Chapter 5: Intrigue and Awakening
Adrian's POV
I stood in Dad's study, staring at the old portraits of every Alpha who came before us. Their eyes felt like they were judging me too.
"It's my mate you're talking about, Dad," I said, trying to keep my voice steady even though I felt like exploding. "I waited almost four years. Nothing. No scent, no pull, just empty wind. And now she's here. The Moon Goddess picked her for me. You really think she'd make a mistake and pair me with someone dangerous?"
Dad stayed behind his big oak desk, face hard like stone. Mom stepped in instead. Her voice, usually so soft and warm, had an edge now.
"Don't raise your voice at your father, Adrian. We're only having this talk because of a stranger. A stranger we caught sneaking around, scared and half-wild."
I dragged a hand through my hair. "I get why you're careful, Mom. I do. But this isn't just some feeling. It's real. Deep down real. We're meant for each other. I felt it the second I saw her in that clearing."
Mom came closer and took my hand. Gentle, but strong too. "You're still young, sweetheart. The mate bond can blind you. Everyone has a past. We don't know hers. What if her old pack kicked her out because she's trouble? What if she's a danger?"
"We don't know that," I shot back, pulling my hand away. Anger bubbled under my skin. "What if someone framed her? What if she was running from something awful? We can't just assume she's bad because she was alone. She didn't choose to be rogue. The Moon Goddess chose her for me."
Dad finally spoke. His voice was low, calm, final. "Destiny doesn't wipe out the past, son. It makes it messier. Your first job is this pack. Until we know who she really is, you stay careful."
I looked between them. Dad's eyes were rock solid. Mom's were full of worry and love. I was their son, but I was their prince first.
"Okay," I said. The word tasted sour. "I heard you. I'll be careful around her."
I walked out without saying anything else. Their doubt felt heavy, like a coat I couldn't take off.
The closer I got to her room, the stronger the pull got. My heart was racing—half excited, half nervous.
"Just go in already!" Willow growled in my head. "She's right there. Our mate. Sunshine and future and everything good. My paws are twitching!"
"I'm not barging in, Willow. She's been through hell. We have to be decent about this."
"Decent is for boring wolves. She's ours. On that bed. Now."
I ignored him and knocked. Soft. Nothing.
Knocked again. A little harder. "Hello?"
Still quiet.
I pushed the door open slow.
She was asleep on the big bed. Sunset light spilled across the room and made her look like something out of a dream. Her orange hair spread wild over the pillow. The simple yellow dress had slipped up a little, showing smooth legs. In sleep, all the fear and tension had melted off her face. She looked peaceful. Beautiful. It hurt to look at her.
"Moon above," I whispered.
"Damn," Willow said. "She's gorgeous. Let me at her."
I clenched my fists hard. "No. It has to be her choice. We don't take. Ever."
I stood there, just watching her breathe, fighting the wolf inside me, when the door opened again.
Camila, one of the maids, came in with a big tray—roast meat, bread, cheese, fruit. Everything smelled amazing.
"My prince," she whispered, dipping a quick curtsy. "Food for the lady. But she's sleeping so deep. Should I wake her?"
"No," I said, quieter than I meant to. "Leave it. I'll make sure she eats when she wakes."
Camila gave me a curious look, then left and shut the door softly.
Now it was just us again.
I walked closer and sat on the edge of the bed, careful not to shake it too much. Up close her skin looked perfect. No scars. No marks. How does a rogue who's been running for years look like that? The question floated in my head, but I pushed it away. I just wanted to look at her.
I leaned in a tiny bit, breathing in her scent—lavender shampoo mixed with something sweet that was only her.
Her breathing changed.
Her eyes snapped open.
For a second they were bright green and lost. Then they focused. On me. Alarm hit her face. Her hand shot out and grabbed my wrist—stronger than I expected.
"What are you doing?" Her voice was rough from sleep, but sharp with suspicion.
Liana's POV
I was dreaming of running through a sunny field. No fear. Just open sky and grass under my paws.
Then a shadow blocked the sun.
My eyes flew open. Someone was leaning over me. Too close. Male.
I grabbed his wrist hard. "Alia! Intruder!"
"It's him! Our mate! The prince! Calm down!" Alia yelped, half excited, half freaking out.
His scent hit me—snow, cedar, iron. Safe. Mine. My grip loosened a little, but I didn't let go.
I stared into his eyes. Blue. Stormy. Wide with surprise, not anger.
"What are you doing?" I asked again.
He didn't yank his hand away. He just froze. "I… I was looking at you. You're beautiful. Sorry if I scared you."
"He was watching you sleep," Alia said. "Creepy? Sweet? I can't tell."
"Quiet." I let go of his wrist slow, like it burned. My fingers tingled where we touched. "You were watching me sleep?"
He looked embarrassed. A flush climbed up his neck. "Yeah. Bad idea. I'm sorry. The dungeon thing… that wasn't my call. Dad's rules. It won't happen again. This is your room now."
He nodded toward the tray. "Food too. You need to eat."
My stomach growled loud. I ignored it and looked around. Orange curtains. Warm colors. Not cold stone.
"Did you… pick this room for me?"
He followed my eyes to the drapes. A small, shy smile appeared. "Yeah. After the clearing, I told them to make it orange. I didn't know your favorite color, but… I thought it might feel a little like home."
That hit me hard. Kind. Thoughtful. The opposite of everything I expected.
"Thanks," I said. The word felt strange coming out. "It's really nice."
Quiet settled between us. The bond hummed. Warm. Alive. His eyes stayed on my face like he was trying to learn every line.
"What's your name?" he asked soft. "I'm Adrian."
I hesitated. Giving my name felt big. But he already felt like part of me.
"Liana," I whispered.
"Liana," he repeated. My name in his mouth sounded special. Like a promise.
The golden thread between us pulled tighter. Warm. Scary. Real.