As minutes go by, Conrad watched as her expression darkened.
Alice couldn’t believe her luck. Her mate came from the family of the Alpha. But would he want her as a mate? She knew mates could be rejected. All she would bring to this pack is trouble. They might want to avoid that. She dashed her own hope. No way would they want her here. She’s glad for this brief reprieve, though. It’s nice to feel comfortable once in a while after so many months of discomfort.
“What’s wrong?” He finally asked, not liking how her face paled. It was rosy when she got out of the shower and he liked seeing her with color. He can almost feel how soft her cheeks would be. The dress also looked good on her.
She gave him a sad smile, “You’re going to reject me, aren’t you?”
His heart skipped a beat at hearing her question.
“What made you think that?” His expression showed agitation. That would never happen.
“You’re avoiding me.”
He frowned at her answer. “I already told you. I don’t want to startle you. If you weren’t jumpy, I would have touched you already.”
Her eyes turned round at his admission. So, he does want to get close to her.
But… she didn’t want to cause them trouble. If she doesn’t leave soon, those haunting her would probably attack this place. Remembering this is a pack, maybe they have supplies? Maybe she can ask for some before she leaves?
“Do you… does your pack have potions? One that can conceal a wolf’s scent?”
Her question made him remember her situation. She’s running away from her pack, a hostile pack at that.
“The borders alone can conceal your scent. They won’t be able to tell if you’re here or not.”
“But they already know I’m here. Just to be safe, I should also use potions.”
“I’ll check with the doctor tomorrow. They have a lot of potions in their storage, all kinds of them.”
This made her relieved. One problem solved.
“You’re worried about masking your scent? How long have you been running?”
Alice knew what he’s actually asking. “It’s been a few months.”
“How long have you been on your own? How did you survive?”
She didn’t want to be reminded of her nightmares but she thought it would be rude not to answer his questions.
“A few months. Potions helped me a lot.”
Conrad could make out the trembling of her hands and her lips. He should stop asking these questions that remind her of her terrifying ordeal. He should comfort her at this point.
Conrad stood up and walked near her.
“Are you afraid? Don’t be. I’ll protect you.” He kneeled in front of her so he can see her face. His hands are itching to touch her. He couldn’t move his gaze away from her eyes and her lips.
Alice heard his soft voice and it soothed her heart. Suddenly, as if on impulse, her body moved. She was thrown into his arms and he stumbled backwards. Hearing him grunt in pain and the position they were in, she quickly apologized to him.
Her wolf purred in contentment.
“It was my wolf…” She weakly explained. She doesn’t know how she’ll get up without squashing him further. She put one hand on his shoulder so she could push herself up. Before she could do so, his hand wrapped around her waist and trapped her in his embrace. His breathing has slowed down as her scent invaded his senses.
“You smell like apples.” They both said at the same time.
Their eyes slightly widened at this coincidence. Conrad moved closer to her and sniffed near her shoulder. She visibly shivered.
“What are you doing?” Despite asking, she was actually tempted to do the same. She quietly inhaled his scent. She inched closer and closer, the wonderful scent made her close her eyes. She was startled when the tip of her nose touched something. Her face heated up at realizing what she’d done. The warmth from his body enveloped her and she didn’t want to move.
Alice yelped and grabbed his shoulder when she felt him licking her neck. It was only one stroke of his tongue, and then he was pressing kisses on it and on her shoulders. She could feel some wetness on her skin. She’s feeling light-headed and her body seems to be seeking something. She pushed herself closer to him, eventually laying her head on his other shoulder. She heard him groan. His kisses are now making noises she could hear, a smacking of lips against her skin. She feels hot. Is this how it feels to be so close to your mate? It feels good. She wanted to savor it.
Conrad was barely controlling himself. She’s such a temptress. His own wolf howled inside his head. Her body, cradled in his, felt light. He needs to take this slow. She’s only nineteen, if what the middle-aged woman said is true. She’s too young compared to his twenty-eight years.
