The scent of simmering tomato sauce and the faint sound of Kimberly's off-key singing drifted from the kitchen, a welcome counterpoint to the stack of paperwork on Jason’s desk. As Alpha, the daily grind was relentless, but these small moments, the promise of Kimberly, made it bearable. He leaned back, a small smirk playing on his lips as he watched his Luna sashay into his office, her presence a vibrant burst of color against the staid professionalism.

“To what do I owe this visit?” he purred, his eyes tracing the line of her legs beneath her dress.

Kimberly chuckled, her laughter a warm melody that chased away the last vestiges of the day’s stress. “This isn’t a visit. I came to drag you home for dinner.” She settled onto his lap, her movements fluid and confident, a testament to how quickly she’d adapted to their world.

He wrapped his arms around her waist, inhaling her sweet, familiar scent. The clock on the wall told him he’d lost track of time again. Duty always called, but now, so did a deeper, more profound pull. "I still have more paperwork to finish up for the day."

She leaned in, her lips brushing his. "How 'bout you be a good wolf and come home for dinner and I'll give you a treat later tonight." Her words, soft and laced with playful promise, sent a jolt through him, the familiar heat stirring to life. He started to reply, but a sudden, urgent mind-link from Kane, his Beta, cut through the intimate moment like a sharp blade. Duty, once again, was calling. And this time, it sounded serious.