Sunlight filtered softly through the curtains, warm and golden against Eila's cheeks. Her heart was racing before her eyes even opened—remnants of a vivid dream still clinging to her like mist. But it wasn't the dream that tugged her fully awake.
Tiny fingers tapped against her shoulder.
She blinked groggily, turning to see Jean and Jake, her youngest twin siblings, standing at her bedside with gleaming eyes.
"Eila," Jean whispered urgently. "One of your mates is here."
Jake nodded solemnly. "He's waiting in the living room."
Her heart skipped. So early? A rush of nerves fluttered in her stomach as she sat up. "Did he say who it was?"
They shook their heads in unison, clearly pleased to have startled her.
She quickly freshened up, splashing cold water on her face and taming her dark hair with nimble fingers. Pulling on a simple blue dress, she took one last calming breath and stepped into the morning-lit living room.
And there he was—Lukas Baldwin.
He stood tall and poised by the window, bathed in the soft light of dawn. His steel-grey eyes locked onto hers the moment she entered. A smile tugged at the corner of his lips as he walked forward and brushed a kiss against her cheek. He smelled like pinewood and fresh rain—dangerously intoxicating.
"Lukas," she murmured, surprised. "What brings you here so early?"
He handed her a scroll, tied with a crimson ribbon. "The university asked me to deliver your results and your admission letter."
She blinked, stunned.
"They're very eager to have you," he added, the corner of his mouth quirking up. "Apparently, they've never been this excited about any student before… not even us."
His tone carried a faint, teasing resentment, and Eila's eyes sparkled with mischief.
"Are you jealous of me, Lukas?" she teased, eyebrows arching.
To her delight, his face turned a delightful shade of red. "No! I mean—of course not. I just meant—it's amusing, that's all."
She smirked. "Only if you say so."
Internally, she was struggling not to burst into laughter. He was such a delightful mix of elegance and awkwardness, especially when caught off-guard.
But before she could tease him further, she grew more curious. "Is there anything else you wanted to say?"
He looked away for a moment before confessing, his voice softer now. "It wasn't really urgent to bring your results this early. I just… I missed being with you last night. I thought maybe I could have the morning instead."
That did it—Eila burst into laughter, warm and infectious, until tears pricked at her eyes and her stomach ached. Lukas watched her, amused and fascinated, until his self-control gave out.
In one sudden motion, he swept her into his arms and kissed her deeply. Her laughter was cut short, her breath stolen as his lips moved against hers with possessive tenderness. The world narrowed to the taste of him, the scent of him, the way his hands held her like she was a treasure he didn't deserve but would never let go.
She finally broke the kiss when she couldn't breathe, but he didn't release her. Instead, he kissed the tip of her nose, his silver eyes dark with affection.
In that moment, she saw herself reflected in his gaze—not just as his mate, but as something cherished. She flushed, turned on and slightly embarrassed by how easily he unraveled her.
But she knew better than to push her luck—especially not in a house full of sharp-eyed siblings.
She wriggled free with a smile. "Would you like to join us for breakfast?"
"I'd love to," he said instantly, though it took him a moment longer to release her fully.
He was clearly struggling with the idea of letting her go.
One day, his gaze promised, I'll steal you away for an entire day—and no one will stop me.
Eila shook her head fondly and called out to her siblings. They came rushing in like a pack of excited pups. The older ones tried to hide their curiosity, while the younger ones had no such filters. Emma and Erik giggled openly, whispering to each other as they eyed Lukas with sparkling eyes.
Jean and Jake immediately launched into a discussion about university, peppering Lukas with questions. He was taken aback by how clever they were—quick-witted and inquisitive despite their age.
Eila slipped into the kitchen, setting about preparing a simple breakfast of eggs, toast, and milk tea. Meera joined her, slicing fruits and frying sausages. Their quiet teamwork felt familiar, grounding.
Meanwhile, in the living room, Daria, Drew, and Drake had cornered Lukas with a bold proposal: a mock sparring session with the future Alpha. Michael, ever serious, leaned in to ask how one becomes a top warrior.
Eila eventually had to intervene, laughing softly. "Let the man eat first before challenging him to duels."
Lukas offered a grateful smile as she finally called everyone to the table.
The breakfast was humble but filled with laughter and warmth. Eila watched the scene, her heart full to the brim. Seeing Lukas at the table, eating with her siblings—her family—it was the first time since her parents' accident that her home felt truly alive again.
It was a good day.
And maybe, just maybe, it was the beginning of something brighter.