Chapter 6: New Territory

Layla

“Are you constructing your own medical facility?” I questioned Axel, finally free from the confines of that room. I had insisted on leaving this morning, even transforming into my wolf form and baring my teeth at him in a challenge. He just stood there, unfazed and filled with desire. My mate was a breed apart.

I quickly understood that I needed to be assertive with him, or he would bulldoze over my wishes. He warned me that if I continued to resist, he would assert his dominance in a way that would leave me breathless. He infuriated me as much as he aroused me. But here we were, outside the room. I had won this round.

“Yes,” Axel confirmed as we stepped into the building. I had given him my word that I wouldn’t attempt to escape. I had no home to return to, but I wanted to retrieve my belongings. I explained that my car was packed with my stuff. I mentioned this mainly because he seemed to think I might want to run back to Nate. I assured him that if he turned into a jerk like Nate, I would bolt. I made sure he understood that.

“The facility is already operational. We’re just expanding it. The nearest one for any supernatural creature is technically owned by the North Pack, and they’ve been denying access to some. Only those who pay a higher fee, like I mentioned, are allowed in. I decided it was best to build another one and then reclaim what I’m owed from the North Pack.” Axel’s voice held a dark edge as he spoke.

He had explained earlier that they had visited the hospital because Nate had been hoarding shipments of the special drugs and medicines their kind needed. Despite Axel and his pack funding the development and shipment, Nate had been withholding the supplies. Axel was supposed to have received them here and then distributed them accordingly, as many of the facilities were not receiving anything.

It seemed that several territories were growing frustrated with Nate’s management. I was unaware that Nate was in cahoots with a couple of other territories, and together they were attempting to monopolize the market, given that they were the largest and wealthiest territories, apart from Axel’s.

Politics wasn’t my forte. I knew which alpha or coven leaders Nate was friendly with. I shared this information with Axel, making it clear that I had no loyalty to Nate or my sister. Nate had intended to use me as a breeder, nothing more. They treated me terribly there. Now, the prospect of getting back at them and helping others felt satisfying. That was, of course, if Axel was being honest with me.

“Well, then this is where I want to work since you forcibly removed me from my previous job,” I declared, pulling my hair back into a tighter ponytail. He raised an eyebrow at me. Walking beside him, I felt small, even more so than usual. He was taller and more muscular, as lycans tend to be. But my determination and drive were a match for his imposing presence.

“Really? I said I would show you our main territory. I never mentioned anything about you working or staying here, Layla.”

I could feel his gaze on me as I surveyed the facility. It was quiet, and my senses told me there weren’t many patients here at the moment.

That was a good thing. Supernatural hospitals were typically smaller because we didn’t need them as frequently as humans. When we did need them, it was usually a critical situation.

“And you did. I told you I’m not going to be your shadow. This is the mate you ended up with, and she’s not going to be clinging to your arm all day. I enjoy healing, and that’s what I intend to do,” I stated, keeping my gaze fixed ahead. My head held high.

I didn’t need his approval to pursue my passion. But a part of me wanted him to understand its importance to me. It was my calling, and it would also reveal his willingness to support me.

This was all new territory, and I hadn’t bitten him back yet. Not until I was completely sure about my true mate. As an omega, I was more vulnerable. My wolf craved his protection but was also slightly intimidated by the alpha trying to claim her. I heard him inhale deeply, as if summoning patience, followed by a low grumble.

“What if I said no? Others can do this job, and you will be luna?” He paused in the large open area with a reception desk. It was deserted. I turned to face him, my silver eyes meeting his piercing black ones. I held his gaze, showing no signs of backing down. His gaze slowly traveled down my body, radiating heat. I fought to keep my composure. My cycle was imminent. We both knew it, and I would be surprised if it didn’t start by tonight or tomorrow.

“What are the luna duties that I couldn’t perform here? I think having a luna involved in treating others, especially those from other territories, is a great display of character and strength. Can you name another luna who isn’t just a decorative accessory on her mate’s arm? If that’s what you want, then find another female.” His eyes narrowed slightly as he moved closer to me.

I tilted my head back to look up at him. He reached up to cradle the back of my head, leaning down so his breath brushed against my lips. My heart pounded, and my womb clenched as his other arm wrapped around my waist, pulling me against his solid body.

“There will be no other female,” he declared.

“If you think you can control me, Axel, then you won’t have a female at all,” I retorted.

“She’s the firecracker you need, Axel. Don’t lose that spirit, Layla. He needs to be put in his place,” Harper chimed in, having just entered the reception area. He must have overheard our conversation. I intended to turn my head to look at Harper, but Axel held my head in place and captured my lips in a brief, demanding kiss.

