The Price of Power

Ava

I woke up to the soft, rhythmic breathing of Caleb beside me. His arm was draped protectively over my waist, his warmth comforting in the morning light. I blinked a few times, realizing with a start that I was still in Caleb's room. The events of the previous night came flooding back, and I carefully slipped out of his grasp, trying not to wake him. Just as I moved, Caleb stirred and tightened his hold on me, pulling me back against his chest.

"Five more minutes," he mumbled sleepily, his voice a low, grumbling murmur. I smiled softly, enjoying the rare moment of Caleb's clingy side.

"Caleb, we have to get up," I whispered, trying to suppress my amusement.

Caleb's grip only tightened, and he nuzzled his face into my neck taking a deep sniff.

"Just five more, you smell amazing." he insisted, his breath warm against my skin.

I couldn't help but laugh lightly, feeling a mix of affection and exasperation.

"Alright, but just five, it is pretty cozy." I conceded, allowing myself to relax in his embrace for a little longer. The sense of calm that his touch brought me was undeniable, and I savored it, feeling safe and cherished and... hot. I kept my back to him because if I faced him I'd drown in him and he would never stop teasing me about it! As the peaceful moment stretched, my thoughts drifted back to the pain Caleb had experienced last night.

"Caleb, how are you feeling? Does it still hurt....do you need more medicine?" I asked softly, concern lacing my voice. He sighed, his grip on me loosening slightly.

"I'm better, thanks to you," he murmured, his lips brushing against my neck. "Your presence makes it more bearable." His gentle kisses sent shivers down my spine, and I couldn't help but lean into him, enjoying the sensation.

"I'm glad I can help, but I don't think I can do anything like that." I whispered and chuckled some, closing my eyes and savoring the moment. Caleb's kisses became more deliberate, trailing along my neck, sending warmth through my body.

"You can do a lot of things you're smart and strong....I could get used to this though," he said, his voice husky as he nuzzled my neck again. "I want to do it more." My breath hitched at his words, a shiver running down my spine and his hand moved but he clearly struggled to keep them from going too far. God how I wanted him, and before I could finish the thought I felt him sniff me and I knew my scent must be oozing desire, much like he was right now too. I scented a males desire before but It never smelled like this..... so...good, delicious even.

"Kiss me Caleb." He pulled back slightly, his eyes locking onto mine, as I turned to face him, with an intensity that made my pulse quicken. That was dumb.

"Ava..." he cupped my face stroking his thumb over my cheek, and I felt his arm snake around my waist and pull me flush against him. his body was so warm I felt like I was melting his arms in many different ways than one. I let my arms circle around his neck as he drew me closer, his eyes darting from my lips and to my eyes

Thunk, Thunk, Thunk

The moment was interrupted by knocking. I gently extricated myself from Caleb's hold as he groaned in protest and I wrapped his robe around myself before opening the door to find Lily standing there, a teasing smile on her face.

"Good morning, Ava," she said in a singing voice "Looks like someone had an eventful night." I felt my cheeks flush.

"Good morning, Lily. What brings you here so early?" I decided to ignore her prying

"The Alpha's council wants to see you and Caleb," Lily replied, still smirking. "I'll let you wake him." I nodded, closing the door gently and turning back to Caleb, taking a seat next to his shirtless form laid on the bed like a model.

"Caleb, the council wants to see us," I said softly. Caleb groaned, stretching before sitting up.

"Alright, let's get this over with," he said, getting out of bed and quickly dressing. We made our way to the council room, where the members were already assembled, waiting for us. As we entered, the room fell silent, and all eyes turned towards us.

"Good morning, Alpha, Luna," one of the council members began. "We wanted to discuss something important with you." Caleb nodded, taking his seat, with me beside him.

"Go ahead then. I hope you haven't interrupted me and my mate for nothing." The council member continued warily,

"We've noticed that you've been here for weeks now, and there's still no mark to signify your bond. This is a concern for the future of the pack. We believe it would be beneficial for you both to take a vacation, away from the packhouse. It will give you the time and privacy you need to strengthen your bond and possibly conceive an heir." My eyes widened slightly, and I felt a flush of heat in my cheeks. Caleb's expression darkened with a protective edge.

