Kate's POV
I woke with sunlight spilling across my face, warm and golden. For a moment, I simply lay still, cocooned in the safety of Ryker's arms. His chest rose and fell steadily, his heartbeat a soothing rhythm beneath my cheek. Last night replayed in my mind—the way we had given ourselves to each other, the way his mark still burned faintly against my skin, not painfully but like a promise etched into my very soul.
I tilted my head to study him. Even asleep, he looked fierce. His jawline sharp, lips pressed in the slightest frown, as though even in dreams he bore the weight of a king. And yet, his arm tightened unconsciously around me when I shifted. Protective. Possessive. Mine.
"Stop staring," his deep voice rumbled, thick with sleep.
A blush heated my cheeks. "I wasn't."
His lips curved into the faintest smirk, eyes still closed. "Liar."
I huffed, pushing lightly against him, but he only pulled me closer, burying his face in my neck. His stubble tickled, and I squealed softly, trying not to laugh.
"Ryker—stop, that tickles."
"Mmm. I like the sound of your laugh in the morning." He finally opened his eyes, molten gold locking onto me. "Almost as much as I like the sight of you in my bed."
Heat flushed through me, memories of the night crashing back with full force. "We should… get up. People will notice if their Alpha King and Luna don't leave the room all day."
His eyes glinted with mischief. "Let them notice. It'll make the message stronger."
I smacked his chest lightly, and he caught my wrist, pressing a kiss to my palm before finally releasing me. With a groan, he rolled out of bed, stretching like the predator he was. Muscles rippled down his bare back, and I found myself shamelessly staring this time. Lysandra purred with approval in my head. He's ours. Every inch of him. Don't look away.
I scrambled out of bed before my wolf's commentary made me combust. My feet sank into the plush rug as I crossed toward the adjoining bath. The massive mirror reflected my disheveled hair, flushed cheeks, and the faint outline of Ryker's bite on my neck. A mix of pride and shyness curled inside me.
"You're glowing," Ryker's voice came from behind, amused. He leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, still gloriously shirtless.
I tried not to gape. "I am not glowing."
"You are. And it looks damn good on you." His smirk softened into something gentler. "My Luna."
The words sent a shiver through me. My Luna.
---
The bath was large enough for both of us, but after last night, I insisted we needed actual time to get ready. Still, Ryker managed to steal kisses as I brushed my hair, tugged me close as I adjusted the pale cream dress one of the maids had left out, and even tried to help lace the back before making an absolute mess of the ribbons.
"Move," I said, laughing as I smoothed his clumsy work. "How can someone who commands an army not manage a bow?"
He arched a brow. "My skills lie elsewhere. Which you know very well."
My cheeks heated. "You're impossible."
"And you love it."
I rolled my eyes but couldn't deny the truth.
Ryker's own attire was sharp and regal—a deep charcoal suit, tailored to perfection, the jacket brushing broad shoulders and the shirt collar open just enough to reveal the edge of his mark from me. My heart twisted with pride at the sight. He wasn't just Alpha King. He was mine.
Lysandra whispered again, low and satisfied. He wears our bond like armor.
---
By the time we stepped into the hall, the packhouse hummed with life. Warriors passed with nods of respect, servants bustled with trays of food, and laughter carried faintly from the gardens outside. It was different now—before, eyes had followed me with suspicion or disdain. Today, those same eyes softened with warmth, even admiration.
"Good morning, Luna," one of the kitchen staff greeted, bowing her head slightly as she passed.
I froze for half a heartbeat before nodding back with a small smile. "Good morning."
The word echoed inside me. Luna.
It didn't sting anymore.
---
Breakfast was lively. Lila slid into the seat beside me, her grin wide. "You look rested," she teased, eyes sparkling.
I shot her a warning look, but Ryker just chuckled, utterly unbothered. "She should. I made sure of it."
I smacked his arm under the table, mortified, and Lila laughed so hard she nearly choked on her juice.
"Traitor," I muttered.
"Oh, I've earned the right to tease you. You should've seen the way the entire pack was buzzing after the fight." Lila leaned closer, voice dropping conspiratorially. "You don't just have their respect, Kate. You have their awe. They've never seen anything like that lycan form."
The mention sobered me. My fork stilled above my plate. My… lycan.
Ryker noticed. His hand found mine under the table, grounding me. "Which is why," he said, tone quieter now, "we're starting the investigation today."
I swallowed hard, nodding.
---
Later, in his study, Ryker spread old parchments and worn tomes across the table. The scent of aged paper and ink filled the room. Sunlight filtered through tall windows, casting golden beams across the desk.
"This," he said, pointing to an open scroll, "is one of the oldest records we have on Lycans. They were said to be the first protectors of the Moon Goddess's will. Stronger than wolves, rulers of both fire and steel." His eyes flicked to me. "Extinct for centuries."
I wrapped my arms around myself, unsettled. "Then how am I one?"
"That's what we'll find out." He leaned closer, lowering his voice. "Bloodlines don't lie. Somewhere in your ancestry, someone carried this power. It didn't vanish—it slept. Until you."
I shivered.
Lila, who had stayed, frowned at the page. "If Lycans were wiped out, maybe someone didn't want them alive. That kind of power… it threatens kings, dynasties, even gods."
Ryker's jaw tightened. "Which means if word spreads beyond our borders…"
His silence finished the thought.
Danger.
---
That night, as the first stars lit the sky, I stood on the balcony outside Ryker's chambers, the cool breeze tugging at my hair. Below, the pack celebrated something simple—a feast, music, laughter echoing into the dark. Life felt almost normal.
But I couldn't shake the words from earlier. Extinct. Bloodlines. Threat.
Ryker came up behind me, arms circling my waist, chin settling on my shoulder. "You're quiet," he murmured.
"I'm thinking."
"About what?"
I hesitated. Then, softly: "What if whoever tried to wipe Lycans out… realizes I exist?"
His hold on me tightened, possessive and reassuring all at once. "Then let them come." His voice was a growl against my skin. "I'll burn the world before I let anyone take you."
I closed my eyes, leaning into him. And for the first time, I wondered if the flames Lysandra carried inside me weren't meant just to protect myself—maybe they were meant to protect everyone I loved.