Page 9 of Night with a Gamma (Golden Strings of Fate #2)

HOOKED ON HER

Harrison

As I stand in the kitchenette, the cool air of the small apartment wraps around me, contrasting sharply with the warmth I left behind in bed.

It’s a strange sensation, this juxtaposition of heat and cool, but it mirrors the whirlwind of emotions swirling within me.

Wren, my Little Bird, is sprawled across the sheets, her hair a tousled halo of golden waves that glimmers softly in the morning light filtering through the curtains.

I can still feel the echoes of our earlier intimacy — her laughter, whispered secrets, and the way she melted against me like I was her safe harbor.

I open the refrigerator, scanning its contents.

There’s the flavored water she likes, and I spot the peach juice she mentioned earlier.

Just the thought of her sweet smile when I bring it back to her fills me with warmth.

I pour the juice into a glass, the liquid glistening like sunlight captured in a vessel.

As I turn back toward the bedroom, the moment is interrupted by a soft thud and a rustle.

I look down and nearly jump out of my skin.

Shadow stares up at me with one wide yellow eye and the other half-closed, the embodiment of nonchalance.

The black cat stretches languidly, unfazed by my presence.

I’ve never been a cat person. Wolves and cats don’t exactly share the same territory, but for Wren, I’ll endure the occasional hairball and midnight purring.

After all, she has given me a reason to embrace the peculiar — she is my reason.

“Hey, Shadow,” I mutter, bending down to scratch the cat’s chin. He lets out a low purr, and I can’t help but chuckle. “You’re lucky you’re Wren’s favorite. Otherwise, I’d have tossed you out the window.” I stand up, shaking my head at my own absurdity as I make my way back to the bed.

Wren is still waiting, her arms outstretched like she’s welcoming me back from a long journey.

The sight of her, soft and inviting, makes my heart race.

I hand her the glass, and our fingers brush against each other.

The contact sends a ripple of warmth through me, a reminder of how deeply connected we’ve become in such a short time.

“Thank you,” she says, her voice a sleepy melody that dances through the air.

As she brings the glass to her lips, I take a moment to drink in the sight of her.

The way the sunlight kisses her skin, the delicate arch of her neck, the happiness radiating from her — she is a vision, and I’m utterly captivated.

“You’re welcome.” I climb back into bed, sliding under the covers beside her. The sheets are still warm from our earlier embrace, and I tuck my arm around her, pulling her close. She sighs contentedly, leaning into me, and I feel a sense of peace wash over us both.

“Do you think we’ll have time for another round before you have to leave for the pack?” I tease, my voice low and playful. Wren raises an eyebrow, a teasing smile playing on her lips.

“Hmm, if you can manage to keep up with me, we might just have time for that,” she replies, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

I chuckle, the sound rumbling in my chest. “Oh, I think I can manage.” I lean in, pressing a soft kiss against her forehead. “But first, we should probably discuss what’s happening at the pack while you’re here. I want to make sure you feel welcomed.”

She takes a sip of her juice, her expression thoughtful. “I’d love that. I want to get to know your world better, Harrison. I know it’s different from mine, and I want to understand everything about you.”

Her sincerity warms me more than the sheets around us. “You already know so much, but I’d be happy to share. There’s a lot to explain about pack dynamics, the rituals we have, and the responsibilities I carry as Gamma.”

Wren nods, her eyes wide with curiosity. “I’m all ears. Tell me everything.”

I take a deep breath, gathering my thoughts. “Well, being Gamma means I’m the second-in-command. I help keep the peace, train the younger wolves, and ensure the pack is safe and functioning well. My duties keep me busy, but it’s rewarding. The pack is like family to me.”

She smiles, but there’s a hint of concern in her gaze. “And what about the challenges? I can only imagine that there are conflicts and issues that arise.”

“Yeah, there can be,” I admit, “especially when tensions run high. We’ve had our share of disputes with neighboring packs, and there are always rogue wolves to contend with. We have to be vigilant.” I pause, watching her reaction. “But with you around, I feel like I can handle anything.”

Her smile widens, and my heart swells at her approval. “I like the sound of that. Together, we can tackle anything that comes our way.”

“Together,” I echo, the word feeling like a promise. “You’re not just my mate, Wren. You’re my partner in every sense of the word. I want to protect you, but I also want you to be a part of my life. I want you to feel like you belong.”

A flicker of uncertainty crosses her face, and I can’t help but wonder what she’s thinking. “What is it?” I ask gently, rubbing her arm with my thumb.

“It’s just… I’ve never been part of a pack before. I don’t know the dynamics, the way things work. What if I don’t fit in?”

I chuckle softly, shaking my head. “You’ll fit in just fine. The pack is always welcoming to new members, and they’ll love you as much as I do. Trust me, Little Bird. You have a way of bringing light into the darkest corners. Just being you is enough.”

Her expression softens, and she leans in closer, her forehead resting against mine. “Thank you, Harrison. That means the world to me.”

In this moment, I feel a surge of protectiveness wash over me — a fierce desire to shield her from any pain or doubt. “I’ll always be here for you, Wren. No matter what.”

“Promise?” she asks, her voice barely above a whisper.

“I promise.” I seal the promise with a kiss, brushing my lips against hers softly. The world fades away, and all that exists is this connection between us — the ethereal bond forged by fate and destiny.

As we pull away, I notice her eyes glisten, and I can’t help but smile. “Now, how about we make the most of our morning before the pack festivities begin? I can’t think of a better way to start the day.”

Her laughter rings out, a melodic sound that fills the room. “Oh, I have a few ideas,” she replies, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

And just like that, the day ahead transforms into a canvas of possibilities.