I wasn't really paying attention to where my mate was taking us, as my body was hyperaware of how his body was pressed against mine. Even though I wasn't the one running or walking, my breathing was labored, coming in short, needy pants as if I'd been sprinting for miles. My body had become a lightning rod, hyper-receptive to the smallest shifts in his. I felt the exact moment his heart rate spiked, a frantic drumming against his ribs that mirrored my own shallow, panting breaths. Every time he adjusted his grip, I felt the coil and flex of his muscles—a predator's power held back by a fraying thread of restraint.
This was my first time experiencing the mate bond, and I hadn't expected it to be so all-consuming—it was powerful, fast-working, and utterly ruthless. It made my brain feel like it was melting into a total, primal surrender. He was reacting to me just as violently as I was to him, a silent conversation of heat and hunger that made my brain feel like it was melting into a singular, desperate need. He kept his gaze locked forward, his jaw so tight I feared his teeth might crack, but he couldn't hide the way his pulse thrashed in his neck. He was rushing, desperate to reach our destination before the bond stripped away the last of his control.
The pull of the bond was so consuming that the world outside ceased to exist altogether. It wasn't until the rhythm of his stride changed—the jarring, powerful upward thrust of him taking the stairs two at a time—that I realized we'd moved indoors. He must have felt my slight startle, because his arms tightened instantly, crushing me against the heat of his chest to steady us both. He wasn't just carrying me; he was shielding me from the very momentum of his haste.
Every double-step up the stairs was a gamble. When she tightened her grip around my neck, my control frayed; I pulled her flush against me, a move that only backfired as my body ignited at the contact. Inside, my wolf was a storm of teeth and fur, howling for the claim. My jaw ached, teeth grinding with a force that threatened to crack bone, but it was the scent that truly undid me. The cloying, sweet heat of her arousal filled my lungs, drowning out the world until all that remained was the thundering rhythm of my pulse and the jagged catch of her breath against my skin. It was a beautiful torture—knowing that just inches away were those soft, supple lips I was starving to devour.
A low growl ripped from my throat—a sound of pure frustration—but it backfired the moment it left my lips. At the sound, she shivered against me, the vibration of her body sparking a fresh wave of heat through mine. Thank God the stairs finally ended; I hit the landing and squeezed my eyes shut, a jagged groan escaping me. I wanted to crack my skull against the hallway wall to shock my system back into some semblance of order. My parents had spoken of the bond in hushed, reverent tones, calling it a blessing. They never mentioned it would be this damning. They never told me it would feel like being consumed alive by my own instincts.
When he opened his eyes with a groan, I wanted to ask if he was all right. Before I could ask, he opened his eyes again and started walking again. It was just a matter of seconds before we stood in front of a large oak door. He finally set me down in front of the heavy oak door, his movements jerky as he fumbled with the key. The second the lock clicked, he pushed inside, clearly intending to put distance between us. But I couldn't let it go. I reached out, my fingers catching the heat of his wrist. The reaction was instantaneous. Before I could even breathe out a question, I was spinning. My back hit the wall with a soft thud, and he was there—towering over me. His rolled-up navy sleeves allowed me to notice the tattoos that ran along his arms as his hands slammed against the wood on either side of my head. He kept his torso inches from mine, a sliver of agonizing space between us, but I could feel the sheer vibration of his heartbeat. He looked like a man possessed, his chest heaving as he fought the urge to bridge those last few inches.
His voice was a low, jagged rasp, vibrating with the effort of his restraint. "I wouldn't touch me right now," he warned, the words forced through a locked jaw, "Or else I can't guarantee what will happen next." He looked utterly wrecked, a man caught in a war between his humanity and the beast. My instinct should have been to run, but seeing the raw torment in his eyes only pulled me closer. I ignored the danger and reached up, my palm settling against the rough heat of his cheek. The effect was like a physical blow. The tension didn't break—it transformed. His eyes fluttered shut, and he let out a shuddering breath, leaning his face into my hand as if my touch was the only thing keeping him from shattering. The wolf didn't back down; it hummed in approval, and the growl in his chest softened into something far more dangerous.
