Marco's POV
I kept Matilda close as we walked into the dining hall. The long wooden table was already set, filled with meats, vegetables, and freshly baked bread. My pack members took their places, conversation filling the air, but my attention never wavered from Matilda.
She was still tense, her fingers twitching slightly as she glanced around. This world was new to her, and I knew it would take time for her to adjust. But she was trying, and that was enough for now.
I pulled out a chair at the head of the table and motioned for her to sit beside me. She hesitated for only a second before taking the seat, her eyes flickering to mine. I gave her a small nod, silently reassuring her.
Darius sat across from us, already digging into his food. "So, Luna," he said, smirking slightly. "How was your first introduction to the pack?"
Matilda shifted, playing with the hem of her dress. "It was. overwhelming," she admitted honestly.
Some of the warriors chuckled, but there was no malice in it. "You handled it well," Ana said from a few seats down, sending Matilda a reassuring smile.
Matilda relaxed slightly, reaching for a piece of bread. I watched as she hesitated, her fingers brushing over the crust before finally tearing a small piece.
She was still cautious, still unsure.
And I hated that.
She should feel safe here. Comfortable. This was her home now, whether she accepted it or not.
I leaned in slightly, my voice low. "Eat, little one. You need your strength."
Her lips parted like she wanted to say something, but instead, she nodded and took a bite.
The meal continued, and though I listened to the conversations around me, my focus remained on her. Every small movement, every flicker of emotion across her face—I absorbed it all.
Then, as the plates were being cleared, a warrior entered the hall and made his way toward me. He bowed his head respectfully before speaking. "Alpha, we've received word from the border patrol. Another rogue sighting."
Instantly, the air shifted. The relaxed atmosphere of the meal turned tense.
I clenched my jaw. "How many?"
"Just one, but he was scouting the perimeter. He fled before we could capture him."
I nodded. "Increase the patrols. Double the guards at night."
"Yes, Alpha." The warrior bowed again before leaving.
Matilda's voice was soft when she spoke. "This is happening often?"
I turned to her, studying the concern in her eyes. "More than it should."
Her fingers tightened around the edge of the table. "Is. is it because of me?"
A low growl rumbled in my chest, and the table fell silent.
"No," I said firmly. "This has nothing to do with you."
She didn't look convinced, but I wasn't going to let her take on a burden that wasn't hers to carry.
I reached for her hand beneath the table, brushing my fingers over hers. She tensed but didn't pull away.
"You are safe here, Matilda," I murmured. "I will make sure of it."
She met my gaze, and for a moment, it was just the two of us in the crowded room.
Then Darius cleared his throat, breaking the moment. "I suggest we discuss this further in your office, Alpha."
I exhaled slowly, reluctant to leave her, but I nodded. "Fine."
I stood, glancing down at Matilda one last time. "Stay with Ana and Elera. I won't be long.
She gave a small nod, but I could still see the uncertainty in her eyes.
I didn't like leaving her, but I had a duty to my pack.
I walked out of the dining hall with Darius by my side, my mind already focused on the growing threat. Rogues testing our borders meant only one thing,someone was orchestrating this. Someone who wanted to see how strong we were, how we would react.
As soon as we entered my office, I slammed the door shut. "Tell me everything," I ordered.
Darius crossed his arms. "The patrol caught his scent before they saw him. He wasn't trying to attack, just observing. That means he was sent to gather information."
I clenched my jaw. "They want to know our weaknesses."
"Exactly." Darius exhaled. "This isn't random, Marco. Someone is planning something."
I leaned against my desk, my fingers pressing into the wood. My wolf was already restless, pacing inside me, demanding blood.
"We need to send a message," I growled. "Whoever is behind this needs to know that we're not prey."
Darius smirked. "Agreed. Do you want to send scouts to track them?"
"Yes. But only my best warriors. I don't want them walking into a trap."
Darius nodded. "Consider it done."
I exhaled slowly, my mind racing. War was brewing I could feel it. And Matilda was in the middle of it now.
Just the thought of her being in danger made my wolf snarl.
I couldn't afford to be distracted. But when it came to her, I already was.
Darius studied me for a moment before smirking. "You're thinking about her, aren't you?"
I shot him a glare. "Stay out of my head, Darius."
He chuckled. "Can't help it. You've never been this. preoccupied before."
"She's my mate," I said simply. "That changes everything."
Darius nodded in understanding. "Then you'd better make sure she knows that. Because I saw the look in her eyes tonight. She's still afraid, Marco. Not of you, but of this world."
I sighed, running a hand through my hair. He was right. She was trying, but she was still unsure of her place here.
And that was my fault.
"I'll handle it," I said, my voice firm.
Darius grinned. "Good. Now, let's deal with these rogues before they become a real problem."
I gave him a nod before turning back to the window, looking out into the dark night.
An idea struck me, and I stood. "Before the ceremony,of that alpha that invited us,for his mating ceremony. I want to take her out. To the human world."
Darius raised an eyebrow. "Human world?"
"She's been surrounded by Lycans and pack business since she got here," I explained. "I want to take her somewhere she feels comfortable. Somewhere she can enjoy herself, get things she wants, and maybe… start to trust me more."
Darius smirked knowingly. "So, it's a date?"
I shot him a glare. "It's not a date."
He laughed. "Sure, Alpha. Whatever you say."
Ignoring him, I mind-linked Ana.
"Ana, prepare Matilda. We're going out tomorrow."
Her voice came through almost instantly, filled with excitement. "Out? Where?!"
"To the human world," I replied. "She needs new clothes, things she likes. I don't want her feeling trapped here."
Ana practically squealed. "Finally! I'll make sure she's ready. She'll love this, Marco."
I ended the link, turning back to Darius, who was still grinning at me like a fool.
"I don't see what's so amusing," I muttered.
He chuckled. "You're changing, Marco."
I frowned. "I'm still the same."
Darius shook his head. "No. The old you wouldn't have cared about things like shopping trips and making sure your mate feels.