Magnus's POV The morning sun poured over the city like molten gold, carrying the faint tang of smoke and concrete. The world smelled alive, but even in its bustle, my senses picked out the familiar scent of Aysel, curled beneath her covers like a small fox, her breath soft and steady. I'd barely returned from my early patrol when the Moonvale Pack's group chat erupted again, vibrating her phone against the counter in a frenzy of human excitement. I poured myself a cup of black coffee, wolf instincts twitching at the echoes of the neighbors' joy. Humans never failed to baffle me-they shouted across invisible lines of text with the fervor of a pack celebrating a kill. "Did you get yours?!" "Got it! My husband's already washing his hands to open the package-so careful, ha!" "Mine's posting ten pictures on social media now!" "Pics or it didn't happen!" I let out a soft snort of amusement. Even without shifting, my hearing caught every nuance of their voices, every playful jab and gleeful shriek. To them, this was a feast worth celebrating; to me, it smelled like opportunity. I had sent Jackson out early. It was my idea to thank the building for their unwitting role in helping Aysel-their breakfast delivery a subtle, human-friendly way of showing gratitude while keeping her pack safe. I hadn't needed her to see it, but now the effect was undeniable. By the time Aysel stirred, the apartment was bathed in warm light. She emerged, eyes still heavy with sleep, hair tousled, the natural scent of berries and sun-warmed skin drifting off her like a private trail. "What's going on?" she mumbled, blinking at the flurry of notifications. I leaned against the counter, arms crossed, letting a small smirk tug at the corners of my mouth. "Your neighbors are losing their minds. Breakfast delivery-courtesy of our little pack's gratitude." She frowned. "Breakfast?" I handed her phone. She scrolled, her sleepy confusion giving way to delight and incredulity as the messages poured in. ‘It's from 1601!' ‘Her mate ordered everyone a full feast from Grand Fortune Hall!'‘Impossible to book! Even the Eastern Alpha Council dines there!' ‘Clearly wealthy... or madly in love.' Aysel's brows drew together. "Mate?" "Apparently, yes," I said lightly. "The building has decided I'm your mate for the purposes of etiquette. I had Jackson distribute the breakfast to thank them for their... enthusiastic participation last night." Her eyes widened, a mixture of shock and bemusement. "You-sent breakfast to all the neighbors?" I leaned back, letting my wolf stretch beneath the surface of my skin, muscles coiling like liquid steel. "I did. Consider it a defensive gesture. Keeps your pack safe and makes life easier for you. You're welcome." Within the hour, the neighbors' gifts arrived. Small boxes of pastries, regional snacks, and tiny treats appeared at our doorstep, ribbons and notes tucked neatly inside. Aysel looked at them like they were a treasure hoard, hands hovering as though the slightest touch might ignite them. "I... do we need to return the favor?" she asked, turning to me with that guilty, hesitant look of hers. I chuckled, letting my wolf rumble softly. "No need. This is just neighborly exchange-call it a human version of pack diplomacy. Accept it." She muttered, "You sound more like one of the residents than I do." I reached for her, brushing a strand of hair from her face, and smirked. "Who keeps this den safe, cooks your meals, handles everything quietly while you sleep? Face it, Vale-you'd be lost without me." Her cheeks puffed in mock protest. "Stop that. Keep your distance!" I let my wolf taste the tension, amused by her instinctive wariness. She was too used to me already, too relaxed around someone she barely knew-and yet, that was part of the thrill. Then she asked the question I'd been waiting for, the one that always carried the scent of challenge. "Magnus... when are you leaving?" The air tightened. I could feel her pulse, the subtle spike of adrenaline as her gaze fixed on me. My wolf stirred, alert, claws sheathing beneath my skin. "Why?" I asked softly. "Do you want me gone, or are you making space for an old Alpha?"She met my gaze steadily. "I'm not talking about Damon Blackwood. I just... wanted to know your plans. You're heir to the Shadowbane Pack. You can't stay forever. And I have my own burdens." I watched her, senses tuned to every shift in her scent, every quiver of muscle. She didn't realize how deep my instincts were rooting me to her presence. "You think I'm here because I forgot who owns this place?" I murmured. "No. I'm here because this-right here-feels worth guarding. Worth fighting for." Her lips parted, a flicker of surprise, but she said nothing more. Outside, the neighbors continued their clatter of human excitement. "Their love is goals!" "I'd die for that man!" "We're the love guardians now!" Ridiculous, yet Aysel couldn't hide her smile. I leaned back, letting my wolf relax just slightly, feeling the heat of her proximity and the subtle thrill of shared dominion. The apartment, the small gifts, the laughter-they all smelled like home now, a territory I would defend with tooth and claw. And she, little fox Aysel, would be at the heart of it. "So, you have a crush on me?"