A low groan vibrated in his chest as he finally opened his eyes, the storm in them replaced by a weary sort of longing. "You're not making any of this easy on me," he admitted, his voice still rough but losing its edge of steel. I couldn't help the small chuckle that escaped me. "Nothing in life worth having is easy." The tension in his shoulders fractured. He looked at me with a sudden, piercing wonder, as if he were seeing me clearly for the first time since the bond took hold. He leaned down, not for my lips, but to rest his forehead against mine. The contact was electric, grounding the frantic energy of his wolf. "You are certainly full of surprises, my dear mate," he breathed, his scent wrapping around me like a promise. I smiled, my heart finally finding a steady rhythm against his. "I'll take that as a compliment." "I'm sure you will," he murmured with a faint, dark chuckle, his breath ghosting over my skin.
His hand remained outstretched, an invitation I couldn't refuse. "Come now," he said, his voice regaining its steady, authoritative clip. "We still have to look at your feet." I took his hand, feeling the callouses of his palm against mine, and let him lead me into the sanctuary of his office. It was a massive space, dominated by a heavy wooden desk that smelled of cedar and expensive ink. The moment the door clicked shut, the heavy silence of the room wrapped around us. Without a word, he lifted me as if I weighed nothing, seating me on the edge of the polished mahogany desk. The wood was cool through my clothes, but I barely noticed as he dropped to his knees before me. The powerful man who had just looked ready to tear the world apart was now focused entirely on the delicate task of examining my feet, his touch surprisingly tender.
I watched him in a bit of a daze; no one had ever gone to such lengths for something so small. To see a man of his stature sitting back on his heels, meticulously checking every inch of my skin as if I were made of glass, sent a strange warmth through my chest. He let out a long, heavy sigh of relief and looked up, his gaze locking onto mine. "There doesn't appear to be any wounds on your feet." I chuckled softly, the tension finally starting to bleed out of the room. I crossed one leg over the other, leaning back slightly on the desk. "I told you I was fine." But the humor didn't reach his eyes.
They narrowed, the gold of his wolf still shimmering just beneath the surface. "This isn't a laughing matter, Kitten," he rasped, his voice dropping an octave. He reached out, his hand hovering near my ankle. "You could have been hurt. I don't know what I would have done if you'd bled because I was too caught up in... this... to ensure you had something as simple as shoes."
My heart did a slow, heavy roll in my chest. His concern was so raw, so genuine, that it bypassed all my defenses. I reached out, my palm cupping the rough heat of his jaw again. "I'm fine," I promised, my voice barely a whisper. "I promise." His eyes began to flutter shut, his wolf seemingly pacified by my touch, and he started to lean in, his lips parting as if he were about to confess something—or perhaps finally take what he'd been craving. Then, the heavy oak door didn't just open; it swung wide on its hinges.
The spell shattered instantly. Standing in the doorway was a woman who looked like she'd stepped off the cover of a "Sweetheart" magazine. I took in every detail of her, from the soft waves of her light blonde hair to the way her high-waisted pink skirt clung to her shapely legs. She was a vision of porcelain perfection, with doe-like eyes and a button nose that looked like it had been sculpted by an artist. To any outsider, she was the definition of sweet and innocent—a delicate butterfly in gold and pink (picture of what she looks like up top).
But as I sat there on the desk with his hand still near my ankle, a cold prickle of intuition moved down my spine. Her outfit, her flawless skin, the way she stood there as if she owned the air in the room... it all screamed a different story. She hadn't just walked into an office; she had walked into his sanctuary, and she hadn't bothered to knock. My grip on his cheek tightened ever so slightly, a territorial spark flaring up to meet the icy perfection of the woman in the doorway.
The silence that followed her entrance was deafening. Her eyes flickered over my disheveled hair with a sharp glint of malice. I watched the soft smile slide off her face, replaced for a split second by a look of pure, unadulterated shock before she masked it. The heat that had been radiating between Kayden and me evaporated, replaced by a draft that felt like a coming storm. Kayden let out a long, heavy sigh—the sound of a man who had just been dragged out of a dream and back into a nightmare. He lingered for a heartbeat, his eyes fixed on mine with a sad, apologetic smile that made my heart ache, before he pulled away. The loss of his warmth was physical, a cold ache where his hand had been. He stood, his tall frame cutting off her view of me, but not before I saw the transformation. She forced that sweet, porcelain smile back onto her lips, though her blue eyes remained sharp and venomous as they darted toward me. "Kayden, sweetie," she purred, her voice dripping with a forced, syrupy affection that didn't match the ice in her gaze. "Who's this?"
