Marked By The Mad King Alpha (Phoebe and Perry) novel Chapter 73

Chapter 73: A Sudden Insatiable Need

Phoebe’s Perspective

As the clock struck midnight, our car finally rolled into the heart of the Crimson Moon pack territory. Weariness clung to me like a heavy cloak, each bone aching from the long hours spent confined in the vehicle. It felt like ages since I’d endured such a lengthy drive. Actually, the last time was when Perry had taken me away from the Obsidian Claw pack to his grand palace—but that trip had an entirely different energy. Timothy’s awful jokes had filled the quiet spaces between us, and though I cringed at his humor, I found myself laughing along, as if desperate to grasp any shred of human connection.

Looking back, those moments had been a lifeline. They peeled back some of the walls I’d so carefully built around myself, easing the stutter in my voice and making me feel a little more whole. The past few days had been a revelation in many ways. My mood had lifted, though mornings still greeted me with that sickening churn in my stomach and dizzy spells that left me unsteady.

“Should we wake her?” Timothy’s voice floated through my foggy mind. I felt his eyes on me as I rested my head on Perry’s thigh, too exhausted to care about appearances or propriety.

Perry’s Perspective

I looked down at Phoebe’s serene face, a soft tenderness unfurling deep within my chest. Timothy’s expression twisted with disgust as he caught the gentleness in my gaze—something he was unaccustomed to. He was used to the fury, the ruthless edge I carried like armor, but this quiet affection unsettled him.

—

“Tell them to stay quiet and show me to our room,” I instructed Alpha Phil with a curt nod. The alpha had been waiting outside with his beta, gamma, and other pack leaders to greet me properly.

“Understood.” Timothy slipped out of the car to speak with Alpha Phil, whose initial confusion gave way to understanding.

When Timothy returned, he confirmed the alpha would escort me to my quarters. “Want me to carry her?” Timothy offered, then quickly recoiled under my sharp glare. “Right, you’ve got it.”

I lifted Phoebe carefully, mindful not to disturb her peaceful sleep. The exhaustion from the journey and the earlier laughter with my gamma had finally claimed her. The sound of her happiness—the musical lilt of her laughter—was a melody I hadn’t realized I’d been starving for until now.

Her head rested against my chest as I cradled her, moving steadily toward the pack house. The gathered wolves bowed their heads in respectful submission, baring their necks as protocol demanded, but remained silent as I had ordered.

Still, curious eyes followed the woman in my arms. Rumors about her had been spreading like wildfire, especially after our recent public appearance. That single outing had ignited a storm of speculation and breathed new life into old gossip.

“This way, my king.” Alpha Phil opened the door to the room prepared for me. “Rest well.”

I acknowledged him with a nod and stepped inside. He closed the door softly behind me and left.

The room was modest compared to my palace chambers, but it was the finest the pack house had—reserved exclusively for my visits. Even the alpha himself refused to use it, despite my infrequent appearances here.

Gently, I laid Phoebe down on the bed and pulled the covers up over her. I lingered, studying her face for a long moment before leaning in closer. Something felt… different. Her scent had shifted in a subtle way.

Most would miss such a delicate change, but as her mate and after our recent intimate moments, I could detect it—a barely perceptible yet undeniable alteration.

I pushed the thought aside, freshened up, turned off the lights, and settled beside her. Moonlight poured through the window, casting long shadows from the table beneath it across the floor. A peaceful stillness wrapped the room.

Until a soft touch startled me awake.

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