Chapter 7
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The next morning, I woke up in a strange room, curled up in bed beside a man I still wasn’t entirely familiar with. I thought I’d toss and turn all night.
But to my surprise, I’d slept like a rock.
Still half–asleep, I buried my face into what I thought was my pillow and nuzzled closer.
” ?”
….
Something felt off.
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The texture under my cheek wasn’t fabric–it was warm, solid muscle.
Reality slammed back into me. I froze, then slowly peeled my arm away and dared to glance upward.
And met a pair of calm, deep eyes, already wide awake, gazing at me with a faint smile.
My cheeks flushed crimson.
“S–Sorry,” I stammered, sitting bolt upright. “I… I didn’t mean to—I move a lot in my sleep.”
Richard reached up and tousled my hair with his usual gentleness. “No need to apologize,
Rae. We’re bonded.”
After washing up, he looked over at me and said, “Come on. Let me show you our den.”
I didn’t think much of it and followed.
To my utter shock, the newly prepared marital den was located right next to my parents‘ lodge within the Silverclaw territory.
I lit up with excitement, practically sprinting from room to room on the ground floor. I wanted to see everything.
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Richard stood at the edge of the den, arms crossed, watching me with quiet amusement.
I had thought it would take me a long time to let go of Logan. But the truth was, the love had worn down little by little, and once I finally released it, what remained was mostly
relief.
One week after the bonding ceremony, Logan still hadn’t reached out.
A small part of me was disappointed–so this is what he’d rather do, then. Devote himself
entirely to protecting Emma, his precious childhood sweetheart.
If I hadn’t bonded with Richard, that week would’ve been hell. The way rumors would’ve torn me apart in our pack? I don’t even want to imagine it.
But it didn’t matter anymore.
Logan, I won’t wait for you any longer.
a
When I saw Richard walking toward me, that hint of disappointment faded. I smiled, finally feeling free.
This is my life now, and I have someone worth treasuring.
Richard had been surprisingly good to me. Far better than I expected.
Honestly, in my original plan, I’d only chosen him because he was neutral. He had no mate, and according to pack gossip, no one special in his heart. I thought it would be a convenient
political match–nothing more.
But his kindness… his consideration… it almost made me believe he cared about me.
Genuinely.
I glanced over at him working in the study–his broad shoulders slightly hunched, the
quiet authority of a pack–born Alpha radiating from him.
“Richard,” I called softly.
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“Hm?” he murmured, eyes still on the papers. “What is it?”
I hesitated. I wanted to ask him if he liked me… but the words died on my lips.
In the end, I laughed at myself. “Never mind. Get back to work.”
Maybe he was just being respectful–treating me like any bonded mate deserves.
No need to overthink it.
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I turned to leave–only for him to pull me suddenly into his arms, the scent of his wolf musk wrapping around me like a protective shroud.
He sighed against the top of my head.
“Rae,” he whispered. “I thought I’d made it obvious.”
My breath caught in my throat. “W–What do you mean?”
He looked down at me with solemn, unwavering eyes. “I like you. I’ve liked you for a long
time.”
Because our den was so close to my parents‘ territory lodge, Richard and I visited often-
mostly for meals. My dad, who was not only a respected Elder but also one of the best cooks
in our northern region, loved to show off.
He’d often say, “I won your mom’s heart through music, but I sealed the bond with my
cooking.”
I used to listen, full of admiration, starry–eyed.
Once, while I sat across from my parents, Richard leaned in and murmured near my ear, “If you like it that much, I’ll learn to cook for you.”
My ears burned instantly. Across the table, my parents exchanged teasing glances.
“I–I never said I liked it!” I huffed, cheeks blazing.
Ever since that night Richard confessed, our bond had deepened. I’d learned he’d fallen for
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me long ago–ever since I’d saved his life during a rogue ambush in the outer woods.
I couldn’t help but be thrilled. I even boasted about it to my mom.
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She rolled her eyes. “You think I didn’t know? After you saved him, he started visiting constantly.”
“At first your dad and I thought he was just grateful. But then we noticed the way he looked
at you he tried to hide it, but wolves like us… we notice.”
“He finally admitted it one night. Said you were still young, just starting at the academy, and not ready. Told us to give it time.”
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“And when you came back one summer declaring you were with Logan?” She snorted. “He
never visited again. But he still sent seasonal gifts. Said he didn’t want to interfere.”
“I mean, look at him, Rae. Pack–born Alpha, strong lineage, emotionally mature. That
Logan kid? All bark and no bite. Swayed by his pack council, confused by his feelings. And don’t get me started on Emma.‘
“Honestly, when you and Logan announced your bond, your dad and I were fuming. And now? Look what he did the second trouble showed up–ran off to protect his precious girl.”
I had come to brag–but instead got a full–blown lecture.
No wonder my parents seemed so calm when I bonded with Richard. They’d seen this
coming.
The conversation was spiraling fast, and my mom’s temper was flaring.
I panicked. Desperate to stop the incoming storm, I pointed toward the door and blurted,
“Richard!”
Just as I hoped, she paused.
I darted out of the room.
The lodge was quiet–too quiet. I slipped outside and found Richard and my dad sipping tea
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Chapter 7
under the pavilion.
Without a word, I grabbed Richard’s arm and pulled.
He raised an eyebrow but stood without resistance. My dad gave a knowing wave, and Richard let me lead him away.
“You okay?” he asked softly. “You seem a little… off.”
I shook my head. I didn’t know how to explain it.
He wrapped his arm around me and held me close.
Just then, an angry voice shattered the peace.
“What do you think you’re doing?!”
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