Page 2 of Night with a Gamma (Golden Strings of Fate #2)

SUNSHINE AND PANCAKES

Harrison

The music thrums through the air, a soft, melodic backdrop to the whirlwind of emotions swirling within me.

I hold Wren in my arms, her laughter spilling like sunlight through the dimly lit ballroom of the packhouse.

The celebration stretches out around us, a tapestry of faces — some familiar, others not, all gathered to honor Wyatt and Octavia’s Luna Ceremony. But all I can focus on is Wren.

Her hair, a cascade of blonde curls, brushes against my skin as she leans her head against my chest. I breathe in the scent of her — a mix of wildflowers and pancakes, something uniquely Wren.

It’s intoxicating. She lifts her face, her blue eyes shimmering like the ocean under the moonlight, and says, "You smell like a day at the beach. "

I chuckle, the sound rumbling through my chest. “A day at the beach?” I ask, leaning down to capture her gaze. “What does that even mean?”

Her eyes twinkle like stars, a mixture of mischief and affection. “You know, like sunshine and saltwater. It’s comforting.”

I can’t help but smile at my Little Bird. The nickname dances on my tongue, a perfect reflection of her free spirit and the way she makes me feel. My wolf stirs inside me, a soft growl of approval echoing in my mind.

“We’re lucky to find our Little Bird” , he reminds me, and I can’t help but agree.

“Then I’ll take it as a compliment,” I reply, a grin spreading across my face.

Unable to resist the urge any longer, I lean in closer, brushing my lips against hers.

The kiss starts slow and tentative, an exploration that ignites every nerve ending in my body.

Wren makes a happy noise, and the sound sends a thrill through me.

I smile against her lips, drawing her closer, feeling the warmth radiate from her as if she were the sun itself.

As our lips part, I look into her eyes, sparkling with joy. “Let’s get some air,” I suggest, my voice low and inviting. “The garden’s quieter.”

“Lead the way,” she replies, her smile lighting up the dimness around us.

Hand in hand, we slip away from the celebration, the sounds fading into the background as we step into the cool embrace of the night. The scent of damp earth and crisp leaves fills the air, a reprieve from the heady atmosphere of the reception.

“I love it out here,” Wren says, taking a deep breath. “It’s peaceful.”

“Just like you,” I reply, and she blushes, the warmth in her cheeks making her even more enchanting.

“Let’s take a walk,” I suggest, nodding toward the garden, where the moonlight spills between the trees, casting shadows that dance like spirits. “We could use a little breathing room.”

Wren nods, her smile brightening as she slips her hand into mine. The cool fall night wrapping around us like a blanket. The air is crisp, carrying the distant sound of laughter from the reception.

“So, what’s it like living in a coven?” I ask as we stroll along the cobbled path, the crunch of leaves beneath our feet echoing in the stillness. “Is it similar to living with a pack?”

Wren looks thoughtful, her gaze drifting to the stars above. “In some ways, yes. There’s a sense of community, a bond that ties us together. But there are differences too. Coven life can be… complicated.” She hesitates, her expression shifting slightly.

“Complicated how?” I prompt, my curiosity piqued.

“Well, for starters, Agatha, my mother is the current coven leader, and I’m supposed to take over soon,” she explains, her voice steady but laced with an undercurrent of tension. “But my sister, Lenore, was supposed to take her spot. She… she turned dark, so now that responsibility is on me.”

My heart sinks at her words. I’ve heard whispers of witches going dark, usually tied to their extreme emotions. “Is it common to turn dark?” I ask cautiously. “Is it usually a light versus dark thing?”

Wren nods, her expression somber. “It can be. Emotions are powerful for witches. They can either fuel our magic or consume us. Lenore was rejected by her fated mate because he fell in love with another witch from a different coven. That shattered her, and the hatred consumed her, turning her dark.”

I gulp, the weight of her words settling in my chest. It’s a stark reminder of how fragile emotions can be, how easily love can twist into something destructive.

“That’s… intense,” I murmur, struggling to process what she’s shared.

“So, you’re saying that your sister’s heartbreak turned her into… what? A villain?”

Wren shrugs slightly, a flicker of pain crossing her features. “Not a villain, just a lost soul. She’s still my sister, but she’s become something different — something dangerous.”

I feel a surge of protectiveness for Wren, a fierce need to shield her from whatever darkness threatens to encroach upon her life.

“Do you look at me any differently because of that?” she asks suddenly, her voice barely above a whisper. “Because I have a wicked witch in my family?”

I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding, a soft laugh escaping my lips. “You think that would bother me? Wren, people can be both good and bad, no matter if they’re a vampire, wolf, witch, or even a Grim Reaper. It’s about the choices we make.”

Her eyes widen in disbelief, and I can see the admiration creeping into her gaze. “You’re so accepting,” she breathes, and my heart swells at the sincerity in her voice.

Before I can respond, she steps closer, and I wrap my arms around her waist, pulling her into me.

“I’ll always be on your side, no matter what, Little Bird,” I whisper, my voice low and earnest. The contact of our bodies sends electric jolts through me, and I can feel her shudder slightly at my touch.

Wren looks up at me, her blue eyes sparkling with something that feels like hope — or maybe it’s trust. I want to protect that light in her, to shield her from the shadows that threaten to invade her world.

“I want to show you my room in the packhouse,” I say, a devilish smirk playing on my lips. “What do you think?”

Her breath hitches, and I can’t help but chuckle softly at her reaction.

