He Chose First Love, I Chose the Alpha King

Sylvia's POV

I decided not to inform Alpha Astra-my mother-about the marriage beforehand. Caesar had always maintained a low profile, remaining mysteriously private in the media. Besides, this marriage was little more than fulfilling a family obligation for both of us.

If I were honest, my connection with Caesar was limited-beyond that one passionate night and my brief, unspoken crush years ago, most of our interactions had been through Morgana, his cousin.

The next day, I witnessed the true extent of the Wolf King's power. No elaborate ceremony, no witnesses needed-I simply showed up, signed the papers, and became Caesar Conrad's mate.

That was when the reality of being married finally hit me.

"Since we're officially mated now, should we move into our marital home?" I asked hesitantly, unsure of the protocol. Despite my Alpha bloodline, this was unfamiliar territory.

I didn't know much about Caesar's business dealings, only that the Bloodmoon Pack was extraordinarily wealthy. But I assumed that families like ours always had residences ready for such occasions.

When I said "we," I noticed Caesar's lips twitch almost imperceptibly before his expression returned to its usual mask of cool control.

"Of course," he replied, his voice deep and smooth. "Here are the keys to our home. And..."

He handed me a ring of keys alongside a small red velvet box. When I opened it, I froze.

Inside was a diamond ring-and not just any ring, but exactly the style I loved. Elegant yet understated, sophisticated yet dazzling."Wedding ring," Caesar stated simply, his intense gaze fixed on me. "Would you like to try it on?"

Even after three years of pretending to be a struggling omega, I couldn't resist something so beautiful and brilliant. I nodded, unable to form words.

Caesar took the ring from the box and slid it onto my finger, his touch sending electricity through my veins.

"Do you like it?" he asked, his expression neutral yet somehow focused entirely on me. "If not, we can choose another."

"I love it," I replied, my red lips curving into a genuine smile.

I had no reason not to love an eight-figure diamond ring. During my time with Zane, the best gift he'd ever given me was a few-hundred-dollar ring. I'd even returned most of the money he'd transferred to me over the years-I hadn't wanted to spend Zane's money.

A man's willingness to spend on his mate was the sincerest expression of his regard. While the Frostfang Pack wasn't hurting financially, Caesar's generosity warmed something in me that had been cold for too long.

Caesar then handed me a card, which I initially assumed was for our household expenses.

"The housekeeper takes care of everything at home," he explained coolly. "This is your personal allowance, Luna Conrad."

His voice remained detached, as if he were discussing something trivial rather than giving me access to what was likely an astronomical sum.

I arched an eyebrow, my lips curving into a playful smile. "Caesar Conrad, aren't you afraid I'm just after your money and your body?"

"My money..." Caesar's lips twitched in what might have been a laugh. "Take whatever you want. As for my body..."

Our eyes locked, and suddenly all I could focus on were his sharp, elegant features-those almond-shaped eyes, porcelain skin, and perfectly sculpted face drawing closer.

Caesar's mouth captured mine with a hunger that took my breath away. Unlike our first drunken encounter, this kiss was deliberate-purposeful. His strong hands gripped my waist possessively, fingers digging into my flesh with just enough pressure to make me gasp against his lips.

"If you want to steal something," he murmured against my mouth, "take it all."

I felt my wolf stir beneath my skin, responding to his dominance with a yearning I'd suppressed for three long years. My fingers found their way to his chest, feeling the hard muscle beneath his crisp shirt.

"You've always been so generous," I whispered, leaning into his touch as his hands moved lower, gripping my ass and pulling me flush against him.

Caesar's eyes darkened. "Only with what's mine."

The word 'mine' sent a shiver down my spine. So different from how Zane had looked at me-always seeing what he wanted to see, never who I truly was.

Caesar pressed me against the wall, his body caging mine as he kissed my neck, finding that sensitive spot below my ear that made my knees weak.

"Fuck," I gasped, my body arching into his.

"I've thought about this," he growled against my skin. "Every night since that first time."

His hands slid under my blouse, fingers tracing patterns on my bare skin that felt like fire. I tugged at his shirt, desperate to feel more of him.

"Our wedding night," he said, his voice rough with desire, "will not be rushed."

Caesar pulled back slightly, his breathing heavy, pupils dilated with lust. His thumb traced my swollen bottom lip.

"I want you properly," he said, the intensity of his gaze making me tremble. "In our bed. Where I can take my time with you."

I snarled with impatience. "And if I don't want to wait?"

His lips curled into a predatory smile. "Then consider this a taste."

Caesar's hand slid between my legs, cupping me through my pants with expert precision. Even through the fabric, I could feel the heat of his touch. My hips bucked involuntarily.

"So responsive," he whispered, his voice like silk wrapped around steel. "And all mine now."

My head fell back against the wall as his fingers worked their magic, finding exactly the right rhythm to make me pant and whimper. It had been so long since anyone had touched me like this-with confidence, with knowledge, with the clear intent to pleasure rather than just take.

"Caesar," I moaned, my hands gripping his shoulders for support.

"Say it again," he demanded, increasing the pressure of his touch. "Let me hear who's making you feel this way."

"Caesar," I repeated, louder this time, shameless in my need. "Fuck, Caesar!"

He captured my mouth again, swallowing my cries as my release built. I was so close-teetering on the edge-when he suddenly withdrew his hand.

I whined in protest, my body aching for completion.

"Tonight," he promised, his eyes gleaming with wicked intent. "I'll have you screaming my name properly then."

My legs were shaking, my body thrumming with unfulfilled desire. "You're cruel."

"I'm patient," he corrected, adjusting his clothing with maddening composure. "And I want our first time as husband and wife to be memorable."

I smoothed down my rumpled clothes, trying to regain some semblance of control. "Consider me thoroughly teased, then."

Caesar's expression softened slightly as he tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. The tender gesture felt more intimate than even his passionate touches.

"I've waited a long time for this, Sylvia," he admitted, a rare vulnerability flashing across his features. "For you."

Something in his tone made me pause. There was history in those words-more than just our one-night stand.

"How long?" I asked, suddenly curious about what he wasn't saying.

He didn't answer immediately, simply taking my hand and pressing a kiss to my palm, his eyes never leaving mine.

"Long enough to know exactly what I want," he finally said. "And exactly how to make you mine."