Chapter 18

I woke up slowly, feeling warmer and more comfortable than I had in ages. As my eyes fluttered open, I found myself staring directly at Kieran's face, just inches from mine. He was still asleep, his features softer somehow, almost peaceful. His arm was wrapped tightly around my waist, his muscled chest pressed against me.

My heart did a little flip in my chest. We'd slept together all night. Me and the Alpha King.

Carefully, I tried to extract myself from his grip, but his arm instantly tightened around me.

"Where are you going?" he murmured, his voice husky with sleep. His eyes opened, those amber irises fixing on me with surprising intensity for someone who'd just woken up.

I didn't answer, just pushed more firmly against his chest until he loosened his hold enough for me to slip away. I hurried to the bathroom, shutting the door behind me and leaning against it.

My reflection in the mirror looked different—cheeks flushed, eyes bright, hair a tangled mess from sleeping with it wet. I splashed cold water on my face, trying to gather my thoughts. Today was the day I'd confront Kieran about his behavior. I wouldn't let him keep jerking me around emotionally.

After brushing my teeth with a spare toothbrush I found in the drawer, I took a deep breath and opened the door, ready for the argument I was sure would come.

But Kieran wasn't yelling or pounding on the door like I'd half-expected. He was sitting on the edge of the bed, watching the bathroom door with an intensity that made my stomach flutter. Something in his eyes—raw and hungry—made me stop in my tracks.

He stood in one fluid motion and crossed the room to me. Before I could say anything, he wrapped his arms around me, pulling me against his chest. He buried his face in my neck, inhaling deeply.

My body tensed. Was he going to mark me? Every werewolf knew that marking was permanent—a bite that would bind us together forever. I wasn't ready for that. Not yet.

But Kieran just held me, his lips brushing against my neck without biting down.

"You have no idea how much patience I'm showing," he whispered against my skin, his voice almost childlike in its neediness. "Most Alpha males would have marked their mates instantly, claimed them completely." His arms tightened around me. "Every instinct in my body is screaming at me to bite you, to make you mine forever so no one can take you away."

I swallowed hard, not knowing how to respond.

"But I'm restraining myself," he continued, his breath hot against my ear. "Because I want you to come to me willingly. I don't want to force this on you, even though my wolf is going crazy inside me."

Something about his confession touched me. He was trying—in his own way—to respect my boundaries.

"I'm going to get us some breakfast," he said after a moment, releasing me reluctantly. He brushed a strand of hair from my face, his fingers lingering on my cheek. "Stay here. I'll bring it back."

"I'll come with you," I said, finding my voice at last. "I want to see the rest of the cabin anyway."

Kieran hesitated, then nodded. He took my hand as we walked downstairs, his fingers warm around mine.

The kitchen was spacious and modern, with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. But what caught my attention was Maya and Damon by the refrigerator. She was sitting on the counter with her legs wrapped around his waist, while he stood between them, their foreheads touching as they whispered and giggled together.

"Are you two planning to make a baby in my kitchen?" Kieran asked dryly.

They jumped apart, Maya's face turning bright red when she saw us.

"Lena!" She hopped off the counter and rushed to hug me. "Are you okay? I was worried about you all night."

"I'm fine," I said, hugging her back. I shot a glance at Kieran, who was rummaging through the refrigerator. "We still have some things to talk about, but I'm okay."

Maya squeezed my hands. "Good. Because we have a big night ahead of us."

My stomach dropped. "What do you mean?"

"The mating dinner," Damon explained, coming to stand beside Maya. "It's tradition. All the new mates wear the colors and symbols of their Alpha's pack to show they've been accepted."

"It's a huge deal," Maya added. "Everyone will be there. All the Alphas and their packs."

I felt my anxiety rising. "And what exactly am I supposed to wear to this... dinner?"

"Don't worry," Kieran said, placing a plate of food on the table—eggs, bacon, and toast. "I've had appropriate clothing prepared for you."

Of course he had. Part of me was annoyed at his presumption, but another part was secretly relieved I wouldn't have to figure it out myself.

"Speaking of which," Maya said, "we should start getting ready soon. These things take time." She grabbed an apple from the fruit bowl. "I'll come back in an hour to help you, okay?"

After they left, I sat down at the table across from Kieran. He watched me as I ate, his eyes never leaving my face.

"You're nervous about tonight," he said. It wasn't a question.

I nodded, swallowing a bite of toast. "I don't know what to expect. Or what's expected of me."

"Just be yourself," he said simply. "That's all I want."

I almost laughed. "Really? Because sometimes it seems like you don't want me around at all."

A shadow crossed his face. "I know I've been... difficult. Being an Alpha means constantly putting the pack first. It's what I've done my entire adult life." He reached across the table and took my hand. "But I'm trying, Lena. For you."

His touch sent a jolt through me. I wanted to believe him, but part of me still held back, afraid of being hurt again.

As I finished my breakfast, I couldn't help wondering what the dinner would be like. Would Kieran proudly introduce me as his mate, his Luna? Or would he keep his distance again, leaving me alone and confused?

My wolf paced anxiously inside me. Tonight would be my official introduction to pack life—to Kieran's world. Everything would change.

I just hoped I was ready for it.