I lifted my palm as i hung upside down, and slapped his ass.
Aries stopped dead in his tracks, before letting out a low growl.
His grip around my thighs and legs tightened, before he continued walking.
God! This man!
Hmmm.
What do i do next?
Try screaming, my wolf piped up.
I agreed before taking in a deep breath, and then let out the screechiest scream i could ever muster.
Aries stopped in his tracks and growled, covering one of his ears with a hand, and holding me tightly with the other.
I stopped screaming because i was out of breath and he kept walking.
Then it hit me like a freight train.
I reached down to his ass and slipped my hand down his pants, giving him a squeeze.
Aries abruptly stopped walking and let out a husky growl before falling to his knees.
I squeaked when he suddenly threw me on the forest ground, in front of him. My dress had slipped down exposing my thighs and i groaned because it has not served it's purpose.
I was on my back, with a triumphant smirk playing on my lips, while his dark eyes raked my body hungrily.
"Why do you do this?" He purred huskily.
My heart skipped a beat at the sound of his voice, "You wouldn't put me down," i countered.
The next thing i knew, Aries parted my legs, and crawled in between.
He pushed me down so that i laid on my back, as he hovered on top gripping my hips with his hands.
He growled huskily, "You shouldn't have done that."
I watched as his dark eyes roamed my face and settled on my lips.
His dipped down and kissed me hungrily, "Mine," he growled.
And for some reason, i wanted to be his.
His lips slipped down my own and raked my chin, my throat, and between my cleavage, then descended the valley of my belly.
My body arched into him, as he went down, until he reached in between my legs, where my throbbing core laid.
Aries took in my scent and moaned.
I gasped and clamped my legs shut, pushing him away.
Aries growled, and tried to pull me back, but i escaped and scrambled to my feet.
I don't know why but i found it funny how frustrated he was, and i giggled.
Aries' eyes widened, as they lightened to the Electric blue colour that i loved so much.
A small smirk crawled onto his lips as he got up and began to chase me.
I squeaked and ran as fast as i could but it wasn't fast enough. I could still feel him on my tail.
I ran faster, and pumped my legs harder, my wolf yipped, and she requested to shift, but i declined because there was a crazy hormonal alpha male gaining on us.
Last thing i needed was his wolf.
I looked back, and saw that Aries was nowhere in sight.
I stopped in my tracks, skidding slightly.
"Hello," someone's voice sounded.
I looked back in front of me and frowned. Where was Aries? And who was this woman in black?
~
Chapter 21- A Trip to Wonderland
Ariel
"You don't know me," the woman stated, clasping her hands together and giving me a wicked smile, "But i know you," she said before chanting, "Phesmatos Pyrox Morsinus Illum," over and over again.
Pain took over my body and mind.
All i felt was pain.
I screamed and fell to my knees clutching my head tightly, trying to lessen the pain. I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to stay strong.
The feeling i was encountering was weird. I felt stinging pain, like pins and needles stabbing me all over, then my body would try to heal itself, but it would be too slow to compensate the pain.
I heard a scream come from further away throughout the forest and i recognised that voice.
Aries..
He was in pain.
I forced my eyes open and saw the woman's smile stretch like a Cheshire cat when she heard him scream.
"W-why?" I croaked.
The woman chanted again, and again.
I screamed louder and louder as my pain increased, then suddenly it all stopped, and the woman was gone.
I fell to the side, my body feeling numb.
Aries' voice was no longer heard.
I looked towards where his voice sounded, tears stinging my eyes.
I wanted to go to him, he was hurt, he needed me, and i needed him. But i couldn't move a single finger.
Tears fell onto my cheeks, and i pleaded and prayed that he'd be alive and well.
My eyes started to droop. My body needed to heal. So i let the darkness take over, hoping that Aries was okay.
~
Bright light burned at my eyelids, and i awakened with a groan.
I stretched my body, cracking any knots.