"Ava and I will not be pressured into anything, you all know the risk of forcing a mark." he said firmly. "Our bond will grow naturally, and she will not be rushed into anything she's not ready for." The council members exchanged glances, clearly nervous. One of them spoke up,

"Caleb, we aren't trying to but you're the last of the alpha bloodline. It's about the future of the pack. We need to ensure the line continues." I remained quiet, absorbing the tension in the room. I understood the council's concern, but Caleb's protectiveness made me feel both reassured and conflicted. Finally, one of the council members turned to me.

"Ava, you've been very quiet. What are your thoughts on this?" I looked to Caleb and placed a hand on his and we exchanged looks and he nodded, relaxing some.

" I think you all have a point," I admitted, my voice steady. "We do get caught up dealing with the packhouse and its responsibilities. We're only really alone during meals, and even then, Lily is often there or we get.....interrupted. I like life here, but it is true that we need time to get... comfortable together." Caleb nodded, considering my words. He turned back to the council.

"How much time can you all manage in my absence?" he asked, his tone thoughtful.

The head council member responded, "We can manage for a month, maybe without any significant issues. Your presence is important, but so is the bond between you and Ava and producing the next Alpha is equally important." Caleb nodded, turning to me with a gentle smile.

"Then it's settled. We are going on vacation."

I felt a surge of relief and squeezed Caleb's hand. I knew this was the right decision for both of us. The council meeting continued with plans and arrangements, but I couldn't shake the feeling of anticipation. This vacation would be an opportunity for us to truly connect, away from the pressures of the packhouse and interruptions. As the meeting concluded, Caleb stood, offering his hand to me.

"Let's make the most of this Vacation, I haven't had one in years," he said softly. I took his hand, squeezing it gently.

"Me either, I have actually never had a vacation before." As we stepped out into the fresh air, Caleb turned to me with a determined look.

"Then I'll have to show you the ropes" I smiled, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness.

"Where are we going?" Caleb paused, thinking for a moment.

"I was thinking somewhere secluded. Maybe a cabin in the mountains or a private beach house. Somewhere we can truly be alone without any distractions. What do you think?" I nodded thoughtfully.

"A cabin in the mountains sounds nice. But... what about somewhere tropical? I've always wanted to go to a place with warm beaches and clear blue water." Caleb's eyes lit up with excitement.

"That sounds perfect. Do you have your passport?" I shook my head, feeling a bit sheepish.

"No, I don't." He smiled reassuringly.

"Don't worry, we will take care of it. Let's go to Hawaii. It's a popular place for honeymoons, and you won't need a passport." My face brightened at the idea.

"Hawaii sounds amazing. But is it a honeymoon? " Caleb nodded, his excitement matching mine.

"Absolutely a honeymoon, a bit late, but I think it counts. And next time, we can go to Jamaica for our real first vacation." I hesitated, worry creeping into my thoughts.

"Isn't that too much? I mean, both Hawaii and Jamaica..... I don't want to take away from the pack....." Caleb gently squeezed my hand, his expression firm but kind.

"It's fine, Ava. The pack can afford it. I have my own money separate from the pack funds anyway, so we're not taking anything from the pack. This is important for us, for our bond. We deserve this time together." I felt a surge of relief and gratitude.

"Thank you, Caleb. I really appreciate it. Maybe we can go to Jamaica a different time thought it really feels excessive....." He leaned in, his forehead resting against mine again his breath fluttered across my face distracting me .

"Just so you know, I enjoyed waking up next to you this morning. I'd like to keep doing that."

My breath hitched at his words, a shiver running down my spine. "Huh?....." He pulled back slightly, his eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that made my pulse quicken, his blue eyes were mesmerizing.

"Then let's make it happen. Move into my room when we come back, Think about it, we can see how you like it on vacation. " I nodded slowly as Caleb's hand rested on my back as we walked away from the council building.