Ronan stood and extended a hand. "Co back to bed?" His study was not a comfortable place to stay. Even he hated being here. He made sure to build it in a way that it was annoying to be here so that he could finish his work early and get out.
Just one of the few techniques he would use to be a good Alpha... Or rather a workaholic.
Riven looked up at him, eyes catching the flicker of firelight. "Yeah... But I am not sleepy..."
The moon was high above the mansion, glowing like a silver disc in the velvety dark sky. It made every wolf feel alive with energy and power.
Crickets chirped lazily sowhere in the distance, and the air slled faintly of damp earth and blooming flowers. The serene would make one feel completely relaxed and Riven felt no different.
Ronan carried Riven gently in his arms as if the man weighed nothing at all. Riven’s head rested against his shoulder, arms looped around his neck, and his tail swayed with every step Ronan took. He was smiling faintly, his gaze dreamy, and his legs swung playfully, bumping softly against Ronan’s thighs.
He was enjoying this quite a bit.
"You like being carried too much," Ronan muttered under his breath, but there was no real heat behind the words.
"I do," Riven replied without sha, stretching his limbs. "Why would I walk when I can ride my own giant, brooding wolf?" He needed to use his mate privileges, of course.
Ronan simply offered a smirk at that question.
They stepped out into the garden behind the mansion. It was vast and tranquil, surrounded on three sides by natural terrain—low cliffs, uneven rocks, and thick vegetation that made it difficult for outsiders to enter.
There were no torches or artificial lights, only the soft glow of the moon illuminating the neatly trimd hedges and patches of wildflowers that swayed with the breeze.
Riven looked around, eyebrows raised. "Huh... it’s really empty back here."
Where were all the guards, or even servants for that matter?
"There are guards at the periter," Ronan explained softly, his voice calm and reassuring. "But this section of the mansion grounds is isolated. The terrain makes it secure. No one can get through. I can assure you."
"You wanted privacy?" Riven asked, a little amused. So what was this alpha going to do to him? Sothing that needed privacy, hmm.
Ronan didn’t answer imdiately. He simply set Riven down, slow and gentle, as though reluctant to let go. But even when Riven’s feet touched the ground, Ronan didn’t move away. He stayed close, one hand resting lightly on Riven’s waist, the other brushing down his arm.
"Yes," he finally said. "Tonight is important."
Riven blinked, confused but curious. "Important?"
Ronan stepped behind him again, arms slipping around his torso, holding him firmly against his chest. Riven didn’t resist. His body relaxed, lting into the embrace, his tail curling slightly at the warmth he felt radiating from the Alpha.
Ronan’s hands began to move—not urgently, but slowly, sensually. He traced his palms from the flat plane of Riven’s abdon, following the line of muscle upwards to his chest. His fingers brushed against Riven’s pecs, pausing briefly before continuing up toward his neck.
Riven’s breath hitched, eyes fluttering closed.
"Ronan... What are you—"
His words cut off as Ronan’s hand gently lifted his chin, guiding his gaze upward.
"Look at the moon," Ronan whispered.
So Riven did.
The moon was luminous above them, glowing like it had been plucked straight from the realm of gods and hung in the sky just for him. Under its light, everything felt more... Alive. More intense.
"Do you feel it?" Ronan’s voice was low, husky, reverent against his ear.
Riven stared at the moon, heart thudding strangely in his chest. "I... I don’t know."
"Close your eyes," Ronan whispered. "Don’t think about shifting. Don’t force anything. Just feel."
Riven obeyed.
The mont his eyelids fell shut, it was as though the world around him dulled—and the world within him grew louder. He could hear his own heartbeat, sense the wind brushing against the tiny hairs on his skin, and deep in his bones, there was a pull.
Though, the pull he felt was more towards his Alpha than the moon.
Riven swayed slightly in Ronan’s arms.
"I feel... Sothing," he murmured. "It’s like a hum under my skin."
"That’s your wolf," Ronan said gently, his arms tightening slightly around him. "Calling out. The full moon makes the connection stronger for us. You’re part of this world too, Riven, even if it’s buried deep."
Riven leaned back into the warmth behind him, resting his head on Ronan’s shoulder. "I always thought sothing was wrong with . Everyone else shifts like it’s nothing. I tried so many tis..."
"There’s nothing wrong with you," Ronan said firmly. "Everyone’s path is different. You are a wolf, and there’s no doubt in it. I can see it clearly." His hands were now on Riven’s tail, he enjoyed petting it, and Riven enjoyed being petted.
Riven’s eyes slowly opened. He tilted his head just enough to look at Ronan. "Can I shift now?"
Ronan said simply. "We will have to see... Go ahead."
He turned fully, facing Ronan now, their bodies close. His hands rose to rest on Ronan’s chest, feeling the slow, steady beat of his heart. "You said go ahead like it’s easy. I don’t even know where to begin." Riven frowned.
Ronan brushed a knuckle across his cheek. "We’ll keep trying. Not just tonight. As many nights as it takes."
"Ah, so patient. I will hold you to it." Riven’s tail gave a happy flick, brushing against Ronan’s thigh. He leaned in closer, wrapping his arms around Ronan’s neck.
"What if I... Never shift? I don’t think you’ll be annoyed at all," Riven added while looking into his eyes.
Ronan chuckled. "Absolutely. I’ll carry you everywhere and pamper you until you shift just to get to stop."
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