Chapter 8
1144 Words
The pack house looms ahead, lights glowing warmly against the dark night.
It has never looked intimidating to Casey before.
Tonight, it does.
Miles parks smoothly in front of the grand entrance. Before she can even reach for the handle, he’s already out of the car.
Her door opens.
He offers his hand.
Always the gentleman.
But tonight, there’s something else beneath it — something territorial.
She places her hand in his.
His fingers close around hers, firm and steady.
When she steps out, his hand shifts to the small of her back.
Not inappropriate.
Not possessive enough to raise eyebrows.
But guiding.
Claiming.
Protecting.
Her pulse flutters at the contact.
They walk toward the entrance together, side by side, gravel crunching under their feet.
The doors open before they even reach them.
The Alpha stands waiting.
Power radiates from him effortlessly.
His presence fills the entryway — commanding, controlled, unmistakably dominant.
Beside him stands Luna Vanessa.
And the moment Vanessa sees them, her entire face lights up.
Joy.
Pure, maternal joy.
“There they are,” she breathes.
Casey’s heart skips.
The Alpha’s gaze sweeps over them — over Miles’ protective hand at her back — and a slow, satisfied smile spreads across his face.
“My son,” he says warmly.
Then his eyes land on Casey.
“And his mate.”
The word still feels unreal.
Before Casey can process it, Luna Vanessa is moving.
She crosses the distance quickly and pulls Casey into a warm embrace.
“Oh, sweetheart,” Vanessa says softly. “Welcome.”
Casey stiffens for half a second — then melts slightly under the genuine affection.
“And I must say,” Vanessa continues, holding her at arm’s length now, studying her face, “when I heard you are my son’s mate… well, I told my husband the Moon Goddess chose beautifully.”
Casey’s cheeks burn.
She has absolutely no idea what to say to that.
So she smiles awkwardly.
Miles exhales softly.
“Mom,” he mutters, faintly embarrassed. “That’s enough smothering.”
Vanessa swats his arm lightly.
But Miles is already taking Casey’s hand again.
Guiding her forward.
To his father.
The Alpha’s warmth fades slightly as his expression turns serious.
“Let’s sit,” he says.
The shift in tone tightens something in Casey’s stomach.
They move into the large sitting room. The Alpha remains standing.
Miles does too.
Instinctively.
Casey notices.
Power recognizes power.
Vanessa settles near Casey, offering quiet reassurance with a gentle hand on her arm.
The Alpha clasps his hands behind his back.
“There is something you both need to know.”
The air grows heavier.
Casey’s pulse quickens.
“After the attack,” the Alpha begins, “we captured one of the rogues.”
Miles’ jaw tightens immediately.
“He was interrogated.”
A silence stretches.
“And?”
Miles’ voice is calm.
Too calm.
The Alpha’s gaze shifts to Casey.
“They weren’t there by coincidence.”
Her stomach drops.
“They were sent.”
A low sound rumbles in Miles’ chest.
Not fully a growl.
But close.
“They were after Casey.”
The words echo in the room.
Casey feels like the floor tilts beneath her.
“Me?” she whispers.
The Alpha nods once.
“The rogue confessed their intent was not random violence. It was strategic.”
Miles’ hand tightens around hers.
Dangerously tight.
“They wanted leverage,” the Alpha continues. “They believe harming your mate before the bond fully seals would weaken you… destabilize the future leadership.”
Silence.
Cold.
Heavy.
Casey’s heart pounds violently in her ears.
They targeted her.
Because of him.
A full growl escapes Miles this time.
Sharp. Protective. Furious.
The sound vibrates through the room.
Vanessa stands immediately, her own aura rising slightly in warning.
“Calm down, son,” the Alpha says firmly.
Miles’ eyes flash — darker than Casey has ever seen.
“They will not touch her.”
His voice is no longer gentle.
It is promise.
The Alpha steps forward slightly.
“And they won’t,” he says evenly. “But we must be smart.”
Miles is breathing harder now.
His wolf is close to the surface.
The Alpha’s tone hardens.
“This is why we lead with strategy, not emotion.”
Silence.
Then, slowly, Miles reins himself in.
The growl fades.
But his arm slides around Casey’s waist fully now.
Protective.
Solid.
“She will not be alone,” the Alpha continues. “Starting tonight.”
Casey’s heart stutters.
“What does that mean?” she asks quietly.
“It means,” the Alpha says calmly, “you will be assigned a personal guard.”
Her eyes widen.
“A guard?”
Vanessa squeezes her shoulder gently. “It’s precaution, dear.”
The Alpha nods. “You must not go anywhere alone. Classes. Town. Even here.”
The weight of it crashes down.
Her life — already changing — just shifted again.
Miles speaks before she can.
“She doesn’t need a guard.”
The Alpha’s eyes flick to him.
“She has me.”
The room goes very still.
“That is not how this works,” the Alpha replies.
“Yes, it is,” Miles counters.
His hand tightens on her waist again.
“She’ll move in with me.”
The words drop like a bomb.
Casey’s head snaps toward him.
“What?!”
Vanessa blinks.
The Alpha raises one brow slowly.
Miles doesn’t look away from his father.
“It solves the problem,” he says evenly. “She’s safest with me.”
Her heart is racing now for an entirely different reason.
“Miles,” she breathes. “We did not discuss that.”
He finally looks at her.
And the intensity in his gaze makes her stomach flip.
“I’m discussing it now.”
The Alpha studies them carefully.
“This is not a decision made lightly.”
“I’m aware.”
“And is she?”
All eyes turn to Casey.
Her pulse pounds.
Living with him?
Before she’s twenty-one?
Before the bond fully locks into place?
Before she even understands what she’s feeling?
“I—” Her voice falters.
Miles’ thumb brushes lightly against her side.
A silent reassurance.
Or temptation.
Or both.
“She won’t be alone,” he repeats.
His voice is softer now.
But unyielding.
The Alpha exhales slowly.
“We will continue this conversation in the morning.”
Miles nods once.
But he doesn’t remove his arm.
Not even slightly.
Casey stands there, heart racing, world spinning.
Targeted by rogues.
Assigned a guard.
Possibly moving in with the future Alpha.
And somewhere deep in her chest—
The bond pulses.
Stronger.
Hungrier.
One month suddenly feels very, very close.
And as they leave the pack house, Miles’ hand never leaves her.
Not for a second.
- Writer
