Victoria
Sunlight poured through the tall windows, scattering across the white sheets and illuminating the grand bedroom like liquid gold. I stirred with a soft groan, every muscle in my body stiff and sore. The bed was impossibly soft, and yet I felt as if I’d been run over by a truck—or more accurately, by a six-foot-three Alpha who knew exactly how to break down every wall I’d built.
I shifted carefully, the soreness a deep, lingering ache that radiated from my core down to my trembling legs. Moon Goddess, I thought, pressing a hand to my churning stomach. The mories of last night ca in flashes: Leo’s weight pinning to the mattress, his hands gripping my hips with possessive strength, the way he had slowed when he realized I was shaking, his deep voice whispering that he would never take more than I was ready to give.
Heat flooded my face as I rembered my own shaful surrender. I had been the one to beg him in the end, breathless and desperate, so long as he didn’t kiss —because kissing felt like too much, too intimate, too final. And he’d agreed, his lips roaming everywhere else, driving to the edge of madness.
A firm knock on the door made jolt. My heart leapt into my throat.
"Victoria?" Leo’s voice rumbled through the door, deep and smooth, carrying that unshakable authority that curled around my spine like a leash. "Are you awake?"
I scrambled upright with a wince, my thighs protesting. My hair was a tangle around my face, and I spotted the shirt crumpled on the floor where I’d kicked it off the night before. "J-Just a minute!"
When I opened the door, Leo filled the doorway—impossibly broad, his chest rising and falling with the steady rhythm of soone fresh from a run. He was dressed in a fitted black athletic shirt, damp with sweat and clinging to every hard line of his torso, and dark joggers that hung low on his hips. A sheen of sweat glistened along his neck and collarbone, and a few strands of dark hair were stuck to his forehead.
His eyes swept over slowly, lingering for a heartbeat on my bare calves before returning to my face with a faint, knowing curve to his lips.
I blinked, caught completely off guard. He looked like he’d just finished a brutal morning workout—and yet he stood there like it was nothing, not a hint of fatigue in sight.
How was that even possible after everything he did last night?
I stepped back instinctively, letting him into the room, still slightly dazed by the sight of him.
"You’ve been running?" I asked, my voice a little breathier than I’d intended.
Leo stepped inside, he nodded, casually wiping his forehead with the hem of his damp shirt, unintentionally—or very intentionally—flashing a glimpse of his chiseled abs.
"Five miles," he said, as if it were nothing. "Then weights. Just a light session."
I stared at him, wide-eyed. "After last night?"
He arched a brow, lips twitching into a half-smile. "You say that like I’m supposed to be tired."
"You’re not?" I asked, genuinely baffled.
He shrugged, taking a step closer. "Wolves recover fast. Especially Alphas." His voice dipped slightly. "You’ll learn that soon enough."
My cheeks flushed, and I quickly turned away, pretending to fix the edge of the blanket on the bed. "You make it sound like I’m going to be tested on it."
Leo chuckled, the sound low and warm behind . "Not unless you want to be."
I rolled my eyes, but the smile tugging at my lips betrayed . "Is everything a flirtation with you?"
"Only the things that matter," he said smoothly.
I turned around, crossing my arms over my chest. "And what exactly is it you think matters?"
He didn’t answer imdiately. Instead, he looked at —really looked. His gaze softened, the usual intensity giving way to sothing quieter, steadier.
"You," he said simply.
"Next ti," he murmured, low enough that I barely caught it, "I’ll make sure you can still walk in the morning."
"Leonard!" I squeaked, my face flaming.
He chuckled, the sound a rich vibration that slid under my skin like silk. "We have a busy day ahead," he said. "I’m going to shower first. Once you’re ready, go downstairs and have breakfast. My Beta and Gamma will be coming to et you."
The knot in my stomach tightened. I hugged my robe closer, the fabric suddenly feeling too thin against the weight of my nerves. "That... sounds overwhelming," I admitted.
"They need to see you," Leo said simply. "And you need to know them if you’re going to stand at my side."
Instead, he let his hand fall and stepped back, his jaw tightening as if he were holding himself in check.
"Get dressed," he said, his voice a shade rougher now. "Sothing formal but comfortable. "
I nodded quickly, trying to ignore the way my heart was thundering against my ribs. "O-Okay."
