The Pack's Daughter (Aysel and Magnus) novel Chapter 26

**Midnight Letters by Daniel Crowe**
**Chapter 26**

**Magnus’s POV**

As the dawn broke over the city, the sun spilled its golden rays like molten treasure, illuminating the streets with a warm glow that felt almost magical. The air was infused with the earthy scent of smoke mingling with the gritty tang of concrete, a reminder that life thrived in every corner of this bustling metropolis. Yet, amidst the morning hustle, my senses honed in on the distinct aroma of Aysel, nestled comfortably under her covers like a small, content fox. Her breathing was soft and rhythmic, a gentle reminder of her presence that filled my heart with a sense of peace.

I had just returned from my early patrol, still shaking off the remnants of the night when the Moonvale Pack’s group chat erupted into a cacophony of notifications. Her phone buzzed violently against the counter, vibrating with the excitement of human chatter that was both perplexing and oddly endearing.

“Did you get yours?!”

“Got it! My husband is washing his hands to open the package—so careful, ha!”

“Mine’s posting ten pictures on social media right now!”

“Pics or it didn’t happen!”

I couldn’t help but snicker softly at their antics. Even without shifting into my wolf form, my acute hearing caught every playful jab and gleeful shriek that echoed through the apartment. To them, this was a feast worth celebrating; to me, it was an opportunity wrapped in the guise of breakfast deliveries.

Earlier, I had sent Jackson out on a mission. It was my idea to express our gratitude to the building for their unintentional support of Aysel—sending breakfast was a subtle, human-friendly gesture that kept her pack safe while showing appreciation. I didn’t need her to witness it, but now, the impact was unmistakable.

When Aysel finally stirred from her slumber, the apartment was drenched in warm, inviting light. She emerged from her cocoon, eyes still heavy with sleep, her hair a tousled mess that framed her face perfectly. The natural scent of berries and sun-kissed skin wafted off her, creating an invisible trail that lingered in the air.

“What’s going on?” she mumbled, her voice thick with sleep as she blinked at the flurry of notifications lighting up her phone.

I leaned casually against the counter, arms crossed, allowing a small smirk to play at the corners of my mouth. “Your neighbors are losing their minds. Breakfast delivery—courtesy of our little pack’s gratitude.”

She frowned, confusion etching her features. “Breakfast?”

I handed her the phone, watching as she scrolled through the messages. Her initial drowsiness melted away, replaced by a mixture of delight and incredulity as the notifications cascaded across the screen.

‘It’s from 1601!’

‘Her mate ordered everyone a full feast from Grand Fortune Hall!’

‘Impossible to book! Even the Eastern Alpha Council dines there!’

‘Clearly wealthy… or madly in love.’

Aysel’s brows knitted together in confusion. “Mate?”

“Apparently, yes,” I replied lightly, savoring the moment. “The building has decided I’m your mate for the purposes of etiquette. I had Jackson distribute the breakfast to thank them for their… enthusiastic participation last night.”

The atmosphere shifted, thickening with unspoken words. I could feel her pulse quicken, the subtle spike of adrenaline as her gaze locked onto mine. My wolf stirred, claws sheathing beneath my skin, alert and ready.

“Why?” I asked softly, my voice barely above a whisper. “Do you want me gone, or are you making space for an old Alpha?”

She met my gaze with unwavering determination. “I’m not talking about Damon Blackwood. I just… wanted to know your plans. You’re heir to the Shadowbane Pack. You can’t stay forever. And I have my own burdens.”

I studied her intently, my senses finely tuned to every shift in her scent and every quiver of her muscles. She had no idea how deeply my instincts were rooting me to her presence, how entwined our fates had become.

“You think I’m here because I forgot who owns this place?” I murmured, my voice low and earnest. “No. I’m here because this—right here—feels worth guarding. Worth fighting for.”

Her lips parted, surprise flickering in her eyes, but she remained silent, the weight of my words hanging in the air between us.

Outside, the neighbors continued their raucous celebration, their voices bubbling over with joy. “Their love is goals!” “I’d die for that man!” “We’re the love guardians now!” It was ridiculous, yet Aysel couldn’t hide the smile creeping onto her face.

I leaned back, allowing my wolf to relax just slightly, savoring the warmth of her proximity and the subtle thrill of our shared dominion. The apartment, the small tokens of gratitude, the laughter—they all smelled like home now, a territory I would defend with tooth and claw.

And she, my little fox Aysel, would be at the very heart of it all.

“So, you have a crush on me?”