Stirring awake, I woke up next to the love of my life. I yawned, stretching. A small snore caught my attention as I realized that Kronos and I had fallen asleep next to each other last night.

It's been a very stressful few weeks.

Day in and out, we trained our warriors and ourselves. The pack was more than ready as we spent many hours prepping for the war.

The plans were set and later today, Kronos and I were to finalize all the plans to set everything in motion.

We didn't know when the war was with Fortrista. We just knew that we had to be prepared for the unexpected.

The morning was pleasant until I felt something hard poking against my hip. Frowning, I pulled the blanket slightly up to see what it was.

Soon enough, my face was red as my heart raced.

Kronos, who seemed to be having a very good dream, just groaned and wrapped his arms tighter around me.

Rain said, purring.

"Shut. Up."

"So rude. He's just having morning wood. It might be about us, don't you think?" She said, smirking suggestively.

Can the moon goddess separate me from my wolf for just one day?

"Someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed today."

Rolling my eyes at my wolf's comments, I quietly slipped out of bed when Kronos groaned silently again. His grip on me loosened, making it easier to go to the bathroom.

I brushed my teeth, pondering on everything. It was indeed overwhelming...

Spitting out the toothpaste and gurgling water, I finished the easiest task of the day. Even though it was the easiest, my heart still felt heavy for what was about to come.

This caused me to let out a heavy sigh.

Hearing me breathe heavy, Kronos started to wake up. He blinked once, maybe twice before laying his eyes on me.

"What's wrong, beautiful?" He mumbled, his voice raspy.

Damn...

Clearing my throat, I wished all my sinful thoughts away. "Nothing much, just tired from everything."

Kronos gives a small nod. "Let me help ease that then." He says, patting the bed. I smile, joining him in his bed.

Snuggling into Kronos, I let him be the big spoon. Another sigh left me, but a content one. It was like that for a few minutes. Kronos then placed a small kiss at the back of my neck causing me to let out a small moan.

My mate stilled, and when I turned around to face him, his eyes were pitch black. I could smell his arousal as he growled softly.

"Fuck... Rhea. You're really making it difficult to control myself." He whispered softly, hiding a small grin.

I let out a small giggle. Starting to feel playful, I decided to do something I've never done before.

Smirking, I wiggled my butt against his groin. My mate groaned, squeezing me tighter. Realizing my mistake a little too late, I felt Kronos grind against me as he held my hips in place with his hands.

"K-Kronos, wait..." I gasped, pleasure running through my body. The sparks were driving me crazy, nearly over the edge.

Immediately after my comment, he stilled. Cursing, "Fuck... I'm sorry." And with that, he released my hips and started to cuddle me once more.

Did he think I was mad?

"Baby... I'm not mad." I said, turning my head to look at him. I could see his sadness and guilt with not controlling himself.

"I would never do anything without your consent. It's just... you wiggled and..." he paused. "It's not an excuse. I'm sorry."

"Thank you for your apology. I'm fine with just a little intimacy like this. I'm actually ready to do it now, since I prepped my heart for it. But I want to wait after the war or when all this madness is over. It's too stressful right now and I would like to enjoy you to the fullest."

Kronos's face turned red at my comment, but he nodded. I could feel his bulge pressing against my butt once more but he didn't move or comment anything. All my mate did was nod and kiss me on the cheek.

Maybe he will say something later.

He looks shy.

Moments later, Kronos finally spoke.

"Do you think I did the right thing?" He whispered, with sadness in his voice.

"What do you mean?"

"... my mother is basically under surveillance. My father, in prison. Guaranteed to be tortured or die by the hands of Fortrista. I basically have no family."

"I'm your family. And soon, we could have our own family." I said, blushing.

Kronos stared at me with a cocked brow with a big smile. "Sounds like a dream to me. I'm glad you're mine. And you know... I was really happy with your words previously. I'm ready when you're ready. Thank you for being you, Rhea."

My mate leaned in for a kiss when I pressed my finger against his lips. He cocked a brow in confusion and I giggled.

"Morning breath. Brush your teeth first, then we can do something."

Like a child, Kronos jumped up from the bed and brushed his teeth. He quickly freshened up and a few minutes later, I felt his lips press against mine.

Almost immediately, I felt Kronos trace my mouth with his tongue and I ended up gasping. Seeing this, he stopped.

"I learned that one from Theo!" He excitedly said, before telling me that he was going to be getting us breakfast.

