His Delicate Love

19

It was open field day, and the entire pack had come out to enjoy the festivities under the bright sun. The usually serious training grounds had been transformed into a playground of fun and games, with the boys from the barracks going all out to make sure it was a day of celebration rather than strict training. Slip 'n slides, bubbles floating through the air, basketball hoops set up in the distance, and even baseball games filled the open space, giving everyone in the pack something to do. Laughter echoed all around, wolves in both human and wolf form playing and lounging with no worry in sight.

Killian stood next to the Alpha, arms crossed, his eyes surveying the scene in front of him. A small, genuine smile tugged at the corner of his lips as he watched everyone enjoying themselves. For a moment, the weight of his responsibilities felt lighter.

The Alpha, Alaric, stood beside him, grinning wide as he watched the pack have fun. "Man, I love this," he said with admiration in his voice, his eyes gleaming as he looked out over his people. "Your boys are smart for putting this together."

Killian chuckled softly, shaking his head but unable to disagree. "Yeah," he muttered, his smile widening just a little. For the first time in a long while, the tension that usually hung over him seemed to ease. His mind wandered to William, who had been instrumental in organizing the event. Normally, thoughts of William brought a flicker of discomfort, but today was different. Today, there was no resentment, no underlying tension.

Killian glanced over at William, who was surrounded by a group of younger wolves, all laughing and playing basketball. For once, Killian didn't feel the usual edge of unease. "Not bad," he thought, allowing himself to let go of the rivalry, if only for the day.

The sun shone brightly, and Killian allowed himself to relax, taking in the joyful atmosphere. The pack looked united, at ease, and for the first time in a while, Killian felt the same. It was a rare moment of peace, and for that, he was grateful.

Annie was fully immersed in the pack's festivities, her laughter echoing as she splashed water with the others, her bathing suit clinging perfectly to her slender frame. The bikini, which somehow made her look both innocent and suggestive, hugged her curves, and her long black wavy hair, pulled back into a ponytail, cascaded down her back. She looked radiant, enjoying the carefree moments of the day under the warm sun.

From across the field, Killian's gaze found her, and in an instant, everything else around him faded into the background. His conversation with the Alpha was suddenly difficult to follow, his mind clouded by the sight of Annie's body in that tight bikini. His eyes darkened with desire as he watched her, his wolf stirring within him, driven by the primal need to be near her, to claim her once again.

The Alpha was still talking, but Killian barely registered the words, his focus fully locked on Annie. His chest tightened, the heat rising in him as he admired the way her delicate frame moved in the sunlight, every inch of her radiating beauty and warmth. How does she always do this to me? he thought, a smirk creeping up on his face.

"Killian?" The Alpha's voice brought him back to reality for a brief moment, and he cleared his throat, trying to maintain his composure.

"Sorry," Killian muttered, forcing a small chuckle. "What were you saying?"

The Alpha glanced at him, raising an eyebrow knowingly. "Distracted, huh?" Alaric teased, his gaze following Killian's line of sight until it landed on Annie. "Ah, I see," he added with a chuckle. "Can't blame you. She looks like she's having the time of her life."

Killian couldn't deny it, his lips tugging into a smirk. "Yeah," he admitted, his eyes still lingering on her. She's mine, he thought possessively, his mind already plotting how to steal her away for a private moment later. For now, though, he tried to focus, though his body and mind were undeniably pulled toward her, the desire simmering just beneath the surface.