Aysel's POV I lay sprawled across Magnus' solid, warm chest, the rhythm of his heartbeat steady beneath my cheek. Jackson was reporting the latest from the Blackwood Pack, but my eyes didn't move, my expression unreadable. My mind was half-dreaming, half-sifting through the stream of energy still lingering from the night's more... primal exertions. Skylar's endless cross-continental calls had stopped for the moment. Ever since she called the other night-just as I accidentally connected while entangled with Magnus-she'd been abruptly cut off, leaving only silence. I couldn't help but pinch a little at the firm plane of Magnus' abdomen, lips pouting as I let a tiny frustration out. He was multitasking like always, barking instructions through Jackson about Shadowbane Pack's affairs, while at the same time letting me play with him, trailing my fingers across his form, teasing him in return. My slap landed before I could stop myself-typical. Magnus grinned, an amused glint in his eyes. "Bored already? Want me to keep you company?" I scoffed, the edge of a wolfish snarl curling my lips. "I-can't...?" He tilted his head, low and playful, voice thick with the warmth of his wolfish pride. "Of course you can, little one. Any age, always ready..." I nearly jumped, voice sharp as I straddled his hips, hands clawing at his throat in mock attack. "Magnus Sanchez! Has paint gone to your head? I'll shred you!" He only laughed, unbothered by my wolfish theatrics. "I need to leave! Surely you've had enough? Aren't you... tired?" "Never," he murmured, teeth grazing my neck in a slow, possessive press. "This life, never tiring... there's so much more..." I clamped my hand over his mouth, hissing softly. "Enough. I have duties to attend to. I'm taking on Julia's project." Yesterday, I had officially joined Sophia's troupe as they rehearsed their new performance. Julia had reached out, recognizing my choreography, wanting me as a special consultant. My paintings were delivered recently, and the timing left me with space. And conveniently, the rehearsals were in Skylar's city. After nights of indulgence and exhaustion, my little wolfish waist deserved a reprieve. Magnus coiled around me, his lips brushing mine in a fleeting, teasing kiss. He sighed, the warmth of him surrounding me like a protective shadow. Though he hated to let go... "Go," he said, smiling, fingertips stroking my hair. He wished to spoil me until I couldn't function alone, yet in my endeavors, he empowered me, letting me remain untamed, independent. That was my pride. I could accept his gifts, but I wouldn't surrender myself. I nodded, understanding the rare opportunity this was. Still, he couldn't resist one last claim. A mischievous press of his nose, a fleeting kiss on my cheek-reminding me that the wolf within him never slept. Then, as if on cue, Skylar appeared online after days of absence. Her message carried that unmistakable, wolfish pride. "Baby, now you have to come~" A photo accompanied her words. Curiosity piqued, I tapped it open. My eyes narrowed. The image wasn't scenery, nor a playful snapshot-it was someone who should have been long gone. Celestine's ex-Dariusz. At the M-country airport, Skylar had spotted me threading through the stream. She raised her hand in triumph. "Aysel! Over here!" I couldn't help but grin, racing forward to sweep her into a tight, wolfish hug. "How long have you waited?" She swayed her phone smugly. "Five minutes. Perfect timing." I chuckled, rewarding her theatrics with a wolfish grin. Skylar ruffled my hair, eyes sparkling with mock envy. "Looks like your Alpha really is taking good care of you." I smiled to her.