Marco's pov
As Matilda relaxed against me, I traced lazy circles on her damp skin, enjoying the warmth of the bath and the softness of her body pressed against mine. Her breathing had evened out, the tension slowly melting away.
"How do you feel now?" I murmured against her ear.
She hummed, her fingers idly skimming over my forearm. "Better… the soreness is still there, but the warm water helps."
I smirked, pressing a light kiss to her shoulder. "Good. I need my mate strong."
She shifted slightly, her wet hair tickling my chest. "You say that like you didn't completely wear me out."
I chuckled, letting my hands skim down to rest on her waist. "You handled it well."
She scoffed. "I passed out."
I grinned. "Like I said. you handled it well."
Her elbow nudged my ribs in a weak protest, and I caught her hand, lacing our fingers together.
A comfortable silence settled between us, broken only by the occasional ripple of water as I stroked her skin. I could feel her heartbeat, steady and calm.
I exhaled slowly, resting my chin on top of her head. "I meant what I said last night, Matilda."
She tilted her head slightly, her gaze flickering to mine. "Which part?"
"That I love you. That I'll take care of you." I turned her in my arms so she was facing me, the water sloshing gently around us. "You're mine, and I'll spend every day proving that to you."
Her eyes softened, but there was still a hint of shyness in them.
"You don't have to prove anything, Marco," she whispered.
I cupped her cheek, brushing a stray damp strand of hair away from her face. "I will anyway."
Her lips parted slightly, but before she could say anything, there was a loud knock on the door.
"Marco! We have a situation," Darius's voice rang through the room.
I tensed immediately, my wolf stirring at the urgency in his tone.
Matilda sat up straighter. "What is it?"
I clenched my jaw. "Stay here."
She grabbed my arm before I could stand. "Marco"
I leaned down, pressing a quick but firm kiss to her lips. "I'll be back."
Then, with one last lingering glance at my mate, I stepped out of the bath, grabbed a towel, and strode toward the door, ready to deal with whatever problem awaited me.
I stepped out of the bathroom, still drying my hair, when I saw Darius waiting for me. His face was tight with tension, his usual smirk replaced by a serious expression.
"What is it?" I asked, already knowing it wasn't good news.
Darius exhaled sharply. "Kade sent a message… and rogues. He's already attacked the borders."
My wolf snarled inside me. My jaw clenched as I took a step closer. "Is anyone hurt?"
"We've taken a few injuries, but our warriors are holding them off. This was just a warning, Marco." Darius's eyes darkened. "In his message, he said, I will get my woman."
A dangerous growl ripped from my chest, shaking the walls.
His woman?
Matilda was mine.
The audacity of that bastard to even think he had a claim on her made my blood boil. My hands curled into fists, my claws threatening to emerge.
"He dares to touch my land and threaten my mate?" My voice was a low snarl. "He must have a death wish."
Darius nodded. "That's what it looks like."
I forced myself to take a breath, to calm the burning rage inside me. I couldn't afford to lose control. Not now.
"What's the situation at the borders?" I asked, already moving to dress.
"We've pushed them back for now, but this was just a test. He's feeling us out, seeing how fast we respond."
"He'll regret that." I threw on my shirt, already planning my next move. "Double the patrols, and send word to the commanders. I want a full war council in an hour."
Darius nodded but hesitated. "And Matilda?"
I froze.
My mate. My queen.
She was still resting, her body recovering from the marking. She had no idea what was happening outside these walls.
"She stays in the castle," I said firmly. "Under heavy guard."
Darius arched a brow. "You think she'll agree to that?"
"I don't care." My voice was steel. "She's too important to risk."
Darius sighed. "Understood. I'll see to it."
As he left, I exhaled slowly, trying to keep my fury in check.
Kade thinks he can challenge me?
He had no idea the hell I was about to unleash.
As soon as Darius left, I sat on the edge of the bed, watching Matilda's peaceful face. She was still asleep, her body curled into the blankets, her lips slightly parted. My wolf rumbled inside me, possessive and protective.
Kade's words echoed in my head. I will get my woman.
Over my dead body.
I reached out, brushing a strand of hair from her face. She stirred slightly, her brows furrowing before her eyes fluttered open.
"Marco?" Her voice was soft, still laced with sleep.
"I'm here, baby." I leaned down, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "How do you feel?"
She let out a small whimper. "Sore… and tired."
I smirked, though my mind was still raging with thoughts of Kade. "You should rest more."
She blinked up at me, her fingers weakly gripping my wrist. "Why do you look so tense?"
Damn. Even half-asleep, she could read me too well.
"It's nothing to worry about," I lied smoothly. "Just some pack matters."
Her eyes searched mine, still hazy but full of trust. I hated keeping things from her, but I needed to handle Kade before she even had to think about him.
I kissed her lips softly. "Go back to sleep, sweetheart. I'll be back soon."
She hesitated, but exhaustion won. She nodded slowly, letting me tuck the blankets around her again.
I stood, rolling my shoulders, letting my wolf settle for the moment. But as soon as I stepped out of the room, the cold fury returned.
Kade wanted a war?
Fine.
He just signed his own death sentence.