He adjusted his position on the floor before getting up and carrying her. The movement did startle her and she moved her head away, looking at him.
“Can I kiss you?” His muscles tightened in anticipation. This is only their first day. They don’t know each other yet. He sat on the bed and maintained her position in his lap.
She looked lost and nervous but she nodded her pretty head. Alice caught her breath when his hand moved up her nape and held her in place. His face slowly approached hers. When his gaze dropped to her lips, she did the same. Is she supposed to breathe? It would be difficult if she doesn’t, right? It’s good that she brushed her teeth. Eventually, she closed her eyes. The first touch of his lips on hers made her feel a fluttering of wings in her stomach. Butterflies. Is this the feeling they’re describing with that phrase? It started with just a pressing of lips together. When Alice started feeling that it seems lacking, she gasped when she felt him licking her lips. As they were parted, Conrad suckled on each lip. This made her squirm. It felt good. His lips were soft and his breath smells like mint, too. Though the scent of apples remained the strongest in her senses. Her hands gripped his clothes when his tongue delved inside her mouth, making her moan in helplessness. She doesn’t want him to stop. It slightly felt like drowning but she could feel his strong hand supporting her back. She noticed a throbbing sensation between her legs and she doesn’t know what to do with it. Something seems to be pulling at her insides.
He explored every inch of her mouth and only tasted sweetness. Hearing her moan spurred him on and soon, he was hard for her. He couldn’t touch her tonight, though. He wants her to trust him first, to get close, to understand each other, to rely on him, and to love him.
Soon, she was mimicking his actions and her tongue slowly met his. Good. She’s a fast learner. Alice could feel something hard and large beneath her. She’s sure it wasn’t there earlier.
Conrad knew he should stop while he’s still in control. He doesn’t want to scare her off. Who knew how long they’ve been engaged in kissing each other? Her taste is now etched in his memory. As sweet as apples. With much difficulty, he pressed a hard kiss on her lips before moving back… only to find her following him and seeking his lips once again. Damn. He groaned in frustration. He knew she’s not ready. She doesn’t even know how to kiss just a while ago.He tried pushing her off, very lightly and he saw her expression of desire and haze.“Alice, we should stop.” He whispered as he caressed her cheek and yes, her skin is as soft as he imagined. Her face is flushed and her chest is heaving. Still, there’s an ache below her navel that hasn’t gone away.“You should rest. Lie on the bed and sleep.” He pressed a kiss on her nose. He waited for her to move, but she didn’t. They simply sta
Conrad went to the room next door and took a shower as well. He promised that they’ll look for her daggers and he meant to do that first thing this morning. He was ready to go when she came out of the bathroom. She was wearing a white shirt and blue pants. Ah, he forgot the shoes again. “Wait here for a moment. I’ll get you some shoes.” He quickly went out and while he’s away, Alice looked around his room. She was not able to do so yesterday. When he left her to sleep, she truly fell asleep. He returned with a pair of white rubber shoes. He took her hand and guided her through the pack house. There was that undeniable spark when they touched. “Are we going to the woods?” She’s still anxious about losing her daggers. “Not yet. Let’s have breakfast first. My mother wants to meet you.” In the kitchen, her mother is already there. She’s usually early at work, overseeing the pack house management. She approached when they en
Conrad kept close to her as they made their way towards the forest. He’s got this prickly feeling in his chest, whenever he catches another guy looking at his mate. It’s an irritating feeling, but he knew he needed to keep it under control. Alice noticed his closeness but it did make her feel safe in this unfamiliar territory. At one point, he grabbed her wrist and held it as they walked. Then, he started telling her the areas in the pack that they’ve come across. She looked around and felt a certain level of calm in her heart. This place seems to have that effect on her. It looks peaceful. It’s simple and neat but that’s its beauty. She frowned at how organized and tidy the place was. Her old pack is known for being chaotic and messy. The environment alone keeps her alert and on guard. But here… she likes the momentary feeling she’s having. She took in a deep breath and the smelled his scent again. Apples. At some point, his hand has moved toward hers and clasped it