Kayden cringed at the sound of her voice, his reaction so visceral it was as if the "sweetness" of her tone actually caused him pain. I couldn't blame him; even to my ears, she sounded like a cloying, sugary poison. To create a physical barrier between them, he crossed his arms over his chest, a movement that only served to emphasize his sheer size. The navy-blue button-down dress shirt was a striking contrast against his tanned skin, and with the top three buttons undone, I had a tantalizing view of the hard, muscular planes of his chest. His black dress pants were clearly tailor-made, hugging his powerful legs and the lean curve of his frame in a way that left little to the imagination. From his polished dress shoes to the heavy watch on his wrist, he looked every bit the powerful Alpha—but his posture was all defense. He didn't move toward her. He didn't even drop his arms. He stood his ground in front of the desk, shielding me, his muscles coiled and ready as he looked at her with nothing but cold, weary irritation.
"What are you doing here, Alisha?" Kayden's voice was flat, devoid of the warmth he'd just used with me. He looked at her not with affection, but with the weary exhaustion of a man dealing with a persistent headache. She tilted her head, her big blue eyes blinking in a practiced show of confusion. "Whatever could you mean, Kayden? I always come here." Kayden let out a heavy sigh, lifting a hand to pinch the bridge of his nose as if a headache were blooming right behind his eyes. "Seriously, Alisha. I have told you a thousand times to stop coming here. Go bother someone else; I'm not interested." While he shut her down, I decided to lean into the moment. I kept my legs crossed, resting my elbow on my knee and settling my chin into my palm. I didn't say a word, just let a small, knowing smirk play on my lips. Alisha didn't miss it. Even though she was talking to him, her focus was locked on me like a heat-seeking missile. The moment she saw my smirk, her "innocent" facade cracked; her full pink lips pursed into a thin line, and her eyes narrowed into venomous slits. The silent war had officially begun.
Alisha completely ignored his dismissal, her expression shifting back into that practiced, wide-eyed innocence. She looked at him with those big doe eyes, her smile radiating a sweetness so cloying it felt like being drowned in syrup. I actually had to tighten my jaw to keep from gagging. "Aren't you going to introduce us, Kayden?" she asked. She dragged out his name, her voice turning sticky and soft, trying to sound like a delicate creature that couldn't possibly be a threat. As she spoke, she didn't stay by the door. She drifted further into the office, claiming the center of the rug as if it were a stage. It was a transparent move—she clearly believed she should always be the center of attention. I watched her with a flat stare, nearly rolling my eyes at the sheer desperation of her theatrics. She was trying to play the lead role in a drama that Kayden had already walked out on.
I glanced back at my mate, braced to see her either upset or intimidated, but what I found nearly made me choke. She hadn't moved an inch. She was still perched on my desk, her chin resting in her hand, watching the entire scene with a raised eyebrow and a dark, knowing smirk. She looked like she was watching a particularly amusing play—and Alisha was merely the court jester. I groaned inwardly. My mate wasn't just handling the situation; she was enjoying it. Shifting my weight, I forced my attention back to Alisha, though I made sure to stay within arm's reach of the desk. "Alisha, this is my mate," I said, the word mate hitting the air with a heavy, final thud. I didn't give Alisha a chance to speak before continuing in a flat, business-like tone. "And if you haven't already guessed, this is Alisha Snow. She is a member of my pack."
Alisha looked taken aback, her jaw nearly dropping when Kayden called me his mate. It took everything in me not to laugh as her expression collapsed—fast and unguarded. But she really did have a gift. Within seconds, she caught herself, smoothing her features into a practiced smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "And does this mate of yours have a name?" she asked, the sweetness in her voice curdled by something sour beneath it. This time, it was my turn. I smiled back just as sweetly and held out my hand. "Artemis Silverfang," I said. "It's so nice to meet someone from my mate's pack. And I do hope we get along—seeing as I will eventually become your Luna."
Her eyes narrowed, lips pursing as her nostrils flared. She didn't bother hiding her displeasure. When I held out my hand, she glanced at it once before lifting her gaze to glare at me—deliberately ignoring the gesture. I smirked, unbothered. I could feel my mate's attention on me now, sharp and focused, but I didn't look away. You never take your eyes off an enemy in the wild unless you're prepared to die.