I ran my hand on the soft surface that i slept on, feeling the plushness of the bed.
Bed?
I peeled my eyes open and yawned, stretching once more.
I looked around to find myself in a familiar room.
Aries' room.
I looked around and spotted his figure sitting on a chair near the bed, with his head in his hands.
"A-aries," i croaked, my voice sounding raspy and dry.
Aries' head snapped up and he looked at me with hollow, pained eyes.
There were dark circles around his eyes, and their colour was lighter. He looked worried and...scared out of his mind. He looked paler than usual and sleep deprived.
"Ariel.." he gasped, shooting out of his seat and scrambling to my side.
He held onto my hands and brought them to his lips as he placed multiple kisses on my knuckles.
I pulled my hands away.
Aries looked at me with hurt evident in his eyes.
Tears stung in my eyes when i recalled what happened last to us.
The woman in black.
My lower lip trembled when the sound of Aries' tortured scream filled my ears.
I threw my arms around his neck and hugged him like there was no tomorrow.
Sobbing, i tightened my grip around his neck, and he held me closer, tighter even as he rubbed my back soothingly.
I slowly pulled away, drying my tears with the back of my hand, "You're okay," i acknowledged, "What happened? Who was that woman?"
Aries looked at me, with a frown on his face. His eyes looked tormented, "I'm so sorry, this is all my fault," he stated, guiltily.
"It's not your fault," i said softly, feeling a pang in my chest.
"Yes it is," he said, "I've been so worried about you, waiting for you to wake up for two days. I thought i was going to go crazy. I-"
"Two days?" I gasped.
"Yes," he answered.
"Wait, wait. So today is the 23rd?" I asked, my heart starting to thump violently against my chest.
"Yes," he repeated.
"Of May?" I asked, with disbelief.
Aries smiled, "Yes, happy, almost, birthday Ariel," he whispered softly, leaning in to plant a kiss on my cheek.
I smiled at him, "Thank you."
Aries took in a deep breath, "I've got a surprise for you."
"What is it?" I asked curiously.
"Are you feeling well? Can you get up?" He asked, his eyes searching me for abnormalities.
I nodded, "I'm fine."
"Alright, then get dressed, we're off for a trip."
"A trip?" I asked.
He nodded.
"Now? Isn't it dangerous? What about my family?"
"They're safe, i sent some of my best trained warriors, and they're safer farther away from you," he said.
"Safer?" I asked, feeling heartbroken.
"Any of my enemies will target you, and they may extend to your family if desperate. The further they are from you, the safer they'll be," he explained.
I nodded.
"What did the woman in black do to you?" I asked him.
Aries looked at me questio
ningly.
I sighed, "I heard you scream."
Realisation dawned upon Aries' face, "She paralysed me. I wasn't ready, i still didn't reach my full potential. I tried to fight it, but i couldn't. Then i heard you scream, and slowly i began feeling your pain." He explained, his eyes darkening.
"How could you feel my pain?" I asked.
"We're partly bonded, remember?" He asked.
I nodded, and sighed, "We're okay now."
Aries pulled me in for a hug, and he kissed the top of my head, before rubbing my back gently, "Yes we are. Let's forget about that, and enjoy today and get ready for tomorrow."
I pulled away and smiled at him, finally nodding.
~
Aries ordered some men to pack our things, and when i asked him where we were going, he'd keep saying that it's a surprise. He said we were taking the private jet and that's all he gave away. I asked if we were going to Paris, London, or a resort on an Island, but he wouldn't answer. So i gave up.
I had picked out a beige crochet crop top with a sweetheart neckline and thin straps. I put on a pair of high waisted jean shorts and the crochet crop top with a pink and beige floral kimono.
I put on some light brown sandals with a matching small leather duffel bag which carried my necessities.
I headed downstairs and spotted Aries in the kitchen, packing us some food in a picnic basket.
He looked...cute.
