Chapter 176

Chapter 181
Natalie POV


I placed my hand on Nathan's cheek, feeling the stubble beneath my palm. Our eyes locked, and I could see his uncertainty, his fear of hurting me despite the desire clearly written across his features.

"Natalie, I don't want to hurt you," he whispered, his voice husky with need yet hesitant.

I smiled, running my fingers through his hair. "You won't," I assured him, guiding his hands. "Trust me."

His amber eyes searched mine. "But if I—"

"If anything feels uncomfortable, I'll tell you," I promised, pressing a gentle kiss to his lips. "I know what I'm doing."

The confession hung between us—that I had experience he didn't. Instead of jealousy or resentment, I saw relief wash over his features. He nodded, allowing me to take the lead, to show him how our bodies could fit together.

I guided him through each step, each touch. When he finally entered me, I gasped at the connection, at the way my wolf howled with satisfaction deep inside my mind. Nathan froze immediately.

"Did I hurt you?" he asked, panic flashing across his face.

"No," I breathed, pulling him closer. "Don't stop."

After that, instinct took over. What Nathan lacked in experience, he made up for in attentiveness, his eyes never leaving my face as we moved together. When we both reached our peak, I felt something shift between us—not just physically but emotionally. Some barrier had fallen, and in its place was a tender vulnerability I hadn't expected.

"Wow," Nathan finally said, his chest rising and falling rapidly as he lay beside me. "That was... God, that was incredible."

I turned toward him, propped on my elbow. "You okay?"

"I should be asking you that," he replied, his fingers gently tracing patterns on my bare shoulder. "Did I hurt you?"

"You didn't hurt me at all," I said with a small smile. "You were perfect."

He pulled me into his arms then, my head resting against his chest where I could hear his still-racing heart. We spent the rest of the night like that—sometimes talking in whispers about nothing important, sometimes just looking at each other in comfortable silence, neither of us wanting to surrender to sleep and end this perfect moment.

Morning came too quickly. I felt Nathan stir beside me, his arm tightening around my waist before he pressed a kiss to my forehead.

"We should get up. Have breakfast."

"Already?" I groaned, burying my face in the pillow.

As he moved around the room gathering clothes, I watched him through half-lidded eyes, admiring the play of muscles beneath his skin. A twinge of guilt hit me suddenly—I was here, comfortable and safe, while my pack members were doing all the work.

"I should be helping them," I said aloud.

Nathan turned, his brow furrowed. "Helping who?"

"Your pack. I've been here for days now and haven't done anything useful."

He came to sit beside me on the bed, his expression softening. "Natalie, you're not a regular member of this pack. You're the royal princess, a guest. You're not supposed to be helping them with chores."

I sat up, pulling the sheet around me. "But I want to carry my weight. I hate sitting around doing nothing."

Nathan's fingers brushed a strand of hair from my face. "But you're also, in a way, their future Luna. So I think that's your privilege as well."

My heart skipped at his words. "Let's not get ahead of ourselves," I cautioned. "I doubt most of them would even accept me as your mate."

"Those women who dislike you? They're just jealous," Nathan shrugged. "That's why I've already decided who will be their mates. They'll soon be too busy hating their new partners to worry about disliking me—or you."

"Then I hope they understand this has nothing to do with me," I said, not wanting to make more enemies.

"I'll make sure they know," Nathan promised, leaning in to kiss me once more before standing. "Now, breakfast?"

Walking into the common dining area beside Nathan felt like being under a spotlight. Every head turned, conversations paused, and I could practically feel the weight of their stares. Some looked curious, others hostile, but all were watching us.

Doris sat at my usual place, a smile playing at her lips that she was trying—and failing—to hide. I spotted empty seats near her and guided Nathan in that direction.

"What are you all looking at?" Nathan's voice rang out, firm and commanding. "Eat your breakfast."

Like magic, conversations resumed, though I noticed several glances still being cast our way. We sat across from Doris, who leaned forward immediately.

"I was wondering where you disappeared to last night," she said with a knowing grin.

I felt heat rise to my cheeks but kept my expression neutral. "Don't bother, I'm not giving you details."

"Not even a little hint?" she pressed, her eyes dancing with mischief.

"None," I said firmly, taking a sip of water to hide my smile.

Doris muttered something under her breath that sounded suspiciously like "no fun," and I shot her a warning look. She glanced over my shoulder then, her expression changing as Nathan stared at her.

"Sorry, Nathan," she said quickly, focusing on her food.

As breakfast continued, I found myself observing the pack dynamics with new eyes. There was an easy familiarity here that I'd never experienced in the royal castle. Nathan engaged with several members, discussing hunting plans and territory maintenance, while I fielded curious questions from some of the braver women.

It felt strange being treated as Nathan's future mate in the light of day. Last night had been about connection, about following what our wolves wanted. But in the harsh light of morning, the complications of my situation came rushing back.

After breakfast, I insisted on helping in the village despite Nathan's mild protests. He didn't outright forbid it, which I appreciated, but I could tell he wasn't entirely comfortable with me working alongside regular pack members.

"I'll be fine," I assured him as he prepared to leave for his border patrol. "I need to stay busy."

He hesitated, then nodded. "I'll find you when I return."

I was sorting vegetables in one of the storage huts when a tall woman with copper hair approached, her posture stiff and her eyes cold.

"So you're the one who really won," she said without preamble.

I straightened, wiping my hands on my borrowed pants. "I'm sorry?"

"I'm Hazel," she said, as if that explained everything.

"Okay," I replied, looking her up and down. "And?"

Her eyes narrowed. "You took Nathan away."

I sighed, already tired of this conversation. "I didn't take anyone away. "

"You—"

"Is there a problem here?" Nathan's voice cut through whatever insult Hazel had been about to throw. He stood in the doorway, his expression neutral but his eyes sharp.

Hazel's demeanor changed instantly, her posture relaxing and a smile spreading across her face. "No problem at all, Alpha. I was just getting to know your new mate."

Nathan said to her. "Go meet with your mate. The ceremony is tomorrow."

Hazel's smile faltered, but she nodded stiffly and left without another word. When she was gone, I looked at Nathan.

I told him, "I can handle people like her."

"I know you can," he said, his expression softening. "But I really don't like that woman."

I nodded, understanding. I then turned back to my sorting, aware of Nathan watching me for a moment longer before he left to continue his duties.