“And that is?” he asks impatiently when I don’t expand further.
“Elk of course,” I grin at him.
“Good choice,” he smiles back.
A young woman with big hazel eyes like mine and curly brown hair walks up to our table with a determined look on her face. I sit up and prepare for whatever she wants. Darien catches the change in my posture and turns to face our company.
“Alex,” Darien greets her.
“Darien. Glad you’re back home safe,” his presence seems to stun her momentarily before her features soften.
“Thanks. It’s good to be home,” he waits a moment to see what she came over here for, but he gets impatient. “Is something going on?” and her determined look returns.
“I was just wondering if it was a good idea to be on a date when you just brought a royal home to be your mate,” she says curiously, slurring her words slightly. We both stare at her dumbfounded. I can smell the alcohol on her, and though I haven’t done much drinking, I have heard that it dulls our senses a bit. She must not be able to smell that we have mated.
“Alex. This is my mate,” he motions towards me and the woman’s eyes widen.
“Oh, thank God! I figured so, but I thought it was too good to be true. We were expecting a snobby, Prada-wearing, ice queen from the north, and while that may work for other Alphas, that would never work for you, Darien,” she says with laughter and relief before sliding into the booth next to me. “Hi, I’m Alexia, or just Alex for short,” she smiles at me and holds out her hand to me.
“Ari,” I take her hand in return. Her sass and boldness make me like her instantly. She is beautiful, though I sense she is older than me, and Darien even, but not by much. It’s hard to tell since the aging process slows down in our 20’s.
Alex tells me about how she’s new to the pack. She lived in Northern California where Darien has just recently claimed territory in the past year. She didn’t run into trouble with her old Alpha, but she knew the rumors.
She came here to meet her new pack mates, fell in love with the town, and never left. No one in my pack had ever tried so hard to talk to me before, and I didn’t have to run away anymore. As of today, I was starting my life and I may already be making my first friend.
She tries to ask about me, but Darien clears his throat loudly and raises a thick eyebrow at her.
“What? Cool your jets. Am I not allowed to talk to your mate?” she asks in a snarky voice.
“Um, we are kind of on a date,” he says trying to keep hold on his temper. Alexia’s face turns bright red as she looks back and forth between us.
“Whoops, my bad,” she says, and now I wonder if she’s closer to my age than I thought, or perhaps younger even. “I guess that’s why you cancelled the meeting tonight. Sorry, it was nice to meet you though, Ari,” she surprises me with a hug and whispers in my ear before disappearing from our booth.
Darien gives me a curious look. I smile shyly back at him.
“What did—,” he tries to speak, but the waiter arrives at that moment, causing him to swear under his breath in frustration. Our waiter is definitely human, but he smiles at Adam as if he knows him. With this small of a town, he most-likely does.
I order lemon water when he asks what I’d like to drink. Darien does the same and puts in our food order as well so that we don’t get interrupted again I assume.
“What did she say to you?”
“Nothing much,” I play coy and try to change the subject. “So, the pack meeting is tomorrow then?” He frowns at my withheld information but lets it slide for now.
“Yes. This was far more important. Besides, we have already mated so the worry of someone else trying to claim you has dissipated,” I blush at his words and look around to make sure no one heard him. “Don’t worry,” he grabs my hand “no one here heard anything. Any wolf that sees you will know you’re mine because of my scent now mingled with yours.”
Even those words have me blushing, and I turn away when the waiter deposits our drinks on the table. Darien thanks him before he turns to leave again.
His hands reach for mine across the table and mine automatically comply. His touch makes my skin tingle, and when he looks into my eyes I want to melt in my seat.
“You are absolutely breathtaking. How did I get so lucky? Please, tell me more about you. I want to know everything,” he says seductively. He keeps forgetting that I’m boring and a pain in the ass. Does he not remember I’ve attacked him in as many days as I’ve known him?
