Matilda's POV
I sat on the bed, brushing through my hair, when Ana burst into the room with a wide grin.
"Matilda, you are not going to believe this!" she practically sang, clapping her hands together.
I raised an eyebrow. "What?"
"Marco is taking you out!" she squealed, bouncing slightly.
I blinked in surprise. "Out? Out where?"
"To the human world," she said dramatically, flopping onto the bed beside me. "Shopping, food, whatever you want. He wants you to enjoy yourself."
I stared at her, processing the words. I hadn't stepped outside this pack's territory since Marco took me. The thought of going back into the human world where I had lived, struggled, survived sent a rush of emotions through me.
Excitement. Nervousness. Fear.
I hesitated. "Why is he doing this?"
Ana rolled her eyes. "Because he cares about you, obviously."
I bit my lip. Marco was confusing. One moment, he was this dominant, possessive Alpha who had kidnapped me. The next, he was showing me gentleness, trying to ease my fears.
Ana nudged me playfully. "Don't overthink it. Just enjoy yourself."
I sighed. "It's not that simple."
She smirked. "You like him."
I gasped. "I do not!"
She gave me a knowing look. "Mmm-hmm."
I groaned, shoving a pillow at her. "Just help me pick something to wear before I change my mind."
Ana laughed, but she hopped up and went straight to my closet. "We're making you look stunning."
As we stepped out of the house, Marco was already there, waiting beside the sleek black car. He looked effortlessly powerful, his golden eyes watching me with quiet intensity.
I hesitated for a second, still getting used to the idea of being around him so much. But then he opened the door for me, his expression unreadable.
"Get in, little one," he murmured.
I slid into the passenger seat, and Marco walked around to get in beside me while the driver and a warrior took the front. The door closed with a soft click, sealing us inside.
The car moved smoothly down the road, and for a few moments, there was only silence. But then Marco glanced at me, a smirk tugging at his lips.
"You seem nervous," he noted.
I sighed, shifting slightly in my seat. "I guess I just. I haven't been out in a long time."
His expression softened. "That's why we're doing this. You've been at the pack house too long. You should have some fun, Matilda."
I looked at him, surprised. "Fun?"
"Yes, fun," he repeated, amused. "Do you even remember what that is?"
I narrowed my eyes at him, realizing he was teasing me. "Of course, I do!"
"Good," he said. "Because today is about you. We'll get you whatever you need. Clothes, books, anything."
I couldn't help but smile a little at that. I had to admit, the idea of picking things for myself, rather than just wearing whatever was given to me, felt.exciting.
As the drive continued, we talked about little things. He asked me about my favorite colors, my favorite books, and what I liked to do before my life turned upside down. It felt strange to talk so casually with him, but also… nice.
By the time we reached the town, my nerves had started to settle.
The day had been surprisingly wonderful. We had walked through the shops, picked out clothes I actually liked, and even tried on different styles while Marco waited, surprisingly patient. He didn't even complain when I took too long deciding.
We laughed, talked, and for the first time in a long while, I felt normal. Safe.
Now, we were sitting in a cozy restaurant, eating, when a voice froze me in place.
"Matilda."
My heart dropped.
No. No, it couldn't be.
I turned slowly, my hands shaking, and there he was my uncle. The man who had haunted my nightmares. The man I had run from.
Marco's body tensed beside me as he followed my gaze, his golden eyes darkening instantly.
"Who is this?" Marco asked, his voice dangerously calm.
My uncle's cold stare moved between us before settling on me. His face twisted in anger. "Where have you been?" His voice was sharp, accusing. "And who the hell is this?"
Panic surged through me. If he knew I wasn't alone, if he thought I had someone protecting me, maybe just maybe he would leave me alone.
So before I could even think, the words tumbled out of my mouth.
"My husband."
Marco's head snapped toward me, his eyes widening slightly.
But my uncle faltered, his expression shifting as he looked at Marco again this time, with wariness. Marco was huge, radiating power and dominance. No ordinary man.
I forced myself to sit up straighter, gripping Marco's hand for effect. "I'm married now. I have a life. So leave me alone."
Marco didn't correct me. He didn't even question it. Instead, his hand tightened around mine, his expression hardened as he turned toward my uncle.
My uncle's laughter sent chills down my spine. It was cruel, mocking just like I remembered.
"You? Married?" He scoffed, shaking his head. Then his expression darkened, his eyes flashing with something far more dangerous. "You belong to me. Now get over here. Now."
His voice was sharp, commanding just like it had been when I was a child. My body reacted before my mind could catch up.
I took a step forward.
No.
My heart pounded, my hands trembling at my sides. It was as if I had shrunk into the small, terrified girl I used to be. The one who never questioned him. The one who always obeyed.
But before I could move another inch, a wall of heat and muscle stepped in front of me.
Marco.
His massive form blocked my view, shielding me completely. The shift was so sudden, so absolute, that my uncle actually took a step back.
"You better leave," Marco said, his voice deep and steady, yet full of unspoken warning. "Before I do something we will all regret."
The air crackled with tension.
My uncle glared up at him, his jaw tightening. He wasn't used to being defied, especially not by me. But Marco wasn't just anyone. He radiated authority, power, and something far more dangerous a promise of destruction.
For a moment, my uncle looked like he wanted to argue, but Marco didn't move. He just stood there, unmoving, unshaken.
Finally, my uncle scoffed, spitting at the ground. "This isn't over."
Then he turned and disappeared into the crowd.
I let out a shaky breath, my knees weak.
Marco turned immediately, his golden eyes scanning my face. His hands reached for me, steadying me. "Are you okay?"
I nodded, but the truth was, I wasn't sure.
He exhaled slowly, then gently tilted my chin up. "He will never touch you again, Matilda." His voice was soft now, but there was steel beneath it. "I won't let him."
The moment we got to the car,I curled up against the door,I curled into myself in the car, pressing against the door as the memories flooded back memories of my uncle's cruel laughter, the sting of his belt, the nights I spent trembling in fear. My breaths came short and uneven, my chest tightening as panic set in.
Marco noticed instantly.
Before I could retreat further, he pulled me onto his lap, his strong arms wrapping around me protectively. His warmth, his scent, his presence everything about him made me feel safe, even when my mind was spiraling into the past.
"You okay, Matilda?" he murmured, his lips brushing my temple. "I'm here. He won't hurt you."
I clung to Marco, my fingers fisting his shirt as my body trembled. The fear from seeing my uncle again was suffocating, choking me. I could still hear his voice in my head, still feel the sting of his belt from all those years ago.
Marco held me tighter, his warmth surrounding me. "You're safe, Matilda," he murmured into my hair. "He won't hurt you. Not while I'm here."
I wanted to believe him. I needed to believe him. But my uncle was dangerous.
"You don't get it, Marco," I whispered against his chest. "I have to run. Please. He's in the mafia. He might hurt you"
Marco pulled back slightly, tilting my chin up so I had no choice but to look at him. His golden eyes burned with intensity. "And I'm a wolf, Matilda." His voice was deep, unshaken. "Your uncle is human. If anyone should be scared, it's him."
His confidence should have reassured me, but my heart still pounded.
I took a shaky breath, trying to calm down, when something felt. off.
The car was moving, but it was too quiet.
I stiffened in Marco's hold, my eyes darting around.
That's when I noticed.
The warrior who had been with us before he was gone.
It was just Marco, me, and the driver