Chapter 14 : A Wolf’s Satisfaction

Ren’s Point of View

Ren’s laughter lingered in the quiet seminar hall long after Elena had left, the sound echoing softly off the walls. He shook his head, a faint smile still tugging at his lips. She had caught him completely off guard - not something that happened often - and the way she had taken control of the situation was… refreshing.

She’s bold, he thought, a flicker of admiration warming his chest.

She had to be, his wolf interjected, its tone laced with amusement. Because you’re hopeless.

Ren sighed, his smile fading slightly as he leaned against the edge of the desk. Here we go, he thought, bracing himself for the inevitable teasing.

She handed you her phone, Ren, the wolf continued, its growl now a low rumble of satisfaction. Because you didn’t have the guts to ask for her number yourself. A human woman had to take the lead. Do you know how embarrassing that is for me?

Ren rolled his eyes, though he couldn’t deny the truth of the words. I was being careful, he countered. She’s human or at least, she thinks she is. I can’t rush her.

Careful? the wolf scoffed. You’ve been circling her like a lovesick pup for weeks. Careful isn’t working. You’re lucky she has more sense than you do.

Ren pinched the bridge of his nose, trying to quiet the wolf’s relentless commentary. It’s not about sense. It’s about timing. She’s not ready to know the truth.

Then stop acting like a fool and make sure you don’t lose her while you wait for the perfect moment, the wolf growled. Because if you leave it up to chance again, she might decide you’re not worth the trouble.

The thought sent a chill through Ren, and his grip on the desk tightened. His wolf wasn’t wrong - not entirely. He had been careful, maybe too careful, and it had almost cost him. If Elena hadn’t taken the initiative today, would he have found the courage to make the first move?

She’s bold, the wolf said again, though this time its tone was softer, almost approving. And smart. She’s everything we need.

Ren’s lips curved into a faint smile. I know.

Then don’t screw it up.

Ren straightened, shaking off the lingering doubts as he made his way out of the seminar hall. The late afternoon light bathed the campus in a warm glow, but his thoughts were already on the evening ahead.

She had asked him out.

The memory of her confident smile, the way she had tilted her head and handed him her phone with such ease - it made his chest tighten and his pulse quicken. She wasn’t just bold; she was fearless. And she had chosen him.

His wolf growled softly in satisfaction, the sound almost a purr. She’s ours.

Ren’s steps slowed as he crossed the courtyard, his gaze drifting to the distant tree line beyond the campus. There was still so much she didn’t know - so much he couldn’t explain yet. The prophecy, her connection to the shifter world, the reason he had been drawn to her in the first place - it all loomed over him like a shadow, waiting to be revealed.

But for now, he pushed those thoughts aside. Tonight wasn’t about destiny or secrets. It was about her.

When Ren returned to the pack house, Kael was waiting for him in the common room, a knowing smirk already plastered across his face.

“Well?” the beta asked, leaning casually against the arm of a chair. “How did it go?”

Ren raised an eyebrow, dropping into the seat across from him. “How did what go?”

Kael snorted. “Don’t play dumb. I know you went back to see her today.”

Ren leaned back, his lips quirking into a faint smile. “She asked me out.”

Kael blinked, clearly caught off guard. “Wait - she asked you?”

“Yes,” Ren said, his tone deliberately calm.

Kael laughed, shaking his head. “And here I thought you were the one who’d be making the moves. Guess I overestimated you.”

Ren growled softly, though there was no real heat behind it. “I was… giving her space.”

“Uh-huh,” Kael said, still grinning. “Well, I’m glad one of you took charge. Otherwise, we’d be waiting until the next century for you two to figure things out.”

Ren shot him a warning look, but Kael just chuckled.

“All joking aside,” Kael said, his tone softening, “I’m happy for you. Just… be careful, okay? The pack’s already starting to notice your absences, and if they find out you’re seeing someone - especially someone human  - it’s going to raise questions.”

“I know,” Ren said, his expression darkening slightly. “But this isn’t something I can ignore, Kael. She’s my mate. I’ll figure out the rest as I go.”

Kael nodded, his expression thoughtful. “Good. Because if she’s really the one, you’re going to need her more than you realize.”

Later that evening, Ren stood in front of his closet, his wolf unusually vocal as he debated what to wear.

Not that shirt, the wolf growled. You look like a librarian.

Ren sighed, tossing the shirt onto the bed. You do realize she doesn’t care what I wear, right?

She’s human, the wolf countered. She notices these things. Wear the black one. It makes you look less boring.

Ren rolled his eyes but reached for the suggested shirt, pulling it on and adjusting the collar. His wolf’s grumble of approval was faint but satisfying.

As he grabbed his keys and headed out the door, his mind drifted back to Elena - her smile, her laugh, the way she had taken control when he couldn’t.

Tonight, he thought, a quiet determination settling over him. I’ll make sure she knows how much she matters.

His wolf growled softly in agreement, its voice filled with anticipation. Don’t screw it up this time.