Chapter 13: Alistair the Tease

The first rays of dawn filtered through the heavy drapes, casting a golden hue over the room. Harriet stirred, her bare skin pressed against the warmth of Alistair's. A deep, satisfied sigh escaped her lips as she felt his arm tighten around her waist, pulling her closer. "You're awake," Alistair murmured, his voice thick with sleep and something more."Mmm," she hummed, shifting slightly, her body brushing against his in a way that made his breath hitch.

His hand trailed down her spine, fingers tracing lazy patterns over her skin. His lips found the sensitive spot on her neck, pressing slow, open-mouthed kisses that sent a shiver down her spine. She turned in his arms, facing him, her fingers slipping into his dark hair as she captured his lips with hers.

The kiss deepened, their bodies pressing together, the heat between them rising fast. His hands roamed, exploring, claiming, making her body arch into his touch. Her nails raked lightly down his back, and he groaned against her mouth, rolling on top of her. Just as she reached up to pull him closer, his body tensed. His head lifted slightly, a flicker of annoyance crossing his features.

"What?" she gasped, startled at the unexpected stillness.His jaw tensed, and he inhaled deeply. "I'm needed in the Great Hall." She blinked. "How do you even know that?" His eyes met hers, amusement shimmering in their golden depths. "Arthur just informed me through the mind link."

Harriet sat on the side of the bed, her fingers curling in the covers as she turned to face Alistair, who was busy dressing. "What exactly is a mind link?" she said, her brow furrowed in wonder.

Alistair, who had been dressing with an air of casual authority, turned to face her. "It's how we communicate within the pack without saying anything out loud." It's like having a voice in your head, but only those you select can hear it. It's speedier, more private, and effective in combat."

Harriet blinked, taking in his words. "That sounds... really convenient," she acknowledged. Then she moaned and rubbed her temples. "There is still so much that I don't know. I feel like I'm constantly playing catch-up. Alistair's golden eyes softened, but the humor in them never left. He leaned out and tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "You are learning now. That is what matters. And eventually, you'll know everything you need to."

She looked up at him, her lips pressed into a thoughtful line. "But I thought only werewolves could use the mind link?" He smirked. Normally, yeah. But once I mark you, you'll be able to communicate with the entire pack in your head, just like the rest of us. Harriet froze, her pulse skipping.

Slowly, she looked to him, mistrust growing into her eyes. "...How does marking work?" Alistair did not respond right away. Instead, he gave her a glance that shot shivers down her spine. His golden eyes darkened somewhat, and his face became almost... predatory.A slow, knowing smile pulled on his lips.

Harriet gulped hard. "Do you know what? I do not think I want to know.Alistair chuckled deeply and richly as he leaned in slightly.

"Too late for that, little Luna." She sprang from the bed, putting distance between them. "Nope. Definitely not prepared for the chat." His laughter followed her as she fled the room, but his gaze remained warm—amused, tolerant, and just a touch hungry.

Harriet raced out of her chambers in a fit of shyness, her bare feet pounding against the cold stone floor as she rushed down the corridor. Her mind was still replaying the maddening tease that had just occurred between her and Alistair. The unexpected silence in the corridor caused her to stop. Something wasn't right.

The maids, who had been rushing about their jobs, had paused. They stood still, wide-eyed and nervously averting their sight, though some couldn't help but peek. A few people exchanged looks before hurriedly looking away, their faces twitching as if they were suppressing laughter. Harriet sensed it right then. The cool air pressed across her flesh. The weightless sensation of fabric—or rather, the absence of it.She slowly lowered her gaze. A terrified gasp escaped from her lips. She was standing in the center of the hallway. In nothing but her underwear.

"THAT DAMNED ALPHA!" she yelled, making several servants flinch. "HOW DARE HE LET ME RUN OUT LIKE THIS?! Is he blind?! OR JUST EVIL?!" She stomped her foot, her rage temporarily overcoming her shame. "He spotted me leaving! He saw me storming out in nothing but this—this indecent condition! And he said, "NOTHING!" Harriet had never felt more embarrassed in her life.

Her fists clenched as she turned back toward her chambers, ready to march straight to Alistair and make him suffer for this. But just as she did, the unmistakable sound of deep, rich laughter echoed through the corridor. Slowly, she turned her head and looked down the hallway—only to see Alistair leaning against the doorway of her chambers, arms crossed over his broad chest, his golden eyes gleaming with amusement.

"Are you enjoying yourself?" he inquired, his voice oozing with smugness.Her entire body erupted with wrath and mortification. "You!" she hissed, pointing an accusing finger at him. "You did this on purpose!" He lifted his brow, attempting to appear attentive. "I do not recall stopping you. "You seemed so determined." Her jaw fell. "You—You absolute—" . With a growl of rage, she swung around and ran back into her chambers, slamming the door behind her.