As Aldrich carried Maggie into the luxurious sedan, Charlie was already waiting in the passenger seat, bearing recovery capsules for Maggie and a clean suit for Aldrich.
“Aldrich, what happened in the Elder’s Chamber? Did you… transform into a wolf?” Maggie hesitated to ask.
Aldrich casually buttoned his shirt. “An enemy broke in suddenly, and we had to defend ourselves, that’s all.”
“You always do this, and this time, it’s because of me.”
“Maggie, protecting you is what I should do.”
“Thank you. I’m grateful you were there. You can’t imagine how I felt when I touched the Energy Orb. It was like entering another world, and my perception of reality became so blurred…”
“Oh? What was that world like?”
“Noisy! I even heard our baby arguing with the Energy Orb, full of energy and mischief.”
“Our baby will undoubtedly be healthy and lively.”
“Of course, with you by my side, our future will be full.”
Maggie fantasized about their beautiful life together with their children and gradually fell asleep, and Aldrich silently agreed.
Aldrich softly said to the driver, “Drive smoothly.” Charlie also made sure to increase the air conditioning.
Meanwhile, Aldrich sat across from her, his mind fully engaged in what had transpired in the Elder’s Chamber. He remembered the moments he instinctively rushed to Maggie’s aid, saving her not just once but twice. It was a strange occurrence, sparking a series of questions in his mind. Were there deeper connections between Maggie and the werewolf world? Aldrich contemplated various possibilities, his thoughts weaving through their intricate destinies.
As the carriage gently swayed, Aldrich found himself studying Maggie’s face intently, captivated by her delicate features. Soft moonlight seeped through the windows, casting a gentle glow on her countenance. Her skin was flawless, kissed by the moon, resembling porcelain. His gaze followed the curve of her cheekbones, admiring her graceful contours. Her lips were full and inviting, even in slumber, carrying a hint of a smile, as if immersed in a sweet dream.
Aldrich’s eyes moved upward, drawn to Maggie’s eyes-the windows to her soul. They were rich, chocolate brown pools, shimmering with depth and warmth. Within their depths, he saw a profound determination, a strength hidden beneath her fragile exterior. Her long, dark lashes gently fanned her cheeks, enhancing the allure of her gaze. It was in those eyes that Aldrich felt an untamed spirit, a spark igniting his desires.
His attention shifted to Maggie’s tousled hair, chestnut brown, cascading like a waterfall. Wisps of hair brushed against her forehead, forming a halo around her face, adding an ethereal quality to her slumbering form. Aldrich’s fingers itched to reach out and tuck those loose strands behind her ear, feeling the softness of her hair against his skin.
Her scent, delicately mingling with flowers and warmth, filled the carriage, stirring Aldrich’s senses. It whispered countless possibilities, awakening the desires deep within him. He could almost taste the sweetness of her essence on his tongue, a tempting invitation he resisted.
“No,” he whispered softly, his voice barely above a breath, as if afraid to disturb her peaceful slumber. “It would be impolite to act on such desires.” The words slid from his lips like a silent restraint. But even as he denied himself, the wolf within him continued to roar softly, reminding him of the primal instincts coursing through his veins.
Aldrich’s gaze remained fixed on Maggie, emotions churning within him. Her striking beauty was intricately entwined with the deeper connection he felt between them. It was a subtle dance of attraction and fate, a battle raging within him. He couldn’t help but inch closer to Maggie, deeply inhaling her scent. He swore to protect her, respecting the unspoken bond that tied their souls together.
As the carriage slowly moved forward, Aldrich silently vowed to navigate the complex path ahead with integrity. The allure of Maggie’s beauty shook his resolve, and their intertwined destinies fueled his determination, making his thoughts grow stronger, mirroring his desires.
The car stopped in front of the estate’s garden, a colorful and dreamy landscape surrounding them.
Aldrich gently carried the still-sleeping Maggie, their shadows lengthening in the moonlight. Maggie’s long lashes quivered ever so slightly.
“Are you awake?” Aldrich inquired softly.
Maggie felt a bit bashful. “I can walk on my own.”
“You don’t trust my strength?”
“It’s not that… Everyone’s watching.”
“You’re Luna, and I’m Alpha. What’s wrong with that?”
In such a dreamy atmosphere, Maggie found herself unable to utter anything that would disrupt the mood.
The loyal warrior brought his beloved princess to the bedroom door, softly kissing her hand and bidding her a loving goodnight.
“Wishing you sweet dreams, my dear Maggie.”
“Goodnight…” Maggie quickly closed the door, placing her hand over her chest, listening to the rapid thud of her heart.
“This is too crazy…” Maggie took small, quick steps into the bathroom, looking at herself in the mirror. Indeed, her cheeks were as red as apples.
Maggie realized she was in a dreamy state, living in a pastoral realm of happiness with Aldrich. They were lost in each other’s embrace, their laughter intertwined with the gentle rustle of leaves. The brilliant sunlight bathed their faces in gold, accentuating the love shining in their eyes. But just as Aldrich tenderly held her, guiding her into a world of eternal happiness, Maggie’s eyelids snapped open, shattering this fantasy.
Her body ached from fatigue, and the night’s celebration, coupled with the exhausting encounter with the Energy Orb, had taken a toll on her. Yet, a sense of determination had ignited within her. She knew that, without first purifying her body and spirit, she couldn’t find rest. With heavy footsteps, she made her way to the bathroom, seeking solace in the fresh water.
As warm water droplets fell onto her weary body, Maggie couldn’t help but let out a sigh, a mixture of fatigue and fleeting disappointment. She carefully unclasped the necklace, placing the “Tears of the Ocean” pendant on the countertop. Its shimmering azure gem caught the soft bathroom light.
