Chapter 8 – Her fears

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 wasn’t difficult at all. She adorably ran towards the left and slumped on the ground, heaving a sigh in relief.

She’s glad but her eyes pooled with tears again. She couldn’t bear losing them. Her mother’s last gift to her.

“Glad you found them.” Conrad sat next to her and they stayed like that for a few minutes.

After a while, he extended an arm and put it around her shoulders. He’s glad she didn’t stiffen or anything to indicate she doesn’t want his touch. He was even more pleased when she leaned on him.

They enjoyed the companionable silence. Having her this close, he’s tempted to kiss her again. It was as if she could hear his thoughts. She looked up at him and they stared into each other’s eyes. Clearly, there was a pull. He gave in to it and kissed her. He was just about to deepen it when someone called him. He almost growled his annoyance.

“Hey, Conrad. Why are you sitting there?”

He recognized the voice as Wayne’s. He glared when he turned to face them.

“Oh, sorry.” It was then that the newcomers saw the woman next to him.

“We’re on our way for our shift. Guard duty. This isn’t a good place for a picnic, is it?” Wayne noticed the food basket next to Conrad.

The man sighed, tempted to yell at the disturbance. That won’t leave a good impression on her, though.

“We retrieved something she left here last night. We’re just taking a break before going near the lake. Why am I even explaining to you?” The last bit was grumbled out, making Wayne and the others chuckle.

“I’m surprised you’re not roaring at any unmated male that looks at your mate.”

At the mention of this, Conrad’s eyes constricted and he sharply looked at the others behind Wayne. Aside from him, the others are unmated trainees.

His action made the others tensed and they quickly looked elsewhere. Anywhere but the woman. Wayne was the only one chuckling, but his expression turned serious when Conrad growled at him.

He huffed, “What? I’m already mated. Ah, fine. We’re leaving now. Shift starts in five minutes. Good luck with your date.”

Wayne led the others away and Conrad turned to see her red face.

“Why are you embarrassed? It’s not as if they know nothing about mates.” His tone was teasing.

Well, he’s not wrong. Even she is aware of what having mates means. The pull between them is not easily ignored. Unless you truly hate the other person, you’re most likely to succumb to it.

She doesn’t hate him. In fact, she would love to have him as her mate. But she’s afraid and her conscience can’t let him and his pack be in danger.

“Should we go to the lake? I guarantee you would like it.” He picked up the basket and took her hand as he stood. She followed quite willingly.

Conrad glanced at her. She’s too quiet. What can they talk about?

“Have you seen a lake before?” He asked, unable to think of anything else.

Her lips curved upwards, “Yes, I have.” It’s not as if lakes are unusual.

“Do you enjoy going on a run?”

Okay, he might have phrased it badly. She’d been on the run for months now. Her step faltered and he felt it when he had to tug her hand forward as they walked.

“I’m sorry. I meant in your wolf form.” He quickly amended.

Alice took a deep breath before walking again. “I do. What kind of wolf doesn’t?”

Conrad is glad to see a small smile on her face again.

“Do you want to go on a run? There’s enough space around the lake. It’s a small lake, actually.”

Alice couldn’t help blushing. She has never transformed into her wolf in front of another person, except her mother.

Seeing her this way, Conrad stated, “Don’t worry. There’s a small house where you can change your clothes.”

Near the lake is a favorite running spot in their pack, so his father allowed the building of a small house near it to accommodate the ladies and to serve as a shelter during sudden rains. Not that most wolves mind rains, but some do.

She was relieved to hear this, “Okay.”

They walked for quite a while and he only managed to ask simple questions.

“What food do you like? I’ll make sure the kitchen prepares them.”

“Please don’t bother them. I can eat anything.” She replied.

“But there must be something you enjoy the most. Does your mother cook?” He kept his tone gentle, not wanting to trigger her. He thought talking about her dead mother is what she needed.

“Yes, all her dishes are delicious. That’s why I can’t choose just one.”

He observed her expression closely, making sure she’s fine talking about it.

“I see. My mom’s a good cook, too. But there are a few dishes she can’t do.”

“Is that so?” Well, she herself can’t cook much, so…

“Yes. Why don’t you tell me the things that makes you happy? You’re in a safe place now. By any chance, do you enjoy cooking?”

The first part of his statement was quite serious but she chuckled upon hearing his last question. She shook her head.

“I can barely cook, so, no. I don’t enjoy cooking. I like chatting with my mother, though, while she works in the kitchen.”

“Is that right? I’m sure mom would love chatting with you. She’s usually in the kitchen before meal times, helping them prepare the food.”

“Your mom is nice.” Alice recalled the warm hug she received from the older woman.

“She likes you.”

“I’m thankful.”

“She would love to have you in the pack, as do I.” Here, he made his position clear. He wants her to stay.

“I can understand your worries. They’re valid. You’re right. The pack could be in danger if we keep you here, but we also can’t not help someone who’s being haunted by evil wolves. Especially when she happens to be you. My mate. My Luna. This pack’s future Luna. You may not be one of us yet, but abandoning you would feel as if we abandoned one of our members. You’re already part of this pack, whether you like it or not. You don’t need to feel guilty about it. You have to trust me. Trust the pack that we will surely keep you safe.”

She can’t help feeling touched by his words.

“How about you? Do you want me here? Won’t you despise if someone else gets hurt? Won’t you blame me if they ruin your pack?” There’s both despair and hope in her eyes.

It breaks his heart to see such an expression on her.

“I’ll surely blame myself if you get hurt. And yes, I want you here. I want you to accept me as your mate.”

She stared into his eyes, wanting to see the depth of his sincerity. He’d shown her nothing but kindness. But still, they’ve only met yesterday.

She took a deep breath before shyly looking away. She doesn’t know what to say to that.