Freja’s POV
Freya gave me a dubious glance as I placed the last plate on the table and took a step back to examine the setup. Her brows were slightly raised, and her lips curved into a playful smile.
“Ok, Freya, spill it. What’s up with this look?” I asked with my arms folded.
She cocked her head, her smile broadening into something that disturbed me. “I’m just… shocked, you know?”
“Shocked about what, exactly?”
“It’s just that you’re not the ‘help-out-in-the-kitchen’ sort.””You’re more of the ‘action and chaos’ type,” she joked, her voice full of laughter.
I rolled my eyes, breathing sharply. “I just decided to help today.” Can’t a girl shake things up once in a while? Now stop staring at me like that-it’s weird.”
Freya shrugged lightly, but her smile remained constant. “Alright, but I have to say, this is very… unlike you.”
“Enough already,” I snapped. But her expression sparked curiosity in me. “Wait-why are you smiling like that? What are you hiding, Freya?”
Her face faltered for just a moment before she shook her head, waving me off. “Nothing. Absolutely nothing. Just go call Steven and Luna; breakfast is ready.”
She rushed toward the kitchen, and I narrowed my eyes. Oh, she’s definitely hiding something. And I’ll figure it out sooner or later.
As I climbed the stairs to Steven and Luna’s room, I noticed the door was partially open. I pushed the door open and entered.
“Hey, breakfast is…” The words stuck in my throat, and my eyes widened with surprise.
Steven was lying on the couch, shirtless, his strong chest rising and falling with every breath. Luna was nestled up against him, her head resting on his chest, and his arm was wound snugly about her. They appeared calm, even intimate.
“Oh, my goddess,” I mumbled, leaving the room as if I had witnessed a scandal. My heart was beating as I dashed down the stairs, shouting at the top of my lungs.
“Freya!”
She appeared from the kitchen, startled. “What’s with the yelling? Did you call them?”
I grabbed her hand and yanked her towards the stairs. “You have to see this!”
“What do you see?” she asked, unable to keep up as I tugged her onward.
“Shhh!” As we returned to the room, I placed my finger over my lips. I motioned for her to look, and as soon as her gaze rested on the scene before us, she gasped.
Steven moved slightly but did not wake. His arm remained draped over Luna, who was still fast sleeping, wrapped in what appeared to be his clothes.
“This is gold,” Freya exclaimed enthusiastically. “Freja, take a picture.” We can’t pass up this opportunity.
Without hesitation, I pulled out my phone and snapped a few shots. The camera’s click must have been too loud, or maybe Steven’s senses were just too sharp, because his eyes fluttered open.
“What… What are you two doing?” he asked groggily, his deep voice still thick with sleep.
Freya grinned. “Oh, nothing. Just admiring how comfortable you look with Luna resting on your chest.”
Steven glanced down, his face darkening as he realized the situation. His sudden movement caused Luna to wake, her eyes darting around the room in confusion.
“What the hell is going on?!” they both yelled at the same time.
I couldn’t help but burst into laughter, joined by Freya.
“You tell me!” Luna shot back, glaring at Steven. “Why was my head on your chest?”
“You fell asleep on my shoulder last night, that’s why,” Steven retorted, his tone sharp.
“That doesn’t explain why you didn’t move me!” she snapped.
“I didn’t want to wake you! You looked cold, and the window was open, so I used my shirt to keep you warm. Maybe show some gratitude instead of jumping to conclusions,” Steven growled, his piercing eyes locking on hers.
“Gratitude?!” Luna scoffed. “You think I’d thank you for taking advantage of me?!”
Steven’s jaw clenched, his entire body stiffening. “Take advantage of you? Are you delusional? I helped you!”
“Enough!” Freya interjected, stepping between them. “Stop yelling before you wake the entire pack.”
I smirked. “Let them yell, Freya. It’s rare to see this much chemistry. Soon they’ll be confessing their undying love for each other.”
Luna’s face turned red. “That will never happen.”
“Never,” Steven echoed, his voice cold.
I grinned mischievously. “Right. Well, excuse me while I frame this picture. It deserves a special spot in the mansion, maybe right by the entrance.”
Steven’s gaze sharpened, his voice dropping dangerously low. “What picture?”
“The one I just took of you two looking all cozy,” I teased.
His expression darkened further. “Delete it, Freja.”
“Not a chance,” I said, gripping the phone hard.
“You’ll regret it,” he said, standing up with a powerful aura. “Freja, give me the phone. Now.”
“You’ll have to catch me first,” I smirked, and bolted out of the room.
******
Ashley’s POV
Watching Steven chase Freja around the house with his supernatural speed was more amusing than I’d expected. His usually stoic demeanor cracked, revealing a rare playfulness.
Freya nudged me, a knowing look on her face. “Don’t tell me you’re falling for him already.”
“What? No! Of course not!” I stammered.
“He’s your mate, Luna. It’s bound to happen.”
“It’s a forced marriage,” I reminded her. “Don’t expect us to become some fairy tale love story.”
Freya’s lips curled into a soft smile. “Sometimes, the best love stories come from the most unexpected beginnings.”
I shook my head, but her words lingered as I watched Steven playfully corner Freja. For the first time, I saw him not as the ruthless Alpha but as a man-a brother, a protector, and maybe, just maybe, someone capable of love.