My mate had such a strong, beautiful name. The realization hit me like a punch to the chest—I hadn't known it until now. Somehow, it had never even occurred to me to ask. I knew we hadn't had time when we first met, but that wasn't an excuse. A flicker of irritation turned inward. How had I missed something so basic? I'd fix it. As soon as I got Alisha out of my office.
"Kayden, sweetie. How come you didn't bother to notify me when you found your mate?" My eyes rolled before I could stop them. "Since when do I have to tell you anything?" She gasped, eyes widening as they filled with unshed tears. "How could you say that to me, Kayden?" My jaw clenched as I raked my fingers through my hair, frustration surging through me. I opened my mouth, ready to remind her that I didn't owe her a damn thing, but I was suddenly cut off. "I'm sorry," my mate cut in smoothly, "but why should he have to tell you anything about his personal life? Are you his mother? A family member?" She tilted her head, gaze sharp. "Because last I checked, you're a pack member. And pack members aren't entitled to their Alpha's private affairs."
She looked taken aback by my comment. "No, of course not. Can't you tell? I'm his girlfriend." I glanced at my mate. His expression was tight with irritation, his stance defensive—as if he were trying to put as much distance between them as possible. His nostrils flared. "You mean ex-girlfriend." Her eyes widened before she smiled at him, sweet and practiced. Her voice softened. "Oh, honey. We both know feelings like ours don't just disappear. It's okay to admit that you still care. We can make this work—even if we aren't true mates." She turned to me, her tone flattening. "Obviously, the Moon Goddess made a mistake." I raised an eyebrow, but she dismissed me just as quickly, turning back to my mate. "We were meant to be together," she said quietly. "And we both know it."
My mate looked taken aback by her words. Shock flickered across his face, quickly giving way to disgust. He clearly didn't agree with a single thing she'd said. I could tell he was about to speak—but I beat him to it. "Wow," I mused, tucking a strand of silver hair behind my ear. "I figured you were clueless, but I didn't realize you were delusional, too." She gasped and glanced at Kayden, clearly expecting him to come to her rescue. He didn't even look at her. His attention was fixed on me, dark amusement glinting in his eyes. Realization dawned. She stiffened, then slowly turned back to face me. Her cheeks were flushed with anger, her eyes burning with hatred. "You might have the bond," Alisha hissed, her mask finally cracking to reveal the venom beneath. "But you'll never make him happy. He'll never love a stray like you the way he loves me." Her lips curled, "Why don't you crawl back to the gutter you came from?"
The growl in Kayden's chest was low, dangerous—but I pressed a hand to his heart to still it. I stepped into her space, letting her feel the sheer weight of a six-foot tiger shifter. Her eyes widened; she didn't expect me to tower over her five-foot-four frame. Kayden looked at me, surprised, but I only smiled softly and turned back to face Alisha. I brushed a strand of silver hair off my shoulder, fingers trailing lightly. "Honey," I whispered, leaning down so only she could hear the edge in my voice. "You never stood a chance the moment I walked in. It's time to find a new hobby. This one is taken." I then leaned back on my heels as I added, "I think you're forgetting what a mate is," I continued. "A mate is someone's one true soulmate. The person who completes them in a way no one else can. The love between mates is eternal—it doesn't waver, it doesn't stray. Without your mate, life feels hollow. How could something like that ever dull the love my mate would have for me?"
Her eyes widened with shock before narrowing into anger. She opened her mouth to speak, but I cut her off. I stepped beside my mate, pressing my hand lightly over his chest. I turned my gaze to her and smirked. "Not only that," I said, "the mate bond sparks draw us together with a single touch. And everyone always talks about how those sparks make intimacy... unforgettable. Frankly, I can't wait to see if it's as earth-shattering as they say." Her jaw practically dropped, and she gasped, tears brimming in her eyes. "Kayden, how could you possibly want someone as... crass as her?" she demanded, her voice trembling with accusation—like a wife who'd just caught her spouse cheating.
I smiled sweetly at her. "Please, sweetheart, let's be honest," I said. "You never stood a chance the moment you found out he wasn't your mate. It's time you found someone else to bother." She crossed her arms and stared at me, defiant. "Or what?" I smirked, shrugging slightly. "Nothing, really. But I can't guarantee you won't get more than you bargained for if you stick around." Her brow furrowed in confusion, then she rolled her eyes, crossing her arms tighter, looking every bit the stubborn child she was trying to be.
