Sylvia’s POV

As I heard the sound of keys in the lock, my wolf Charna stirred restlessly within me.

"You’re still awake," Caesar’s deep voice washed over me as he stepped into the dimly lit room.

I sat up in our king-sized bed, silk sheets pooling around my waist. "I wanted to wait for you." My voice came out softer than intended, betraying how much I’d missed him.

"Did everything go well in Paris?" I asked, watching as he removed his watch and placed it on the nightstand with practiced precision.

"Business as usual," he replied with characteristic brevity, unbuttoning his shirt.

As he moved closer, something caught my attention.

Charna whimpered inside me, conflicted between concern and primal attraction to our mate’s dominance.

"You smell like blood," I whispered, the words escaping before I could stop them.

Caesar paused, his fingers stilling on the buttons of his shirt. For a moment, something dangerous flickered in his eyes before his expression smoothed into practiced neutrality.

"Occupational hazard," he replied, voice deceptively casual. "Nothing for you to worry about, little wolf."

I should have pressed further. The rational part of my brain—the part trained to be the future Alpha of Frostfang Pack—knew there were questions that needed answers. But my body had other ideas. Three days without his touch had left me aching, and Charna was practically howling for our mate.

"Come here," I said instead, holding out my hand.

Caesar’s lips curved into a predatory smile that sent heat pooling between my thighs. "Demanding tonight, are we?"

He shrugged off his shirt, revealing the muscled expanse of his torso.

"I missed you," I admitted.

In an instant, he was beside me. One moment he stood by the door, the next his powerful body pressed me into the mattress, his weight a delicious pressure that made Charna purr with satisfaction.

"Show me how much," he growled, his lips capturing mine in a kiss that stole my breath.

His hands skimmed under my shirt, calloused palms against sensitive skin, making me arch into his touch. The scent of blood still clung to him, but it was rapidly overwhelmed by the potent aroma of our combined arousal.

"Caesar," I gasped as his mouth moved to my neck.

"Tell me what you need, Sivi," he demanded, voice rough with desire.

"You," I breathed, running my fingers through his dark hair. "Just you."

He chuckled darkly against my skin. "You have me, little wolf. Always."

My t-shirt disappeared, torn down the middle by impatient hands. I should have been annoyed—it was my favorite—but the sight of Caesar’s eyes turning completely crimson as he looked at my naked body erased any complaint.

"Perfect," he murmured, strong hands cupping my breasts, thumbs brushing over hardened nipples.

His mouth replaced his hands, tongue circling one sensitive peak before drawing it between his lips. I moaned, arching off the bed as pleasure shot straight to my core. My hands clutched at his shoulders, feeling the corded muscles tense beneath my fingertips.

Caesar rid himself of his remaining clothes with swift efficiency. His impressive arousal stood proud against his flat stomach, a testament to how much he wanted me.

He parted my thighs with deliberate slowness, his crimson gaze locked on mine as his fingers found me wet and ready. "So responsive," he praised, circling my entrance with teasing touches. "Always so ready for me."

I whimpered, hips bucking against his hand. "Please, Caesar." 𝕗𝚛𝚎𝚎𝐰𝗲𝗯𝗻𝚘𝚟𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝕞

"Please what?" he prompted, sliding one finger inside me with agonizing gentleness. "Use your words, Sivi."

"I need you," I managed, my voice breaking as he added a second finger, stretching me deliciously. "Inside me. Now."

A satisfied rumble emanated from his chest. "As you wish."

He positioned himself between my legs, the broad head of his cock pressing against my entrance. Our eyes locked as he pushed forward, filling me inch by perfect inch until I felt complete. The mate bond flared between us, heightening every sensation.

"Fuck," he growled, his composure slipping as my inner walls clenched around him. "You feel like heaven."

I wrapped my legs around his waist, urging him deeper. "Move," I demanded.

Caesar’s lips quirked in amusement at my command, but he obeyed, withdrawing almost completely before driving back in with enough force to make the headboard slam against the wall.

My nails dug into his back as pleasure overwhelmed me. Each powerful thrust sent waves of ecstasy through my body, building toward a peak that promised to be explosive.

The intensity pushed me over the edge. I came with a cry of his name, my body convulsing around him as pleasure crashed through me in overwhelming waves. Caesar followed moments later, his release triggering a second, more intense orgasm that left me breathless and trembling.

As my heartbeat gradually slowed, I became aware again of that faint metallic tang clinging to his skin.

"Who was hurt?" I asked quietly, unable to completely suppress my curiosity.

Caesar’s arms tightened around me fractionally.

"Enemies," he replied after a pause. His tone was final, brooking no further questions.

Exhaustion claimed my mind first, and I eventually nestled into my mate’s warm embrace, drifting off to sleep before I could explore the secrets behind our conversation.

Morning light filtered through the curtains, rousing me from deep sleep.

The bathroom door opened, revealing Caesar with a towel slung low around his hips, water droplets still clinging to his muscled chest.

"Good morning," I said, sitting up and letting the sheets pool around my waist.

His eyes darkened as they swept over my naked form. "Indeed it is," he replied, moving toward me with predatory grace.

Before he could reach the bed, my phone rang shrilly from the nightstand. I glanced at the display and frowned. Selene.

Caesar’s expression tightened imperceptibly.

"You should take it," he said, turning away to dress. "I’ll have Zoe prepare breakfast."

I nodded, answering the call as Caesar left the room. "Selene? What’s wrong?"

The sound of panicked breathing greeted me. "Sylvia, I—I need your help," Selene’s voice trembled, uncharacteristically vulnerable. "It’s Hugo... There’s been an incident."

I sat up straighter, instantly alert. "What kind of incident?"