Chapter 34

Michael

My home was nothing like Richard's penthouse—simple, bright, and comfortable. The cabin sat among tall pine trees near the edge of the forest, with an open layout that allowed moonlight to fill the interior. Tribal artifacts adorned the walls, and bookshelves of historical volumes stood next to potted plants that brought the outdoors inside.

This place was my rebellion against my father's expectations. The sprawling Blake family mansion had always felt like a prison, with its formal rooms and suffocating traditions. This cabin was the quiet, comfortable space I'd dreamed of since childhood.

My cabin fulfilled all my needs. The only thing missing was a mate to share it with.

I'd never brought women back here, never thought about sharing my private sanctuary with anyone until now. Just the thought of her in my bed, surrounded by my scent, made my cock harden again. Fuck, control yourself, I warned my wolf. She needs rest, not another round.

Walking Isabella through my front door felt strangely territorial and intimate—more significant than putting my tongue between her legs at the restaurant. This was my den, my private space, and every Alpha instinct in me growled with satisfaction at bringing my potential mate into it.

"Is this your territory?" she asked, her tone mixing surprise and appreciation. "It feels... like you." Her eyes scanned the room, noting details with an intelligent curiosity that tightened my chest with unexpected emotion.

"Yes," I smiled, pleased at her perception and at how her scent was already blending with the air of my home. "I can give you the full tour tomorrow, but for now, you need rest. Would you like something to drink? I have some recovery drinks that help restore energy."

She shook her head, a strand of raven hair falling across her face, making me want to brush it away and then grip it tight in my fist. "I'm fine. Where's the bathroom?" Her weight shifted slightly from one foot to another, reminding me that her underwear was probably still uncomfortably damp from earlier.

"Come on, I'll show you." I led her upstairs, hesitating for a moment between the master bedroom and the guest room. Was it too soon to bring her to my bed?

"Am I sleeping with you or...?" she asked, uncertainty flashing in her eyes.

I paused, weighing my options carefully. I imagined laying her across my bed, spreading her thighs, and burying myself deep in her tight, wet heat. Fuck, I'd give anything to feel her pussy gripping my cock. But I forced my more instinctual urges down.

"I have a guest room, if you'd feel more comfortable," I offered, my voice rougher than I'd intended. The muscles in my jaw twitched with the effort of restraint. "We haven't completed the mate bond yet, and you have the right to choose."

"Could I... could I sleep with you?" Her voice grew softer, almost pleading, and the sweet vulnerability in her tone made my wolf want to howl with satisfaction. "I don't want to be alone right now."

My eyes flashed gold at her request, my canines lengthening involuntarily as a possessive growl built in my chest. Mine. Ours. "Of course, baby."

I guided her to my bedroom, a simple but comfortable space dominated by a large bed. Floor-to-ceiling windows provided a view of the forest, though heavy curtains could be drawn for privacy.

"Bathroom's through there," I pointed. "You'll find everything you need."

I walked to the dresser, opening a drawer. "There's a new toothbrush in the cabinet, and if you want something to sleep in, help yourself to one of my t-shirts from the closet. I'll go downstairs and fix you that recovery drink."

"Thank you, Michael," she smiled, heading toward the closet.

When I returned with the drink, Isabella was already asleep on the bed, lying face down on top of the covers. She'd changed into one of my old university t-shirts, the fabric hanging loosely over her curves, and she wasn't wearing underwear. My cock immediately hardened at the sight, pushing painfully against my pants. Fuck me, she's perfect even in sleep. I set the drink on the nightstand, knowing it would still help in the morning.

In sleep, her face was completely relaxed, all the wariness and caution she usually carried melted away. Her black hair was spread across my pillow like spilled ink, and my wolf howled with primitive satisfaction at seeing her so completely at ease in my territory.

I quietly walked to the bathroom, my erection making walking uncomfortable. As I undressed, I couldn't help looking down at my cock, hard and aching, the tip leaking fluid. The urge to masturbate with her just out there was almost irresistible. Pull yourself together, Michael. You're a grown man, not a hormone-driven teenager.

I stepped into the shower, turning the water to cold. The shock made me hiss, but it wasn't enough to completely quell my desire. I closed my eyes, letting the water cascade over me, desperately trying to think about anything but Isabella.

After showering, I noticed her toothbrush placed next to mine—the small detail triggered a surge of possessive pleasure. My cock twitched again at the sight. Such a simple thing, but fuck, it looked perfect. It looked right, like it belonged there, like she belonged here.

After putting on clean boxers, I carefully climbed into bed, trying not to disturb her sleep. I resisted the urge to pull her against me, to press my erection against her soft ass. Her scent soothed something deep inside me, and her steady breathing guided me to sleep. This woman might truly be the golden omega of pack legend—too tempting for words.

I woke with my cock rock hard and pressed tightly against Isabella's perfect ass. At some point during the night, we had shifted into the classic mate position—my chest against her back, my arm possessively draped over her waist, our legs intertwined like puzzle pieces. My erection throbbed painfully, nestled in the crease of her ass with only the thin fabric of my boxers separating us.

Fuck, I could stay in this moment forever. Morning light filtered through the trees outside the window, casting dappled shadows across the bed, highlighting the curve of her neck.

I didn't want to move, didn't want to break this perfect connection. My balls ached with need, requiring all my self-control not to grind against her for relief from this exquisite torture.

Isabella shifted slightly in her sleep, her body unconsciously responding to my presence, her hips making a subtle grinding motion against my erection that nearly made me groan aloud. God, if she keeps this up, she's going to make me come in my boxers like a teenager.

The beautiful curve of her neck was just inches from my mouth. Before I could decide whether to gently wake her, I felt her body suddenly tense as consciousness returned.

"Good morning, baby," I murmured, my voice deeper than usual, rough with desire. As I spoke, my cock twitched against her ass, and I knew she could feel it.

She trembled in response, a small involuntary movement that sent electricity through my entire body. "Good morning, Michael." Her voice was soft with sleep, carrying a naturally submissive tone.

"Did you sleep well? Comfortable?" I maintained our embrace, letting my steady aura surround her. My hand on her waist ached to slide upward to caress her breasts, or downward to discover if she was as wet as I was hard.

The first night with a potential mate had been perfect, especially since that mate was Isabella. Fuck, I can barely wait until Sunday.