I turned to Kayden, catching the mix of confusion and heated pride in his gray eyes. A twinge of guilt flared at using him to get under Alisha's skin—but it vanished under his gaze. Without a word, I lifted my hand, threading my fingers through the dark hair at the nape of his neck. I pulled him down as I rose onto my tiptoes, pressing my lips to his. He stiffened for a fraction of a heartbeat—shocked by my boldness—then his instincts ignited. His growl rumbled low in his chest, eyes darkening as he went feral, responding to the bond in ways only mates could.
His arms wrapped around my waist like iron bands, pulling me flush against him. A low, vibrating growl rumbled into my mouth. Alisha's squawks became a distant, irritating buzz, quickly drowned out by the thrumming of my own blood. Kayden's scent—sandalwood and forest rain—swamped my senses. When his hand slid beneath the hem of my shirt, the bare palm against the small of my back sparked through me like live electricity. I gasped, nails digging into his shoulders. I wasn't just responding. I was fighting for dominance, nipping at his bottom lip before deepening the kiss, drowning out the world until nothing else existed but us.
"Kayden! Stop this!" Alisha's shrill voice barely reached me, and a weak hand tugged at my arm. My brain barely registered it. Kayden's hands slid to the crooks of my knees, and with effortless strength, he lifted me. Instinctively, I wrapped my legs around his waist, my core aching for the contact. He carried me two steps to the desk and pinned me down, crowding me in as my hands found his chest. In the next moment, I was gripping the bottom of his shirt, tugging it free of his waistband. A sudden slam of the office door echoed through the room like a gunshot. The sound alone drew us from our haze, leaving only ragged, jagged breaths in its wake. Kayden rested his forehead against mine, eyes a swirling storm of steel and silver, grounding me even as desire still thrummed between us.
I couldn't keep my eyes off my mate. Even disheveled, her clothes rumpled and her cheeks flushed, she was breathtaking. "You're a bad influence, Kitten," he rasped, voice thick with hunger he no longer bothered to hide. She laughed, breathless and rich. "Oh, please. You enjoyed that far too much to complain." I stepped back as she began straightening her shirt. The corner of my mouth lifted in a grin. "I didn't say I was complaining." She arched an eyebrow. "Oh, really? Do tell me more." I rolled my eyes, walking to the other side of the desk. "You truly are incorrigible."
"Better than being boring," I countered, sliding off the desk with slow, feline grace. A deep, rich chuckle rumbled from his chest, and my lips quirked into a satisfied smile. It felt so good to see him loosen up, to watch him smile and joke for once. No one should be so uptight all the time; it only drives you crazy. Moments like this—seeing him like this, hearing that laugh—were worth savoring. His smile was too good to waste, and I knew I would never forget it.
My smile shifted to something bittersweet, sobering me instantly. He had just sat in his office chair when he noticed the change in my demeanor. Without hesitation, he stood and reached for me. I realized, belatedly, that I'd been drifting toward him, drawn like a moth to a flame. I hesitated for a moment, and he leaned forward, catching my hand. With a gentle tug, he guided me around his desk and into his space, effortlessly bridging the distance between us.
I felt the back of my legs press against the desk as he held me there, his body warm against mine. His brows knitted in concern, and his hand cupped my cheek. "What's wrong, Artemis?" he asked. My eyes closed involuntarily, a shiver running down my spine at the sound of my name leaving his lips for the first time. A small grin tugged at my lips. I couldn't help but think I loved the way he said my name. I marveled at how perfect it sounded coming from his deep voice—almost like it had always belonged there. Maybe it was the mate bond, but I knew I'd react the same way a hundred times over.
My eyes opened, and I saw surprise flash across his face. It softened quickly into understanding. "You said my name," I whispered. His lips curved into a soft smile as he brushed a strand of my silver hair behind my ear. "Yes, I did. I'm sorry it took me so long to realize we never properly introduced ourselves."
My hands slipped around his waist, tugging him closer as I rested my head on his chest. He raised an eyebrow, the corner of his lips quirking into an amused smirk. "It's okay. A lot happened—it's to be expected. Besides, I didn't think about it until she called you by your name," I murmured. He sighed and ran his fingers through my hair. The touch was so soothing that I closed my eyes, sighing in relief as I snuggled closer. His quiet chuckle vibrated against me. "I never thought I'd find my mate so soon," he said. My body stiffened slightly, and I pulled back, catching him off guard. I looked down at the floor. "I'm sure you were disappointed when you found out what your mate really is. I... I don't really live up to expectations, do I?"
