Marco's POV
I watched Matilda flee the room, her face burning with embarrassment. My wolf growled in frustration. I wanted to go after her, to pull her back and tell her there was nothing to be embarrassed about,but I forced myself to stay put.
Darius crossed his arms, his smirk only growing. "That was interesting."
I shot him a glare. "Not a word."
He chuckled. "I wasn't going to say anything. Well, except maybe,you scared her off."
I exhaled sharply, dragging a hand through my hair. "What the hell was so important that you had to interrupt?" I turned my attention to the warrior who still looked nervous under my gaze.
The man straightened. "Alpha, we have a problem. Rogues were spotted near the southern border again. This time, they didn't attack, but they were watching. Studying us."
My expression hardened. "How many?"
"Five that we could see, but there could be more."
Darius's smirk faded, his posture shifting into something more serious. "They're testing us."
I nodded. "And we can't let them think we're weak." My mind was already working through the possible strategies. "Send more patrols to the area. Double the guard tonight."
"Yes, Alpha." The warrior bowed his head before hurrying off to carry out my orders.
Darius watched me carefully. "You're worried."
I clenched my jaw. "I don't like how bold they're getting. It's not random attacks anymore. They have a plan."
"And you think someone is behind it?"
I didn't answer right away. Instead, my eyes flickered toward the door Matilda had run through.
She was my mate. My responsibility.
I had to keep her safe,no matter what.
"Find out everything you can," I ordered. "And make sure the Luna is always protected."
Darius nodded. "Understood." Then, after a pause, he smirked again. "And Marco?"
I sighed. "What now?"
"She likes you."
I shot him a look. "Shut up, Darius."
He only laughed as he walked out, leaving me standing there, my mind split between my mate and the growing threat outside our borders.
I exhaled slowly, trying to push aside my frustration. Matilda had run off, embarrassed. I didn't like that. I wanted her to be comfortable with me, to trust me. But I knew I couldn't rush her.
For now, I needed to focus on handling the rogues.
I left the office, my mind already running through defense strategies. As I walked down the corridor, warriors bowed their heads in respect. I barely acknowledged them, my thoughts preoccupied.
Then, as I passed one of the open halls that led to the gardens, I caught sight of her.
Matilda.
She stood near a flowerbed, arms wrapped around herself, her expression troubled. The sight of her made my chest tighten.
Without a second thought, I changed course.
She didn't hear me approach, too lost in whatever thoughts were plaguing her. I stopped a few feet away, watching her for a moment before speaking.
"You ran."
She jumped slightly, turning to face me. "I didn't run."
I arched a brow. "You definitely ran."
She pressed her lips together, her cheeks still slightly pink from earlier. "It was just… unexpected."
I took a slow step closer. "And was it bad?"
She looked away. "I don't know."
I reached out, gently tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "You don't know. or you're scared to know?"
Her breath hitched. I didn't push further, just let my fingers trail lightly along her jaw before pulling back.
"I won't force you into anything, little one," I murmured. "But you are mine. And I'll wait for you to accept that."
She swallowed, her eyes searching mine like she wanted to say something,but she didn't. Instead, she simply nodded.
I didn't let go of her hand as I stood, gently pulling her up with me. She hesitated, her eyes searching mine like she was trying to figure out what I was thinking.
"Come," I said, my voice softer than usual. "Dinner is served."
She blinked, as if just realizing how long she'd been in her room. Then, slowly, she nodded.
I led her out of the room, keeping her close by my side as we walked toward the dining hall. The lingering embarrassment was still there in the way she avoided looking at me directly, but she wasn't pulling away. That was a good sign.
As we entered the dining hall, conversations quieted for a brief moment before resuming. Warriors and pack members were gathered, but my focus remained on Matilda.
I guided her to her seat beside mine at the long table. As she sat, Elera gave her a reassuring smile from across the table, while Ana leaned in with a knowing smirk.
"You look… flushed," Ana whispered teasingly.
Matilda's face turned even redder, and I had to suppress a smirk.
Darius, of course, noticed and nudged my shoulder as he sat beside me. "Everything good?" he asked, though I could hear the amusement in his voice.
I shot him a warning look, and he chuckled, turning his attention to his plate.
Dinner was served, the scents of roasted meat and fresh bread filling the air. Matilda picked at her food at first, but eventually, she started eating. I kept a watchful eye on her, making sure she was comfortable.
Halfway through the meal, she finally glanced at me, her voice hesitant. "You're staring."
I raised a brow. "I like looking at you."
She fumbled with her fork, quickly looking back down at her plate.
Ana stifled a laugh, and Darius muttered, "She'll never get used to you."
I smirked, enjoying the way Matilda was slowly,whether she realized it or not,becoming more and more mine.
The rest of dinner passed with quiet conversations and the occasional glance from Matilda that she thought I didn't notice. But I did. Every time her eyes flicked to me, only to quickly look away when she realized I caught her, my wolf rumbled in satisfaction.
She was aware of me ,good.
When the meal ended, pack members began excusing themselves one by one. Darius leaned back in his chair, watching me with a smirk. "So, are you taking Matilda back to her room, or are you keeping her by your side tonight?"
Matilda choked on her drink, her eyes going wide as she turned to Darius. "What?"
He just grinned. "Relax, little Luna. It was just a question."
I shot Darius a glare, but he only chuckled before standing. "I'll check in on the guards. Don't keep her up too late."
Matilda was still flustered as she stood from her chair, smoothing out her dress. I rose as well, towering over her.
"Come," I said, offering my hand.
She hesitated for a second before placing her smaller hand in mine. That simple action made something inside me settle. It wasn't much, but it was a start.
I led her out of the dining hall, guiding her through the dimly lit corridors. The castle was quiet now, most pack members retreating to their quarters or patrols.
When we reached her room, she turned to me, hesitating. "Thank you," she said softly.
"For what?"
"For… dinner. And for showing me more about your world today."
I reached out, tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear. "You are my world, little one."
Her breath hitched, and for a moment, she didn't move. My wolf pushed me to close the distance, to claim her lips again as she had done earlier in the garden. But I didn't.
Not yet.
Instead, I let my fingers trail down her arm before releasing her hand. "Rest," I murmured. "I'll see you in the morning."
She nodded quickly before slipping inside, closing the door behind her.
I exhaled, clenching my fists as I turned away.
Patience.
She was already mine. It was only a matter of time before she realized it too.