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Chapter 10 - The Calm Before A Storm

Chapter 10 – Part 1: Preparations, Flirtation, and Love Birds

The early morning sun cast warm streaks across the Northern Packhouse courtyard. Servants bustled about, carrying trays of breakfast, arranging flowers, and polishing the stone steps. Louise, standing slightly apart, observed the organized chaos with mild amusement. She was here for one reason: her official welcoming ceremony into the Northern Pack.

Rebecca was in full control, her commands sharp and precise. "Linen here! Chairs in a straight line! The tables by the west wing—yes, like that!" Her voice rang out, orchestrating the servants like a conductor guiding an orchestra.

Louise smiled politely, hands clasped in front of her, feeling both excitement and nerves. It was a new beginning, but also a reminder that she had enemies lurking in the shadows, scheming.

From the entrance, a familiar figure approached, his tall frame casting a long shadow across the courtyard. Felix's striking blue eyes scanned the preparations, landing on Louise.

"Morning, Louise," he said, a teasing lilt in his voice, though his gaze held warmth. "Everything running smoothly?"

Louise nodded. "Rebecca has everything under control. I just arrived, so I'm mostly observing."the morning bell rang, signaling the arrival of early guests for the welcoming ceremony. Louise turned, bowing slightly to step fully into the courtyard. "I'm sorry to intrude," she said, voice calm yet polite. Felix raised an eyebrow, shrugging off the interruption with a smirk.

Meanwhile, in the South, Edgar's mood was markedly different. His eyes glimmered with the satisfaction of the South Pack's prosperity and power. Lunar New Year's Eve was a celebration not just of the new year, but of the new age of the South under his command. The mansion was alive with music, laughter, and the clinking of glasses.

He leaned back, dark chuckle rumbling in his chest as he read Leo's letter. The details of the Eastern rogue attacks barely registered; they were merely minor annoyances to him. Turning to Kappa, who stood nearby, he muttered, "They'll learn soon enough. Let the chaos come—then we watch them break."Later, Leo mounted his horse with ease, helping Maya settle in front of him. The morning wind tugged at her hair, the sunlight catching the gold threads woven into her attire. He glanced at her, a rare softness in his usually steady gaze.

"You ride well," he said, admiration lacing his tone. "But the way you move… it's almost effortless."

Maya laughed, a melodic sound that made his chest tighten. "You flatter me, Leo."

"No," he murmured, voice low, teasing, yet sincere. "I tell the truth. Being with you… it makes everything feel lighter. Free, even with all the chaos around us."

For a few moments, they rode in companionable silence, the hooves of their horses echoing across the hills. Then Leo reached out, brushing his hand lightly over hers, the contact deliberate. "I don't think you realize the effect you have," he said softly.

Maya's heart fluttered. A shy smile tugged at her lips. "Maybe I like that effect," she teased, letting her fingers linger in his.

Leo grinned, the warmth in his eyes deepening. "Then I suppose I'll have to get used to it," he said, a hint of mischief creeping into his voice.

They spent the morning riding through the rolling hills, laughing, teasing, and sharing quiet, intimate words. Leo pointed out landmarks and recounted tales of the Southern Pack's history, his voice carrying pride and reverence. Maya responded with sharp wit and bright laughter, keeping him captivated.

At one point, she pulled her horse to a stop and turned to him, her eyes gleaming with amusement. "You're not just an Alpha, Leo. You're… ridiculous sometimes."

He laughed, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face. "And you love it."

"I…" she began, hesitating, then shook her head with a playful smile. "Maybe I do."

The ride ended with them returning to the mansion, their hands brushing as they dismounted, lingering in that quiet, shared space. Words had been exchanged, trust built, and a connection — slow, deliberate, and electric — had been cemented between them.

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Part 2

Louise knocked softly on Lucas's door, heart hammering, her thoughts racing. She had to warn him about Megan and Felicia's scheme before they could act. She didn't expect what would meet her.

The moment the door opened, Lucas stepped out from the shower. Wet hair clinging to his temples, green eyes sharp, towel hanging low on his hips, chest glistening with droplets of water. His muscles flexed as he moved, and Louise's eyes widened.

Her body betrayed her instantly. Heat pooled in her core. She bit her lip, nipples hardening beneath her lace undergarment. Lucas's gaze caught hers, sharp and knowing. He smirked.

"Louise…" he said lowly, the towel barely covering him, and stepped closer. The air around him felt electric, magnetic, and dangerous.

Before she could think, his hand came up, cupping her breast through the fabric. She gasped loudly, her hands flying to his wrist, trying to stop him—but her body arched against him.

"Lucas…!" she moaned, soft and needy, voice trembling. "Ahhhh… mhh… yes…"

He leaned into her, teeth grazing her jaw, hot breath against her skin. One hand cupped her breast firmly, fingers rolling over her hardened nipples, teasing, squeezing. Her body trembled, pressing against him.

"Oh fuck, Lucas… harder… more… yes," she whimpered, arching into him.

Lucas's free hand slid to her waist, pulling her flush against him. The heat between them crackled, their bodies a storm of desire. He dipped his head to her neck, biting lightly, leaving marks as she moaned uncontrollably.

Her lace undergarment slipped down, exposing her to his hands. Lucas didn't hesitate—his fingers traced her curves, cupping her fully now, teasing her chest as she moaned breathlessly.

"Mhhh… Lucas… don't stop… yes… oh god…"

He smirked, knowing exactly how to drive her wild. His lips found hers in a fiery kiss, tongues sliding together as he deepened the heat, pressing her tighter, one hand still firmly cupping her breast.

Louise's hands tangled in his wet hair, moaning into his mouth. "Ahhhh… yes… more… Lucas… fuck…"

Lucas's eyes were dark, dangerous, and hungry. He pressed himself closer, letting his green eyes roam her face, her lips, her chest, drinking in every reaction. Her moans, her shivers, every gasp—he savored it all.

She whimpered, tilting her head back, arching into his touch. "Yes… oh god… Lucas… harder… please…"

He obliged, fingers kneading, rolling her nipples between his thumbs. Louise's back arched violently, a high, breathless moan escaping her. "Mhhh… ahhh… fuck… yes… Lucas… I love it… more…"

Her mind went blank with pleasure. She forgot her purpose for a moment, lost entirely in the sensation of his touch, his dominance.

Lucas pressed his body into hers, lips trailing from her mouth to her neck, biting lightly. She gasped, grabbing his shoulders, shivering. Her chest heaved as she moaned uncontrollably: "Ahhh… fuck… yes… Lucas… harder…"

Then, catching herself, she whispered shakily, "I'm here… about Megan and Felicia… we need a plan…"

Lucas smirked against her skin, finally letting some restraint creep in. He pressed one final kiss to her lips, still cupping her, before straightening slightly. "Tell me everything," he said lowly, voice husky with desire. "And don't leave out a single detail."

Louise's breathing was ragged, body still trembling, nipples sensitive, cheeks flushed. She nodded, gripping his shoulders, grateful that even in this haze of lust, he allowed her to speak.

Their connection remained electric, every touch, every look charged with heat, leaving a promise that their bodies—and minds—would continue their exploration later.

The scene ended with them wrapped in each other's arms, the lingering heat and tension of their encounter pulsing between them. The warning about Megan and Felicia still hung in the air, a dark undercurrent amidst the storm of desire.

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