She laughed softly, her hand stroking my hair, sending shivers down my spine. "You can't stay here forever," she said, her eyes twinkling.
I raised an eyebrow, a mischievous grin playing on my lips. "Who said I can't?" I asked, pulling her closer.
She leaned in, our noses almost touching. "Time," she whispered, and I knew she was right.
But at that moment, I wanted to pretend that time didn't exist. I was about to respond when a knock sounded at the door.
"Looks like duty calls," she said, her smile fading slightly. I nodded, my smile slipping away.
"Come in," I called, and the door opened.
A guard entered the room, his head bowed, his eyes fixed on the ground. "The Alpha seeks your presence," he said, his voice respectful and deferential.
Fuck, I had completely forgotten that Alpha Jasper was due to visit our pack. My father had mentioned it the day before, but it had slipped my mind.
I sighed, the spell of the morning already broken. "I will come shortly," I said, and the guard bowed once more before turning and leaving.
I placed one last kiss on Madeline's cheek, then stood up to get dressed. I put on my best clothes, trying to look my best. I could feel my heart pounding as I prepared to meet him.
I glanced at Madeline, who was watching me with a mix of affection and apprehension. She smiled at me, trying to reassure me that everything would be okay.
I took one last look at Madeline, then left the room, making my way to the main hall. As I approached, I saw my father standing up, his face full of pride. He stepped forward, beaming at me.
"Here comes my son," he announced, his voice loud and clear. Alpha Jasper and his son turned to look at me, their faces lighting up.
I sat down next to my father, and my father began the introductions.
"Allow me to introduce Alpha Jasper, leader of the Slivertail pack," he said, gesturing to the man beside him.
I shook hands with him, feeling a jolt of energy as our palms met. His grip was firm, his eyes intense. I couldn't help but feel a little intimidated by him. "And this is his son, Roman," my father continued, pointing to the younger man.
Roman smiled at me, his eyes warm and friendly. I felt myself relax a little, the tension in the room dissipating.
I learned that Alpha Jasper and my father were old friends, but this was the first time I had seen them together. They seemed to share a bond that went beyond mere friendship.
My father cleared his throat as he spoke," So, what do I owe this visit?" he asked, his voice curious but polite.
" My pack needs your help and......" he said, but before Alpha Jasper could continue, my father cut him off.
"Pardon me, Jasper," he said, raising a hand to silence him. "I know we are both eager to discuss the pending issues, but first, let's catch up.
How have you been?" he asked, a warm smile on his face.
As Alpha Jasper and my father reminisced about the past, I turned to Roman.
"Do you mind if I show you around?" I asked, hoping he wouldn't find the offer boring.
"I'd love that," he said, his smile growing wider. I rose from my chair, feeling a burst of energy.
We both stood up, and I led the way out of the room. As we walked through the hallway, I heard the muffled voices of Alpha Jasper and my father as they continued their conversation. I tried not to listen in, but I couldn't help but wonder what they were talking about. I pushed the thought aside, focusing on the task at hand.
Suddenly, Roman stopped walking, his gaze fixed on something in the distance. I turned to look, my heart racing with anticipation. What had he seen? What was it that had caught his attention? I squinted, trying to see what he was looking at.