Chapter 42

Chapter 42
  Anika:
   A delicious shiver rolls through me as I stir awake, every inch of my body aching in the best way possible.
   Sore, yes—but sweetly so.
   “Look who’s finally up,”
   God, that voice.
   I blink my eyes open and there he is.
  Matteo. Standing by the bed like some kind of irresistible sin.
   Before I can even speak, he leans in and presses a warm kiss to my forehead.
   “Morning, Sunshine.”
   I can’t help the little giggle that slips out, or the heat blooming across my cheeks.
   “Morning, Matteo.”
   He draws back slightly, fingers brushing the side of my neck as he shoots me a wink.
   “Nice mark,” he murmurs.
   My blush deepens. And just like that, the memories from last night come rushing in, all at once.
   The way he touched me.
   Kissed me.
   Owned me.
   Claimed every single part of me.
   And then—
   “Shít, shít! What’s the time?!” I gasp, tossing off the duvet and bolting upright.
   Matteo chuckles softly. “It’s 11:30.”
   My eyes widen. “Oh my God..Isabel!”
  “Relax. I already dropped her off at school.”
   I whip around to face him. “Okay.. but, seriously?”
   “What?”
   “You let me sleep in this late?” I press a hand to my forehead. “What the hell is wrong with me?”
   “Oh come on, You were exhausted,” he shrugs. “I just wanted you to rest. Besides, I made an executive decision—you’re not going to the hospital today.”
   I blink at him. “What? Why?”
   “I want you to take it easy, just for today. Leah and the others can handle things. Sure, they’re not as good as you yet,” he smirks, “but they can manage a few shifts without the world falling apart, don’t you think?”
   I hesitate, lips parting, but he closes the distance between us before I can argue.
   “Come on, Anika,” he murmurs, pulling me gently into his chest. “I don’t expect you to sit around all day doing nothing… I’m taking you somewhere.”
   “Where?” I ask, narrowing my eyes.
   “You’ll see,” he says with a smug smile.
   Then, without warning, he leans in and crashes his lips onto mine in a deep, possessive kiss. Morning breath and all… and he doesn’t even flinch.
   When he finally pulls back, his fingers glide through my hair as he murmurs, “Go take a shower, babe. I don’t want anyone else smelling you. That scent belongs to me.”
   I roll my eyes and suck my teeth. “Ugh, fine.”
   Just as I’m about to walk away, he grabs me back and delivers a playful smack to my àss.
   I let out a laugh and swat at him, then hurry off to the bathroom.
   A few minutes later, I’m out. Clean, dressed, and standing in front of the mirror.
   My fingers trace the fresh mark on my neck. Matteo’s mark.
   It’s… beautiful.
   Before I can get lost in the thought, I feel him come up behind me, arms snaking around my waist.
   He presses a soft, mushy kiss to the exact spot on my neck, making me giggle.
   “Come on, let’s go,” He says. “Let’s make today worthwhile.”
   My heart flutters the moment his arm slides around my waist, holding me close as we step out of the room together.
   The second we hit the hallway, heads start to turn. Maids glance our way, offering shy greetings and awkward, sheepish smiles. Most of them are staring a little too long and smiling at the fresh mark blooming on my neck.
   I can’t help but smile too.
   Matteo pulls me even closer, his fingers flexing against my side as we walk.
   “I was going to tell you something yesterday,” he murmurs, his lips brushing near my ear, “but your scent completely derailed me.”
   I shake my head with a soft laugh. “So..?”
   “Uhm…” He clears his throat, almost like he’s stalling. “I met with the pack’s council, and we talked about when your Luna crowning ceremony should take place.”
   I swallow hard. “And… what did you all decide?”
   He hesitates.
   I stop walking and turn to face him. We’re now right at the entrance, the sunlight pouring in behind us.
   “What is it?” I ask gently, studying his face.
   “Nothing serious..just that our pack is uhm…hosting the annual Pack Gala this year. All the Alphas will be attending.”
  I arch a brow. “Okay… and?”
   He scratches the back of his neck. “Well, the council thought it might be a good idea to, you know, merge the gala with your Luna crowning ceremony.”
   I blink. Twice. “Wait, what? They can do that?”
   “Of course,” he says with a bright smile. “It makes perfect sense. All the packs will already be here. It’s the perfect opportunity to show off how stunning our Luna is.”
   My heart stutters, but not from excitement.
   “All the Alphas W..will be there?”
   “Yes. Isn’t that awesome?” His eyes sparkle. “They’ll all get to see how incredible you are.”
   No. It isn’t awesome.
   My smile fades before I can stop it. That knot in my stomach tightens, and I look away.
   “You don’t look happy.” Matteo’s hand gently tilts my chin back to him, concern flickering in his gaze. “What’s wrong?”
   “Nothing,” 
   “Oh, don’t give me that,” he says, eyes narrowing. “Is it… Hunter?”
   I say nothing. 
   He sighs, reading me like a book. “You don’t have to worry about that, okay? I’ll find a way to make sure his pack doesn’t get an invite.”
   I look up, surprised. “Y..you can do that?”
   He smirks. “Of course I can. He can’t just show up without clearance—”
   “Alpha! Alpha!”
   A sharp voice cuts him off mid-sentence.
   We both turn toward the noise, just in time to see a guy sprinting toward us—Liam hot on his heels.
   The second he reaches us, the messenger collapses to the ground, chest heaving.
   “Alpha…” he gasps, trying to catch his breath.
   Liam rushes up beside us, slightly out of breath, and bows quickly.
   “I’m sorry, Alpha,” Liam says, glancing up. “I.. I tried to stop him from getting through, but he insisted it was urgent.”
   Matteo’s gaze shifts to the boy—barely a man, maybe twenty, twenty-one at most. He studies him sharply.
   “And you are? I don’t recall seeing you around this pack.”
   The boy lifts his h.
   “I’m… I’m from the Moon Crest Pack,” he says.
   Matteo’s eyes darken. He takes a step forward.
   “Dylan’s pack?”
   “Y..yes,” the boy stammers. “But I swear, I’m not a spy. You’re a good Alpha, and I just… I couldn’t keep quiet after what I overheard.”
   My breath catches.
   Matteo takes another step.
   “What exactly did you overhear?”
   The boy swallows hard. “Alpha Dylan is planning an attack. He’s not alone..five other Alphas are in on it.”
   I freeze.
   Five?
   Matteo’s tone sharpens. “Go on.”
   “They’re planning to move soon..maybe even today. Their warriors are already assembled. The plan is to launch a full-on raid, wipe out your pack, and take everything. Your lands, your weapons, your resources… everything.” He hesitates, then adds, “I… I suggest you strike first, Alpha. Hit them at Moon Crest before they leave. That’s your best chance.”