Third Person's POV Magnushad only managed three hours of sleep that day. Aysel had taken only half a day off from the assignments in the morning; by afternoon, she needed to return to the theatre. Many pack members and human dancers were waiting for her guidance. Since Magnus also wanted to see the environment where his mate worked, he simply followed along-planning to head straight to the airport from the theatre later. Sofia, having heard that the "golden patron" was visiting, arranged for everyone to run a rough first-stage rehearsal. From the shadows of the wings, Magnus watched Aysel move with sharp focus-adjusting footwork, correcting dancers' posture and expression, pausing to frown in thought, then flaring back to life while arguing heatedly with Andrea and the others. The massive Alpha of Shadowbane let out a small, relieved huff through his nose. Her emotional wounds from Yuna Ward's revelations didn't seem to be dragging her under. Her wolf-her fierce little moon-rose-was still burning bright. Just as Magnus reached for the water bottle he was about to bring her, a probing gaze scraped against his senses. Ryan-who had been half-soulless ever since learning Aysel already had a mate-had not expected to meet the legendary man who held her Claim. He compared himself to Magnus instinctively: Height? No advantage. Looks? The foreigner's perspective did him no favors-Magnus was devastatingly handsome, cut from shadow and winter steel. Build? The man was no fragile outsider-he moved with coiled power, like a wolf accustomed to ruling battlegrounds. Assets? Ryan's entire family fortune couldn't match even one region under the Shadowbane Pack. His heart, already cracked, splintered again. Julia hadn't exaggerated after all. Still unwilling to surrender, he hunted for even the smallest emotional gap between them--but damn it. There was none. Even as her rival, Ryan could only admit the pair were infuriatingly well matched. His blue eyes misted. From beginning to end, that man's gaze never left Aysel. And she-amid chaos and responsibility-kept seeking him out, offering soft, instinctively tender smiles meant only for her mate. All the admiring stares surrounding them-wolves and humans alike-meant nothing to them. Ryan had lost completely. A broken whine nearly slipped from his throat. Two male dancers beside him sighed and patted his shoulder. They had thought Ryan was the pinnacle-until they saw the Alpha of Shadowbane. Aysel stood with both hands full of props when Magnus intercepted her and lightly pressed the water bottle to her lips. With her arms at her sides, she tipped her head back obediently. The bottle's mouthpiece rested between her lips as Magnus held it for her, her cheeks puffing adorably like a little forest vole desperately drinking from a stream. She looked painfully cute. Magnus let her take a large mouthful, then paused to let her breathe before giving her more. When she finished, he wiped the droplets clinging to her lower lip-then, unable to restrain the urge of his wolf-ducked down and kissed her, hard. Aysel jolted, eyes wide, immediately scanning the area. Thankfully, everyone else was busy. She pounded lightly on his chest, cheeks pink. "What was that for?" Magnus's peripheral vision caught the sight of a devastated Ryan slinking away, tail figuratively between his legs. He smirked. "Nothing. I just... my little moon-rose is too adorable." Then, softer, a sigh rumbling in his chest, "I don't want to leave you." The thought that he'd be on a plane in two hours made Aysel's heart soften.She didn't want to let him go either. She puckered her lips, snuck in a one-second hug when no one was looking. "Be good. I'll be back soon." So sweet. Magnus nearly threw her over his shoulder and carried her straight back to the Shadowbane Pack. The couple's longing was practically a scent in the air-thick enough that Sofia felt it even while discussing stage layouts with Andrea. With a kindly smile she walked over. "We can handle the rest. Mr. Sanchez doesn't often get to visit. Aysel, go walk him out." Before Aysel could answer, Magnus had already taken her hand. "The troupe's meals for the next days will be covered by my people. Thank you for looking after her. We'll leave for today." Sofia's smile warmed. "It is we who should thank Mr. Sanchez. You and Aysel have helped us greatly." After a few polite exchanges, Magnus wasted no more time-practically pulling Aysel toward the car, the Shadowbane wolf inside him impatient and unwilling to give her up even for a moment.