♥

"You seem like you're in a good mood today," Layla comments as I struggle to fight back my smile.

It's hard not to be in a good mood when Nate is in my life.

The last few encounters we have had have ended in kisses and heated moments. I'm relieved that I'm not craving more, my wolf is satisfied with the light touches and the gentle kissing.

Of course, my cock has been raging with blood. But it feels enough. I feel satisfied and for once in my life, I feel like I've got a hold of it. Maybe this addiction isn't me after all, it was a phase, a moment in time that brought out the worst in me.

Nate makes me a better man. God, he makes me so much better.

"I am," I say as I lean back into the chair comfortably.

I've never noticed how soft the cushions are until now. Before all I could think about was the anxiety this room gave me but now I can feel the plush feathers beneath my legs and the way my body sinks into it with ease.

"Care to explain why?"

"I kissed Nate."

Layla blinks once and then smiles. "And what did you think about kissing him?"

My cheeks burn from smiling so hard. "It was amazing, oh. He planned this date, we watched a movie outside in this pick-up truck with blankets and snacks. I couldn't help myself, no one has ever done that for me. All they cared about was getting me into bed."

She hums. "How did it make you feel after?"

"What the kiss?"

"Yes," she nods. "How did your body react after?"

I take a moment to think even though I know the answer. "It felt relaxed and on fire at the same time. I felt guilty for kissing him at the start because I worried that I wouldn't be able to stop and Nate, he's a virgin. I would never want him to feel pressured into doing anything with me. So I stopped before it could go any further."

Layla then tucks her hair behind her ear and leans forward, pressing her elbows to her knees. "Are you glad you stopped?"

My head nods before she finishes the question. "Yes, it was enough for me."

"What happened after the date?"

"We parted ways and I saw him again, we kissed and things got a bit more heated but it didn't go further than kissing. I pulled away and I didn't have this burning desire to sleep with him like I would have if I was at a sex party," I take a breath and glance at the wall. "It shocked me because I thought I'd be climbing him after but I was... happy not to do more."

The corners of her eyes crinkle at my words. "This sounds like amazing progress."

I nod slowly. "Do you think it's because Nate is my mate?"

"Possibly," she says gently. "It could be that you've finally accepted that this is the person you are to spend the rest of your life with and there is no rush. There is all the time in the world. The sexual encounters you had before, did they fulfil you?"

My teeth clamp down on my cheek. "Not as much as that kiss with Nate did, I got more from that than any orgasm I received from another man."

Layla leans back in her chair this time and crosses her legs. "So maybe your body is becoming used to the idea that orgasms don't have to be the end goal of intimacy. It could be a gentle caress or a simple cuddle. Sex isn't always the outcome."

"I still want to have sex with him," I blurt. "In the future, of course. When we're both ready, it's not like I want to be celibate for the rest of my life. But I understand what you're saying, I want to be able to have a sexual relationship with him too. I want to have that special moment with him."

"And that is completely acceptable," she nods and cups her hands over her knee. "Sexual intimacy between mates can be extremely passionate and emotional. It will be completely different to any other sexual encounter you've had."

I clear my throat and shift in the chair. "Do you think my addiction might spike again if I start a sexual relationship with him?"

Layla tilts her head. "Why do you ask that?"

My shoulders raise and drop quickly. "I don't know. I'm worried that my body is accepting kissing as a non-sexual action. What if we have sex and it triggers everything again? I haven't had sex in months, I don't know how I'm going to feel."

"Don't worry about something that hasn't even happened yet, Milo," she tries to calm me. "Focus on now, focus on your feelings for Nate. Nothing else. If you start worrying about what might be, you'll miss out on all these beautiful moments in the meantime."

I take in her words and nod. She's right. I'm worrying about something that might not even happen. I should keep my mind focused on how I feel around him, how he makes me forget about my addiction.

It might be like that for sex too. I'm becoming paranoid.

"Okay," I nod and take down a breath. "I feel like things are moving in the right direction."

Layla's smile stretches across her face. "I'm so pleased to hear that. Every step is amazing progression. I'm proud of you."

Warmth spreads around my heart. "I'm proud of myself too."

♥

After my therapy session I head to the kitchen to find Everett and Reign. Her eyes catch me as I walk by and her expression looks concerned. "Ah," she says. "There you are."

"I was with Layla for my session," I throw my thumb over my shoulder.

"Everything all good?" Everett asks.

I nod confidently. "Everything is perfect."

"Well I'm glad something is," he grumbles under his breath.

My brows pinch together at his dark tone. "What do you mean?"

"I'm calling a meeting with Fran and Jesse, let's talk in our office." He states before pressing a hand to the small of Reign's back and guiding her towards their office. I stare at them both and nod again in silence. Something is going on and it doesn't seem like fun.

As soon as Fran and Jesse join us in their office, Everett shuts the door behind us. "What's going on?" I ask as we take a seat around the desk.