As I sat down on the bed with confusion written all over my face, my only thought was...

What does he mean by that?

***

"Theo!" I yelled, demanding for his attention.

"Yes, Rhea? How can I help you?" He asked, a smirk on his face.

"What else did you teach Kronos?" I asked, crossing my arms with a accusing glare.

A laugh left Theo, his eyes looking at me knowingly. "Are you talking about the tongue thing? He watched a video on how to tease women."

I face palmed but shrugged it off. As long as he gave consent, that's fine. Moments later, I remembered what else I came to Theo for.

"How are you doing?" I gently asked.

Theo stilled but gave a pitiful smile. "Honestly... I think I'm holding up. Just surprised that my best friend turned out to be as terrible as his mate. I am still in disbelief that Ouranos would do that."

After Ouranos had his sentencing, he was locked up with lots of guards. The news spread like a wildfire but Theo took the news hard. They had been best friends for a long time and it was hard for him.

At first, Theo refused to believe it and demanded for Ouranos to tell the truth. To stop joking around. Ouranos and him had their days of pranks and laughter, so Theo thought it was a bad joke. But when Ouranos didn't reassure him that the charges were wrong, it hurt Theo deeply. He was gone for about a week since then. Luckily his mate took his place as the pack doctor, even though she was his assistant. It was temporary but needed.

"I'm fine, Rhea. Thank you for checking in on me. I think the most painful thing in life is losing friends. At the end of the day, it's not your significant other that stays with you but friends. Sure, mates are a wonderful thing... but if things don't work out, friends are there for you at the end of the day. It hurts... you know?" Theo said, his voice strained.

I nodded with understanding. "No, I get it. I don't know what I'd do without Coco. I would be lost, honestly."

Speaking of which... I haven't seen her lately. The last time I saw her was during the challenge. Kronos was challenged for the title of Alpha and we almost died.

I should see her after speaking with Theo.

Noticing me zone out, Theo got my attention by flicking my forehead.

"Main point, thank you for everything, Rhea. Kronos and the pack are lucky to have you. We are blessed." Theo said, smiling.

My heart flushed with warmth at his compliment, it meant a lot.

Rubbing my forehead playfully and acting as if his flick hurt, I asked him what he thought about the coming war.

"Not looking forward to war. Means I have a lot more work for me to do, but if it keeps me distracted, why not?"

His answer didn't surprise me but I understood.

The conversation soon ended with me saying I would check up on him again later. I soon went to Coco's room and knocked gently.

"Come in." A soft voice responded.

I twisted the knob and entered her room, seeing her knit baby socks. My face quickly changed when I saw Azrael next to her, trying to do the same.

Is he really knitting next to Coco?

"I really can't believe I'll be a auntie soon." I said, striding over to them before taking a seat on the floor.

Coco laughs, "Yeah, in about 8 months."

"Not soon enough." Azrael grumbled, "Knitting is so complicated! I rather be killing some vampires or something! Maybe training. My muscles feel like they've disappeared." He continued, complaining.

"Hush up, I'm carrying your pup. Didn't you ever hear the saying, 'Happy Wife, Happy Life?' Unless you want to be unalive right now, I suggest you continue practicing sewing and knitting for our pup."

Azrael piped down and sighed, nodding. "Well... if my wife says so."'

I couldn't help but burst into laughed. They both looked at me in concern, worried about me.

"You alright girl?" Coco asked.

I nodded after I finished laughing.

"It's just nice. Lately, it's been chaotic. You know... Fortrista and the war. As well as Ouranos. It's been hard on all of us."

They smiled at me with empathy, "We understand. You know we're here for you if you ever need us, right?"

"Yeah, I know. Thank you."

Biting my lip, I realized I had something to ask Coco.

"Hey, Coco? I've been meaning to ask... but are you going with us to war?"

She went quiet, but then said, "I thought about it, but war is really dangerous. As much as I want to go and help, I'm not just putting myself in danger anymore but my pup as well. So no... I am no longer going."

Azrael seemed to have agreed as well as he showed a proud face.

I smiled knowingly, "I kinda figured. Was just curious."

We spoke for awhile, catching up. However, I seemed to lost track of time when we spoke and snacked because it was already 6pm.

Shit, I had to meet Kronos at 6:15pm to finalize the war plans. As soon as I stood up, the whole pack started to shake violently. Coco screamed as Azrael shifted and hid Coco under his wolf.

The shaking soon subsided but only one thing came to mind.

We were under attack.

And the war has finally started.