Chapter 43: Chapter 43
His chest rumbled with a low growl that went straight to my core. "Focus, Sophie."
"You focus. You’re the one pressed against me."
"Do you want me to stop?"
"I want you to stop torturing me with this waiting game."
Christian’s hands tightened on my hips. "Two more days."
"That’s forever."
"It’s necessary."
I spun in his arms, my patience snapping. "Why? Why is it necessary to wait when we both know—"
"Because Elder Sarah is watching for any excuse to invalidate your trials." His voice turned harsh. "Because if I claim you now, they’ll say you earned Luna status through seduction instead of merit. Because I need your position to be unquestionable."
"I don’t care what they say."
"I do." His forehead pressed against mine. "I care about protecting you. Even from pack politics."
We stood there breathing hard, the tension crackling between us like lightning about to strike.
"Wolf form," Christian said abruptly. "We need to practice shifted combat."
We stripped down and shifted. My silver wolf emerged excited and eager. Christian’s massive black Alpha wolf radiated dominance and barely controlled desire.
We circled each other in the clearing. Christian’s wolf play-fought with mine, teaching holds and breaks and positioning. But the play had undercurrents of mating ritual that both our wolves recognized.
My wolf kept exposing my throat. Submission. Invitation.
Christian’s wolf’s restraint became visibly strained.
We shifted back simultaneously, both breathing hard, both hyperaware of partial nudity and insufficient distance.
Christian pulled me to sit against one of the ancient trees.
"I’m terrified," he admitted suddenly. "Of watching you fight, Jake. Of seeing you hurt when every instinct screams to protect you."
My heart clenched. "Christian—"
"I had a nightmare last night. You were bloody and broken in the sparring ring. I couldn’t intervene because of trial rules." His voice cracked. "I can’t lose you, Sophie."
I grabbed his hand. "You won’t. I’m stronger than you think."
"I know you are. That’s what terrifies me." His thumb traced circles on my palm. "You’re strong enough to get yourself hurt trying to prove something."
"I’m not trying to prove something. I’m trying to survive."
"You’re trying to be worthy of me." Christian’s eyes met mine. "You already are. You always were."
The honesty broke something in me.
I told him about the notes. About the threats. About someone repeatedly getting into my room.
Christian went rigid, his eyes flashing full amber. "Why didn’t you tell me immediately?"
"I was scared."
"Of what?"
"Of seeming weak. Of not handling problems myself. Of proving everyone right that I can’t do this."
Christian stood abruptly, pacing like a caged animal. "Hiding threats from your Alpha mate is dangerous and unacceptable."
"I’m not hiding anymore!"
"You should never have hidden in the first place!" His voice came out harsh. "I can’t protect you if I don’t know what I’m protecting you from!"
"I don’t need you to protect me from everything!"
"Yes, you do! You’re mine to protect!"
"I’m not your property!"
"You’re my mate!" Christian closed the distance in two strides. "After these trials are done, I’m putting guards on your door. I’m tracking your movements. And I’m eliminating any threat to your safety with extreme prejudice."
I opened my mouth to argue.
Christian kissed me.
Hard. Claiming. Desperate.
I melted against him, my hands fisting in his hair. His hands slid down my back, gripping my hips, pulling me flush against his body.
His teeth grazed my neck. Over the claiming spot.
I tilted my head automatically. Offering. Begging.
Christian tore himself away with a harsh groan, putting five feet between us.
"Few more days," he said, his voice strangled. "Then the Compassion Challenge. Then your Luna status will be secured."
"Christian—"
"Then I claim you. Properly. Publicly. Permanently." His eyes were blazing amber. "I’ll mark you, bond you, and make you mine in every way that matters."
The promise in his voice made my knees weak.
"I want to describe exactly what I’m going to do to you," he continued, his voice dropping. "How I’m going to mark this spot right here." His finger traced my neck. "How you’re going to wear my mark for everyone to see. How I’m going to—"
"Okay, I’m here and also extremely uncomfortable."
Connor’s voice made us both jump.
Christian looked murderous. Connor looked amused.
"Jake’s spreading rumors about private Alpha training advantages," Connor said. "I’m taking over Sophie’s coaching for the next two days. For appearances."
Christian’s jaw clenched, but he nodded.
The rest of the day was regular training with Connor and Jessica. More pack members watched than usual. Jake made pointed remarks about "favoritism" and "special treatment."
Christian stayed at the edge of the grounds, his eyes never leaving me.
By sunset, I was exhausted but confident. I could do this. I could beat Jake.
Christian walked me back to the pack house in charged silence.
At my door, he stopped me with a hand on my wrist.
"Lock the door. Don’t open it for anyone you don’t trust completely. Call me immediately if anything feels wrong."
Then his control snapped.
He backed me against the door, his body caging me in. His lips claimed mine in a kiss that was pure possession and promise.
His teeth caught my bottom lip, his tongue slid into my mouth, and his hands gripped my hips hard enough to bruise.
When he finally pulled away, his eyes were blazing amber.
"Few more days," he whispered against my lips. "Then you’re mine completely."
He walked away before I could respond.
I fumbled the door open and stumbled inside, my body on fire, my heart racing.
