Marco's POV
The ride back to my world felt longer than usual, every second stretching as Matilda clung to me, her body trembling even in my arms. I didn't let go of her. Not once.
When we arrived at the pack house, I carried her inside without hesitation. She didn't protest, just buried her face into my chest as if the scent of me was the only thing keeping her from shattering completely.
Darius was already waiting at the entrance, his sharp gaze scanning Matilda before settling on me, filled with both concern and curiosity. He wanted answers. But right now, she came first.
I took her straight to her room, stepping inside and shutting the door behind me. Only then did I set her down gently on the bed.
She didn't move away. Instead, she curled up beside me, her small frame pressing against mine like she was afraid I'd disappear.
I ran my fingers through her hair, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. "It's okay, Matilda. You're safe."
If only she knew.
She had nothing to worry about.
I had already given the order to my warrior to track her uncle down as we spoke. He wouldn't get far. And once he brought him to me.
I smirked darkly.
I was going to break him.
In no time, Matilda fell asleep, her breathing evening out as she clung to my shirt. I stayed for a moment, watching her peaceful face, my fingers tracing small circles on her back. She had been through enough tonight. But it wasn't over. Not yet.
Silently, I eased out of her hold, making sure she was tucked in properly before leaving the room. As soon as I stepped into the hallway, Darius was there, arms crossed, eyes sharp with expectation.
"What happened?" he demanded the moment I entered my office.
I sat down in my chair, leaning back with a sigh before I told him everything Matilda's uncle, the fear in her eyes, her past, and how she instinctively moved toward that bastard like she had no choice. The rage I felt earlier simmered again beneath my skin.
Darius's jaw clenched. "And? Did we get him?"
I smirked coldly. "Of course. My warrior already have him locked in the dungeon." I leaned forward, my fingers drumming against the desk. My wolf growled in approval, bloodlust flickering beneath the surface.
"Nobody threatens my queen and lives to talk about it."
Darius smirked, his wolf flashing through his eyes. "So, what's the plan?"
I leaned back, cracking my knuckles. "He's in my territory now. He doesn't get to walk out." My voice was low, dangerous. "I want him to feel everything he made Matilda feel. The fear, the helplessness… and then I'll decide if he even deserves a quick death."
Darius nodded. "I'll have the guards keep him weak. No food. No water. Just enough to keep him alive until you're ready."
"Good." My wolf growled in satisfaction. "I want to see him first thing in the morning."
Darius turned to leave but paused. "And Matilda? What are you going to tell her?"
I exhaled sharply, running a hand through my hair. "She doesn't need to know. Not yet."
"She'll ask."
"I'll handle it," I said firmly. "She's been through enough for one night."
Darius nodded and left. I sat there for a long time, thinking about how Matilda had clung to me, how she cried in my arms. That bastard had broken her spirit once, but he wouldn't get the chance again.
With that thought, I stood up and walked back to her room. I needed to be close. To make sure she felt safe.
Because whether she accepted it yet or not she was mine. And I would protect her with everything I had.
I stood outside Matilda's door for a moment, listening to the soft, steady sound of her breathing. She was asleep, but even in rest, she was curled up tightly like she was still bracing for something.
It made my blood boil.
I pushed the door open quietly and stepped inside. The moonlight spilled through the curtains, casting a soft glow over her. She looked so small, so fragile, but I knew there was strength in her. She had survived that bastard for years.
I sat in the chair beside the bed, watching her, guarding her. My wolf rumbled in contentment just being near her, but there was also a possessive growl underneat,one that demanded justice.
She stirred slightly, her brows furrowing. A soft whimper escaped her lips.
"Shh, little one," I murmured, reaching out to brush my fingers against her cheek. She relaxed instantly, as if my touch reassured her even in sleep.
I sighed and leaned back, knowing I wouldn't leave her side tonight. Not while she still felt unsafe.
Tomorrow, I would deal with her uncle.
Tomorrow, he would understand what it meant to cross me.
Matilda stirred, her lashes fluttering before her eyes slowly opened. She looked around for a moment, as if trying to remember where she was, then her gaze settled on me.
She exhaled softly, her body visibly relaxing. I decided to lighten the mood. "You know, you drool in your sleep," I teased, smirking.
Her eyes widened. "I do not!"
I chuckled, leaning in slightly. "I have proof."
She huffed, crossing her arms, but I caught the small twitch at the corner of her lips. Good. I wanted to see her smile, not that haunted look from earlier.
Just then, a maid entered, carrying a tray of food. "Luna, Alpha," she greeted with a bow before setting the food down.
Matilda shook her head. "I'm not hungry."
I narrowed my eyes. "You need to eat."
"I don't feel like"
"Eat, Matilda." My voice was firm but gentle.
She let out a small sigh but picked up the spoon. I watched as she hesitantly took a bite, then another. Satisfied, I leaned back, content that she was at least getting something in her system.
When she was finished, I set the tray aside and pulled her close. She didn't resist, resting against me easily. Her warmth, her scent—it calmed something deep inside me.
As we sat there in silence, our eyes met. The world around us seemed to fade, leaving only her, only this moment.
Then, as if drawn by an unseen force, she leaned in.
Our lips met, soft at first tentative. But then, instinct took over. I deepened the kiss, tilting her head to claim her fully. She tasted sweet, intoxicating, and I wanted more.
I took charge, dominating her mouth, guiding her with slow, deliberate strokes of my tongue. The air grew thick, charged with something undeniable.
Then she moaned.
The sound was soft, but it echoed through me like a spark to dry wood.
She stiffened immediately, eyes wide with shock at the noise that had just escaped her.
I pulled back slightly, smirking as I brushed my thumb over her swollen lips. "Don't be shy, little one." My voice was husky, rough with restraint.
Her cheeks flushed deep red, and she quickly buried her face in my chest.
I chuckled, wrapping my arms around her tightly. "Get used to it," I murmured into her hair. "Because that was just the beginning."
Holding her like this, feeling her warmth against me, was something I never knew I needed. Her scent was soothing, yet it ignited something primal within me. My wolf was pacing inside, satisfied but restless, craving more of her more of what was ours.
Matilda's breathing was uneven, her body still tense from the kiss. I smirked, rubbing slow circles on her back. "Relax, little one."
She peeked up at me, her cheeks still flushed. "I—I should go to bed," she whispered, voice unsteady.
I tightened my hold slightly, unwilling to let her go just yet. "Stay a little longer," I murmured. "Just let me hold you."
She hesitated but eventually settled against me, her fingers gripping my shirt lightly. I could feel her heartbeat slowing, her body finally relaxing into mine.
My wolf purred in satisfaction. Good. She's accepting us.
I pressed a kiss to the top of her head. "You're safe, Matilda. No one will ever hurt you again."
She didn't respond, but the way she curled closer to me said everything.
We stayed like that for a long while, the quiet of the room wrapping around us. I should have pulled away, should have let her go rest properly but I didn't want to.
Finally, when her breathing evened out, I shifted, cradling her face gently. "Sleep, little one. I'll be here."
She nodded sleepily, her eyelids heavy.
Carefully, I lifted her and carried her to bed, tucking her in. As I stepped back, she reached for my hand.
"Stay?" she mumbled.
My chest tightened at the small, hesitant request.
I brushed my fingers over her cheek and nodded. "Always."
Settling into the chair beside her, I watched as she drifted off, my wolf standing guard even in her sleep.
Whoever tried to take her from me,her uncle, rogues, anyone would suffer.
Because Matilda Anderson was mine.
And I would protect what was mine.