I approached him, a small sheepish smile creeping on my face. I felt like i caught him pole dancing, naked.
"Hey," i called.
Aries dropped everything in an instant, and turned around, his eyes looking wide. He bit his lips nervously and looked around, rubbing his neck, awkwardly, "Hi."
"Whatcha doin'?" I asked, swinging on my heels with the smile on my face growing wider.
Aries tried to stifle a smile that tried to occupy his lips, and looked at me, pursing his lips before his eyes began to turn into the electric blue shade that i admired.
"I-uh, was packing us something to eat," he stated, trying to repossess the big bad alpha demeanor but failing miserably.
My smile widened, and my eyes lighted with joy, "You made food?" I asked, with disbelief.
Aries just nodded before turning around and packing the last of the small plastic boxes.
I didn't know what it was, but i was really itching to hug him.
Plus, the fact that he cooked, made him ten times more attractive, to my mind.
I took cautious steps towards him, and wrapped my arms around his waist from behind, pulling him towards my body, hugging him tightly. My head was nuzzled, just above his elbow and the top of it almost reached his shoulder height. I shut my eyes and took in his scent which sort of seemed more appealing to me.
I felt him stiffen as all the muscles in his back contracted before relaxing.
"Thank you," i whispered, appreciating the effort he was putting.
If tomorrow, my wolf doesn't identify him as my mate, i'd certainly say that i was going to be missing in on a lot.
As much as i wouldn't like to admit it, he was perfect.
The more i spent time with him, the more i saw that he wasn't the beast that i perceived him to be.
Aries turned around in my arms, and faced me, dipping his head as i looked up at him.
His high cheekbones, sculptured jaw-line, deep blue eyes, straight nose, full pink lips, down to his prominent muscles, broad shoulders and chiseled chest. Everything about him was just...wow.
I never looked this closely. I never saw his blunt beauty. Never this detailed. I knew he was hot, seductive, mysterious, and dangerous, but never beautiful.
Aries wrapped his arms around my waist, and i stepped up on my tiptoes bringing our faces closer.
I wrapped my arms around his neck and gently brushed his facial features with my thumb, my lips parting in awe.
Aries' nose brushed against my own, and small sparks rushed where ever our skins touched. I shuddered under his light touch, as he pressed his forehead against mine.
I took in his spearmint and lavender scent, once more, relishing in it as i closed my eyes.
I felt Aries mimic my actions, as we just rested in each other's embrace.
Is this how it felt like to be mated? Could he really be my mate?
Just a few more hours till my wolf confirms my feelings and i will be sure that i, hopefully, didn't fall hard for a random wolf. I wasn't in love with him, not yet at least, but i couldn't deny that i felt strongly about him, even though i felt like i shouldn't and tried to refuse the thought.
I pushed him away for so long, when i should've let him in from the beginning. It felt good to be cared for, for real. It felt...right. Like these were the arms that were meant to hold me.
At this moment, i didn't care where Aries took me, as long as we were together, hopefully everything would be just right. I didn't need to go to Paris or London or to a resort on an island, all i needed was to be in his comforting arms, where my safety laid, where it felt like Wonderland.
Chapter 22 - I'm Taken
Ariel
Someone cleared their throat, and we both pulled away.
I turned around to find Jake, smirking.
Jake covered his eyes, "Keep it PG people!" He hollered, trying to stifle a laugh.
Aries growled while i bursted out laughing.
Jake uncovered his eyes and strode towards us, his eyes playfully raking my attire, "You lookin' fine, smexy mama," he joked, winking at me.
Aries' eyes darkened while he took a menacing step towards Jake.
Jake rolled his eyes, patting Aries on the back before grabbing an apple from the fruit basket laid out on the counter, "Don't get your boxers in a twist, buddy buddy."
I grinned at them both, and Aries let out a sigh, giving up on Jake while shaking his head.
"When are we leaving?" I asked.
"Whenever you're ready."
