ログインDarien
I stood at the window of the meeting room, staring out at the snow-covered landscape without really seeing it. We had chosen a neutral area to meet at so that one side didn’t feel uncomfortable. My chest ached with a hollow emptiness that made it hard to breathe. The mate bond that was once so strong was now stretched thin, barely more than a whisper now.
But it was still t
DarienI couldn't stop smiling.Here I was, the Lycan King, sitting in my office reviewing intelligence reports about potential Raven Witch sightings, and I was grinning like a fool.But I couldn't help it.Leah sat across from me at my desk, her hair falling forward as she read through the documents I'd given her. Historical records about the Lycan Kingdom, our customs, our laws. Information she'd need as my mate, as my queen.The thought made my chest swell with pride. My mate. My queen. She was mine.I stretched my leg under the desk, letting my foot brush against hers. She glanced up, catching me watching her, and a smile curved her lips. She didn't pull away. Instead, she hooked her ankle around mine, the playful gesture making warmth flood through me.This was everything. This quiet domesticity, this easy companionship. Working side by side, touching without thinking, existing in the same space with perfect contentment.I'd known waiting for my fated mate was the right choice. H
Chapter 38LeahThe warm water had washed away the remnants of our night together, but nothing could wash away the contentment that had settled deep in my bones. Darien wrapped a towel around me, his movements gentle and reverent as he dried me off.I closed my eyes, reaching inward for Andromeda. She was still dormant, still silent. But there was something different now. A sense of peace, of satisfaction, emanating from where she slept. Like she was content to rest while I experienced this happiness. I think she knew our plan was for him not to mark me and she was afraid unmarked I might run again. The fastest way to end the heat is to be marked. It wasn’t the plan we had in mind but I think both Darien and I were happy about it. We were both content … happy. Too hell with the Raven Witch. Darien was mine now and I wasn’t about to lose him to anyone. No one would steal this happiness from me.“What are you thinking about?” Darien asked softly, the towel moving across my shoulders.“
LeahDarien lifted me effortlessly, carrying me toward the massive bed. The heat still pulsed through me, demanding and insistent, but I fought to keep control. I wanted this to be special. Wanted to remember every moment clearly, not be lost in a haze of instinct.He set me down gently at the edge of the bed, then gave me the most endearing, shy look I’d ever seen on his face.“I should probably tell you,” he said, his voice rough, “not to judge me too harshly. I’ve never done this before."My heart swelled. “I haven’t either. Shane never touched me like that.”Relief and something hotter flashed in his silver eyes. He cupped my cheeks, his thumbs
DarienThe moment I stepped into the hallway, my feral nature roared to the surface.Mine. Claim. Mate. MINE.The beast inside me was taking over. It consumed me, filling every thought with primal need. Leah’s scent called to me through the door, sweet and intoxicating and made infinitely more potent by her heat.I pressed my back against the wall, my claws digging into the side. Every instinct screamed at me to go back in there. To claim what was mine. To complete the bond that had been pulling at us.My mate was in pain. In need. And I was standing out here doing nothing. Because I couldn’t.No. I gritted my teeth, forcing my lycan back. Not like this. Not when she couldn’t think cl
LeahAfter dinner, Darien led me through the compound to his quarters. Our quarters now, I supposed. The weight of that realization settled over me as he opened the door. “This is our room, so feel free to change anything and everything to your liking.” I turned to face him, and he must have seen something in my expression because he crossed to me immediately, taking my hands in his.“Leah.” His voice was gentle. “We don’t have to do anything tonight. Or tomorrow. Or any night until you’re ready. There’s no pressure. No expectations. I just want you by my side. The rest will come when you are ready."My heart swelled at his words, at the sincerity in his eyes. But that’s when the doubts crept in. The ones I’d been pushing down all evening. The ones I promised myself that I would fight.This was too perfect. Too good to be true. The Lycan King was my mate, and he was looking at me like I was his everything. It was everything I wanted. I was waiting for the ball to drop.Time’s up, Le
LeahThe flight was smooth but felt eternal. I watched the clouds pass outside the window, my mind racing with everything that had happened.From leaving my home to finding out I was an Asena wolf with a Lycan King as my mate, and there being a spirit parasite in my sister's dead body, sent by an ancient titan who wanted to claim me.Life had a strange sense of humor."What are you thinking about?" Darien's thumb traced circles on the back of my hand."How much has changed." I looked at him. "How different everything is now.""Better or worse?" For a moment, his eyes took on a vulnerable look.I smiled. "Better. Infinitely better."







