The Pack's Daughter (Aysel and Magnus) novel Chapter 25

**Midnight Letters by Daniel Crowe**
**Chapter 25**

**Aysel’s POV**

As I savored the strawberry shortcake, its sweetness melting like a dream on my tongue, I found myself anxiously awaiting the return of my so-called Snail Prince, who was busy in the kitchen. The rich, cold cream clung to my fingertips, a delightful mess, when an unexpected ruckus erupted from below our cozy den, shattering the usual tranquility of the Moonvale apartments.

My ears perked up, instinctively sharp like a wolf’s. “What on earth is happening down there?” I murmured, rising slightly from the couch, a sense of urgency prickling at my skin. Chaos was a rare visitor in our little corner of the world, and the commotion tugged at my curiosity, igniting a restless itch within my wolf that begged to be satisfied.

Quietly, I padded across the room toward the balcony, my bare feet gliding silently over the wooden floorboards. I longed to lean over the railing, to catch a whiff of whatever was causing the stir, but just then, Magnus emerged from the kitchen, his presence commanding and unmistakable.

The Alpha of the Shadowbane Pack didn’t need to raise his voice to assert his authority. His mere presence was enough to still my instincts.

“Aysel Vale,” he said, his voice steady and low, “fetch me a glass of water.”

There was no room for debate in his tone; it was firm yet devoid of aggression—just that lazy dominance that wrapped around me like a comforting shroud of smoke, familiar and intoxicating.

He stood there, clad in his black shirt with sleeves rolled up, revealing forearms etched with silver scars that told stories of battles fought and won. Behind him, the mouthwatering aroma of seared fish and wild herbs wafted from the kitchen, a blend of fresh kill and hearthfire that felt inherently like Magnus.

I grumbled under my breath, but I knew better than to refuse an Alpha who was preparing my dinner.

As he drank, I watched the muscles in his throat work with each long swallow, the glass clinking softly as he set it down. His eyes caught mine almost immediately, assessing. “Hungry, aren’t you? Then come help.”

Help, right. Just as I turned back toward the balcony, his hand encircled my wrist—light yet unyielding.

“Magnus,” I protested, “I just want to take a look—”

“Inside.” His voice dropped, low enough to make my wolf instinctively flatten her ears in submission.

I hesitated, then sighed in resignation. The Shadowbane Alpha had a way of glaring that could rival even the most fearsome elder back home.

Reluctantly, I trudged after him, shoulders slumped and muttering like a scolded pup. At least he didn’t expect me to wield a knife; mostly, I passed him spices or stirred the sauce while he handled the blades with the grace of a predator, each movement fluid and precise.

By the time we finally settled down to eat, the noise outside had quieted to a whisper.

I couldn’t help but glance toward the balcony again, my restless curiosity gnawing at me. “Whatever that was,” I commented lightly, “it seems to have fizzled out.”

Magnus didn’t respond, his focus entirely on cutting fruit with a blade that gleamed under the light. His scent—iron and cedar—brushed against my skin, grounding yet dangerously enticing all at once.

Once the plates were clean, I retrieved my phone from the table and opened the Moonvale residents’ chat. Normally, I avoided it—too many human neighbors discussing mundane topics like grocery prices—but tonight, my curiosity got the better of me.

Magnus settled beside me, a platter of washed berries in hand, sitting close enough that our shoulders brushed together. He didn’t even pretend to ignore the screen as he leaned closer, reading over my shoulder.

“Apparently,” I began, scrolling through the messages, “someone spotted a rogue on our territory tonight. A creep, they said. The humans tried to call security, but he drove off before they could catch him.”

Magnus’s fingers absently picked up a strawberry from the platter, and he bit into it without a hint of concern. “A rogue?” His voice was laced with a faint growl.

– We should remember his face and report him next time.
– Such a shame. He was handsome, though.
– Handsome doesn’t mean safe, people!
– Could be a killer on the run, changed his face. You know those stories!
– Stop, I’m already scared to sleep tonight!
– @Zane next door, you’re a black-belt, right? Protect us!
– Only 9 coins for 24-hour protection!

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