Even with my gaze fixed on the floor, I felt him stiffen at my words. He released a long sigh before lifting my chin, forcing me to look at him. I did so reluctantly. His steel-gray eyes locked onto my blue ones. "Sure, I was surprised," he admitted. "Given the history between our kinds—knowing we've been enemies for generations—it wasn't something I expected." His grip softened, his thumb brushing gently along my jaw. "But I could never be disappointed."
My breath caught as he continued. "You're more than I ever dreamed my mate could be. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine you'd be so breathtaking. You're witty, smart... and you're good with children." His voice lowered, earnest and sure. "And with every moment I spend with you, I want to know you even more." I smiled softly. "That's really sweet. And as much as I would love that..." I placed my hand against his chest and gently pushed him back. "If you intend to reject me, I'd rather you do it sooner rather than later. It'll only hurt more if you wait."
I smiled sadly. "It's okay if you want to reject me. I'm a tough girl—I can handle it. And if you do, I promise I won't hold any hard feelings. I understand that you're just doing what's right for yourself and your pack. That's what a leader does, after all." I could see the conflict written all over his face, every emotion laid bare. I held my breath as I waited for his decision. Finally, he sighed and leaned his forehead against my shoulder. "I know you're right," he said quietly. "But I don't think it's right to reject you just because you're a tiger shifter." He pulled back slightly, his gaze steady. "Mia is right. I should get to know you as a person first. The Goddess made you my mate for a reason, and I want to understand that reason before I make a decision based on what you were born as." My heart leapt at his words, joy flooding through me. I nearly laughed at the thought of hugging Mia for being so impossibly wise.
Unable to keep my mouth shut, I couldn't stop myself from asking, "But what if your pack members don't approve... or have a problem with it?" He groaned but didn't move. "We'll keep it quiet at first, until we make a decision. And if they have a problem, oh well—they can leave and join another pack if they want. But the Goddess chose you to be my mate and their Luna. After that, it's up to them whether they stay or go." I smiled as I continued to play with his hair. "Okay. I can live with that."
He chuckled, wrapping his arms around my waist and nuzzling the crook of my neck. I couldn't help laughing at his cute gesture. "God, you smell so good," he mumbled. Then, without warning, he pulled back to look at me, catching me off guard. "How come I can't smell your scent until I'm right up on you? And even then, it's still faint until I bury my nose in the crook of your neck." I giggled. "It's one of my many secrets. But it's good for keeping a low profile, so no one can tell I'm a tiger. Don't you think?" He raised an eyebrow skeptically. "You're not going to tell me how you are?" I smiled, leaning closer. "It's magic." He gave me a skeptical look and sighed. "Okay, fine."
He leaned forward and placed a light kiss on the top of my head before stepping back, giving us a respectful amount of space. "If you'd like, we can start over." I smiled and nodded. "Sure. I'd like that." He held out his hand. "Hi, I'm Kayden Silvermoon, alpha of the Shadow Moon Pack. And I am so happy to meet you. I've been waiting a long time to find you—my most precious mate." I raised an eyebrow and smirked at his adorableness. "Well, it's very nice to meet you, too, Kayden Silvermoon. My name is Artemis Silverfang. And for all attentive purposes, I'm a lone tiger shifter with no affiliations with anyone or any group." He raised an eyebrow, silently asking me to elaborate, but I just smiled. "Come now—who doesn't like a bit of mystery?" Kayden snorted and shook his head, then took a step back and sat down in his office chair. "You will certainly keep me on my toes."
I watched as a slow smirk crossed my mate's face, a wicked glint sparkling in her blue eyes. "At least I'm not boring, then." She stepped toward me, her gaze locked on mine, each movement slow and purposeful—like a tiger stalking its prey. I observed her, curious to see what she had in mind. Suddenly, she leaned down, her hand pressing lightly against my chest. Her lips brushed the shell of my ear as she whispered, "I like being unpredictable."
I felt a chill run through his body where my hand rested against his chest. It was clear how affected he was by my sudden closeness. I didn't miss the way his knuckles whitened from gripping the sides of his chair, or how his jaw tightened. Unable to resist, I tilted my head and blew a soft stream of air under his ear and along his earlobe. His hands shot up to grip my hips, hauling me onto his lap until I was straddling him, my legs locked firmly around his. Another shiver ran through him, and I couldn't help but chuckle at his adorable reaction.