——
The hallway stretches before , lined with artwork that probably costs more than everything I’ve ever owned combined. I run my fingers along the smooth wall, feeling like an intruder in this palace that’s supposedly now my ho.
I pause at the top of the grand staircase, my hand resting on the polished bannister. The house is massive—at least three tis the size of my father’s ho that Enzo took over. Crystal chandeliers hang from vaulted ceilings, catching the morning light and scattering rainbows across marble floors.
"Good morning, Luna."
I nearly jump out of my skin at the deep voice behind . Spinning around, I co face to face with the mountain of a man I recognize as Tiny—Leo’s Beta and right-hand man. Despite his na, there’s nothing small about him. He towers over , his broad shoulders blocking the hallway, dark eyes watchful but not unkind.
"I—I was just..." My voice trails off. What exactly am I doing? Snooping? Exploring? Trying to find an escape route?
"Exploring your new ho," he finishes for , his expression neutral. "Alpha Leo asked to ensure your safety and comfort while he’s handling business matters."
Great. A babysitter.
"I can find my way around," I say, lifting my chin slightly.
One corner of his mouth quirks up. "I’m sure you can, Luna. But the Alpha’s orders were clear."
"Please don’t call that," I whisper. "Victoria is fine."
Sothing like understanding flashes in his eyes. "As you wish, Victoria. Would you like breakfast? Rosa is preparing sothing in the kitchen."
My stomach growls in response, and a flush creeps up my neck. "I guess that’s a yes."
Tiny gestures for to lead the way down the stairs, which would be fine if I had any idea where I was going. I hesitate, and he seems to understand imdiately.
"Second floor, left wing," he guides gently.
As we descend the stairs, I’m hyperaware of his presence behind —not threatening, but vigilant. Every doorway we pass, his eyes scan first. Every corner we turn, he’s positioned slightly ahead of . It’s both comforting and unnerving to be guarded so closely.
"Has Leo—I an, Alpha Moretti—owned this place long?" I ask, desperate to break the silence.
"The Alpha built this estate five years ago," Tiny responds. "After consolidating the territory."
Consolidating. What a nice, clean word for whatever violent takeover must have happened.
The mansion is a perfect blend of old-world elegance and modern luxury. Dark wood and stone walls contrast with gleaming steel and glass. Everything speaks of power and wealth—intentionally so, I’m sure.
As we approach what must be the kitchen, delicious aromas waft toward us—fresh coffee, bacon, sothing sweet baking. My mouth waters embarrassingly.
Tiny steps forward, opening the door for . "Rosa," he announces, "Luna Victoria would like breakfast."
I step into a kitchen that’s bigger than Enzo’s entire first floor. Gleaming stainless steel appliances, marble countertops, and a massive island dominate the space. At the industrial-sized stove stands a plump woman in her fifties, her salt-and-pepper hair tied back in a loose bun.
She turns, and her face lights up with a smile that transforms her entire being. "Oh! Luna Moretti! Good morning, sweetheart!"
Before I can react, she’s bustling toward , wiping her hands on her apron. She stops just short of hugging —probably sensing my discomfort—but her warm brown eyes sparkle with genuine delight.
"I’m Rosa," she introduces herself. "Head of the household staff and chief cook around here. It’s so wonderful to finally et you! The Alpha hasn’t stopped talking about you for weeks."
I blink in surprise. "He’s been talking about ?"
"Of course! Ever since the arrangent was—" She stops abruptly, glancing at Tiny, who gives her an almost imperceptible shake of his head. "Well, never mind that. You must be starving! Sit, sit!"
She guides to a stool at the island.
"I’m not really the Luna," I blurt out, needing to correct this misconception. "We’re not... I an, it’s not a real... It’s complicated."
Rosa’s hands pause in their work of pouring coffee, and she exchanges another look with Tiny, who has positioned himself by the door.
"Honey," she says gently, placing a steaming mug in front of , "when an Alpha takes a mate, she’s his Luna. That’s pack law."
"But I’m not—" I start to protest that I’m not really his mate, just a transaction, but sothing stops . The mory of his words last night echoes in my mind. The possessive intensity in his eyes. The way his body claid mine.
My cheeks flush hot at the mory, and I stare down at the dark coffee.
"Just call Victoria," I whisper. "Please."
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