Emma Pov

　　"Daniel! How wonderful it is to see you!" I exclaimed enthusiastically, opening my arms to embrace his sturdy and well-sculpted body.

　　The hug is brief, but I feel my heartbeat stumble for a few seconds when Daniel's firm, strong arms gently pull me close.

　　"I couldn't miss coming here to offer my help. After all, you're an Alpha now, that's fucking awesome, Emma!" Daniel announces with a broad smile, causing a blush to creep up my cheeks.

　　"It's still early days, I need to prepare a lot of things," I inform Daniel as I lead him through the entrance of my wolf pack. "Today, we're starting the expansion of the main house and also the construction of the packhouse."

　　We have sorcerers working with us; they are the best architects in magic for structural building, making quick work of raising a house. With the alliances formed and the business I established with the mining of rocks here in the plains, things have been progressing much faster.

　　"Queen, accept the sincere compliment," Daniel responds warmly, winking at me.

　　It makes my heart melt a little. Daniel's beauty is otherworldly, his charm and charisma make the whole package shine towards him. I notice some of the new she-wolves who joined my wolf pack admiring Daniel's beauty as we walk toward the main house. Daniel smiles kindly at all of them, distributing the enchanting charm he knows he possesses.

　　Daniel delicately takes my arm and loops it through his, pulling me closer, and making me laugh. "Tell me, Queen, how has the journey of a newly declared Alpha been?" Daniel asks excitedly.

　　We enter the main house, and the smell of fresh paint has long gone. The rustic and new furniture now fills the environment and the scent of lavender and pine mixes in the room. We managed to get a large TV, which we use a lot on weekends to watch movies, though soon, I'll need to get a bigger screen for movie nights with the increasing number of members.

　　Daniel pauses for a moment to look around the living room.

　　"Charming, Queen," he praises softly, a gentle smile forming on his lips as his eyes slowly take in the details I carefully thought out. Flower vases, the long brown sofa, and the two armchairs at the end of the room near the large window overlooking the distant mountains that surround us. On the white walls, there are some framed pictures of the first members of my wolf pack, including a photo with Ava and another with me, Matthew, and Charlotte.

　　Daniel's eyes land on the last framed photo. His face becomes serious for a few seconds, and I study him more closely. In the photo, Matthew has Charlotte sitting on his shoulders, the Alpha's hands holding the little girl's chubby legs, while I have my arm around his waist. The backdrop is the beautiful sunset we have here on the rocky plains. I remember the day the photo was taken. Almost three months ago, when Matthew and I finally acknowledged we were mates.

　　"I think I'll need to demand my photo up there too?" Daniel teases, and I give him a playful punch on the arm before leading him to my new office.

　　The extension made to the main house incorporated three more rooms: an office, a dining room, and a half bath near the living room. My office is a decent size; I don't like small and minimalist things, unlike my mate, Matthew. I added color to the walls, a light blue, along with wooden furniture and plenty of plants. I also put a three-seater sofa, along with two armchairs in front of my desk. My office is cozy and welcoming; I spend half my time here, managing the pack's expenses, analyzing business offers, and overseeing new members.

　　"Damn, what a cool office, Emma!" Daniel praises, clapping lightly in celebration.

　　I'm forced to laugh at his enthusiasm and let Daniel choose where he'd like to sit. Like most, Daniel opts for the sofa—it's a great sofa, very comfortable. I, on the other hand, sit across from him, pulling the armchair a few inches away from my desk.

　　"Now tell me, Daniel. What other adventures and challenges have you and Vini been up to lately?" I ask curiously, crossing my arms over my lap.

　　Daniel laughs heartily, and the conversation flows lively and amusingly. Daniel's presence always cheers me up, always makes me feel like a teenager again, with his jokes, stories, and the way he doesn't seem too worried about the serious things in the life of an heir about to become an Alpha makes me happy.

　　"I came here to offer help, actually, Alpha Emma," Daniel declares after a good conversation about his adventures. "I was serious when I arrived earlier. How can I help you, Queen?"

　　I lean forward, resting my elbows on my knees, narrowing my gaze at Daniel, forming an intriguing expression for him. "There's something very important I need you to do for me, Dan," I whisper mysteriously, seeing Daniel's big blue eyes light up even more at the declaration. "Please tell me… why are you now calling me Queen?" The question comes out more playful, and I laugh as soon as I finish it.

　　Daniel bursts out laughing, and I lean back in my armchair, excited by my joke.

　　"You're an Alpha now, Emma. It's only fair to call you Queen. Unless you'd prefer I call you Princess," Daniel teases, and I feel my body shiver at the alternative.

　　Daniel has a great knack for making everything sensual and somehow flirting with the simplest things.