“Are you sure that’s a good idea?” she asks, biting her plump lip, teasingly cautious yet undeniably intrigued.

“It’s just a room,” I assure her, my gaze locked onto hers, filled with mischief and promise. “But we can talk more about your coven, about Lenore, and whatever else is on your mind. Or we could simply enjoy each other’s company away from prying eyes.”

She considers my offer, her brow furrowing in thought before a smile breaks across her face. “Okay, lead the way,” she says, her voice tinged with excitement.

I take her hand, guiding her through the garden, the moonlight illuminating our path.

With each step, I feel the connection between us deepening, the bond of our souls entwining like the roots of ancient trees.

I can’t help but wonder what lies ahead for us — what challenges we’ll face and what victories we’ll achieve together.

As we reach the packhouse, I hesitate for a moment, stealing a glance at Wren. “Are you ready, Little Bird?” I ask, my heart pounding not just from the anticipation of what’s to come, but from the promise of a future that could be so much more than either of us ever imagined.

Wren nods, her smile unwavering, and together we step inside, the world outside fading away as we embark on this new chapter of our lives.

As I stand in front of the door to my room, a whirlwind of emotions swirls within me.

I glance sideways at Wren, her vibrant hair cascading around her shoulders, the light catching glimmers of gold and platinum.

There’s a softness in her cobalt eyes that pulls at something deep inside me.

The mate bond is palpable, sparking through the air like electricity, and I know I need to tread carefully.

My heart races as I open the door, revealing the sanctuary I’ve claimed as my own — a space that suddenly feels too small for the intensity brewing between us.

Before I can process what’s happening, Wren is in my arms, her laughter ringing like music in my ears.

The sensation of her weight against me ignites a fire in my chest. I lift her effortlessly, her body fitting perfectly against mine as I crush my lips against hers.

The kiss is deep and hungry, a culmination of the longing that’s built over the last few hours.

It’s as if the world outside has faded away, leaving just the two of us suspended in this moment.

Wren’s hands explore my back, her fingers tracing the contours of my muscles, igniting every nerve ending in my body.

I can’t help but respond, my hands gripping her thighs, pulling her closer.

She gasps softly, the sound sending shudders down my spine.

I’ve never wanted anyone this fiercely, and with every second that passes, the bond between us strengthens, weaving our fates together in an intricate tapestry.

“Are you sure about this?” I murmur against her lips, my voice low and rough. I want her more than I can say, but I need to know she’s ready for what lies ahead.

Wren pulls back slightly, her eyes sparkling with mischief and certainty.

“I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life,” she whispers, and in that moment, I see the fierce witch she is — strong, confident, and utterly captivating.

The fear that had flickered at the edges of my mind dissipates, replaced by an overwhelming desire to claim her, to show her just how much she means to me.

I lean in again, capturing her mouth with mine, kissing her deeper, pouring all my emotions into that single connection.

I can feel the magic swirling around us, the very air thick with anticipation.

With every heartbeat, the bond between us tightens, a silken thread weaving our souls together.

I know that this is more than just a physical attraction; it’s a connection that transcends everything I’ve experienced before.

As we break apart, breathless and wide-eyed, I lead her further into my room.

The walls are lined with memories — pictures of my pack, mementos from past hunts, and a few remnants of my life before Wren came crashing into it.

I wonder if she can feel the weight of those memories, the history that clings to the air, but right now all that matters is her.

“Do you want to sit?” I ask, gesturing toward the small couch in the corner. It’s not much, but it’s cozy, and I want to create a space where we can feel comfortable. Wren nods, her cheeks flushed with excitement, and I can’t help but smile at how her presence lights up the room.

Once she settles onto the couch, I take her hips and deposit her on my lap so she’s straddling me, sending sparks of heat through both of us. I can see the questions dancing in her eyes, a mix of curiosity and uncertainty, and I want to answer them all.

“What’s it like?” she asks, her voice barely above a whisper. “Being a wolf shifter, I mean.”

I take a moment, gathering my thoughts. “Kind of like you said earlier. It’s…

complicated.” I chuckle softly, trying to lighten the mood.

“Not everyone gets it, you know? There’s a primal instinct that comes with it — an urge to protect, to hunt, to connect with the pack.

But it’s also a burden. You have to control it, or it controls you.

There’s a constant battle between the man and the wolf. ”

Wren nods, her expression serious as she absorbs my words. “And the mate bond? Does it feel different?”

I can’t help but grin at that. “Oh, it’s unlike anything I’ve ever felt. It’s as if every fiber of my being is drawn to you. The need to keep you close is overwhelming, and it only grows stronger the more time we spend together.”

Her breath hitches, and I can see the realization dawning in her eyes.

A thrill runs through me at the thought of what’s to come.

The bond we share isn’t just a simple connection; it’s a promise, a deep-rooted commitment that spans beyond our understanding.

I can see it in the way she looks at me, the way her pulse quickens when I inch closer.

“What if it’s too much?” she asks, a hint of vulnerability creeping into her voice.

I reach out, tucking a stray hair behind her ear, letting my fingers linger against her skin, savoring the warmth of her presence. “Then we’ll navigate it together. I promise you, I won’t let this bond scare you. I’ll protect you, Little Bird. Always.”

Her gaze locks onto mine, and in that moment, the world outside fades away.

It’s just the two of us, bound together by something far greater than either of us can fully comprehend.

The air is thick with unspoken words and promises, and I can’t help but lean in again, capturing her lips with mine, igniting the fire once more.