Chapter 7

NOVA’S POV I was rambling again. I knew it. I could hear the nervous pace of my voice, the way words tumbled over one another all because of the wedding talk. I couldn’t believe it. I mean, anyone would spiral if it was them. Just a few days ago, I was a normal girl, fantasizing about how she would meet her mate and live a perfect life and now, I’m a soon to be Luna and the mate of one of the most powerful Alphas in the continent. It felt surreal. It felt like a dream, even. I had to pinch myself to make sure I wasn’t dreaming. I paced up and down in Grey’s office as I went on and on about the wedding plans. Everything was happening so soon and I didn’t know how to handle it. I was excited, happy and terrified all at once. It was too much to handle. “There’s the cake tasting soon and then the floral team is coming in on Thursday. Mira said she liked the blush roses, but I feel like they’re too soft? I mean, maybe we should go for something deeper—burgundy? Would burgundy clash with gold highlights? Oh, and don’t forget we need to finalize the guest list. We still haven’t heard from the Eastern packs and I swear if Aunt Lena tries to bring her ten cats again—" “You're adorable when you're in a spiral,” Grey said, smirking from behind his desk. I froze mid-sentence, blinking at him. He leaned back slightly in his chair, arms crossed over that annoyingly broad chest, just staring at me with that signature look of his—smug but affectionate. Goddess, I wanted to punch him and kiss him at the same time. “I am not spiraling,” I said, giving him a mock glare. “You are. It’s kind of cute. Like watching a bunny panic in a field full of clover.” “Oh, shut up.” I crossed the room, stepping right between his legs, grabbing his collar, and plopping myself right on his lap before he could protest. His hands came to rest on my hips firmly. The contact alone was enough to send shivers down my spine. I kissed him—hard—because if he was going to tease me, he was going to suffer the consequences. “Nova,” he groaned against my lips “I have to work.” “You always have to work,” I murmured, pulling back just enough to meet his eyes. “Is it such a crime to want a little attention from my maté?” Grey exhaled like he was already defeated. “You're going to be the death of me.” I smiled innocently, brushing a few strands of his silver hair away from his face. “You love it.” He didn’t deny it. But then he smirked, pushing a few papers aside before his hands slid back to my waist. “You know,” he said in a low tone “if I get nothing done today because you’re too busy being distracting, then who’s going to take the blame when the West border falls into chaos?” “I guess I’ll have to take full responsibility,” I replied, playfully serious. “Maybe you should punish me.” Grey arched a brow. “Don’t tempt me.” I mock gasped and pulled away from him just enough to place a hand over my chest. “Are you telling me to leave, Alpha Grey?” His lips twitched. “Never. Don’t even joke about that.” I couldn’t help but laugh. “You’re so easy.” “Only for you,” he said, brushing his lips against my cheek. Gods, I could stay like this forever. Every day it felt like our bond grew stronger, like the threads that tied our souls were getting tighter and tighter, binding us in ways I couldn’t even begin to explain. Suddenly, my phone buzzed in my pocket. I pulled it out and saw a message from Mira. Mira: Girl, you better be free tonight. Celebration time! Cake and chaos! I’ve got the wine. I laughed under my breath and showed the text to Grey. “Mira wants to celebrate. She says cake and chaos.” Grey glanced at the screen and smiled. “Go. You deserve to unwind. Besides…” He leaned in, brushing his lips against my jawline, “I’ll have you all to myself soon enough.” I hummed. “I don’t know if I should. I still have that meeting with the designer this week, and I haven’t finalized the seating arrangement. Not to mention the cake testing and—” He pressed a finger to my lips. “Nova. Breathe.” I blinked. “You’re doing everything you can. The wedding is going to be perfect. But right now? Go spend time with your friend. Laugh. Drink wine. Be chaotic. You need it.” I exhaled and nodded slowly. “Okay. But I’m not promising I’ll actually relax.” “I’ll take what I can get.” He gave me one of those lazy grins that made my stomach flip and my cheeks heat. Then his hands slid up my spine, pulling me closer again. “Just remember—every minute you’re away from me will feel like a year.” I laughed. “Dramatic much?” He kissed me then. This time, deeper, slower. The kind of kiss that made the world melt away. His lips moved over mine like a promise, like he was memorizing every detail. I clutched his shirt, not wanting to pull away. When we finally broke apart, he rested his forehead against mine. “Now get out of here before I change my mind and lock the door.” “Don’t tempt me.” “Oh, I will.” With a final smirk, I slid off his lap. My legs were slightly weak and my heart was fluttering like crazy. As I walked to the door, I looked back over my shoulder and caught him watching me like I was his entire world. And the best part? He was mine too.