Page 58 of Sun's Roar

The pack wolves withdrew after paying their respects, understanding their alpha’s desire for privacy with his new mate. When they disappeared back into the trees, Sol nudged Helena playfully, breaking the tension.

Race you to the clearing,he challenged, taking off through the trees.

Helena gave chase, her speed impressive for a first shift. When she caught up to him, she nipped at his flank, darting away before he could react. Sol’s wolf delighted in this game, this old dance of pursuit and retreat that was as old as their kind.They chased each other through moonlit glades, playful growls and yips breaking the silence of the forest night.

As the moon reached its zenith, Sol noticed Helena’s pace slowing, her movements becoming less fluid as fatigue set in. First shifts were exhausting, and he knew she needed rest.

Time to head home,he decided, guiding her with gentle nudges back toward the castle.You’ve done remarkably well for your first run.

He led her along the path that would bring them to the private entrance of their chambers. As the castle came into view, standing majestically against the starlit sky, Sol felt a deep satisfaction settle in his bones. His Luna had completed her transformation, their bond was cemented, and the future stretched before him filled with promise rather than endless waiting.

Sol watched with awe as her wolf form melted back into her human shape with unexpected ease. Most first-time shifters struggled with the return journey, yet his Luna slipped back into her skin as naturally as breathing.

“You’re a wonder,” he told her, not bothering to hide the pride in his voice after he shifted back. “Most wolves struggle for hours their first time shifting back.”

Helena stood naked before him, her pale skin luminous in the moonlight, a slight flush coloring her cheeks as she glanced around the castle grounds. “Is anyone going to see us like this?” She attempted to cover herself with her hands, her eyes darting toward the shadowed windows of the castle.

Sol’s chest swelled with possessive pleasure at the sight of her nude form—all lush curves and fiery hair cascading down her back. “This entrance is for us alone. No pack member would dare approach without permission.” He stepped closer, his voice lowering. “Besides, you’re mine to see.”

He watched her throat bob as she swallowed, her hands slowly dropping away from her body. The trust in that simple gesture made his wolf rumble with satisfaction.

“Still,” Sol added, closing the distance between them, “I’ll ensure no eyes fall on what belongs to me.”

Before she could respond, he swept her into his arms, cradling her body against his chest. The feel of her soft skin against his sent heat coursing through him, but he tempered his desire. There would be time for that later.

“I can walk, you know,” she protested, though her arms instinctively wound around his neck.

“I’m aware of your capabilities,” Sol replied, pushing open the heavy wooden door with his shoulder. “I simply prefer to carry what’s mine.”

The private entrance led directly to their royal chambers, bypassing the main hallways where pack members might be wandering even at this late hour. As Sol carried her through the dimly lit passage, he reveled in how right she felt in his arms—this woman who had transformed his centuries-long existence in mere days.

“Do you always get your way?” Helena asked, her fingers absently tracing the pack tattoo on his upper arm.

“Always.” He didn’t bother to mask the arrogance in his tone. “I’m the alpha.”

Her laugh vibrated against his chest. “I suppose I’ll have to get used to that.”

“You’re the Luna,” he reminded her, kicking open the door to their chambers. “You’ll find you get your way quite often as well.”

The royal bathroom awaited them—a massive space of marble and gold fixtures, dominated by a shower large enough for ten people. Sol finally set Helena down, reluctant to release her even for a moment.

“I think this bathroom is bigger than my entire house,” she marveled, running her hand along the smooth countertop.

“As it should be.” Sol turned on the shower, steam quickly filling the space. “Nothing but the best for my mate.”

He guided her into the shower, watching with hungry eyes as water cascaded down her curves, dampening her flame-red hair until it darkened to deep crimson. Sol followed, crowding her against the tiled wall, needing to feel her skin against his.

“Tonight was...” Helena seemed to search for words, her hands coming to rest on his chest.

“The beginning,” Sol finished for her, capturing a droplet of water from her collarbone with his thumb. “The beginning of everything.”

They washed each other slowly, hands gliding over soap-slicked skin, learning each curve and plane. Sol found himself memorizing the constellation of freckles across her shoulders, the exact weight of her breasts in his palms, and the way her breath caught when he touched certain places.

When they finally emerged, wrapped in plush towels, exhaustion was evident in Helena’s drooping eyes. Sol led her to his—their—massive bed, pulling back the covers.

“Rest now,” he murmured, dropping his towel and sliding between the sheets. “Your body needs recovery after your first shift.”

Helena hesitated only a moment before abandoning her own towel and joining him. Sol immediately pulled her against him, arranging her so her head rested on his chest, and his arm secured around her waist.

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