Chapter 28
Rachel’s POV
I set down the second book I’d finished, letting out a long sigh as I stared at the ceiling. This was the second day of Nathan’s visitors staying at the Ironjaw castle, and boredom was consuming me from being trapped in the Luna Suite.
I shook my head, mentally scolding myself. Who do I think I am?
Tyler had told me this was for my safety, but I knew he was just trying to be kind. The reality was stark and simple: I was a breeder purchased for ten million dollars, with only one purpose før Alpha Nathan.
Despite Tyler’s efforts to give me privacy, I was no different from a prisoner–I had no right to question what was arranged for me.
Yet the longer I stayed in this castle, the easier it became to forget that.
I longed for interaction with someone other than my own thoughts. Victoria and Emma took turns checking on me, but I wanted more–yes, I was hopelessly missing Nathan. Missing his intoxicating scent, the gentle caress of his strong hands.
I felt ridiculous and blushed, rolling my eyes at my own contradiction.
Lying on the bed, I stared at the ornate carvings on the ceiling, unsure what to do next. I could hear music from the hall downstairs; apparently a dinner was being held for the visitors.
Who would ever associate Ironjaw with the word ‘joy‘? I thought. At least, I wouldn’t have before I truly got to know them.
Through the half–open window, I could hear the elegant laughter of a young woman. I began to wonder: was Nathan attracted to other women? Would he smile at them?
I guessed he probably wouldn’t… but what if he did? I’d never seen his smile and couldn’t imagine what it would look like.
More importantly, the thought of other women making him smile truly bothered me.
“What’s wrong with you, Rachel!” I scolded myself. “You’re just a simple breeder. Know your place!”
Yet berating myself didn’t make me feel better. In fact, it made me… jealous, to a degree I barely recognized the feeling.
The sun had long set, and I could see the brilliant full moon illuminating the castle gardens through vindow.
Tonight they would shift and run as a pack, a ritual Nathan and his wolves seemed to perform every full moon. It displayed their unity, and I was glad to witness it from afar.
Their howls filled the night sky as they ran together in wolf form.
“I wish I were outside… I whispered softly to myself, wrapping the silk blanket tightly around my arms.
I smiled up at the moon, wondering what Nathan’s wolf form looked like. I couldn’t help humming a song my mother had taught
me, the words flowing softly from my lips as I gazed into the night.
When I thought about everything that had happened between us, the growing feelings inside terrified me to my core.
I wasn’t uneasy about my restricted freedom… just lonely without him.
Suddenly, a sound outside my window caught my attention. I slid off the bed and walked toward the half–open window. Despite my suite being on the third floor of the castle, the noise still startled me
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Chapter 28
I peered down, trying to make out what was in the darkness. My copper hair fell in gentle waves from my shoulders as I gazed into the darkness.
What was that? Is someone watching? Fear began to envelop me as remembered my father’s debt collectors.
A small black cat darted from the stone ledge below me toward the corner of the building.
A relieved sigh and small laugh escaped my lips when I realized I had nothing to worry about.
“Moon Goddess, little cat, you scared me,” I said. “Better run before the big bad wolves smell you.”
I chastised myself: What’s wrong with me? Getting scared by something as cute as a cat, becoming so timid. Rachel, you have to be
braver than this!
As I turned to walk back to bed, the door to my suite suddenly swung open.
What’s with tonight?! I thought in surprise.
My eyes widened at the sight of Nathan’s dark, desire–filled gray eyes sweeping over me, making me hold my breath.
Why is he here? Shouldn’t he be at the dinner?
“Alpha.” I bowed my head to him, instinctively showing submission.
I froze in place, watching him close the door behind him, his shoulders more tense than usual. I could hear my heartbeat growing louder.
His stride was quick, and he soon closed the distance between us, filling the room with his cold pine scent. Then his lips were on my neck, making me moan softly as the blanket fell to the floor.
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