"Return to your quarters immediately," his father commanded gently but firmly.
"Secure proper rest. I expect you to be in my office early in the morning, sharp. We have critical pack business to review regarding your absence. I know it is your first day back at school, but you have missed significant matters that require your attention."
He extended a hand, pulling Drake to his feet and pulling him into a firm embrace. His father was not one for public displays of affection, ruling with an iron fist before his warriors, but behind closed doors, he showed his true care.
"It is good to have you home, son. We have felt your absence deeply."
"I missed you too, Dad," Drake muttered. "What time is it?" His mind raced, calculating how long he had been exposed like this, how many might have seen their future Alpha acting like a lovesick fool.
"Approximately nearly 3 AM," his father revealed as they began walking toward the upper levels.
"We crossed the borders around two hours ago," Drake answered, his face burning with shame. He felt like an idiot, loathing the image of himself slumped outside her door like a desperate puppy begging for attention. He was an Alpha, not some weak-minded loser.
"Go. Get some sleep, son," his father ordered as they reached his floor.
As Drake's hand closed around the handle of his door, his father's voice stopped him once more.
"Oh, and Drake?"
"Yeah?" Drake turned, bracing himself.
"Let us put an end to this… sleepwalking outside Belle's room. Do I make myself CLEAR?"
The words were spoken softly, but the edge in his tone was sharp enough to slice steel. It was a warning that provoked Stand, who snarled in fury at being commanded, but Drake held his tongue.
"Crystal," Drake bit out.
He strode into his room and slammed the door with enough force to rattle the frames. Furious with himself, he ripped off his shoes and tore away his clothes until only his boxers remained. He collapsed into his mattress, desperate for oblivion before the sun rose and he had to face the world again.
—----
The shrill, piercing beep of the alarm clock ripped her violently from the depths of a deep slumber. Instinctively, Celine reached out across the mattress to caress her mate, intending to savor his warmth one last time before leaving for the day. But her fingers met only cold, empty sheets, shocking her awake faster than any passion ever could. Where on earth was he at three o'clock in the morning? In this godforsaken hour?
She was only awake because she was preparing for a journey to the City with the other women and Belle. She knew that with Belle's wolf soon to awaken, everything was about to shift dramatically within their walls. She cherished this time, wanting to create one final memory of normalcy before the heavy truth behind the girl's presence was finally revealed.
Reaching out through their invisible bond, she searched for Alpha Conrad. Instead of a mental connection, her sharp senses picked up his distinct scent drawing near, followed by the soft click of the front door opening.
He might have gained years since they first met, but to her, he remained the most devastatingly handsome man to ever walk the earth. He moved with grace, shedding his outer layers with a knowing smile, completely unaware that his mate was watching him from the shadows. Feeling playful, she decided to tease him.
"And where have you been wandering, Alpha?" she purred, just to catch him off guard. It was such a rare treat to startle a man of his stature.
"I went in search of water," he replied smoothly, "but I stumbled upon Drake fast asleep outside Belle's door again."
Caroline didn't need light to visualize the arrogant smirk playing on his lips. Infuriatingly, he remained completely unfazed by her question. Damn those Alpha genes and their endless composure.
"Do you recall when you were strong enough to simply sling him over your shoulder and carry him back?" she chuckled, though her voice held a thread of anxiety. "I suppose time marches on, and nothing stays the same forever, does it?"
"Indeed, it does not," Conrad murmured with a heavy sigh. "But we swore an oath that cannot be broken. We know exactly what must be done, Lin. We gave our word."
His expression held deep compassion and understanding, yet his voice carried an unspoken warning—a chilling reminder of the catastrophic consequences that would follow if they failed to uphold their end of the deal. The mere thought terrified her, but she knew she must bear this burden regardless of her doubts.
"We love Belle as if she were born of our own blood," Conrad soothed, sensing her turmoil through their connection. He knew the weight of the decision they had made years ago still haunted her. "We owe this to her, and we owe this to Drake. We cannot turn back now. The path is set."
"I know," she whispered sadly. "What is done cannot be undone."
Watching him approach with a wicked, playful glint in his eyes, he crawled over her, his body blanketing hers. His lips found her marking spot, nibbling and sucking gently, sending electric waves of pleasure shooting down her spine and forcing a soft moan to escape her lips.
"Are you attempting to distract me, my Alpha?" she giggled, feeling like a giddy schoolgirl in the arms of her hero.
"That depends… is it working?" he murmured against her skin, his breath hot and his kisses barely brushing her neck, causing her eyes to flutter shut in pure bliss.
"Oh, it is working perfectly," she declared, cupping his face firmly to look into his deep blue eyes before crashing her lips against his with desperate hunger. She wrapped her limbs tightly around him, anchoring herself to him.
Forgetting their promises, their fears, and the dark future looming over them, she allowed herself to drown in the moment. They could deal with the rest later.
Together.