The Alpha King's bedroom door closed behind us with a soft click, and I froze just inside the threshold. My heart hammered against my ribs as I took in the massive space before me.
King Jack moved deeper into the room while I stood rooted to the spot. The bedroom was enormous, befitting royalty. A king-sized bed dominated the center, draped in midnight blue silk that seemed to shimmer under the soft lighting. Floor-to-ceiling windows lined one wall, offering a breathtaking view of the kingdom's forest territories stretching endlessly into the distance.
"I had the servants bring your belongings here," Jack said, his deep voice pulling my attention to where he stood near an ornate wardrobe. "Everything has been arranged in the closet. There is a dressing room attached as well."
I finally moved, my feet carrying me across the plush carpet toward the wardrobe. My fingers traced the intricate wolf carvings etched into the dark wood. The craftsmanship was exquisite, each detail precisely rendered by master artisans.
"Your room is beautiful," I said, glancing back at him.
Jack crossed the distance between us in three strides. His hand reached up, tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear with surprising gentleness. The gesture made my breath catch.
"You are far more beautiful than this entire palace," he said, his golden eyes holding mine. "I would give up everything just to have you here with me. I love you, Aurora."
He pressed a kiss to my temple, and the sincerity in his words settled deep into my chest. I felt the truth of them through our mate bond, warm and reassuring.
"Thank you," I whispered.
Jack studied my face intently, as though he could read every thought behind my eyes. Then he pulled something from his pocket and placed it in my palm. The weight of it was familiar, achingly so.
"I want to return this to you," he said.
I looked down at the small wrapped package, then back up at his face. His expression had shifted, becoming carefully neutral. That poker face of his always appeared when he was uncertain about something.
My hands trembled slightly as I unwrapped the soft cloth. When I saw what lay inside, tears sprang to my eyes instantly. The silver necklace gleamed up at me, its crescent moon pendant catching the light. I pressed my lips together, fighting back a sob.
This was my mother's necklace. She had given it to me when I was eighteen, pressing the delicate box into my hands with careful instruction. She told me to keep it safe, that one day I would understand its importance. Three months later, she was gone.
I had worn this necklace to every important moment in my life after her death. It had become my connection to her memory, the one tangible piece I had left. I wore it the night I went to that party ten years ago, the night everything changed. The night I met Jack, though neither of us knew it then.
I thought I had lost it forever. I assumed it was still in my old apartment, the one I could never return to after everything fell apart with Ethan. I never imagined it had been left behind that night, tangled in unfamiliar sheets.
"This is not really a present," Jack explained, his voice softer now. "I am simply returning what belongs to you. I took it that night, hoping it would help me find you. Now that I have not only found you but claimed you as my mate, it should be back where it belongs."
I raised my head to meet his gaze, tears streaming freely down my cheeks. I could not find words, so I simply covered my mouth with my hand, trying to contain the emotion threatening to overwhelm me.
Jack stepped closer, cupping my face with both hands and wiping my tears away with his thumbs. The tender gesture only made me cry harder.
"We are starting fresh," he said firmly. "Everything that happened before, all the pain and misunderstandings, we leave them behind us. The past is over. Will you agree to that?"
I nodded, unable to speak past the lump in my throat. He pulled me against his chest, and I buried my face in his shirt, breathing in his cedar and pine scent. His arms wrapped around me, solid and protective.
"Let me help you put it on," he murmured after a moment.
I handed him the necklace with shaking fingers. He moved behind me, gathering my hair and draping it over one shoulder. The cool silver touched my neck, and then I felt his fingers working the clasp. When it was secure, his hands settled on my shoulders.
"Perfect," he said.
I reached up to touch the pendant resting against my collarbone. Having it back felt like recovering a piece of my soul I thought was lost forever. Through our bond, I could feel Jack's satisfaction, his pleasure at being able to give me this moment.
"There is something I need to tell you," I said, turning to face him. "Something important."
Jack's expression shifted, a flicker of concern crossing his features. "What is it?"
Before I could answer, a sharp knock sounded at the door. We both turned toward it, and I felt Jack's frustration spike through our connection.
"My King," called a voice from the hallway. "There is an urgent matter requiring your immediate attention. It concerns the eastern border."
Jack closed his eyes briefly, jaw clenching. When he opened them again, they had shifted to their wolf gold, betraying his irritation at the interruption.
"This conversation is not over," he said to me. "Wait here. I will return shortly, and you will tell me everything."
He strode to the door, but before opening it, he looked back at me one more time. Something unspoken passed between us in that glance, something that made my stomach twist with apprehension.
The door closed behind him, leaving me alone in his bedroom, wearing my mother's necklace and carrying a secret that would change everything between us.
If he would let me finally speak it.