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 stared into each other’s eyes. When he smiled, she shyly returned it.
“If you don’t move, we’ll continue kissing. I don’t know if I could still stop myself.” He nuzzled her neck, making her shiver. She gently pushed against his shoulder and plopped over the bed.
She’s really obedient, Conrad thought. But then, his eyes were attracted by something else. With her legs up, he could see her bare legs and her undies. Her skin is clearly fair and smooth. He’s blessed with a beautiful mate, that’s for sure.
He reached for her knees and pushed them down, her legs now lying flat on the bed. Leaning over her body, he grabbed the blanket and opened it for her.
“You should sleep first.”
“How about you?” Alice noted that he doesn’t seem to have the intention of sleeping next to her.
“I still need to speak with my father.”
“Will you tell me what happened to the others? The ones who were with me? Are they safe?”
“Of course. I’ll speak with the Beta as well. If he finds no fault in them, they will be treated well.”
Alice stared at him as he tucks her in.
“My daggers…” She wanted to remind him.
“We’ll find them tomorrow.” He promised her.
Alice closed her eyes as he kissed the tip of her nose again. As he stepped away, she watched him go. At the door, he smiled at her before closing it.
There’s a fluttering of wings in her stomach again. Conrad seemed strong. He has the built of a warrior. A fighter. Would he really protect her?
As he made his way to the conference room, he’s reminded of his father’s task. Well, he hasn’t been able to get any significant information from her. Maybe tomorrow, she would be willing to talk. He could tell her that it would help them prepare against those wolves. Well, it was the truth anyway. He simply needs her to open up.
He reported to his father. Then, the Beta shared his findings.
“All the rest are good, except for two young men who are clearly hiding something. They don’t seem to be in collusion, though. They’re hiding different things. I’ve isolated them for now. I’ll speak with them again, see if they’re willing to be more truthful.”
The Alpha stood up and turned to his oldest son. “Well, it would seem we’ll be waiting for you, boy. I expect answers by tomorrow.”
“Yes, father.” It shouldn’t be difficult, right?
He went to see her mother before going back to his room. Selena prepared more things for his mate.
“Are you treating her well?” Her expression was stern. She doesn’t like it when male wolves act like jerks towards their mates, imposing their wants and not listening to the women. As Luna, she’s educating the younger generation on this subject. She can’t have her own sons disregarding her lessons.
“Yes, mother. We’re doing good. She’s now comfortable with my presence.”
“Good. Up you go, then. I expect to see her during breakfast.”
“Yes. Good night, mother.”
On his way up, he saw his younger brother, Caleb.
“Happy for you, man.” They exchanged a grin.
“You’ll meet yours soon enough.” He assured him.
His brother patted his back before entering his own room. Conrad continued walking towards his. He put on the table everything his mother prepared for Alice. Then, he simply stood next to the bed, watching her face. She’s not having a peaceful sleep, that’s for sure. Her face would scrunch up from time to time. After he calmed himself, he moved to lay next to her. His movements were awkward. He’s not sure where he’s supposed to touch her.
He has one arm on top of her stomach, his hand touching her waist. He cuddled closer to her and pressed a kiss on top of her head. She seemed so small next to him. With her scent surrounding him, he fell asleep in satisfaction.
When Alice woke up early in the morning, she was momentarily startled by his proximity. But somehow, it felt right to her. His presence is calming, a source of comfort to her troubled thoughts. After staring at him for a few minutes, she reached out to embrace his body and sidled closer to him. His scent alone is bliss. Add his warmth to the equation and she’s in heaven.
She felt him move and then his leg was on top of hers, locking her in place. Such a tangle of limbs but it’s not exactly uncomfortable. On the contrary, it made her feel safe. Protected.
When sunlight began to bathe the room, Conrad stirred in his sleep. He rolled on his back before taking a deep breath. He got a lungful of her scent and he quickly looked to his side. Her eyes fluttered open and she yawned. Catching his gaze, she quickly covered her mouth and blushed. It made him grin.
“Good morning, Alice.”
“Good morning.” She mumbled her reply. She quickly got up and went to use the bathroom.
“My mom prepared those things for you. See if there’s anything helpful.” He called after her and she stopped by the bathroom’s door. She looked at where he’s pointing. After seeing them, there was a smile on her face as she walked towards it. More clothes. Comfortable ones. Shirts and pants. Shorts, too. And of course, undies. She chose a set and took them with her.
She liked the warm shower so she spent ten minutes enjoying it. She’s not sure when she’ll have the chance to use these amenities again so she’ll use them as often as she can, while she’s still here. The thought of leaving hasn’t left her mind. Though she found her mate here, she’s not sure if she wants to stay. She doesn’t want to involve him in her problems.
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
“You’re safer here. I’ve said this many times already, I’m going to protect you. I promise you that.” Alice let him pull her closer to him. She stared into his eyes, searching for something. It’s not as if she’s good at discernment but she could usually tell if someone’s lying. Also, he is her mate. He would surely feel compelled to protect her, keep her safe, and have intimate feelings for her. “Would you really?” She wanted confirmation. She wanted to trust his words but she’s afraid he would let her down. These last few months, what she learned is that she can only rely on herself. “I will. You’re a part of me now. You are my mate. If you get hurt, I would feel your pain and I can’t stand that. Your pain is my pain. Your sadness is mine as well. I will keep you safe and make sure you’re happy in this pack. This is your pack now, just as it is mine.” When she looked like she’s going to cry again, he took her into his arms and hugged her tigh