Reign leans on the edge, her arms folded over her chest and her legs crossed. Everett sits in the chair and I glance at Fran who is equally as confused as I am. I was in my own bubble this morning, too focused on my relationship with Nate to know that something was going on.

Now my anxiety heightens and I am desperate to know.

I look back to my brother and the way his finger glides along the stubble on his chin, eyes set forward. "The threat Keanu told us about," he says deeply. "Intelligence from the nearest pack in our district says its true and an attack could be imminent."

"What?" I push myself out of my seat to straighten my spine.

Everett's jaw tenses and as an Alpha, something like this isn't ideal. It could destroy the entire pack, it can take away lives and for all we know, there might be nothing left of us if we're not careful.

"The North are attempting to take over the South, apparently it's time for us to give up what's rightfully theirs. Which is total bullshit and I won't stand for it." He stands suddenly, the sound of the chair scratches against the wooden floor. "We both fairly own our land and now they want to control us."

Fran huffs out a breath. "But why?"

"Greed," Reign comments.

"They want more power," Everett spits. "They want to take over our land, they want to create their own district. Turn us into their slaves or murder us for fun, I don't know. We haven't had contact with the North for years. I thought we could live in peace, but apparently not."

I hear Reign take in a loud breath. "So what do we do?" Jesse asks.

"We need to train hard. Strengthen the pack, we need to be prepared. Every other pack in the district will be doing the same, helping each other out as much as we can. But we also need to focus on ourselves, we're the priority. To protect our land, our home, our family." Everett begins to pace and I look to Reign who is watching him with a worried expression.

"Are we going to work with Kassian and Cleo?" I ask.

Everett nods. "Yes, I've already been in contact with them. They're preparing themselves too."

"This isn't going to end well..." Fran trails off, her voice becoming weaker. "Is it?"

He turns to look at her and presses his hand into the desk. "It's looking like it's going to end in multiple fatalities. From the information that I've been sent, it is an army of blood thirsty wolves who are seeking vengeance. They're willing to die for what they want, it's going to be chaos."

"Oh shit," Fran curses and presses a hand to her head.

I don't think I've taken a single breath since I sat down. We've battled with other wolves and rogues, sure. But this... this is completely different and I know I'm incredibly behind on training. I've only got myself to blame for that one.

"How long do you think we have?"

Everett shrugs. "Days, a week. I don't know but we need to act fast."

Blood thrashes around my veins at his words. Shit. This is serious. So fucking serious.

I've only seen Everett like this a handful of times and each time has terrified the shit out of me, that's when I know I need to step up and remind myself why I wanted to become the Beta in the first place. Life just got ahead of me at some points.

"Have you made a plan?" Jesse asks.

Everett glances up, his eyes hooded. "I made a plan with Reign last night, we've given each wolf an order. Whether that is to protect the house or to attack. I've decided to keep some people back to help in the infirmary in case anyone needs immediate medical attention."

My lips part slowly. "W-What if we're not successful?"

"That's not an option, Milo."

"What do you mean?"

"I will fight till my last remaining breath, I refuse to be a puppet for someone else."

Reign's eyes flicker to her mate and she pushes off the desk to reach for his hand, she grazes her thumb across his knuckles in a gentle caress. Everett takes a breath and I can physically see a wave of calmness crash over him.

That's the effect of a mate's touch. It is capable of such power.

"So what do you need us to do for the rest of the day?" Jesse asks.

"I need you all to help out as much as you can. Reign is going to take the best archers and practice with them. They could give us an advantage if they are hidden in the trees, they can attack from above and be at an advantage point." Everett explains, his hand still bonded with Reign's.

Fran nods back at him. "And the rest of us?"

"I'm going to split you up. I want you all to help order specific groups to do their jobs, including protecting the house, attack, defence and helping out with the infirmary and bringing back hurt wolves, if it comes to it." His voice is more relaxed now and I find myself relaxing with him.

Thank the Goddess for Reign.

"Okay," I say with bravery I had no idea I possessed. "Whatever you need, Ev. Right there with you."

"Me too," Fran nods eagerly.

He sucks in a breath. "Good. Let me call the pack and split them up and then we can work on your jobs, when the time comes to defend, we attack and we focus on our territory, our home. We don't let them win."

A new burning passion to make Everett proud, make the entire pack proud burns through my heart. This is my chance to prove my skills, to show that I am capable of being the Beta. Even if I'm terrified of what is going to happen, there isn't time to be scared.

Only time to protect what's ours, what's mine.

I pray that whatever is going on in Nate's pack, he will be safe too.

Please let my loved ones return home. It's all I wish for.

♥ ♥ ♥

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Author's Note

I'm so glad Milo's session with Layla went the way it did. Things are really looking up for him and the way he thinks about his addiction! It's so heartwarming❤️

Uh oh. Trouble is coming. I love seeing Everett with his Alpha head on and Reign right by his side as Luna!🥰

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