"Careful with that trunk," Nate barked at the younger wolves, his irritation crackling through the morning air. "Break her belongings and you'll answer to the Alpha."
He stalked through my mother's cottage like a caged predator, directing the move with ruthless efficiency. Every sharp command, every impatient gesture screamed his desire to be anywhere else.
"This box goes to the main house," he snapped, barely glancing at the contents. "That one too. Everything goes."
Within two hours, my entire life had been packed and transported. Nate's motivation to finish quickly had turned what should have been a day-long process into a military operation.
"Your room is ready," he informed me curtly, already backing toward the door. "East wing, third door. Gabriel's orders were... specific."
The room stole my breath. Soft cream walls bathed in morning light from floor-to-ceiling windows. A four-poster bed dominated the space, draped in midnight blue silk that matched the plush carpet.
Fresh white roses filled crystal vases almost on every surface.
"Do you like it?" Gabriel's voice came from the doorway, warm with concern. "I had it prepared specially. The eastern exposure gives you sunrise views over the pack lands."
"It's beautiful," I whispered, genuinely overwhelmed. "You didn't have to—"
"Of course I did." He crossed to me, his hand settling on my lower back. "You're my mate. Your comfort matters to me."
I nodded into his touch, something in me unclenching as sunrise spilled across the floor. For the first time, the room felt like a promise, not a cage.
The following days became a revelation. Where Mother had always issued commands—stand straighter, speak softer, never show weakness—Gabriel offered choices.
"Would you prefer breakfast on the terrace or in the dining room?" he asked that first morning.
"Whatever you prefer, Alpha."
"Katherine." His thumb brushed my cheek. "I already told you—it’s just Gabriel now, and I asked what you want."
"Right, sorry. The terrace then," I admitted. "I like the morning air."
"Then the terrace it is." He smiled, pulling out my chair when we reached the sun-drenched space. "Is the coffee too strong? I can have them make you tea instead."
"The coffee's perfect."
"Are you warm enough? I can get you a wrap."
This constant attention, this genuine care—it was intoxicating. For the first time in my life, I felt treasured rather than molded.
Three days into our new arrangement, I found Gabriel in his study with Nate and Colin, the pack enforcer. Maps covered the massive oak desk, marked with red crosses and tactical notes.
"The eastern border remains vulnerable," Colin was saying, his scarred hands tracing the territory lines.
"We increase patrols," Gabriel interrupted. "Double shifts along the ridge."
"That leaves the northern pass exposed," Nate countered, leaning over the map. "We can't defend both without—"
"Without calling in our reserves," I said from the doorway, studying the tactical layout. "But if you position them here, at the junction, they could cover both approaches."
All three men turned to stare. Gabriel's expression shifted from surprise to something softer.
"Katherine, sweetheart." He crossed to me, his hands gentle on my shoulders. "You don't need to concern yourself with this."
"I was just thinking—"
"And I appreciate that." His smile was indulgent, like I was a child who'd wandered into an adult conversation. "But you have your own duties as Luna. The welcome ceremony preparations, the pack social calendar. These defensive strategies... they're not something you need to worry about, really."
Mother's voice echoed in my mind immediately.
‘Wolves don't want fierce mates. They want soft ones. Never challenge, never assert, never show your true intelligence.'
"Of course." I ducked my head, letting my hair fall forward to hide my expression. "How silly of me. I just saw the maps and got curious."
"It's not silly." Gabriel tilted my chin up, pressing a kiss to my forehead. "Your concern for the pack is admirable. But that's why you have me, to handle these harsh realities so you don't have to."
"You're right. I'll go check on the pack’s social calendar." I smiled sweetly, backing toward the door. "I'll leave you men to do your important work."
Nate watched me retreat, his gray eyes sharp with something I couldn't identify.
Dinner that night was almost an intimate affair—just Gabriel, Nate, and myself in the private dining room. Candlelight flickered across the table, casting shadows that danced on the walls.
"The patrol schedules are adjusted," Nate reported between bites of rare steak. "Colin has the new rotations."
"Good." Gabriel's hand found mine on the table. "I want everything secured before the ceremony."
"Speaking of which," Nate turned to me with that familiar mocking smile, "I was impressed by your tactical observation this afternoon, Kat. Where did you learn to read military maps?"
"Oh, I don't really know anything about that," I demurred, cutting my chicken with delicate precision. "I just remembered something from… a book I read once."
"A book?" His tone dripped with skepticism. "What kind of books teach defensive positioning?"
"Historical romances, actually." I met his gaze with innocent eyes. "You know, where the hero has to defend his castle from rivals. So romantic."
"Romantic," Nate repeated flatly. "Right."
"I think it's wonderful how you and Gabriel work together," I continued, my voice honey-sweet. "Such a brilliant Beta, always thinking three steps ahead."
My foot found his shin under the table. Hard.
Nate's face contorted for a split second, his wine glass trembling as I ground my heel into his bone. But he couldn't react, couldn't call me out without explaining why Luna was attacking him.
"Your strategic mind is truly impressive, Nate." I pressed harder, watching him fight to maintain composure. "Gabriel is so fortunate to have someone of your intelligence as his second."
"Katherine's right," Gabriel agreed, oblivious to the violence happening beneath the table. "I couldn't run this pack without you, brother."
"The feeling's mutual," Nate managed through gritted teeth.
I finally released him, taking a delicate sip of wine. "We're all so lucky to have such strong, capable men protecting us."
Nate's eyes promised retribution, but his lips curved into a strained smile. "And we're lucky to have such a... sweet Luna to inspire us."
The word 'sweet' came out like a curse.
"You're both too kind." I touched Gabriel's hand, the perfect picture of demure contentment. "I just want to support you however I can."
"And you do," Gabriel assured me, bringing my hand to his lips. "Just by being here, being yourself."
Nate made a sound that might have been a laugh or a choke. "Yes, Kat being herself is certainly... something."