Chapter 9

*Orion*

"She is Bruno's daughter?" I asked, needing confirmation as I had not expected that.

 "Yes," Shane replied, a hint of surprise in his tone. "She is quite the opposite of what I imagined. She is beautiful, charming… truly captivating."

 "Anymore words from you," I growled, my wolf stirring inside me, protective and restless, "and I will send your body back to the palace!"

 "I'm sorry, Alpha," he stammered, bowing slightly.

 "But why are you so interested in that lady?" I asked sharply. "Since I have known you, you have never shown interest in any other girl."

 I trusted Shane; he would press further. I took a deep breath and said, "She is mine." My wolf purred happily inside me at the statement.

 "Like… your mate?!" Shane exclaimed, jumping in front of me in disbelief — something he never did under normal circumstances. "This is a miracle!"

 "You are dismissed," I said, not wanting any more conversation with him. He could be troublesome. "And keep this between us," I added before he left, laughing hysterically. The thought of palace gossip reaching Hazel made me frown. I could not risk her being caught in such chaos.

 I do not know what to do with her. I want her close, beside me, every second. I have not even spoken to her, yet I am already intensely protective. The mate bond is a powerful thing; it pulls at you, commands you, and I feel its weight fully. I regret ever giving up on searching for her.

 Her scent lured me to her window. I could not resist it, my eyes glued to her form. She was there, smiling in a white silk nightgown, appearing calm and almost playful. My gaze roamed over her body, appreciating every curve, every line. Her legs were smooth and elegant, perfectly balanced in form — so sexy, impossible to ignore. My body betrayed me; I could feel the tension in my briefs grow as desire coursed through me.

 Her silk nightgown clung delicately to her, revealing more than it should, and my gaze involuntarily settled on her chest. The thought of marking her, claiming her, consumed me — I wanted her completely, to feel her respond to me, to hear her moans while I made her mine.

 Suddenly, our eyes met. My breath caught in my chest. I had not expected her to notice me. She did not lower her gaze, and neither did I. The intensity of that silent confrontation rooted me to the spot.

 Then I heard her scream. I bolted to her room, instincts taking over, not even thinking about the route.

 "What happened?" I demanded, rushing in, my eyes landing on her leg, red from hot water.

 "My lady accidentally poured hot water while making tea," Bella explained nervously. She looked distracted, probably because of me.

 "And what are you doing, not making it for her?" I asked sharply, trying to suppress the alpha’s tone — my natural authority always surfacing.

 "You… shouldn't blame Bella. I insisted on doing it myself," Hazel said softly, her voice melting something inside me immediately.

 I bent down to clean the wound myself. "Get me the disinfectant and some wool," I ordered, though gently. To be fair, I was partially at fault. My staring had distracted her, causing the accident in the first place.

 I applied the ointment carefully, making sure she felt minimal discomfort. "Ouch…" she moaned softly despite trying to remain silent.

 "I'm sorry," I whispered, my hands gentle, trying not to let her feel any pain. I could have healed her instantly with my blood, but I did not want her to overthink it or be overwhelmed by the display of my power. She needed to trust the process, to feel normal despite the danger and the intensity surrounding her.

 When I finally stepped back, her wound fully treated, I left the room quietly, my heart still racing. My thoughts lingered on her — my mate, my desire, my responsibility — and I knew, without a doubt, that nothing would ever be the same again.