Chapter 32 The Longing
{Warren’s POV}
“Alpha, there’s a new real estate deal and Mr. Aston wants us to check it out,” Jane said as we walked out of the building toward the car. Her voice faded into the background because my mind wasn’t on anything she was saying.
I couldn’t get my mind off Diana, and the fact that she was pregnant.
I needed to see her. I needed to know how she was doing.
I stopped and turned to Jane. “I can’t go with you to check it today. Schedule it for another day.”
“But Alpha—” she pressed as I opened the car door.
“Jane, I’ve given my order,” I interrupted, getting into the car. “Schedule it for another day. And I need information on the wolves that attacked Diana. You should have it by now.”
“Yes, Alpha,” she said, stepping closer. “The one you killed was a Beta from Snowclaw Pack. The pack is located far away from Norway.”
“Snowclaw Pack?” I muttered.
The Snowclaw Pack was a well-guarded reserve pack. Their rules were strict, and none of their wolves crossed borders without permission. It made no sense for one of their Betas to be here. The thought stayed with me for a moment, then my mind drifted back to Diana.
“Get every piece of information regarding that,” I said. “And make sure the warrior wolves surround our pack territory in case they try to attack again.”
“Yes, Alpha.”
I closed the door and drove out of the parking lot. My hands clenched on the steering wheel when my thoughts drifted to the day Diana’s mate dropped her off at the pack house. The way he spoke to her, the way he looked at her, it was like they were just acquaintances.
He didn’t care about her.
If Diana were mine, I would’ve torn apart any wolf or thing that tried to hurt her.
I drove past the city, lost in thought, until a flower shop caught my eye. I slowed down and pulled over in front of it, my heart beating harder as I wondered if this was a foolish idea.
Inside the shop, a soft scent filled the air. “Welcome, Alpha Warren,” the brunette woman at the counter greeted with a smile as I walked in.
“I need the finest flower you have,” I said.
She immediately left her post and led me to the corner of the shop. My eyes fell on a single arrangement, white lilies mixed with pale blue petals. The flowers were simple, calm, and gentle. The white reminded me of Diana’s quiet strength, while the soft blue felt like her sadness, hidden but always there.
Just staring at it made my chest tighten. “I’ll take it,” I said.
The woman nodded and wrapped the flowers carefully in cream-colored paper, tying it with a thin silver ribbon. The wrapping was neat, clean, and careful,giving the flowers a unique look.
“Thank you for coming to our shop, Alpha,” she said with a small bow as I left.
Back in the car, I placed the flowers beside me, careful not to crush them. I stopped by a restaurant, picked up food, then drove straight to the hospital.
The hallway felt longer than usual. I held the flowers in one hand and the takeout bag in the other as I walked toward her room. When I got to the door, I hesitated. My hand hovered over the handle before I pushed the door gently.
My eyes widened.
Diana sat on the bed, her face pale, her shoulders slightly hunched. She sniffled softly, wiping her cheeks when she noticed me.
“Are you okay?” I asked, stepping closer.
As I moved to place the flowers and food on the table, my eyes caught another food pack already sitting there.
Her mate must've been here. My jaw tightened, my hand curling into a fist before I forced myself to relax.
“How are you feeling now?” I asked, walking closer.
She turned her face away, avoiding my eyes. Guilt twisted in my chest. I knew she was angry, about being made to work alone that day. Jealousy had clouded my judgment, and I hated myself for it.
Instead of pressing her, I placed the flowers gently on the table beside her bed, making sure they were in her view. I pulled the chair closer and sat, keeping my distance so she wouldn’t feel cornered.
I noticed how her hands trembled slightly as she rested them on her lap.
“I spoke to the doctors,” I said quietly. “They said you need rest. You shouldn’t stress yourself.”
She didn’t respond, but her shoulders eased just a little. “I've dealt with the wolves that attacked you,” I continued. “They won’t come near you again.”
She finally looked at me and nodded. “Thank you, sir,” she whispered.
I moved closer and sat beside her on the bed. She shifted away slightly, clearly trying not to look at me. I kept my voice calm.
“You don’t have to thank me.”
My eyes drifted to her stomach. She immediately wrapped her arms around it, protective, like she feared I might hurt her baby. The sight struck something deep inside me.
“It’s my responsibility to care for you as your boss,” I said. “If anyone, or your mate, is hurting you, you can tell me. I’ll handle it.”
My voice came out stronger than I intended. I cleared my throat. “I care about my staff’s well-being,” I added quickly. “Their health affects their work.”
“I’m sorry, sir,” she murmured.
I looked at her, and our eyes met for a brief moment before she looked away again.
“For everything,” she continued softly. “For the property that was destroyed.”
“You don’t need to apologize.”
I shifted closer without thinking. She flinched, and my wolf stirred, restless and alert. The longing burned through me, sharp and heavy.
I could smell her fear… and something else. Something familiar.
Before I realized it, my hand lifted, stopping just inches from her chin. Everything else faded—the room, the sounds, the world. All I could see was her.
She shifted again, unknowingly moving closer to the edge of the bed.
She yelped as she lost balance and my instincts took over.
I reached out instantly, my arm wrapping around her back as I pulled her to me. Her body collided with mine, and a spark shot through my che
st. Her warmth seeped into me, her heartbeat racing against mine.
For a moment, time stood still.