“Like I said, there’s not much to tell,” but I give him what info I can. I tell him about my Dad and my brother, along with my coldhearted mother, and my uncles that he got to meet. He listens intently as I talk about how they took me under their wing, and that I loved watching movies of all kinds, eating banana splits, playing cards, and beat boxing.
He raises his brows in either surprise or horror, or probably a combination of the two. I enjoy watching him squirm as he tries to recover his panicked features.
“Okay, maybe I’m pulling your leg on that last one,” I laugh and he breathes a sigh of relief. “Everything else you pretty much already know. Fighting, running, getting abducted, and now here with you.” I pause and try to think of anything I might have missed and realize I have. “Oh, and fishing, though I’ve mostly only done ice fishing.”
“Nothing boring about you, Ari Wilder. However, very soon I’m going to change your name, and now that you’re where you belong, you might find even more hobbies and learn even more about yourself. Someday you will see yourself how I already see you.”
My heart threatens to beat out of my chest at his sweet words, and I’m so awkward that I don’t know how to reply. I’m saved by our food arriving just in time.
For a little hole in the wall place, it is well decorated and the food is top notch. I went from one small town to the next but I have no issue with that whatsoever. If I ever was a runaway, I planned to go somewhere warmer. As a wolf I don’t mind the cold but the feel of the sun, and the magic of the ocean calls to me.
The beauty of coastlines and beaches in Alaska can’t be beaten, but even us wolves can’t tolerate the cold waters without a wetsuit on. I want to be able to go to the ocean and feel the cool, salty water on my bare skin.
“What are you thinking about?” Darien asks, taking notice that I have drifted off to dreamland. Again, I shy away at revealing each and every detail about me, but one look in his beautiful, intrigued eyes beg for my secrets, and I want nothing more than to give him everything.
“I was just thinking about how I have always wanted to go to the California and Oregon coast.”
He smiles brightly at my admission.
“I can grant that wish,” he says happily, and my insides dance with excitement. “Unfortunately, not right away, but I promise that we will go someday soon.” I want to kiss him right then and there but the table between us allows me to only reach my hand out to his.
“I’d like that. Thank you,” he takes my hand and squeezes.
“However, I have a favor I’d like in return,” and the dangerous look in his eyes has me wary. I tilt my head as I await his request. “Before we go to the ocean, would you teach me how to fish,” he asks a little embarrassed. I grin from ear to ear, pleased that he is interested in something I like, and not afraid to ask for my help versus having a male teach him.
“I would be happy to,” I continue to grin and squeeze his hand back. Neither of us lets go as we one-handedly finish eating the elk, cheesy garlic mashed potatoes, and chopped asparagus.
When we finish, and he pays the bill, I’m reminded again that I want a job. I decide it’s not best to bring it up while we are on a date. I will have to find a newspaper or get online to hunt for jobs.
Still holding my hand, we head back to the Toyota Tundra he drove us here in and is about to open my door, but instead pushes me up against the truck and captures my mouth with his.
My body, apparently having a
mind of its own, grinds against him as I kiss him back with equal need and passion.
“Damn,” he reluctantly pulls away, and I want to pull him right back to me. I ask him what’s wrong with a subtle tilt of my head. “I want to take you home, or just take you right here and now in my truck, but this is your first date, and I want to do it right,” he admits.
While I am having a good time, I want to beg him to do one of the first two options, but I hold my tongue. He kisses me once more, softly this time, and then opens my door for me to climb in.
He hops in the driver’s seat and drives away from the direction of home, and I try not to be bummed out by that.
We arrive at a large beach area next to a wide part of the river. I assume it’s probably a popular spot in the summertime. I follow his lead and exit the truck. A muscular arm wraps around me, and together we stroll down towards a grassy area where Darien pulls us down into a sit. I take in the sights, smells, and sounds all around me, enjoying the beauty of nature in my human form. In this moment, I feel at peace next to my mate.
“You have done this before, haven’t you?” I accuse playfully.