I nodded, smiling at Aries as i pulled out some orange juice from the refrigerator.
I poured some for myself and Aries, then handed him his cup.
"Thank you," he said, before taking a sip of his juice.
"You're welcome," i replied, and it was awkward for a second because Jake was just watching us, as he ate.
"Ariel," a voice called.
Was that Michael?
"Ari!" He called once more.
Yup, that's him.
"In here!" I yelled guiding him to the kitchen.
Aries tensed up and he placed his cup on the counter.
He was about to leave when i heard my wolf slightly whimper.
My wolf's reaction confused me, but i nonetheless, reached out to hold Aries' hand and stop him from leaving.
Aries looked down at me, confused, but i smiled at him, wrapping my arms around his waist as i hugged him.
Aries hesitantly but gently wrapped an arm around my shoulder, squeezing me closer to his side.
Michael walked into the kitchen, with a smile on his face, "You're bac-" he began, his smile falling as his eyes spotted Aries and i.
His eyes darkened and my eyes widened, "What are you doing?" He asked me.
I looked at our situation and looked at Jake panicking.
I heard Aries growl lowly, as his body stiffened. I looked at Aries and saw a frown on his face with his eyebrows knitted and his forehead creased.
My wolf whimpered loudly, which caught Aries' attention.
"Ariel?" Michael called, his voice cracking.
My wolf felt torn. I felt torn.
I looked back at Michael, and hurt filled his eyes. I took a step towards Michael to comfort him, but as i left Aries' side, i felt cold. So cold.
Aries' wolf whimpered, and my heart shattered into a million pieces.
I looked back to Aries and his eyes wandered as he clenched his jaw.
I stood in the middle, confused.
What are you doing Ariel? Come to me, i've missed you. Michael mind-linked me.
I blo
cked Michael out, as my wolf growled at him trying to give me orders. Once my vision cleared up, i looked at Aries and his body was shaking with anger, fuming even. His eyes were darker and he was gritting his teeth.
"What are you waiting for?" Aries growled, "Choose." He ordered me.
My wolf whimpered once more, wanting to submit to him.
What's wrong with you? I asked her.
I don't know, i feel something towards him. I-it's different. I-i need to listen to him. She replied unsure.
"Choose?" I asked Aries. He was making me choose between them?
"Don't make me repeat myself," Aries hissed.
My heart raced as i looked at Michael and back to Aries.
I'm sorry Michael, my loyalties lie elsewhere now, i mind-linked him, before walking towards Aries and wrapping my arms around his neck, then placing a kiss on his lips.
Aries slowly wrapped his arms around me, and turned the soft gentle kiss, into a rough one.
He responded right away, kissing me hard, shoving his tongue through my lips, and placing a hand behind my neck to push me closer.
His tongue stroked mine and a moan was ripped out of my lips before i could control it.
Aries growled into the kiss, sending shivers down my spine.
I heard a long whistle, and we broke the kiss as i giggled.
It was Jake, watching us amused, "And finally you two accept each other," he announced.
My cheeks felt warm as i smiled at him.
I looked to where Michael stood but he was nowhere to be found.
"You ready babe?" Aries' deep husky voice sounded.
Goosebumps trailed on my arms at the sound of his voice, but i nonetheless nodded.
We began heading out of the kitchen when i remembered, "Wait here, i forgot my phone in the charger."
Aries nodded, smiling at me.
My heart stopped and i died then went to heaven.
A stupid grin made it's way to my face before i turned around and headed upstairs to our room.
Walking inside my wolf stirred within me.
I strode towards my charger and pulled it out of the outlet, grabbing my phone in hand.
I began to turn around, when suddenly a hand with some white tissue covered my nose and mouth.
I struggled and tried to scream, kicking and turning, but slowly my vision began to go blurry. I called out to my wolf, but i couldn't feel her anymore.
Aries (Gods & Monsters Series Book 1) Page 21