Chapter 11:
Ivy’s POVE
Weeks. It had been mere weeks since I arrived at Nightshade Pack, yet it felt like a lifetime had passed since I limped away Foreland. Alpha Vincent, my fated mate, had been a revelation.
Here, in Nightshade, every wolf I encountered, from the lowliest omega to the most seasoned warrior, treated me with an i deference, a genuine warmth that was both overwhelming and comforting. It was the first time I felt such acceptance from a groun wolves, a contrast to the cold indifference I’d endured at Foreland. There, their reactions had mirrored Ethan’s–a chilling reflect perceived worthlessness. Here, the pack’s adoration was a direct extension of their Alpha’s respect for me as his fated mate: || dizzying sensation, like finally breathing after holding my breath for years
Today was no different. I sat before a grand vanity, its polished surface laden with an array of luxurious make–up palettes, shimm jewelries, and delicate perfumes. Omegas, their hands gentle and deft, worked on my hair, weaving intricate braids, while others appl soft blushes and subtle highlights to my skin. My wardrobe, once filled with practical, muted tones, now overflowed with vibrant al soft cashmeres, and elegant gowns–each piece a testament to Vincent’s thoughtful generosity. He understood my true tastes, unspoken desires, in a way Ethan never had. This wasn’t just about lavish gifts; it was about being seen, truly seen, for the first time sheer indulgence of it all, the feeling of being pampered, was a feeling I hadn’t realized I craved until now..!!
A subtle shift in the air, a familiar ripple of power and presence, caused the omegas to giggle. Their smiles widened, and their eyes darted towards the door before they curtsied in unison, melting away as if on cue. I knew exactly who owned that scent–rich, dark, and utterly intoxicating. My fated mate, Alpha Vincent, had entered the room.
His footsteps were quiet, deliberate, but the resonance of his wolf vibrated through the floorboards, through my very bones. He moved into my line of sight. He walked towards me, his gaze never leaving mine, and leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to my forehead. The touch was chaste, yet it sent a jolt of pure connection through me, making my wolf purr contentedly.S
“How was your day?” he murmured, his voice a deep rumble that resonated in my chest.!!
A blush, hot and unexpected, crept up my neck, staining my cheeks. I fumbled for words, suddenly flustered under his intense gaze. it was… it was fine, Alpha. A good day. Very good.” My voice sounded absurdly breathless, even to my own ears.
Our eyes met then, and the world seemed to narrow, the room dissolving around us. All I could see was him. All I could feel was the powerful thrum of our bond, pulling us closer. Our wolves, no longer wounded, stimed with hunger and yearning. It was raw, potent, and utterly undeniable.
He reached out, his strong fingers gently cupping my chin, tilting my face up to meet his gaze fully. His thumb brushed softly over my jawline, sending shivers through me. “You know that even without being fated mates, I… I liked you, right?” His voice dropped to a near whisper, rich with an emotion that made my heart ache. “From the very start, years ago, it was you whom I loved.”I
My breath caught in my throat. I bit my lower lip, trying to control the tremor that ran through me.
I nodded, a small, choked sound escaping my lips. “Yes,” I rasped, my voice hoarse with emotion.
A faint, almost imperceptible smile touched his lips. “Good, I don’t want you to assume I’m doing all of this just because we’re fated.”
A vrave of giddiness, light and buoyant, washed over me. It was foolish, perhaps, after everything, to feel such unadulterated joy. But his words, his reassurance, were a balm to the deep–seated insecurity that had plagued me for so long. He wasn’t just claiming a mate, he was claiming me, Ivy, the woman, regardless of fate.
Our
eyes met again, and for long moments, there was only us. The world outside the room ceased to exist
The abrupt creak of the door snapping open shattered the intimate moment. Both of us flinched, pulling back slightly, the unspoken tension still crackling in the air between us.
“Alpha!” Beta Warren’s voice, usually a steady baritone, sounded unusually strained. He stood in the doorway, his eyes darting between us, then quickly looking away, a faint blush creeping up his neck. He coughed fakely, a loud, theatrical sound that pulled us firmly back t
in reality. “Forgive me, Alpha. I… I didn’t mean to interrupt anything.”
Vincent’s jaw tightened almost imperceptibly, a fleeting flicker of irritation crossing his features before he smoothly composed himself He cleared his throat. “No, Beta. You didn’t interrupt. His tone was level, but the lingering warmth in his eyes, now fixed on Warren betrayed his true feelings.
“Right, Warren mumbled, still avoiding our gazes. “Well, there’s an urgent invitation from the Alpha King. A grand ball. To commemorate decade of peace treaties. All Alphas are invited.”
A grand ball. The last one had been a nightmare, a painful reminder of my shattered marriage.
Vincent turned back to me, his eyes softening once more. A slow, confident smile spread across his lips, a possessive glint in his gaze “Ivy,” he said, his voice deep and resonant, “I want you to come with me. As my muse. My other half.“H
