Matilda's POV
The morning light streamed through the window, warming my skin as I slowly opened my eyes. For a moment, I forgot where I was, but then the scent of cedar and something uniquely Marco surrounded me.
I turned my head and nearly gasped Marco was still there. He was sitting in a chair beside my bed, arms crossed over his broad chest, his head tilted slightly to the side as he slept. Even in sleep, he looked powerful, commanding.
Memories of last night came rushing back. The kiss. The way he held me. The way my body reacted in ways I didn't understand. My cheeks burned just thinking about it.
Carefully, I sat up, trying not to make a sound. My body felt lighter, but my mind was a mess. What was happening to me? Why was I starting to crave his presence?
I thought about running just like I always did when things got too intense. But something inside me hesitated.
Before I could figure it out, Marco stirred, his golden eyes fluttering open. They locked onto me immediately, sharp and alert.
"You're awake," he murmured, his deep voice thick with sleep.
I swallowed. "Yeah."
His gaze softened as he stretched, rolling his shoulders before standing. He was massive, taking up so much space in my small room. "Did you sleep well?"
I hesitated before nodding. "Better than I expected."
His smirk was knowing, as if he understood exactly why. "Good."
There was a knock on the door before it opened slightly, and Ana peeked in, smiling. "Good morning, Luna."
I stiffened at the title, but Marco didn't correct her.
Ana stepped inside, carrying a tray of food. "I brought breakfast.
I spent the rest of the day with Elera. Marco had been pulled away for pack duties, so Ana and Elera kept me company. It felt nice to have female friends again, something I hadn't had in a long time.
Elera was particularly chatty today, but I noticed the way she kept smirking at me. Finally, after what felt like the tenth knowing glance, I sighed. "Okay, what is it?"
Ana grinned, nudging Elera before she spoke. "So… you and Marco, huh?"
I nearly choked on the tea I had been sipping. "What?"
"Oh, don't 'what' us," Ana teased. "We heard from the warriors. Apparently, Marco was in a very good mood last night. And considering how he stormed off with you after dinner, we're guessing something happened."
My face burned. "Nothing happened."
Elera raised a brow. "Are you sure?"
I hesitated, suddenly feeling like I was under interrogation. "We just… kissed."
Ana gasped dramatically. "You kissed?"
Elera clapped her hands together. "Oh, this is getting good! And? How was it?"
I groaned, covering my face. "Why are we talking about this?"
"Because," Ana said with a playful grin, "this is what friends do."
I sighed, feeling my face flush again. "It was… intense."
Elera smirked. "Well, of course it was. Marco isn't exactly the soft and gentle type."
I bit my lip, remembering how he had taken control, the way he deepened the kiss, how he made me feel like I was his completely. My heart pounded just thinking about it.
Ana noticed and gasped. "Oh, look at her! She likes it."
"I do not!" I said quickly, but neither of them believed me.
Elera giggled. "It's okay, Matilda. No one's judging you. If anything, it's a good thing. You've been through so much, and Marco well, he's. different."
I exhaled, playing with the hem of my sleeve. "Yeah… he is."
Ana leaned in, her expression softening. "Have you thought about what you want to do? You know, besides falling hopelessly in love with Marco?"
I shot her a glare, but she just winked.
Elera nodded, sitting up straighter. "She's right, though. You told us you wanted to go to school before.everything happened. Do you still want that?"
The question caught me off guard. I hadn't really thought about it since I was brought here. Everything had been a whirlwind of new experiences, fear, and… Marco.
But deep down, that dream was still there.
"I do," I admitted. "I always wanted to be a doctor. I just… don't know if it's possible anymore."
Ana and Elera exchanged a look before Elera spoke. "Why wouldn't it be?"
I frowned. "Because I'm here. In this world. Because Marco"
"would probably move the heavens to make it happen if you asked him," Ana interrupted. "You do know that, right?"
My stomach flipped at the thought. Would he really do that? Just let me go to school like a normal person?
"I… don't know."
Elera patted my hand. "Then maybe you should ask him."
I bit my lip, unsure.
Marco had already turned my life upside down. Could I really ask for something normal when my entire existence had changed?
I sighed, leaning back against the couch as Ana and Elera watched me expectantly.
"So, next week is the party," Ana said, wiggling her brows. "How are you preparing?"
I blinked. "Preparing?"
Elera rolled her eyes. "Yes, Matilda. You're going as Marco's mate. That means all eyes will be on you."
My stomach twisted at the thought. "I… I hadn't really thought about it."
Ana gasped dramatically. "You haven't thought about it? Matilda, this is a huge deal! You'll be introduced to other Alphas, Lunas… and Marco's bringing you as his."
Her words made my heart race. It wasn't like I had forgotten about the event, but I had been so distracted by everything else my past, my feelings for Marco, my lingering fear of the unknown I hadn't really considered how big this was.
Elera smirked. "Well, lucky for you, we have thought about it. And we're going to make sure you look absolutely breathtaking."
Ana nodded eagerly. "You need a dress, the right accessories, and obviously, the perfect look to make Marco lose his mind."
I blushed. "This isn't about making Marco lose his mind."
"Oh, isn't it?" Ana teased. "Because the way he's been looking at you lately… trust me, he won't be able to keep his hands off you."
I covered my face with my hands. "You two are impossible."
Elera laughed, tugging my hands down. "Relax. We're just excited for you. This is your first event as his Luna. It's a big deal. And trust me, we'll make sure you're ready."
I exhaled slowly. "I just… don't want to mess this up."
Ana's expression softened. "You won't."
Elera nodded. "And if anyone gives you trouble, Marco will rip their throat out."
I groaned. "That's not comforting."
Ana shrugged. "It is to me."
I couldn't help but laugh. Maybe with them by my side, I'd survive this event after all.