Interstellar

It was hours before Leon returned home, physically exhausted but still as anxious as he’d been all day The hunt had been necessary, but he had selfishly hoped it would calm his nerves. Instead he got more wound up, each additional mile he ran only increasing his paranoia that she was gone. When his mind strayed to following her or bringing her back, voluntarily or kicking and screaming, he recalled the scent of her lingering fear that morning and hated how he would be willing to hurt her again if it meant keeping her with him. Leon’s wolf was driving him insane, combatting all reasonable thought with unbridled need, unwilling to see any future except one with Nova and Stella beside him.

Upon finally passing the threshold of his home, he was enveloped in a sweet earthy scent, immediately comforted by Nova’s invisible embrace. Stella had gotten her to stay, at least for today. His knees grew weak, nearly buckling, as the weight of his fears were began to lift. Leon walked toward the guest suite but quickly saw it was empty. Nova’s knapsack remained, but not the woman herself. He ran upstairs, taking the steps two at a time, and searched the master suite. Her scent was stronger here, but not strong enough. He smiled at the thought of Stella enjoying the younger woman, though it was bittersweet that he hadn’t been present to observe. His smile widened at the realization that Nova hadn’t just stayed out of politeness, but because she had wanted to. Or at least had wanted to stay for Stella.

Hunger hit the Alpha suddenly and he made his way down to the kitchen, grabbing a handful of berries from a bowel on the counter as he passed. He tossed the small fruits into his mouth as he searched the refrigerator. He heard the front door swing open and turned toward it, watching his mate and Nova each carrying a sleepy, freshly bathed pup in their arms. Laken and Salem had formed a daisy chain with the triplets, guiding the rambunctious girls inside before letting them run loose. Nova took the pup from Stella’s arms so she could chase after her triplets, their infectious giggles ringing down the hall as they ran from big bad mommy. Leon’s attention turned back to the woman who had shared his bed the night before and his chest ached with how perfect a scene was before him. His wife, his mate, the greatest love of his life, had been absolutely beaming. Her skin, hair, eyes, every inch of her was radiant. He could remember a time when his touch lit her up in such a way, but he felt no jealousy. His love for Stella allowed him to embrace every part of her and everything, everyone, that brought her joy. He had been lucky to find a mate who felt the same for him, who accepted his desire to bring as much love into his life as possible.

Leon shivered, the open refrigerator chilling him out of his wistful thinking. He ate the rest of his berries and shut the door, hoping to satiate his hunger in a different way. When he looked at Nova, cuddling his toddlers as if they were her own, he felt a deep desire to possess her fully. He had already marked her, but she was not claimed, not one of his pack. She deserved to have a choice in that since he had not given her that choice before marking her. Wolf willing, if she chose to leave, he could allow her to go. The pain from earlier returned as he considered that she had already attempted to continue her journey. Why had she been so intoxicating? What about her was so powerful she could turn him from the Alpha to a simpering Omega, ready to grovel and beg for her approval all with a smile on his face?

Despite his internal struggle, Leon outwardly appeared stoic. Stella returned from the triplet’s room and immediately read him. She could see his mind doing gymnastics over what Nova’ presence would mean. Stella had always been his grounding wire, his voice of reason, and was uniquely able to discern when he needed to be brought back to Earth. This was one of the moments, but Stella knew she was not the most suited for the job. her alone time with Nova earlier had only further cemented her desire that the young bear stay with them. She knew her bias and knew the young woman would need to speak for herself. Nova valued her independence too much to be spoken for.

“Nova, dear, let’s get the boys to bed. I think Leon would like to speak with you.”

Nova shifted her gaze to Leon, his expression seemingly stern reproach, and said, “You sure? He doesn’t seem happy to see me.” Nova followed Stella and heard her laugh, light and airy. Nova didn’t understand what was funny, but she assumed she would find out.

Stella retired to the library as Nova walked toward Leon, who had not moved from his spot in the kitchen. His eyes bore into her so hard she nearly flinched, his gaze burning into her skin.

“Good evening, Leon,” Nova said nervously, unable to maintain eye contact with the Alpha.

“Go to your room. Now.”