Mated to My Intended's Enemy novel Chapter 28

Chapter 28: Chapter 28 Possessive

The journey home was a welcome reprieve from the tensions of the academy. As we pulled into the long, winding driveway of the Shadow Pack’s imposing mansion, I felt some of the day’s stress begin to melt away. The territorial markers of Leo’s pack—subtle scent boundaries that Ava could now detect—created an invisible shield of protection around the property that made both of us feel secure.

As soon as we stepped through the grand entrance, Rosa appeared in the foyer, her warm smile a balm to my frayed nerves.

"Welcome home, Alpha, Luna Victoria," she greeted us, her eyes twinkling with genuine affection. "Dinner is almost ready. I’ve prepared something special tonight."

Leo’s hand rested possessively at the small of my back. "Thank you, Rosa. We’ll both be down shortly. Victoria needs to freshen up after her first day of training."

"Of course," Rosa nodded, giving me a sympathetic look. "The bathroom in your suite has been stocked with fresh bath salts. A hot soak might be just what you need."

I smiled gratefully. "That sounds heavenly."

In our bedroom suite, Leo helped me out of my jacket, his fingers lingering at my shoulders. "You’re tense," he observed, beginning to massage the tight muscles. "Hannah’s academy can be... intense."

I leaned into his touch, sighing as his strong fingers worked magic on my knotted muscles. "That’s putting it mildly. I didn’t realize how much politics went into being a Luna."

"It’s not just about standing beside the Alpha," Leo said, pressing a kiss to the nape of my neck that sent delicious shivers down my spine. "The Luna is the heart of the pack."

"So I’m learning," I murmured, turning to face him. "I won’t let you down."

His eyes darkened with emotion. "You couldn’t if you tried."

The moment stretched between us, charged with unspoken feelings, until Leo cleared his throat. "Take that bath. I have a few calls to make before dinner."

Thirty minutes later, feeling refreshed and more relaxed, I made my way down to the dining room. The enormous oak table that could seat twenty was set intimately for just Leo and me at one end. Candles flickered in ornate silver holders, casting a warm glow over the fine china and crystal glasses.

Rosa bustled in carrying a steaming platter. "I’ve made my special herb-crusted lamb with rosemary potatoes. And for dessert, chocolate soufflé with wild berries from our territory."

"Rosa, you’re spoiling me," I said, inhaling the mouthwatering aromas as she set the platter down. "This looks incredible."

"Nothing but the best for our Luna," she replied with a maternal warmth that made my heart ache pleasantly. It had been so long since anyone had mothered me this way.

Leo entered then, his powerful frame filling the doorway. He’d changed into dark jeans and a charcoal henley that hugged his muscular chest in ways that made my mouth go dry. Our eyes locked, and I felt Ava stirring inside me, responding to his presence with primal recognition.

*Mate,* she purred appreciatively as Leo took his seat beside me rather than at the head of the table.

Rosa poured rich red wine into our glasses before tactfully withdrawing, leaving us in candlelit privacy. Leo raised his glass, the ruby liquid catching the light as he gazed at me with undisguised hunger that had nothing to do with the food between us.

"To my Luna," he said, his voice a low rumble that vibrated through me. "May your enemies tremble and your allies stand in awe."

I smiled at the traditional wolf blessing and touched my glass to his. "And to my Alpha. May your strength never waver and your territory always prosper."

The first bite of lamb practically melted in my mouth, and I couldn’t suppress a small moan of pleasure. "God, I love Rosa’s cooking. I never had anything this good at home."

"She’s been with the pack for generations," Leo said, watching me enjoy the food with obvious satisfaction. "Her grandmother was Luna to my great-grandfather."

As we ate, I filled him in on more details from my day at the academy, carefully navigating around the more upsetting parts about my family’s fallen status. Leo listened attentively, occasionally asking insightful questions that helped me process the complex politics I was learning.

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