“Do you want to have dinner with me?” I asked her, my eyes capturing hers as I tucked the loose strands of her hair at the back of her ears. “...in the dining room.” I chuckled lowly, setting expectations that we were not going anywhere—not yet. But one of these days, I will take her out for a fancy dinner.
She pursed her lips before a shy smile curled on them as she nodded. “Yes, Alpha.”
Fuck! She’s really fucking beautiful.I couldn’t stop myself from soaking in her perfect features.
“Riley…” I told her.
A mischievous smile curled on her lips before she opened her mouth to speak again. “Yes, Alpha Riley.”
I laughed heartily before resting my forehead on hers. “Just Riley. Call me Riley. My name is Riley Adams.”
She let go of her arms covering her chest and snaked them around my neck as she closed her eyes. “My name is Nadia Morrisson. It’s a pleasure to meet you, mate.”
Her breath fanned against my face, and I couldn’t help but smile—a real one. The last time I smiled like this was probably on the full moon when I met her, and I had no idea how many times I did it in the last thirty minutes while I was with her.
“Mate,” I mumbled back as I controlled my breathing. “Mine…”
As much as I wanted more tonight, I could wait. She needed to eat.
“All yours, Riley.” She suddenly withdrew her forehead from mine, and her gaze wandered over my face, her eyes flitting with happiness. “And yes, I would love to have dinner with you.”
Chapter 12
RILEY.
Nadia and I atedinner together after I helped her find a shirt and shorts from my closet that she could use. I had to draw the strings tightly on the shorts to keep them from falling, and I chose a black shirt so her nipples wouldn’t be visible. I knew no one was around, but the black shirt was more for me. I didn’t think I would be able to keep a straight face while talking to her if I kept seeing her proud nipples against her shirt.
We talked about the packhouse, my Beta, and the Gamma couple. I didn’t want to pressure her, so I tried to keep the conversation light—nothing about what she needed to do once she stepped up as my Luna.
We didn’t talk again about what happened three full moons ago. I guess it was better that way. As long as she was with me, I could work on all the other things I needed to do as a mate and Alpha so she would stay.
When I woke up this morning, I thought this was just an ordinary day. I didn’t think that a miracle could happen—that a miracle was still possible for me.
All my senses suddenly snapped awake the moment I saw her at the border. And having her in my territory brought back my energy. I wanted to be an Alpha again and make up for what I missed and discarded for the last three months.
Nadia—my Luna needed a capable Alpha. I would be a better Alpha and a better mate.
After our dinner, we walked outside. I showed her the buildings around us, including the building where the cells were located. Then I showed her the insides of the packhouse.
I felt good the whole time. It was like she was meant to be walking with me. Everywhere she stepped in, the room just felt like it had suddenly come alive and become more colorful. I didn’t know it was possible to feel this way. And even if she was still unsure of how she felt about me, I didn’t miss the glimmer in her eyes during the short time we spent together.
So here I was, lying in my bed with my arms under my head, staring at the ceiling. I’d been in this position for quite some time. It was impossible to sleep knowing she was on the same floor, even if it was the furthest room from here.
My mind was so alive and gave me too many things to think about, all related to my mate and what I wanted to do to win her over.
To say that I was excited was an understatement. It was more than that. I hadn’t had this kind of feeling in a long time, or maybe never at all. I felt motivated to woo her.
Nadia.
I wanted to see her. I wondered if she was still awake. Maybe I should initiate her into my pack. It’d be easier if I could mindlink with her.
I have to call Davin tomorrow. Although he has no say in this since Nadia is my mate, I had to inform him as a courtesy.
I rose from lying down and grabbed my sweatpants, putting them on before pulling a shirt over my head. I had no idea if Nadia was still awake, but I wanted to see her to pacify my wolf. And me.
Knowing she was just around made me restless. I hope one day I can convince her to share a room with me or at least move to the big room beside mine after the renovation. But of course, she could do as she pleases. As long as she stays.
I walked out of my room and threaded the corridor, going to the farthest end with easy steps. I wasn’t expecting her to still be awake, especially since I was sure she had had a long and tiring day. But I hoped I could at least smell her before I tried to sleep.
