The morning sun streamed through the cracks in the wooden shutters, casting golden rays across Eila's modest room. She stretched lazily, her body still adjusting to the whirlwind of emotions from the previous night. The mate bond had awakened something deep within her, but there was no time to dwell on it.
News of Moonshine University's entrance exams spread through the pack like wildfire. Eila listened intently as her younger sister, Meera, excitedly shared the details over breakfast.
"They're allowing female werewolves now!" Meera's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. "And Luna Priscilla is offering full scholarships to those who get accepted. Isn't that incredible?"
Eila's heart pounded with excitement.
Attending Moonshine University had always been a distant dream, one she never truly allowed herself to hope for. But, now it was possible.
Her mother, Celena, brought home the necessary forms from the pack house, and without wasting a second, Eila filled them out with meticulous care. The thought of stepping into a world of knowledge, of experiencing something beyond the limitations of their pack, thrilled her. She had spent the entire day completing the application, ensuring every detail was perfect before submitting it.
By the time she left the office, the sky was painted with hues of orange and purple. She inhaled deeply, ready to return home and help with dinner, but as she walked past the pack house, a familiar scent caught her attention.
Leonard.
He stood a few feet away, speaking in hushed tones with Alpha Magnus Baldwin. Their conversation appeared intense, both men carrying an air of authority that made others step aside without question.
Eila hesitated. She didn't want to interrupt. But just as she decided to walk away, Leonard's sharp gaze snapped toward her.
The mate bond pulled taut between them, making her breath hitch. Alpha Magnus followed Leonard's sudden shift in focus and, upon spotting Eila, smirked knowingly. Without another word, the Alpha concluded their discussion and strode off, leaving Leonard standing alone.
Eila contemplated leaving, thinking perhaps he didn't want to speak to her, but before she could move, Leonard closed the distance between them in seconds. His large, warm hand rested gently on her shoulder, making her shiver at the contact.
The mate bond sent an electric jolt down her spine, heating her skin where he touched her. Leonard seemed to feel something too, his icy blue eyes darkening momentarily, but he brushed it off as the evening chill.
"Are you cold?" he asked, his voice smooth yet laced with something unreadable. Without waiting for a response, he shrugged off his black overcoat and extended it to her.
Eila's wolf, Sera, practically howled in delight, urging her to accept the offer and bask in their mate's scent. But Eila, despite her wolf's protests, gently shook her head. "I'm fine, but thank you."
Leonard studied her for a moment before lowering the coat, though a flicker of disappointment crossed his face. "What brings you to the pack house?"
"I was submitting my application for Moonshine University," she answered truthfully.
Leonard's expression subtly shifted, something unreadable flickering behind his eyes. "You're leaving?" His voice was steady, but she caught the faintest edge of something—concern?
Eila tilted her head. "I wouldn't say it like that… I've always dreamed of studying there, and now that Luna Priscilla has made it possible, I couldn't pass up the opportunity."
He exhaled quietly, his gaze locked onto hers. "It's far from here."
There was something in his tone—an unspoken hesitation, an almost possessive reluctance. Eila wasn't naïve. She could sense that he didn't want her to leave, even if he wouldn't say it outright.
But as long as he didn't voice an objection, she would follow through with her plan.
Leonard remained silent, his piercing gaze holding hers for a moment longer before he finally gave a small nod. "I see."
Eila didn't miss the way his fingers flexed slightly, as if he wanted to reach for her but held himself back.
Neither of them spoke for a long moment. The weight of unsaid words hung between them. Finally, Leonard took a small step back, his usual stoic mask slipping back into place.
"If you need anything," he said, his voice quieter, "come to me."
Eila nodded, her heart thrumming. "I will."
She wasn't sure if it was a promise or a test, but as she turned to walk away, she felt Leonard's gaze lingering on her, watching, waiting.
She had no idea what the future held, but one thing was certain—this was only the beginning.