Chapter 7
The next morning, I woke up in a strange room, curled up in bed beside a man I still wasn’t entirely familiar with. I thought I’d
toss and turn all night.
But to my surprise, I’d slept like a rock.
Still half–asleep, I buried my face into what I thought was my pillow and nuzzled closer.
?”
Something felt off.
The texture under my cheek wasn’t fabric–it was warm, solid muscle.
Reality slammed back into me. I froze, then slowly peeled my arm away and dared to glance upward.
And met a pair of calm, deep eyes, already wide awake, gazing at me with a faint smile.
My cheeks flushed crimson.
“S–Sorry,” I stammered, sitting bolt upright. “I… I didn’t mean to–I move a lot in my sleep.”
Richard reached up and tousled my hair with his usual gentleness. “No need to apologize, Rae. We’re bonded.”
After washing up, he looked over at me and said, “Come on. Let me show you our den.”
I didn’t think much of it and followed.
To my utter shock, the newly prepared marital den was located right next to my parents‘ lodge within the Silverclaw territory.
I lit up with excitement, practically sprinting from room to room on the ground floor. I wanted to see everything.
Richard stood at the edge of the den, arms crossed, watching me with quiet amusement.
I had thought it would take me a long time to let go of Logan. But the truth was, the love had worn down little by little, and once I finally released it, what remained was mostly relief.
One week after the bonding ceremony, Logan still hadn’t reached out
A small part of me was disappointed–so this is what he’d rather do, then. Devote himself entirely to protecting Emma, his precious childhood sweetheart.
If I hadn’t bonded with Richard, that week would’ve been hell. The way rumors would’ve torn me apart in our pack? I don’t
even want to imagine it.
But it didn’t matter anymore.
Logan, I won’t wait for you any longer.
When I saw Richard walking toward me, that hint of disappointment faded. I smiled, finally feeling free.
This is my life now, and I have someone worth treasuring.
Richard had been surprisingly good to me. Far better than I expected.
Honestly, in my original plan, I’d only chosen him because he was neutral. He had no mate, and according to pack gossip, no
one special in his heart. I thought it would be a convenient political match–nothing more.
But his kindness his consideration it almost made me believe he cared about me.
Genuinely
1/3
Chapter 7
No wonder my parents seemed so calm when I bonded with Richard. They’d seen this coming.
The conversation was spiraling fast, and my mom’s temper was flaring
I panicked. Desperate to stop the incoming storm, I pointed toward the door and blurted, “Richard!”
Just as I hoped, she paused.
I darted out of the room.
The lodge was quiet–too quiet. I slipped outside and found Richard and my dad sipping tea under the pavilion.
Without a word, I grabbed Richard’s arm and pulled.
He raised an eyebrow but stood without resistance. My dad gave a knowing wave, and Richard let me lead him away.
“You okay?” he asked softly. “You seem a little… off.”
I shook my head. I didn’t know how to explain it.
He wrapped his arm around me and held me close.
Just then, an angry voice shattered the peace.
“What do you think you’re doing?!”
