on the cheek and head out, Felix close behind me. Neither of us speaks, which is one of the rare things I appreciate about my brother. When it’s just the two of us, he doesn’t feel the need to fill the silence. We climb into one of the jeeps, and I drive us down to the camp base. Felix looks like a kid on his way to a carnival, clearly eager to mingle with the young teams.When we arrive, several groups are scattered around the grounds. Some are eating breakfast at the picnic tables, while others are inside, likely fuelling up or prepping for the day. I spot most of my unit already gathered, talking with Shadow Pack’s future Alpha, Lincoln Grey, and another wolf I don’t recognize. From his scent, though, it’s clear he’s a Beta.I don’t know Lincoln well, and I prefer to keep it that way. His father, Alpha Grey, is a snake. I’ve spent years steering clear of the Shadow Pack and avoiding anyth
Tobias's POVThankfully, Mother steps in to save the day. “Behave, Felix!” she scolds before wrapping Zahra in a warm hug and kissing her cheek. “Zahra, dear, it’s such a pleasure to see you again.”Goddess, if this is how she’s acting now, what’s she going to be like when she knows Zahra’s my mate? She’ll probably suffocate her. But Zahra looks a little more at ease, and I’m grateful for that as she steps back and says, “Thank you. It’s nice to see you too.”Mum’s in full mother-hen mode now. “How have you been? How was graduation?”Zahra’s voice sounds steadier as she answers. “Well, thanks. Graduation was good… though my two surprise guests almost made me fall flat on my face.” She glances at me with a grin, and I can’t help
Tobias's POVAfter a few more minutes of conversation with Dad about work, I head to my own office down the hall. The rest of the afternoon is a blur of emails, and reports, but I can’t stop my mind from drifting to Zahra. What is she up to right now? Is she settling in well?By six, I’m back at the residence to shower and change for dinner. I catch myself putting extra care into my appearance tonight, which is ridiculous. It’s not even a formal dinner, just a semi-formal welcome meal for Zahra that Mum decided to organize. Still, I pull on a pair of navy dress pants and a crisp white Oxford shirt. Rolling the sleeves back a few turns, I make the look feel less stiff. I hate feeling overly formal at home.Heading down to the main dining room on the ground floor of our wing, I’m greeted by the rest of the team. Everyone’s here except for the Beta family and
Tobias's POVI head downstairs to the first floor and cross to the East Wing, where Dad’s official office is located. This space is the command centre of the palace and the heart of the kingdom’s operations. While Dad has a private study in our residence, this is where he does most of his "kinging".Passing the receptionist’s desk, I nod in acknowledgment as she bows slightly. I stop in front of the heavy oak doors and knock.There’s a brief pause before I hear his familiar voice. “Come in.”Pushing the door open, I find Dad scowling at his computer screen, the tension in his shoulders clear. His irritation is palpable, and I tread carefully.“What’s up, Father?” I ask, taking a seat in one of the leather chairs in front of his desk. Whatever’s bothering him, it looks serious.He glances up, his expression softening as he leans back. “Nothing new. Just reviewing the latest report on rogue activity.” He lets out a heavy sigh, rubbing a hand over his face. “It’s frustrating. We still ha
Tobias's POVSpending four hours alone in the car with Zahra has been one of the best experiences of my life. I debated whether to bring the chauffeur, have Nicholas drive us, or follow my security detail’s preference to ride in the same vehicle as some of them. In the end, I decided this was worth the logistical headaches, and I was right. Watching Zahra relax, seeing her open up in a way I’ve never seen before, has been incredible. Her laugh, her stories, and the way her face lights up when she’s passionate about something are addictive.Driving up the winding road to the castle, I steal a glance at her and see the wonder etched on her face as the castle comes into view. Her eyes widen, her lips part slightly, and the corners of her mouth tug into a smile that makes my chest tighten. Watching her take it all in, knowing she likes my home, fills me with a deep satisfaction. I can’t wait for the day I drive her up this same road when she knows it’s her home too.Her amazement only gro