"Artemis," he warned, his voice a low, dangerous rumble. "Don't mess with me." I leaned in, whispering against his ear, "Hmmm, no. I don't think so. You're just too much fun to tease." I noticed his jaw tick at my words. Before he could respond, I tilted my head and licked the skin just below his ear, tracing to the corner of his jaw. He inhaled sharply, a light growl vibrating through his chest. His grip tightened almost painfully on my hips. I couldn't hide the smirk tugging at my lips—I was thoroughly enjoying the effect I had on him. Slowly, I began trailing kisses along his jawline while my hands slid down his chest, my nails grazing the fabric of his shirt. His body tensed beneath mine, a low groan escaping him. As I neared his lips, I felt him shift subtly, his desire undeniable under my touch.
His hand fisted in my hair, tilting my head back as he claimed my mouth again—not with a question, but with a demand. His kiss was deep, dominating, and impossibly electric, opening my lips so his tongue could explore mine. Every inch of him pressed into me, every movement fueled by desire. This was the mate bond in its purest form: raw, consuming, and impossible to ignore.
His hands tightened around my body, pulling me closer, and I realized his desire wasn't just in his lips—it was everywhere. I was so lost in the kiss that I barely noticed when his hands began to roam. Then I felt his warm, calloused hand slide to my breast. A gasp escaped me as a jolt of pleasure shot through my body, sharp and deliciously electric, leaving me dizzy with need.
When I gasped, his mouth left mine and began trailing kisses down my jaw and along my neck. His thumb glided over my erect nipple, making my back arch and a moan slip from my parted lips. I felt his growing hardness shift beneath me, and, as if my body had a mind of its own, my hips began moving on their own, pressing my core against him where I needed him most. He hissed in pleasure as my moans echoed his, our bodies instinctively in sync. Waves of heat and sensation coursed through me, and the mate bond amplified it all—his pleasure and mine entwining, each touch intensifying the next, making every sensation feel tenfold stronger.
He growled, but a sudden touch on my back snapped me out of the pleasure haze. My eyes met his, and I caught the swirl of gray and silver in his steely gaze. "Just remember...you started this," he warned, his voice low and husky with desire. I chuckled softly. "Trust me, I would never regret this." Before I could think further, he locked his lips with mine again. I could taste the raw heat of his desire, and it only fueled my own. When we finally pulled apart, his hands went straight to the hem of my shirt. In one smooth motion, he lifted it over my head and tossed it aside. I still wore the tank top from last night, and I grabbed its top, tugging it down to give him access. His growl rumbled deep in his chest at the sight of my exposed breasts. Without hesitation, his hand closed over one, squeezing gently. A sharp, broken moan escaped my throat as he lowered his head, his mouth sending a jolt of pure electricity through my entire frame.
My hands tangled in his hair, my nails scraping lightly against his scalp as I gripped him. He pressed my body back against a hard, cold surface, shifting me to give himself better access. His tongue circled my nipple, sending another wave of pleasure crashing through me and pulling a gasp from my lips. My desire spiked, and I found myself grinding instinctively against his erection. He groaned before releasing my breast and capturing my mouth in a heated kiss. His body pressed tighter to mine, forcing my back against the sharp edge of the desk. A sudden, biting pain flared through me, and before I could stop myself, a hiss slipped from my lips.
Kayden suddenly leaned back, his eyes widening with concern as he looked at me. "Are you alright? What happened?" The worry in his expression made my lips quirk into a small smile. "I'm fine," I assured him softly. "There's nothing to worry about." He didn't look convinced. His hand came to rest on my back, and when he applied the slightest pressure with his fingertips, a sharp echo of the earlier pain flared. I flinched before I could stop myself. His hand immediately withdrew, his eyes widening even further. "Are you injured?" I chuckled lightly, trying to brush it off. "I'm fine. It's nothing serious." His nostrils flared. "Does this have anything to do with why I found two men chained up in the prison cell you were supposed to be in?" I raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at my lips as I opened my mouth to give a clever response—but before I could say a word, the office door swung open. "Alpha, I've finished—" a female voice cut in.
