The Golden Lycans (Ella) novel Chapter 81

Last Night was a Tremendous Success

***Ella***

Warmth.

Claim

It fills me from the inside out, a quiet hum of energy that feels more natural than ever before. I feel whole, in tune with every part of myself in a way-I never have before.

Lying in bed, staring at the ceiling, I can sense my magic resting beneath my skin. No longer a flickering spark or a tingling heat, but something steady, something there, something ready.

With effortless intent, I summon my phone from the nightstand, and it lands neatly in my palm. The screen reads 8:00 AM. Considering how late I had crawled into bed, I should be more tired. But how could I be? Life is too exhilarating to waste on sleep.

Well, almost.

Across the room, Freya shifts under the covers. She stretches with a yawn, blinking the sleep from her eyes before giving me a knowing look.

“Judging by your expression, I’d say last night was a tremendous success,” she teases.

I bite my lip, failing to contain my grin.

“It most definitely was.”

Memories rush back-Austin walking me to my door, his lips on mine and his arms around me, kissing me until my knees nearly gave out. His promise to bring me whatever I wanted at breakfast -I still had no idea how he intended to pull that off, but the thought of it made my heart race.

It all still felt surreal. That the very person I hadn’t been able to keep my eyes off since arriving here

was the one fate had bound me to.

Still grinning, I swing my legs out of bed and practically glide into the bathroom. A quick rinse under warm water washes away the remnants of sleep, and I undo my braids, letting my hair fall in

soft waves around my shoulders.

I keep my outfit simple-jeans and a plain white sweater. A safe, neutral choice. Today was important. Austin wanted us to talk to his parents, though what exactly we needed to discuss

remained a mystery.

One thing I did know-I wasn’t looking forward to sitting down with Leo. He was Austin’s father, and

that was unavoidable, but his narrow-mindedness was impossible to ignore.

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Last Night was a Tremendous Success

Clair

As Freya and I descend the staircase, it’s clear that many of our visitors are beginning to take their leave, having already finished breakfast. I can only hope their evening had been enjoyable-that

eir visit had felt worthwhile.

The hall remains largely unchanged from the night before, though the dance floor, table centerpieces, and pack banners have all been cleared away, leaving behind only the echoes of the

celebration.

We step inside, and my eyes immediately seek him out.

Austin.

Seated at his usual table with Ollie, he looks up just as I spot him. Our eyes meet, and my heart stutters, my stomach flipping in that exhilarating mix of nerves and joy. A smile tugs at my lips before I can stop it, wide and utterly giddy. I freeze in place, dimly aware of Freya tugging at my

sleeve.

“You go alone… I’m going to sit where I normally sit,” she murmurs, already peeling away toward

the food line.

I watch her retreat, noting the way she avoids looking in Ollie’s direction. A flicker of curiosity stirs in me. Had something happened between them last night? The thought lingers for only a moment before I inhale deeply and gather my courage. I don’t want to seem too eager-what if last night had been nothing more than a beautiful dream?

But then, before I can take another step, Austin is already moving.

In three strides, he’s in front of me, pulling me into his arms without hesitation. His embrace is warm and grounding. He buries his face in the crook of my neck, inhaling deeply, as if drinking in my scent. The intimacy of it sends a shiver down my spine. It’s still unfamiliar, but unmistakably Ly

can.

“I keep thinking last night must have been a dream,” Austin murmurs by my ear, his voice low and

almost hesitant.

I pull back slightly, just enough to meet his gaze. His eyes are intense, searching mine for

reassurance.

“I was thinking the exact same thing,” I admit softly. “But it’s not a dream. I’m here.” I say it firmly, as much for him as for myself.

His jaw tightens, his expression darkening with something deeper-something raw.

“I already felt like I lost you once,” he says gruffly, the weight of his words pressing between us. “I don’t ever want to feel that way again.”

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Last Night was a Tremendous Success

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A pang of guilt twists in my chest. I can’t help but wonder if he still carries the hurt from when I literally ran from him at the end of our date. I have a lot to make up for. And I intend to start today.

Before I can say anything, he exhales and straightens. “I’ll grab you some breakfast, and then I want to take you to our pack house. There are some important things we need to discuss with my

parents.”

The words barely register before I blink at him in mild shock.

“The pack house?” I repeat, the term alone sending a wave of nerves through me. An image of an imposing fortress filled with scrutinising Lycans flashes through my mind.

Austin immediately picks up on my hesitation, his expression softening. “Think of it more like… a really big house,” he reassures me. “And since it’s Sunday-family day-there won’t be many people around. Probably no one else, actually. Don’t worry.”

I nod, though I’m not sure I feel any less nervous as he gestures for me to sit before heading off to grab my food.

“Good morning, Ella,” Ollie greets with a casual smile.

“Hi…” I reply, somewhat awkwardly. I haven’t spoken much to him before, though I know plenty abo ut him-most of it courtesy of Freya and Annabelle.

Ollie smirks knowingly. “I suppose I should thank you for putting a smile back on his face. He’s been an absolute nightmare to be around-like living with a storm cloud.”

I let out a small laugh. “Can’t say I’ve been much of a joy for Freya either.”

As I settle into my seat, I catch Ollie sneaking glances at Freya every so often. I watch him for a moment, remembering what Annabelle mentioned last night-how intense his dancing with Freya had looked, how there was something between them. I barely know Ollie, so it isn’t really my place

to say anything…

But as Austin’s beta, he’s going to be in my life for a long time. I might as well start somewhere.

“Ollie,” I say quietly, leaning in slightly, “you should just talk to Freya about how you clearly feel.”

His head snaps toward me, his expression instantly guarded. For a second, I think I’ve overstepped. But then his shoulders sag, and something almost vulnerable flickers in his eyes.

“She’s too good for me,” he mutters, clenching his jaw.

“In what way?” I ask, genuinely curious.

He lets out a dry scoff.

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