Chapter 18 Sage My heart hammers against my ribs as Alaric's powerful presence fills the pantry doorway . The familiar scent of pine and winter wind wraps around me , but there is something else there too - a dangerous edge that makes the air crackle with tension . Eris's perfectly painted lips curve into an innocent smile . "Alaric , I was just explaining to your ... guest ... that we have strict protocols about food distribution in the pack . " " Is that what you call cornering a traumatized wolf in a confined space ? " Alaric's voice is deceptively soft , but I can feel the fury radiating from hi in waves . His steel - gray eyes have shifted to molten amber , fixed on Eris with predatory focus . " I didn't- " Eris begins , but Alaric cuts her off with a low growl that makes us both flinch . " Get out . " The words carry the full weight of an Alpha command . Eris's face contorts in rage for a split second before she masks it , ducking her head in a show of submission before slinking past him . As soon as she's gone , Alaric's entire demeanor changes . He approaches me slowly , hands raised in a non- threatening gesture . " Sweetling ? " The gentle concern in his voice breaks something in me . I hadn't realized I'd pressed myself into the corner , arms wrapped protectively around my middle . My breath comes in short , sharp gasps . " I wasn't stealing , " I whisper , hating how small my voice sounds . " Iris said ... we were getting snacks for movie night . I swear I wasn't- " " Sage ." Alaric closes the distance between us , his large frame blocking out the rest of the world . " Look at me . " I force myself to meet his gaze , finding his eyes have softened back to steel - gray . The scar along his face catches the light as he crouches down to my level . " This is your home now , " he says firmly . " Your pack . You don't need permission to eat . " Something warm and unfamiliar blooms in my chest at his words . Home. Pack . They're dangerous words to believe in . " But Eris said- " " Eris doesn't make the rules here . " His jaw tightens . " And she's about to learn exactly what happens when someone threatens what's mine . " My breath catches at the possessive note in his voice . " Yours ? " Before he can answer , Iris appears in the doorway , her face flushed with anger . " Alaric , I just passed Eris in the hall looking like she swallowed a lemon . What did she " She stops short , taking in the scene . " Oh , that bitch . I'm going to kill her . " " Iris , " Alaric warns , though his lips twitch slightly . " Don't ' Iris ' me , brother . " She storms into the pantry , grabbing snacks with violent enthusiasm . " I invited Sage for movies . This is absolutely unacceptable , Either you handle Eris , or I will , and trust me , you won't like my methods . " The tension in the air dissipates as I find myself fighting back a smile . Iris's righteous indignation on my behalf Chapter 18 +25 BONUS feels like a warm blanket around my shoulders . Alaric straightens , his hand brushing my arm in a touch so light I might have imagined it . " Oh , I'll handle it . " His voice holds a promise that sends shivers down my spine . " But first- " He reaches past her to grab a bag of chocolate - covered almonds from the shelf , pressing them into her hands . " Movie night awaits . Though I think perhaps we should make it a group activity . " Iris's eyes light up . " Yes ! Perfect idea . Sage needs to see you attempt to sit through a romantic comedy . It's hilarious . " " I don't- " I start to protest , not wanting to impose . not wanting to impose . "Please ? " The vulnerability in Alaric's eyes catch me off guard . " I'd like to be there . To make sure you feel safe . " The words he doesn't say hang in the air between us : To make sure no one else threatens you in my home . At least that's what I let myself pretend he's thinking . I clutch the bag of almonds to my chest and nod , earning a rare , genuine smile from the Lycan King that makes my heart skip a beat .. As we leave the pantry , Alaric and Iris surrounding me like a protected treasure , I can't help but wonder if this is what belonging feels like . The thought terrifies and thrills me in equal measure . Since her brother is joining us , my bedroom no longer seems an appropriate location so Iris insists on building what she calls a " proper movie nest " in the massive media room , sending servants scurrying for extra pillows and blankets . I hover uncertainly by the doorway , watching as she arranges everything with precise care . The room itself is bigger than my entire cottage back at Blackthorn , with plush sectionals arranged in a U - shape around a screen that takes up nearly the entire wall .