Chapter 23
Third-Person POV
The crisp scent of pine and fresh hay lingered in the air around the Silver Claw stables, and the wide-open fields did wonders for Judy’s mood.
“Over here,” a deep voice called out.
She turned to see a man waving at her—not just any man, but Alpha Grayson, radiant in the morning sun.
Dressed in fitted riding gear, reins in hand, and posture effortlessly commanding. His easy smile sent a wave of squeals through a small
crowd of unmated she-wolves watching from
the sidelines.
Phones popped up instantly.
Click, Click, Click.
Alpha Grayson’s fan club was working overtime.
Several brave girls edged closer, flashing flirty
1/7
smiles and asking for his number and social
handles.
Judy’s smile disappeared.
Without hesitation, she strode over, snatched
one of the phones, and typed a string of digits with a cool smirk.
“Here. His number.”
“Really?! Thank you!” the girl beamed,
practically bouncing away like she’d just won
the mating lottery.
Alpha Grayson raised a brow at Judy. “You seriously gave her my number?”
Judy crossed her arms. “Yep. Mine.”
A slow, amused grin curled on his lips. “Oh? So now you’re giving your number to strangers?”
She smirked. “Would you prefer to give it to her yourself?”
He leaned in slightly, eyes gleaming. “Are you jealous?”
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“Maybe,” she said, lifting her chin playfully.
Satisfied, Alpha Grayson nodded toward the young mare beside him. “Like her?”
“I do.”
Judy gently ran her fingers through the horse’s
soft mane. The mare let out a pleased huff and
shook her head.
“Let’s name her,” Grayson said.
Judy blinked. “Can we just name a horse at the
stables?”
“She’s mine,” he replied simply. “I’m giving her to you.”
“For real?”
Judy’s eyes widened. She hadn’t expected the Alpha to have a horse of his own, let alone gift it
to her.
“Okay… then let’s name her Tome. Will you be my little brother?”
3/7
“She’s a mare.”
“Then my little sister,” Judy quipped.
Grayson chuckled. “Whatever you want, Luna.”
He helped her into the saddle, his hands firm but gentle.
For the next hour, Alpha Grayson patiently coached her until she could keep the horse steady at a walk.
“Having fun?” he asked, brushing a lock of hair from her cheek.
“I am,” she beamed.
“Good. Let’s try something more exciting.”
He scooped her up and placed her in front of him atop his own stallion-taller, leaner, and full of wild spirit.
The horse surged forward at a brisk trot, and Judy let out a startled yelp as she lost her balance.
4/7
“Ah!”
Grayson caught her with ease, arms steady
around her waist.
“You okay?” His voice softened with concern.
Judy’s face flushed. “I think… I twisted my ankle
a little.”
“Let’s get you inside.”
He didn’t wait for her to protest. With fluid strength, he swept her into his arms and started walking back toward the house.
That was the exact moment Alpha Simon
arrived.
“Judy.”
She froze at the familiar voice. Her expression darkened as she turned toward the man
approaching in a disheveled state, pain evident in his eyes
“What are you doing here?” she asked coldly.
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Simon’s gaze locked on her, arms full in another Alpha’s embrace, and he visibly flinched.
“Judy… I miss you. Please… come back to me.”
A hush fell over the stable grounds.
Every werewolf nearby knew Alpha Simon. But none had ever seen him so desperate-so undone.
Judy’s tone was sharp and unwavering. “Simon, haven’t I made myself clear? I’m
married. Where exactly do you expect me to go back to?”
“Home. With me,” he said, his voice raw, eyes rimmed in red.
Alpha Grayson’s smile faded instantly. His aura flared with authority, his presence suddenly dominant.
“Simon,” he said flatly, “do you have early-onset dementia?”
Simon stiffened.
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“Judy is my Luna. We’re mated. She’s not going anywhere with you. Not today. Not ever.”
“Shut up!”
Alpha Simon bared his teeth. “Who the hell
do you think you are? This is between me and
Judy.”
Grayson’s gaze sharpened. “Who do I think I am?” He tilted his head. “Let me remind you.”
Then, without warning, he leaned in and claimed Judy’s lips in a bold, possessive kiss.
Judy’s eyes flew wide open. Her hand rose instinctively to push him away.
But then he whispered low against her ear, his breath hot, his voice gravelly.
“Don’t move. If you do… I won’t stop.”
Her heart stuttered.
And though she trembled slightly, Judy stayed still-letting the kiss happen.