“Don’t encourage her, Harper. She’s already a handful,” Axel retorted, releasing me to take a step toward the reception desk. Harper was dressed smartly, looking every bit the doctor.

“Is this what you do when you’re not raiding hospitals?” I asked sarcastically, and Harper responded with a sharp, wolfish grin.

“A few days a week. I have healing abilities, and we’re short-staffed. We’re recruiting. Not just within the pack either, perhaps you could help with that. That is, if the lord and master is willing to loosen up a bit. You don’t seem like you’re planning to run,” Harper observed, assessing me. Clearly, from my behavior and Axel’s scent all over me, I wasn’t resisting being here. I was just resisting being controlled.

“I would love to help with that. I would love to help with all of this. I don’t care what the lord and master has to say,” I declared, and Harper raised an eyebrow. His expression suggested that I should be careful about pushing too far. I simply stared Harper down, refusing to compromise on what I wanted. Axel was alpha, and I would support my mate in his role, just as he should support mine. There was no reason we couldn’t make this work.

I approached the reception desk. It was large and curved out into the hallway. I tensed slightly as Axel came up behind me, placing his hands on either side of me on the desk, effectively trapping me. His body pressed against my back, his face brushing against my ear, and I heard him inhale slightly.

“Is Grace here today, Harper?” Axel asked from behind me. A pang of jealousy hit me. Who was Grace, and why was he asking about another woman? I quickly squashed the feeling. Axel didn’t seem interested in anyone else.

“Yes, she’s here. What do you need her for?” Harper asked, looking puzzled.

“Because I need you to accompany me to a few meetings, and I trust Grace to show Layla around the medical facility. Go fetch her, so we can get going. I want to get these meetings over with.” His tone was darker this time, making my hair stand on end. Harper simply nodded and left us.

“Who is Grace? Is she a doctor or just a staff member?” I asked, making sure my tone conveyed nothing but curiosity. I felt Axel shift behind me, moving closer. His body pressed more firmly against mine. I closed my eyes for a moment, letting the wave of arousal wash over me.

“She’s Harper’s sister. She’s intelligent and ambitious, like you. I think you’ll like her. But first, there are a few rules you need to follow, sweetheart,” he murmured, planting a light kiss just below my ear. I shivered.

“Rules?” I asked, my tone dark.

“Requests,” he corrected, sounding slightly annoyed. Good boy, I thought to myself.

“Better. If you’re good, you’ll get more,” I told him. He chuckled, his teeth grazing my neck, moving lower, and for a moment, I thought he might bite.

“It’s so hard to control myself around you,” he confessed. His voice had an animalistic edge to it, and the way he pressed against me, I could feel his desire.

“Just keep trying. I promise it’ll be worth your while,” I whispered, my voice softer. The room suddenly felt too warm. His hand slipped into my pants, over my hip. His touch was so natural, so familiar. It was as if he knew exactly where to kiss, touch, and tease to elicit the response he wanted from me.

“Really?” he asked, his lips brushing the side of my neck. “Will being good earn me the mark of your teeth?”

A shiver ran through me as he bit my neck, hard but not enough to break the skin. I could feel the throbbing mark he left behind. And the wet rush between my legs.

“It definitely increases your chances,” I admitted, my breath hitching. For a moment, I thought he was going to push me forward, onto the reception desk. His body tensed behind me, a subtle pressure that hinted at his intentions.

“But this time, I’ll be good. I won’t pin you to this desk and have my way with you,” he promised. His words confirmed my suspicions. He kissed my neck passionately before speaking again.

“Now it’s your turn to earn my trust. Be a good girl,” he said. It could have been teasing, but I knew better. I was seeing a side of Axel that others rarely saw. A side he should show me, especially if he wanted me to return his mark and bond with him.

“Okay,” I agreed, feeling a surge of heat inside me. If he kept holding me like this, his lips lightly brushing my ear, I might just enter the cycle that was threatening to start.

“You’ll stay here. Don’t wander around without an escort. If I’m not back, Grace will take you home. Can you do that?” His voice was stern. I knew if I refused, I wouldn’t be staying here.

“I can do that this time. But don’t think you can always tell me where I can and can’t go,” I retorted. We could both hear the others approaching, their light conversation and Harper’s laughter filling the air.

“Until we’re bonded, you’re at risk. You’re my true mate, my luna. Others might not accept you until it’s official. I don’t trust many. And while I know you’d fight anyone who tried to control you, it doesn’t mean you’d win, my feisty female. Do I have your word?” he demanded.

“You have my word. I’ll stay put and go straight home when I’m done here,” I promised.

“Good girl,” he praised, turning the tables on me. Axel quickly turned my head to kiss me deeply before giving me a little space as the others arrived.