The Pack's Daughter (Aysel and Magnus) novel Chapter 85

**Midnight Letters by Daniel Crowe**

**Chapter 85**

**Aysel’s POV**

As I emerged from the warmth of the bath, steam swirling around me like a soft embrace, my eyes were drawn to an unexpected spectacle unfolding in the room. There, in a tense standoff, stood Magnus—imposing, unyielding, and utterly indifferent. His presence radiated a chilling authority that filled the space with an electric tension.

Opposite him, my beloved Daron was a picture of indignation, his fur bristling with defiance. His claws scraped against the floor, a sound that echoed like a warning. Ears pinned back, he looked every bit the fierce protector, ready to defend his territory against this formidable figure. The air was thick with the scent of dark cedar and raw dominance, a stark contrast to Daron’s fluffy, rebellious demeanor.

But then, as if a spell had been broken, Daron caught a whiff of me—the lingering fragrance of moon-blossom oil clinging to my skin. In that instant, his fury dissipated, replaced by unbridled joy. With a gleeful whimper, he abandoned his post, bounding toward me with his tail wagging so enthusiastically that his entire body seemed to shimmy along with it.

Oh, Daron. You shameless little traitor.

He dropped a delicate rose at my feet, his pink tongue lolling out in a goofy grin, as if to say, “Look! I brought you something beautiful. I’m still your favorite, right?”

Magnus’s lips twitched, a hint of amusement flickering across his stoic face. I knelt down to stroke Daron’s large, furry head, feeling the warmth radiate from him as I placed the rose in a nearby vase. When I turned back, Magnus remained there, a silent sentinel, watching with an inscrutable expression.

“Hmm? Not planning on retreating to your den?” I teased, breaking the charged silence.

His gaze flickered momentarily to Daron. I sensed he was waiting for the wolf to leave, so I quickly added, “It’s fine. Daron can sleep with me tonight.”

Magnus let out a low, humorless chuckle that echoed in the stillness. “I’m staying too.”

Before I could voice my protest, he continued smoothly, “Daron pissed on my bed. Can’t sleep there.”

Daron froze mid-wag, his golden eyes widening in utter disbelief.

What?! his expression screamed. You deceitful two-legged creature—how dare you tarnish my name!

Even I blinked, taken aback. “That can’t be right. Daron’s smart.”

“Smart,” Magnus agreed, his tone mild, “but temperamental. He loves his little pranks.”

As Daron bared his teeth in protest, Magnus added lazily, “He also enjoys marking beds. Best not to let him in your room.”

That did it.

My wolf growled low in solidarity as Daron lunged forward, ready to reclaim his honor—

—but before he could reach Magnus, one sharp glance from the Alpha halted him mid-air.

The growl morphed into a pitiful whine as Daron backed away, tail tucked between his legs, brushing against Magnus’s leg in a show of false submission.

Ah, right. He remembered—my Alpha was not known for his kindness.

Clever pup. He knows when to submit.

Magnus led the sulking wolf back to his kennel, and I couldn’t help but laugh when he returned. He shot me a sideways glance, brow arched in curiosity.

“What?” he asked, feigning innocence.

“Nothing,” I replied, still chuckling. “Daron looked just like your rebellious pup being sent to bed.”

Magnus huffed, crossing his arms. “He’s your pup too now.”

“Nonsense. He’s an angel when he’s with me.”

“Mm. Double standards, Aysel.”

That made me laugh even harder. It was undeniably true—Daron was pure sunshine around me, a playful little demon when it came to Magnus.

“First day in my territory, and you’ve already stolen my wolf,” Magnus said, his voice dipping low, almost teasing. “Don’t you think you owe me something for that?”

I tilted my head, playing the innocent. “How about a new guest chamber as compensation?”

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