Groggy memories

5

Calypso

I wake up feeling warm and content. I first realized that I was sleeping with my head on the ground. Nothing new there; as I move and stretch, I am aware of muscular arms wrapped around my waist.

That’s new; thoughts of what transpired began to enter my mind in flashes. Then, finally, I slowly rolled to see the man my wolf claimed was her mate. Which in turn meant he was my mate as well.

I turn over and take a look at the man holding me close. All I knew was his wolf was black and beautiful, and he had very muscular forearms. Not to mention I was enjoying the warmth and feeling of contentment I felt while his arms were locked around me. I needed to face the music and figure out what would come next.

When I looked, he looked at me with piercing green eyes, eyes I swear I had seen before. His dark hair was almost black, just like his wolf, and was long, going slightly past his shoulders. His cheekbones were high. You could tell that even with his beard. I couldn’t help but reach out and touch his face. I didn’t know if it was appropriate or not.

Remembering what happened in front of the pack, I felt so ashamed. I wanted desperately to make a good first impression. I blew it! And now I am sure the alpha and beta were going to hunt me down. This poor man before me was going to be caught in the crossfire. His lycan self was unable to go against his alpha but was also unable to let his mate go.

I hid my face in his chest and couldn’t help the tears that started to overflow. “I am so sorry.” I cried against his rather muscular chest that I didn’t even have time to admire.

I was a mess, and I knew it and was unsure how I would get out of this mess for us both. But then, strong hands that were probably not used to being gentle gripped my face. I wondered how it felt to be that physically powerful and learn to control your touch and grip to hold someone the way he was holding me now. I felt like nothing could ever hurt me as long as he held me the way he was.

“What’s the matter, little one?” He questioned me, looking at me with care, yet like he would burn the world for me.

Through my tears try and maintain eye contact with him. “They are never going to let me stay. I ruined everything… I couldn’t control my wolf. I tried so hard, but she wouldn’t let me gain control.”

“It’s okay. We will figure it out, trust me.” He said as he pulled me back to his chest, stroking my hair and then down my back.

“You don’t know that! You don’t know how hard it’s been, and this was my one chance. I knew it was a small chance, but it was still my one chance.” So I spoke, trying to make him understand the gravity of the situation.

“I have more power than you think, plus we have Letha on our side.” He said reassuringly.

“She isn’t going to go against her brother! I don’t stand a chance.” I cry harder, “I don’t want you involved; I am so sorry you got stuck with me as your mate.”

I felt him growl against me before flipping me over and pinning me against the ground. His arms holding mine down, I can’t help but feel another part of his anatomy that woke during this exchange—causing me to blush since I have no experience in this field. I was very unwanted in almost all aspects of life. But his body didn’t care about that.

“When I say we have Letha on our side, you believe me. Don’t second guess me.” But then, he started making me believe he had a more critical role in this pack than I understood. “My sister will not go against us.”

My eyes widen with understanding. I didn’t mate to any ordinary lycan; I was mated to the alpha. “You’re Altas?” I asked in a whispered tone, not fully believing what was happening to me, fully thinking that the alpha was hunting me down, only to realize that I was currently pinned under him.

My wolf immediately wanted to submit to the current power that was imitating him. However, the vampire side of me was unwilling to submit—my two sides of myself were at war with what was happening, and I was unsure how he would react.

“You’re so perfect. I didn’t know why fate would choose you as my mate, but I do now. My wolf likes you want to submit, and I like the fight that’s still on your face.” He said, kissing me senselessly, his mouth capturing my escaped moan. 

His body ground into mine, and it felt like our bodies were fitting together like puzzle pieces. He stopped kissing me and moved down to where my neck met my shoulders. His tongue circled a spot that had my wolf and me whimpering. “One day, this is where I am going to mark you. Everyone will know who you belong to.”

When he said those words, my teeth began to ache with the need to bite him. To mark him as mine and to drink his blood. Both sides of myself were in agreement.

“We can’t do that yet, baby. I don’t know what your blood would do to me.” That thought was like ice water got dumped onto my body. I froze and felt panic.

“We better stop all things... I’ve never….” I started trailing off, embarrassed even to say that nobody had wanted me in any aspect, not as a friend, woman, or equal. It’s hard to put into words something that bothers me on a level that hurts. I never thought my past would probably hurt my future. I thought my vampire side would prevent me from ever finding a mate. I never dreamed that the universe would bless me. 

Never before have I been held or looked at with desire. It’s everything I dreamed it would be. Holding him and being held in return, looking back into his green eyes, the passion that burned hot in them slowly softened to understanding.

I knew at that moment I wouldn’t have to say the words I didn’t need to. He wiped the tear that escaped on his thumb and brought it to his lips, and kissed it.

“Let’s run back, get cleaned up. I am here for you, and I will earn your trust. We will ease you into pack life.” He said slowly, standing up and extending a hand to me.

I took his hand, feeling tiny standing next to him. I thought I was tall, but I had to strain my neck slightly to look up at him. I smile at him, unsure of what exactly to say to him. I didn't have much conversational experience, but he made me want to try. I desperately wanted to be worthy of being with the alpha. Would the universe be so wrong to pair a rejected hybrid with a powerful alpha? The universe hasn't been so kind to me, but maybe it would finally turn around for me. I could only hope, right?

"My place or yours?" I arched my eyebrow at him as I asked, unsure if I would be following him or he would be following me. Technically, he could lead either place, but my wolf enjoyed having him chase her. 

"Let's go to yours, and I will have Letha bring me some clothes over." He stated, and I couldn't help but wonder how he was planning on doing that.

"Are you packing a cell phone I don't know about?" I joked, looking at his muscular naked form with appreciation, knowing that would be a no. 

"In wolf form, I can communicate with my pack. We can also speak with each other. Once you become one of the pack, you should also be able to."

I wasn't so sure I liked that sound, but then again, I will have to get used to this not being alone thing. He frowned at me, looking at me with concern; before he could ask, I let my wolf take over. Letting her run as she playfully taunted him to chase after her. That was a conversation for a different time.