Another Summons

Richard’s POV:

I clenched and unclenched my hands, feeling the strain and slight ache that was a normality for me after finishing all the paperwork on my desk.

It was already three hours - wait, actually four hours, I amended after a glance at the clock - since I had spoken with Arielle. The sun was already leaving orange, pink and red hues in the sky, as it was setting, giving way for the moon to shine bright. I noted absently that the night of the full moon was only three days from now - and that was why there was just so much paperwork to get done. Too many logistics, and we would be inviting delegates of the neighboring packs as well, just like last time.

Standing up from the chair I had been sat on for hours now, I raised my arms over my head and stretched.

It was relieving; physically I was fine.

Mentally, however…

I still had to admit that the fact that my own mate didn’t want me to mark her despite our impending bonding ceremony smarted like a bitch. It was a war I couldn’t wi