She cried for a while and Conrad tried his best to comfort her. He felt helpless with his words. He knew he would truly protect her and keep her safe, but she can’t seem to accept it. He can tell she’s having thoughts of leaving. Alice found comfort in his arms. She grudgingly admitted to herself that she liked the feeling. To have someone to lean on… but she really doesn’t want to trouble them. She wiped her tears and stepped away from him. “I’m sorry.” “You have nothing to be sorry about.” Conrad replied, itching to touch her again. She turned away from him and asked, “Should we move on? I really want to retrieve my daggers.” Conrad checked their position and gestured towards a certain direction, “This way.” As soon as they neared the place, Alice sniffed the air. The daggers definitely have her scent. They’re very dear to her and she sleeps at night holding them. Conrad picked up the scent as well but he let her find it. It
Conrad decided to give her more time. He understands it won’t be easy for her to trust him when she spent the last few months only relying on herself and the others she’d been with. When they neared the lake, he heard her softly gasp.“It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” He’s proud of this scenery. It’s one of the best places in their territory. Also, it’s calming.The surface of the lake is calm and reflects the mountains beyond. The colors are clear, perfectly simulating a mirror.Her pace became faster and she almost skipped towards it, going ahead of him.He chuckled at her reaction. He’s glad she likes it.Alice also noticed the cute houses that were situated near the lake. There were two of them. She assumed those were the houses he mentioned. Her gaze focused on the lake and its water surface. She breathed in the fresh air, too. His scent of apples tickled her nostrils. It made
The more he looks at her, the more he wants her. But he kept himself under control. They ate everything his mother prepared, which wasn’t much. Apparently. After a few hours of light conversation, in which he told her things about the pack, the sun has gotten very hot against their skin. It must be lunch time already. “Do you want to head back? Or stay a while longer?” Conrad asked her and she contemplated. “Can we come back here?” She likes this place. “Of course. Any time you want. It’s not restricted. I can come with you if I’m not busy.” Alice nodded. “Let’s go back, then.” She helped in packing the basket and they walked back. “Do you want me to show you around?” Though he told her what she would find in the pack, it’s not the same as seeing them. Alice hesitated. “Can I rest for a while?” He noticed the way she seemed to wince while asking. “Of course. I should’ve known you would be tired. How long has it been since you last had a fun run?” “Almost a year?” “Back in yo
Alice stared at him straight. She could sense his feelings. He’s nervous. She could feel his sincerity. His words touched her deeply. She badly wanted to believe him, yes. But this morning, didn’t she tell herself that she would leave? Conrad didn’t press her for a reply. He kissed her forehead and they walked back to the house. There were people on the way, but she seemed distracted and not ready to meet anyone so he excused themselves as he escorted her to his room. Well, their room. He left her there after a while, telling her to think about what he said. He needed to see his father. What he learned isn’t much, things they could’ve speculated based on the rumors going around. His father is starting to gather more factual information about Alpha Walter of the Silver Crescent Pack. His past isn’t good. There was a period of time that he seemed tame but now he’s uncontrollable. “We’re going to keep Alice here, right?” Conrad wanted a direct answer from his father and alpha. “Of c
Conrad spent a long time with his father, the pack leaders and the elders. They’re happy that he has found his mate, but they were also concerned that she’s trouble. Alpha Walter is hunting her. If they keep her in the pack, they would have to battle it out with Silver Crescent. A pack that has a reputation for being ruthless and stronger than most. There were heated arguments about it. It’s practically half and half. At least half were supportive of him, who doesn’t mind her presence, and looking at the situation like a challenge. Maybe it’s time they battle it out with that pesky pack. Yes, Snow Mountain may not be able to handle it on its own, but that’s why they have allies. The neighboring packs would most likely help them out. The other half are either pessimists or cowards. They like their current comfort and didn’t want it to change. Or they simply don’t want to engage in a confrontation with a vicious pack. The rest understand that packs like