Chapter 4

The next thing I knew, I was lying on a big white bed, the world spinning around me.

Silas set me down with a kind of reverent care.

But his kiss was greedy, trailing down my jaw with a possessiveness that made me shiver.

I reached for the buttons on his black shirt. There were so many, and they were so tight. My fingers shook as I fumbled with them, and after what felt like forever, I'd only managed to undo two.

Suddenly, he stopped.

I looked up at him. His breathing was rough and uneven, and his golden eyes were swirling with something dark.

He stared at me for a few seconds and then reached out and, in a few swift motions, unbuttoned his black shirt.

Next, with almost pious caution, he unfastened the straps of my wedding dress.

He moved slowly, as if he were performing a ritual.

I could feel his fingertips trembling.

I wondered whether someone so calm would also get nervous.

Maybe it was because he was about to be with his best friend's mate.

"Lyla, are you sure you won't regret this?" he asked, his voice hoarse.

I didn't answer. Instead, I reached up and hooked my arms around his neck, letting my actions speak for me.

Silas's golden eyes were burning with passion. "From now on, I won't let you go."

After that, all control was lost.

Before I could react, Silas's kisses landed everywhere: behind my ear, down my neck, up to my nose, and on my lips.

His heavy, rough breath fanned against my ear, laced with suppressed longing and restraint. "Lyla, look at me. Check carefully. See who's taking you now."

With that, he stopped holding back, his hot, wet kisses blazing a trail down my skin.

That night, I was like traveling in a stormy sea, riding every wave.

I never would've guessed that a man who always seemed so serious and composed could lose control like that.

When I woke up, it was already the afternoon of the next day.

An arm was draped over me. I turned, and the first thing I saw was Silas's rugged, wild face.

I kicked myself for never noticing how handsome Declan's bold and powerful Beta was all these years.

More importantly, Silas had amazing stamina and was good at mating.

Thinking about last night made my cheeks burn.

Noticing my gaze, Silas, who'd been sleeping like a log, suddenly opened his eyes wide. "Ms. Blackwood—"

I reached out and covered his mouth before he could say anything. "Don't talk. Let me hug you for a bit."

Then I wrapped my arms around his strong waist while snuggling against his broad, muscular chest.

As I was about to pull away, his deep, raspy voice rang out. "Don't move. If you keep squirming, I can't promise I won't ravage you all over again, Ms. Blackwood."

My cheeks instantly flushed deeply.

Right then, Silas's phone started ringing. He glanced at the screen and frowned.

I leaned over. "Who is it?"

But when I saw the name "Declan" flashing on the screen, my mood soured immediately.

Silas noticed my feelings and wrapped his arms around me a little tighter, pressing a gentle kiss to my forehead.

After that, he picked up the call from Declan, taking his sweet time.

"Hey, buddy, how's it going? My mate Lyla didn't give you any trouble, did she?" Declan asked.

"Yeah," Silas replied.

"What's wrong?"

Silas glanced down at me, my head buried in his chest. A doting smile tugged at his lips. "Nothing. I got nipped by a wildcat."

"What? A wildcat? You're kidding me. Which cat dares bite you? You're the Beta of the Southfeld Pack."

"It's a naughty wildcat. Nothing serious. It doesn't hurt. I'm keeping her company, cheering her up since she's in a mood."

Declan laughed, "Alright. It's not often you sound this upbeat. Enjoy yourself."

"Okay."

"Can you help me take care of Lyla?"

"Don't worry about Ms. Blackwood. She's with me."

"Good. With you saying that, I can finally relax."

"How's Ms. Ashby doing?"

"Well, I probably won't be able to leave for a few more days. Ivy's injury hasn't healed, so I need to take care of her. She's not doing so well emotionally. I'm worried about her."

"Got it. You can rest assured while staying with Ms. Ashby. Don't worry about Ms. Blackwood. I'll take good care of her." As Silas spoke, he shot me a passionate look.

"Buddy, I really owe you one.

"I don't know what I'd do without you.

"Alright, I gotta go. Ivy might get suspicious if I stay on the phone any longer."