It was a good thing I had my back to the door; otherwise, whoever stood in the doorway would have gotten an eyeful, my tank top still bunched low from our earlier distraction. Without hesitation, Kayden reached up and tugged the fabric back into place, covering me before anyone else could see. The person in the doorway faltered mid-sentence as they took in the scene. "My apologies, Alpha," the same female voice said carefully. "I didn't realize you were in the middle of something. I can come back later." Kayden shook his head, "It's fine, Mia," he said calmly. "Besides, there's something I'd like you to do for me anyway."
I could tell Mia was amused by what she'd walked in on. One eyebrow was arched in silent inquiry, a knowing little smile tugging at her lips—as if to say I told you so. I narrowed my eyes at her, daring her to comment, which only made her smile widen.
I felt Artemis's gaze linger on me, curious and searching, as though she were trying to read the silent exchange between Mia and me from my expression. The thought softened something in my chest, and I reached up to caress her cheek before turning back to Mia. "Did you finish what I asked you to do earlier?" I asked. Mia smirked, crossing her arms over her chest. "Don't I always?" I shook my head slightly, the corner of my mouth quirking up. "That you do." Her expression gentled. "I'm just glad to see you found your mate without too much trouble." I nodded. "I did. Did you ever doubt that I could?" Mia shrugged as she started toward the desk. "You can never be too careful."
I noticed my mate glance over her shoulder to see who I was speaking with. Even after she realized who I was speaking with, she made no move to get up from where she sat on my lap. Instead of interrupting, she remained silent, listening as the conversation continued. When Mia reached my desk, she set a clipboard down, followed by a folder and a small recording device. Once everything was in place, she looked at me, her expression completely serious. "I've already scheduled a court date for as soon as possible," she said. "But remember—you have to be a fair Alpha. Don't let your emotions get the better of you just because this involves your mate." I narrowed my eyes, my fists clenching at my sides. "Are you questioning my abilities right now?" She sighed softly. "No. But I know how quickly rationality can go out the window when mates are involved."
I felt my anger spike, a growl rumbling up from my chest—only to have it cut short when my mate's hands slid up and down my chest. When our eyes met, she immediately wrapped my arms around my waist. I didn't hesitate. My arms closed around her waist, pulling her against me as her scent flooded my senses, washing my anger away almost instantly. I buried my face in the crook of her neck, breathing her in, my body relaxing with every heartbeat. She leaned close and whispered into my ear, "It's okay. She's not questioning you or your abilities. Everything will be fine." When she pulled back, my wolf nearly whimpered at the sudden loss of her warmth.
I looked at my mate's lovely face before sighing and turning back to Mia. "Fine. I'll try to keep that in mind. Now, for your next task—could you please get my mate some new clothes? Especially shoes." Mia's red lips curved into a grin. "Does that mean we get to go shopping?" I rolled my eyes at her enthusiasm. "Yes, it does." Her eyes sparkled. "On the pack's dime?" I lifted my hips slightly as I reached into my pocket for my wallet—and nearly groaned when my mate shifted against me, reigniting an arousal I'd only just managed to calm. I clenched my jaw, refusing to focus on the feel of her body pressed against mine as I pulled out my wallet. Sliding my black card free, I held it out to Mia. "No. We're not using the pack budget. But you can buy whatever she wants—or needs—using my card."
The moment Mia's eyes landed on my black card, her face lit up with excitement, and she held out her hand. I sighed and handed it to her. "Don't worry about a thing—I'll take care of everything," she said. I rolled my eyes, then turned back to my mate and smiled. "Don't hold back. Get anything you want. Mia will take good care of you, and I'll see you when you get back."
I felt my heart skip a beat as he smiled at me sweetly, and I returned his smile. "Don't worry, I'll be just fine." He chuckled lightly. "I'm not worried—just try not to let Mia cause too much trouble." I laughed, leaning forward to kiss him on the cheek before whispering, "Don't worry, I'll keep her in check." His smile softened with affection as I leaned back. Without hesitation, I slid off his lap and grabbed the t-shirt from the floor, turning to face Mia.
She sized me up quickly. "We can't let you wear that to the mall." Then, walking around the desk, she grabbed my arm and started guiding me toward the door. "Don't worry. We'll get you sorted out, and then we'll head to the mall to get you everything you could ever need." As we moved, I couldn't help glancing back at my mate, who shook his head silently at Mia's antics. A small smile tugged at my lips, though—I had a feeling this was going to be a long day.