Chapter 102 Instinct
1270words
My eyes flickered open to the sunlight peeking through the window. I couldn't remember the last time I had slept so well. My center was still sore from the intense beating I had received from my mate the night before, and I had spent all night dreaming about when I would be able to relive it again. Alpha Jaxon's large corded arm held me tightly against his chiselled body, his scent calming and relaxing my wolf.
I turned over to face him, and his arm slowly loosened over my body as I ran my hand across his strong jawline, soaking in all his features as I continued to take in the glory that this man belonged only to me. I placed soft kisses along his jawline, irritated when he didn't budge. The man was like a boulder when he slept. Seconds later, I decided I'd give him something to really wake him up as I let my mouth ravage him completely. His amber eyes glowed as he felt my tongue slide up against his shaft. He watched me take in his length, jerking his hips farther into my mouth.
He shuddered under my touch until he reached complete bliss. It wasn't long until we had both showered, and I found myself staring at the endless rows of perfectly organized clothes in the walk-in closet. My hands pushed through the garments until I heaved a deep sigh. I felt my mate's large hand rub up my stomach. "Is there a problem, Luna?" he asked in a sensual tone.
I rolled my eyes at the impossible task at hand. "How is there so much stuff, yet I still have nothing to wear?" I asked, finally reaching for a simple pair of ripped jeans and a yellow long-sleeve crop top. A muffled laugh pressed against my neck. "I guess we should solve that problem," he cooed into my ear.
Comfort, I reminded myself. Comfort was the main priority as Jaxon had already warned me that the drive would be long. An uneasy feeling brushed over me, nearly making me feel nauseous. The feeling came as fast as it went, making me panic that maybe this trip wasn't such a great idea.
I had just finished curling my hair into long beachy waves when Jaxon erupted from the closet wearing dark jeans and a gray hoodie. My eyes nearly rolled out of their sockets at the sight of my mate. I felt my mouth snap open as I took him in, appreciating the way the gray hoodie clung tightly around his corded arms.
His body arched into the door frame as he shot me a devious smile, no doubt catching my wandering eyes as I mentally undressed my mate. Jaxon smirked as my face reddened. It wasn't fair how spine-chillingly gorgeous this man was.
"See anything you like?" Jaxon chuckled as I rolled my eyes. I gripped his hand, leading him out of our bedroom and down the stairs. I quickened my pace as we got closer to the mouth-watering scent of eggs and bacon lingering in the air. My stomach growled, eager for Chef Mark's cooking. Sophia had been right; he was a God in the kitchen. Pack members were already devouring their breakfast, letting out small moans with each bite, making me feel excited to have my own.
Spotting Sophia beside the large floor-to-ceiling windows, I rushed toward her and took a seat on the long wooden bench beside her. Hushed whispers rippled around us as we moved through the pack dining hall—pack members curious to know if an heir had been secured.
I felt guilty. There was no doubt that I wanted to carry my mate's pups. I couldn't wait to see who they would look like and watch their little personalities blossom. But I wasn't sure if I was ready. I had spent hours memorizing the notebooks Luna Fraya had given me, surprised at how much there actually was to learn. I had grown into my role as Luna, that much I was certain of. I felt different. I felt strong. I felt proud. I knew the pressure of producing an heir for the Alpha would be heavy for any Luna to carry, but selfishly, I still needed some time to myself—time to get to know the new Luna inside me.
I knew Alpha Jaxon had also heard the murmurings around us, as I felt his hand resting against the small of my back. I looked up into his bright amber eyes, nearly melting from the unwavering support they held.
Sophia looked up from her plate and gave me a wide smile. "Has anyone seen Alpha Christian yet?" she asked, her eyes darting through the dining hall.
Jaxon cleared his throat. "Good morning to you too, little sister," he joked sarcastically. Sophia's skin paled momentarily. "Ah, yeah. Good morning, Alpha, Luna. Sorry," she said as she continued picking at her food.
I felt like a ball of nerves, recognizing the same excited twinkle in her eyes. While I desperately wanted to ask her about Alpha Christian, I decided to wait until we were alone. Soon, she would know that Alpha Christian was indeed her mate. I selfishly felt like I was counting down the moments, happy for my friend.
Chef Mark burst from the kitchen, two prepared plates in his hands. "Alpha, Luna," he said, lowering his gaze. I laughed. "Hey! What's with the formalities, Mark? I thought we were friends!" I cried out. I knew if the roles were reversed, I would never forget to use a formal title for a higher-ranking wolf, but I was still me—I couldn't bear the thought that people I considered friends were beginning to see me differently.
A small smirk tugged at the corners of Chef Mark's lips. "We are, but you are still my Luna," he said.
I crossed my arms. "If you say so, Chef Mark." Mark tilted his head and sat down beside me, leaning in to whisper, "If you wish to eat—you'll never call me Chef Mark again."
A low growl startled us both. I glanced up to see Jaxon's unimpressed eyes. "Apologies," Mark said, bowing his head before turning on his heels to return to the kitchen.
Jaxon devoured his plate in a few bites, making my eyes widen at where all the food had gone. If I hadn't seen him eat it all myself, I would have assumed it vanished like a magic trick. I began eating the food Mark had prepared for me but suddenly felt nauseous as my wolf grew increasingly irritated. That damn feeling, I thought. It was overwhelming how it hit me in waves, as if it refused to back down. I set my fork down on the plate and leaned forward, placing my elbows on the table.
A small giggle came from Sophia. "You feeling alright? You know, my mom told me she used to drink cold tea when she was pregnant with me; it calmed her nausea." I felt my heart shatter as I took in Jaxon's bright smile, realizing he too was anxious to secure his heir.
I shook my head, placing my face in my hands. "If you're asking, I'm not with pup. I just have this itching feeling all over my body, like something is wrong."
Jaxon reached his hand from across the table and gave mine a reassuring squeeze. "Nothing bad is going to happen. Beta Don has tightened all patrols; the pack is safe," he said as he lifted my hand to his lips and placed a gentle kiss on the back of my palm.