Suddenly, an otherworldly silence enveloped the room, replacing the familiar sound of running water and her steady breathing. A haunting howl, distant yet clear, shattered the silence, seeping into Maggie’s senses. Her heart thudded in her chest, its rhythm echoing the primal call reverberating through the night sky.
“A wolf’s howl…?”
The increasingly distinct howling made Maggie feel that danger was drawing near. She quickly looked to the other side of the shower curtain, asking, “Who’s there? Who’s behind there?”
Maggie instinctively recoiled, her legs almost betraying her as adrenaline coursed through her veins, leaving her legs weak. She let out a piercing scream, a cry for help and an acknowledgment of the lurking danger beyond her understanding.
At that very moment, the door swung open, revealing Aldrich in all his rugged glory. Water droplets glistened on his bare chest, evidence of his hurried arrival. As he surveyed the scene before him, deep concern etched into his face, his sharp gaze fixed on Maggie, who was trembling and vulnerable.
“Maggie, what’s happening?” Aldrich’s voice quivered with urgency, his eyes filled with the wordless fear of losing her. He didn’t hesitate for a moment, crossing the threshold and stepping barefoot on the chilly tiles, each step unwaveringly closer to her.
Struggling to find her voice, Maggie, her quivering lips betraying her inner turmoil, stammered, “I… I heard their voices, Aldrich. The wolves. Their howls… they were so close, like right inside my room.”
A furrow formed on Aldrich’s brow, his mind racing to decipher the implications behind her words. A protective instinct surged through him, almost consuming his senses.
“Maggie, perhaps you misheard. The wolf howls are coming from a distance. You’re in my secure Barrett Manor, and I’m right here with you. There’s no danger here,” he comforted, his voice providing solace amid her chaotic emotions.
Maggie was still in shock, her wide eyes fixed on Aldrich’s naked form. Then she realized she was in the bathroom, now completely exposed.
“Oh my God… this is so embarrassing…” Maggie desperately tried to find something to cover herself with, but the bathroom floor was flooded with water, and she nearly slipped. In an instant, Aldrich rushed forward, encircling Maggie’s waist with his powerful arms. Two naked bodies pressed closely together, emitting a strong scent.
“Maggie, with me around, you never need to worry about anything. Let me take you to a safer place,” he reassured, his voice filled with resolve.
His words were both a promise and a silent declaration, stirring a whirlwind within Maggie. She could feel his strong arms enveloping her, offering her shelter in the chaos. In that vulnerable moment, their desires hung heavily in the air, an irresistible attraction that transcended reason.
Aldrich swiftly grabbed a nearby bathrobe and draped it around Maggie, lifting her up with a strong embrace, carrying her to the adjacent room.
“Is this your room?” Maggie stood on the soft carpet, her hair still damp.
“Yes, it’s saturated with my scent, and no lycanthrope dares to set foot here. I can protect you thoroughly in this place,” Aldrich reassured.
Maggie stammered, “Is this like living together, sharing a room?”
Aldrich fetched a dry towel and gently started to pat Maggie’s hair dry, his touch as tender as if he was holding her close. “Yes, Maggie. Appearing at the banquet tonight signifies the beginning of our partnership, but it also brings danger, and we need to be more cautious.”
Maggie hung her head. “I must’ve done terribly at the banquet…”
“No, you did great. You even successfully challenged Ethan. Maggie, you’re amazing,” Aldrich praised.
“Thank you for the reminder. I need to step up my training. If another lycanthrope comes out of nowhere to challenge me next time, I might not have as many tricks up my sleeve,” Maggie admitted.
“Remember, Ethan is a formidable opponent. Defeating him reduces potential challengers. But now, Maggie, we have another urgent issue to address…”
Aldrich set the towel aside, and his fingers gently brushed Maggie’s hair, now free of water droplets.
Maggie looked up at Aldrich, her trust in him unwavering. “What is it?”
“A scent mark.”
Aldrich sat by her side, and the soft bed gently sunk beneath their weight. “The scents at the banquet were chaotic, dissipating my scent mark. And you just took a shower.”
Maggie’s heart tightened. “I… I need to prepare…”
“Leave it to me, Maggie.” Aldrich moved closer, his touch sending electric pulses through her skin, igniting a roaring fire within her. Their eyes met, and they exchanged a gaze filled with wordless desire. In this intimate space, Aldrich’s warm arm encircled Maggie, and the scent of his cologne seemed to envelop her in waves of heat.
As Aldrich’s fingers traced her arm, Maggie’s mind was filled with conflicting thoughts and desires. She clung tightly to his chest, exploring his body. The distinct contours of Aldrich’s chiseled torso, the firm muscles, enticed Maggie to surrender to the attraction that drew them together.
Aldrich sensed her inner turmoil, the confusion reflected in her eyes. He offered a gentle smile, brimming with understanding and an unspoken promise. He knew he had an overwhelming influence over her. He lightly nibbled her ear, gently laying her down on the soft bed. His body pressed lightly onto Maggie’s, deliberately closing the gap between them, their breaths melding into one. His gaze combined desire with a strong restraint, tracing the contours of her face.
“Maggie,” he whispered hoarsely, “let me protect you.”
In that moment, when their bodies were bare and vulnerable, the outside world seemed inconsequential. Maggie’s thoughts were consumed by the enigma of Aldrich, this magnetic force that bound them together, transcending time and reason.
In that room, their souls danced on the precipice of forbidden passion, their bodies drawing closer, kisses repeating themselves, drowning in the joy of desire, their connection unraveling the boundaries of their reality.