Chapter 37
Rachel’s POV
I fluttered my eyes open; and a delightful shiver coursed through my body, a lingering echo from last night’s magical encounter with Nathan.
My fingers tenderly glided across my lips, and in an instant, I was vividly reminded of his passionate, fierce kiss.
A broad smile involuntarily spread across my face, filling my,heart to the brim with a giddy sense of joy. I couldn’t wait to relive those precious moments.
The memory of his pine scent and strong hands sent shivers through me, my wolf stirring contentedly beneath my skin despite my rational mind warning me of the dangers in these feelings.
This is ridiculous, I thought. I’m nothing but a breeder to him.
Yet last night felt like something more, something beyond the clinical arrangement we were supposed to have.
The way his gray eyes had flashed gold when he looked at me, the possessive way he’d claimed my mouth–it didn’t feel like he was just fulfilling his duty to produce an heir.
I sighed, finally pulling myself from the silk sheets. My copper hair tumbled around my shoulders as I selected a simple white dress from the wardrobe Victoria had stocked for me.
I slipped on comfortable flats rather than the formal heels I’d worn last night, brushed my hair, and headed out to meet Victoria for breakfast.
The hallways of Nathan’s castle were quiet this morning as I made my way toward the small breakfast room.
I was looking forward to spending time with Victoria, who had somehow become a friend despite our different positions in the pack hierarchy.
Turning the corner, I spotted her sitting at the table, hands wrapped around a steaming mug, her forehead slightly creased.
“Victoria, are you okay?” I asked, noticing her golden–brown hair falling loosely around her shoulders instead of in its usual perfect style.
She looked up. “Yeah, I’m just tired. Stayed out too long during the full moon run
st night.”
“I thought you were at the dinner?” I asked, confused. I didn’t remember her mentioning plans to join the pack run.
“After you and Nathan left,” she explained, suppressing a yawn. “A few of us went to the back hills. The Moon Goddess was generous last night, but this morning my muscles are screaming.”
I smiled, helping myself to fresh fruit and warm bread from the spread on the sideboard. I poured a cup of herbal tea, inhaling its soothing scent.
My appetite had definitely improved since coming to the Ironjaw Pack.
As I settled beside Victoria, I heard footsteps approaching. My spine stiffened instinctively as Raymond’s scent reached me before he entered the room.
I lowered my gaze, not wanting to make eye contact after last night’s uncomfortable dinner.
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Chapter 37
When they walked in, I inched closer to Victoria, seeking the comfort of her presence.
Victoria noticed my discomfort but maintained her composure, turning toward the newcomers with a practiced smile. “Good morning, Alpha Raymond, Madon. I hope you slept well?”
‘Good morning… Victoria, isn’t it? And Rachel, of course.” Raymond smooth voice made my skin crawl. “Last night’s dinner was quite memorable.”
I forced myself to look up, meeting his eyes. My wolf cowered inside me, sensing danger.
“Good morning… thank you,” I managed to reply, wishing I could shit and run like the wolves did under the full moon.
The tension eased slightly when David, Raymond’s Beta, entered the room behind them. His presence somehow diluted the suffocating feeling of Raymond’s attention.
Madison tossed her head with a sneer. “Father, don’t bother with her. She’s not worth your time… I’ve learned about her background from the Pine Ridge Pack…”
My eyes flew wide open, a jolt of alarm shooting through me. The idea that someone might be delving into my past hadn’t even crossed my mind, and now that it had, it left me feeling utterly exposed.
“Madison,” Victoria said coolly, “I find it rather rude to pry into someone else’s history.”
I could feel the Alpha pheromones thickening in the air, making it difficult to breathe.
Madison’s lips curled into a cold smile. “I need to know who my competition is, obviously.”
Competition? I thought, puzzled.
What on earth could I possibly be competing with Madison for? I was nothing more than a breeder. I wasn’t competing with her for anything, and a sense of self–deprecation was creeping in.
Victoria’s meaningful glance in my direction made me even more nervous, and Raymond’s quiet chuckle drew my attention back to
him.
“We’re heading to Emerald City this afternoon,” Raymond announced, setting down his teacup. “Sit down, Madison. Don’t embarrass yourself: I expect better from you.”
As Raymond walked past me, he inhaled deeply, as if savoring my scent. A disturbing smile played on his lips before he continued
on his way.
I realized I’d been holding my breath until he passed, and when I turned, I found Madison glaring at me with undisguised hostility.
“Be careful,” she hissed, “or my father might just claim you for himself. He wouldn’t mind adding you to his… collection.” A sick smile twisted her perfect features before she turned sharply and walked away.
David lingered, however, turning slowly toward Victoria and me.
“I apologize for that, ladies,” he said quietly. “Please don’t let it ruin your morning.”
As David left, I look to Victoria and saw clear concern etched on her face. Something resolute flashed in her eyes just as Tyler appeared in the doorway, his expression grim.
“Raymond has his eye on Rachel, and his arrogant daughter wants Nathan,” Tyler stated bluntly.
His eyes had darkened with anger as he approached me, examining me carefully as if checking for signs of harm.
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Chapter 37
“Did he touch you?” he demanded..
I was shocked by the sudden intensity. This was too much drama for my morning, and I wanted nothing more than to retreat to the safety of my room, away from tese complicated power plays.
Tyler turned to his sister, “We should discuss this in Alpha’s office.”
Before I could respond, Nathan’s powerful presence filled the room. is tall figure appeared in the doorway, gray eyes flickering with gold. He strode toward me, his strong hand gripping my arm to hold me in place.
“What happened?” he demanded, his voice low, and dangerous.
I looked up at him, my throat tightening under the intensity
response.
his gaze. I could feel his wolf calling to mine, demanding a
“I… I…” I stammered, unable to form words.
“Rachel, it’s okay- Victoria began, but Nathan raised his hand, silencing her.
“Let her answer,” he growled.
“Nothing,” I finally managed. “I was just having breakfast. May I go, please?”
Nathan’s eyes bore into mine, searching for truth, before he released his grip on my arm. Taking this as permission to leave, I quickly stood and hurried from the room.
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