Victoria
The morning sun cast a warm, golden glow across the terrace as Bella and I settled into comfortable chairs. Leo and Samantha had wandered toward the garden gate, deep in conversation about sothing that had Leo looking unusually intense.
"So, how are you enjoying being mated to one of the most powerful Alphas in the Western hemisphere?" Bella asked, her eyes twinkling with genuine interest. Unlike many she-wolves I’d encountered, there wasn’t a hint of judgnt or calculation in her gaze.
"It’s... overwhelming sotis," I admitted, surprised by my own candor. "But in the best possible way."
Bella laughed, the sound light and musical. "I rember that feeling. When Sam and I first recognized our bond, I thought my heart would burst from my chest." She glanced lovingly toward where Samantha stood with Leo. "The mate bond is intense enough between regular wolves. I can’t imagine what it’s like with an Alpha of Leo’s caliber."
"Did you always know she was yours?" I asked, curious about their story.
"Not at all," Bella replied, tucking a strand of auburn hair behind her ear. "We t at a charity auction. I was there photographing the event—that’s my profession, wildlife photography. She outbid everyone for a weekend retreat package I’d donated." Her smile turned wistful. "She said later she’d felt drawn to my photographs before she ever t ."
I felt a strange kinship with this woman I’d just t. "It’s nice to et another female couple," I confessed. "Most mated pairs I know are male-female."
"We’re out there," Bella assured . "Though sa-sex mate bonds are rarer. The Goddess has her reasons, I suppose." She tilted her head, studying . "You’re exactly as Sam described you—though much prettier."
My brow furrowed. "Samantha described ? How would she know about ?"
Bella’s eyes widened slightly. "Oh, everyone in our circles has heard about you and Leo. The half-fae Luna who captured the heart of Shadow Pack’s Alpha? It’s quite the romance story."
A blush ward my cheeks. "I’m still getting used to being... known."
"I can imagine," Bella said sympathetically. "Especially after Sam and Leo’s history."
My heart skipped a beat. "History?"
Bella looked suddenly uncertain. "Oh... I assud you knew. They dated briefly years ago, before Sam and I found each other."
Sothing cold and unfamiliar slithered through my chest. Leo had dated Samantha? The gorgeous, confident blonde who exuded sophistication and poise?
"It was nothing serious," Bella added quickly, clearly sensing my discomfort. "Just a few months. They were terrible together, from what Sam tells —both too dominant, too stubborn."
I forced a smile, trying to ignore the ridiculous jealousy gnawing at my insides. Of course Leo had past relationships. He was over thirty, powerful, devastatingly handso. It would be more surprising if he’d lived like a monk before eting .
"How long have you and Leo been together?" Bella asked, rcifully changing the subject.
The question made pause. "Less than a year, actually," I replied, the realization hitting anew. Our relationship had been so intense, so all-consuming, that it felt like I’d known him forever.
"Less than—" Bella’s eyebrows shot up. "Goddess, you two move fast!"
I laughed, the sound slightly hollow to my own ears. "When you know, you know, I guess."
"Sam!" Bella suddenly called out, waving. "We should let these lovebirds get back to their honeymoon!"
Samantha approached with Leo following close behind. His eyes imdiately sought mine, his expression softening when our gazes t.
"It was lovely eting you, Victoria," Samantha said, reaching out to squeeze my hand. "Perhaps we can all have dinner before you leave the island?"
"That would be nice," I replied automatically, though my mind was racing with questions about her and Leo.
After they departed, Leo wrapped his arms around from behind, his chin resting on top of my head. "Sorry about that unexpected intrusion, little wolf."
I leaned back against his solid chest, taking comfort in his warmth. "It’s okay. Bella is lovely."
"Mm," Leo agreed, his lips brushing my temple. "Victoria, I need to handle so pack business these next couple of days. Conference calls, so security matters that can’t wait."
I turned in his arms to face him. "Is everything alright?"
"Nothing serious," he assured , though sothing in his eyes made wonder if he was telling the complete truth. "Just tedious Alpha responsibilities that followed to paradise."
"I understand," I said, and I did. Being Luna to the Shadow Pack had taught that so duties couldn’t be postponed, even for honeymoons. "I can entertain myself. Maybe explore more of the island."
Leo’s eyes darkened slightly, and I felt Ronan stir beneath the surface. "Just stay within the town limits, please. And keep your phone charged."
"Yes, Alpha," I teased, standing on tiptoes to kiss him. "I’ll be a good little Luna and not wander too far from the den."
His growl was playful as he captured my lips in a deeper kiss. "Brat."
After breakfast, Leo retreated to the villa’s study with his laptop and phone, while I changed into a light sundress and sandals. The painting Nicos had ntioned would be ready today, and I was eager to see the finished product.
As I walked the winding path down to the town, I tried to shake off the strange feeling of disquiet that had settled over after eting Samantha. It was irrational to feel jealous of Leo’s past. He’d chosen as his mate, his Luna. Our souls were bound in ways that transcended physical attraction or casual dating.
Still, I couldn’t help wondering about all the things I didn’t know about Leo’s life before . The won he’d been with, the experiences he’d had. I was barely nineteen, while he was in his thirties. The gulf of experience between us sotis felt vast.
*Focus on now,* I told myself firmly. *He chose you. You chose him. That’s what matters.*
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