Chapter Two

One Night Stand

~Orion~

This lady who had caught my attention stumbled and laughed, her eyes fixated on me as if searching for a secret I held. The way she squatted childishly, trying to catch a glimpse of my face, amused me.

"Uh, is he really an assassin?" she slurred, unable to contain her laughter. "Shhh... I won't tell anyone, I promise." With a finger pressed to her lips, she continued to giggle uncontrollably.

Amused by her antics, Gabriel decided to play along. Putting a finger over my his lips, mimicking her gesture. "Shhh... Don't tell anyone," he whispered, a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.

Were they making fun of me? The thought crossed my mind as I observed their behaviour. But the amusement in their eyes hinted that their intentions were lighthearted.

Suddenly, a young lady with blonde hair and a petite frame rushed over, clearly concerned. "Freya! Oh my... I am so sorry, please. She was with me just a few minutes ago, but when I turned around, I couldn't find her. Please forgive her for any trouble she might have caused. Freya, let's go. Now!" she pleaded, her voice tinged with worry.

So, this intriguing lady's name was Freya. The pieces started falling into place. Freya's intoxicated state piqued my curiosity. What had led her to drink so excessively? She was undeniably beautiful, her luscious mane a sight to behold. Even in her inebriated state, her voice carried a melodious charm. Her confidence was infectious, but I couldn't dismiss the possibility that her boldness stemmed from the influence of the rum.

"And who are you?" I finally spoke up, growing somewhat annoyed that this unknown woman was whisking away the source of my entertainment.

The woman tried to peer at my face, but her vision failed her. "I am her friend. We came here together. I'd like to take her home now; it's getting late."

"Home? What were you both doing here in the first place? Two beautiful maidens like you, coming here to drink among men. And how is it that you didn't get yourself as drunk as your friend did?" Gabriel, my companion, interjected with a stern gaze.

"No, it's not what you think," the blonde woman hurriedly explained. "Freya and I were sitting behind the tavern, that's where we usually drink. Today, things got out of hand. I think something upset her, so she drank herself into a stupor."

"Interesting. So, you two are regulars here," I leaned forward, intrigued by their choice of venue.

"Hey! Why are you scolding my friend?" Freya's voice rang out defiantly. "We're here to have some fun, so leave us alone." With a wobbly grace, she stood up to dance when the music started. Almost losing her balance, she was caught immediately by my outstretched arms. At that moment, an inexplicable sensation coursed through me, evoking goosebumps on my skin.

Freya gazed at my face and smiled. "Thank you." Her smile was the most beautiful I had ever seen.

As the night wore on, Freya struggled to stay steady on her feet, extending her hands towards me as if asking me to join her. "Will you dance with me, assassin?" she smiled, her eyes sparkling.

I hesitated for a moment, but something inside me compelled me to take a step forward, grasping her hands in mine. We danced together in the middle of the room, oblivious to the curious onlookers. I didn't care about the whispers or judgments that might have followed. Freya's graceful movements guided me, and I surrendered myself to her rhythm and steps.

Gabriel's jaw dropped, his disbelief evident. I knew what he must be thinking—how did a strict and ruthless man like me, who rarely smiled, end up dancing with a drunken lady? Freya's friend stared at us wide-eyed, as if witnessing the antics of two mad individuals. But I paid no heed to the other patrons.

The truth was, I was captivated by this mysterious woman. Despite her inebriation, there was an undeniable allure about her. And as we danced, I felt an intense and electrifying connection between us.

Eventually, Freya succumbed to exhaustion, passing out in my arms. I held her close, carrying her back to our table. The blonde woman, her friend, approached us, ready to depart.

"I think that's it. We should be going now," she stated, attempting to take Freya from my embrace. But I clung onto her as if she were my possession.

"Are you planning to walk back home with her in this state?" I asked, genuine concern lacing my voice.

"No, I brought my horse. We'll ride back," she explained.

"I have a better plan. The tavern has rooms. I can arrange one for both of you to stay in. You can remain there until dawn," I suggested.

"No, we can't. My parents would not be happy if I didn't return home tonight," she protested.

"Then leave her with me. She'll be safe in my care," I insisted.

"No, I insist. I'll leave with my friend. You won't tell me what to do," she retorted, her determination unwavering.

"Orion, let her go. I'm sure they'll make it home before it gets too late," Gabriel interjected, his eyes pleading with me. He knew how stubborn I could be.

"Orion! Are you... Alpha Orion?" the blonde woman suddenly asked, surprise evident in her voice.

I pulled back my hood, revealing my true identity. The blonde immediately knelt, apologizing for her earlier rudeness. She confessed that she believed Freya would be safe as long as I was present. However, she explained that she had to make her way home, as her absence would worry her parents.

Left alone with Freya, I lifted her gently onto my shoulder. She wasn't a large woman, nor was she too small. Carrying her felt like holding a bag of wool—light and soft to the touch. Gabriel aided me in securing one of the tavern's best rooms for her before returning home.

Once inside the room, I laid Freya gently on the bed. Opening one of the windows to allow for fresh air, I contemplated my strange behaviour. Why was I doing all this for a woman I had just met? A drunk one, at that!

After replenishing the fire in the fireplace, and bathing the room in a warm glow, I approached the bed to cover Freya with a blanket. I stood to leave, but to my surprise, her hand reached out, gripping my wrist tightly.

Freya had awakened suddenly, her brilliant blue eyes fixated on me. I waited, anticipating her words, but none came. She continued to stare, unblinking. I attempted to free my wrist gently, but her grip remained steadfast.

Nasty thoughts stirred within me, and I knew I had to leave the room immediately. Yet, before I could act, Freya tugged me back towards the bed, where she now sat upright. She had a look that made her no longer appear drunk, and her silence only added to the air of intrigue. It was an awkward moment, torn between my beastly desires and my human conscience, urging me to resist temptation. Alas, my beast prevailed.

Unable to restrain myself any longer, I succumbed to the intoxicating allure before me. Freya willingly surrendered herself, and I acted upon my instincts—trained from birth to pursue what I desired. And at this very moment, I only desire Freya.

Passion engulfed us both as we indulged in our desires under the gentle moonlight. It was an experience like no other, and that night became the most memorable of my entire existence.

Having been with numerous women in the past, engaging in countless one-night stands, I had never felt such pleasure until now. There was something undeniably special about Freya. She evoked emotions and sensations within me that were beyond explanation.

With a wide smile on my face and a heart full of exhilaration, I slowly drifted into a deep slumber.