“Only a couple times, but I’ve never taken them to that restaurant or this spot. Nor did I get any farther or want to go any farther than a kiss. I saved a lot of firsts for you.”
“Apparently I saved all my firsts for you,” I retort.
“Thank heavens for me,” he pulls me in for a sweet kiss, and for some reason the combination of our surroundings plus his touch has my head spinning, and hormones raging. He looks at me with pure sexiness and I know he smells my arousal, just as I can feel his.
“So, what did you do on your other dates,” I try to distract him and myself. As much as I would like to give myself to him right here, we are too close to the main road for my comfort.
“Usually just a movie at the theater and maybe dinner or dessert at a fast food place or diner; nothing too intimate. I wasn’t interested in any of the women I dated, but being an Alpha, even a young Alpha, I have been pressured into dating to find a mate and create an heir.” His mention of a baby stuns me for a moment. I never considered finding a real mate, therefore never considered children. I will be expected to birth that heir.
Werewolves almost never use protection. Pregnancy is few and far between for us but also a blessing, so why would we, unless you’re like me and don’t want to be used for your womb?
I want to be more than just a tool to create a male heir. Staying home popping out kids and playing my mother’s role is exactly what I don’t want to end up doing.
“I know it sounds crazy, but I can’t help but picture a little girl with your beautiful blue-green eyes and wavy brown hair,” his words shake me out of my inner tirade.
“You mean after I give you a male heir?” I taunt, and watch his reaction closely. He shrugs his shoulders as he stares out into the night, and I’m left speechless at his indifference over the situation.
“To be honest, I never really thought or cared about bringing children into this world. Not until I met you, that is. I want to see you pregnant with our child, but if you couldn’t or didn’t want to, I would be content just spending the rest of my life with just you.” He looks at me when I don’t respond for a while.
Everything I had ever known or thought was being blown to pieces. A few words from my mate and all my fears seem to wash away. This man wants me whether I can give him an heir or not, where other women who couldn’t produce have been shoved aside and replaced by another who could. He is turning my world upside down. Once again, it’s making me question everything I have done in my life up to this point. Could I really have choices?
I let myself picture it for a moment. I see the look in his eyes when he sees me round with his child, our child. Then flashes of him holding our child, loving them, and helping guide them through this life. It’s a beautiful dream that I had never let myself witness before.
“Ari, are you okay?” he asks with genuine concern, shaking me out of the chaos in my mind. I don’t know how to answer yet so I just smile reassuringly at him. He knows there is a storm going on in my head, but he doesn’t pry. Instead he wraps me in his arms, my back to his chest, and our hearts beat in the same rhythm as we watch the constant changing river run free.
Darien
Ari is still lost in thought as we pull up to our home. I knew change wouldn’t come easy. Growing up I had no idea what love was. My parents had never really gotten along but they stayed out of each other’s way. Of course, my mother always stood by his side as a show of support whenever needed, but it was all a front, and I hated it.
I imagined Ari, a girl even younger than me, having nothing in common, and her pretending by my side just to reap the benefits of being an Alpha’s mate. How could I have been so wrong?
I assumed it would be a long time before we even felt comfortable to mate. We don’t even need to hold a pack meeting. Any wolf that crosses paths with her will know that she is mine, and I am damn pleased by that.
She makes me feel things I never thought I could feel. Every breath she takes, every word she speaks gives my life meaning. Dating I assumed would be a nuisance and unnecessary, but it felt so easy with her silly humor, warm smiles, and her appreciation for the simple things. I only wish I knew what she was thinking at times like this.
I shut off the truck, and together we exit. Quickly meeting her on her side, I take her hand to walk her up to the porch.
“Thank you,” her words stop me, and I turn towards her, looking into her beautiful sea glass eyes.
“For what?” I stare at her in question.
“For my first date,” she blushes and looks away. She is so confident and fierce all the time, but I am the lucky bastard who gets to see her insecure, awkward moments, and it’s simply adorable. “I had a better time than I dreamed possible.” Her sweetness floors me, and I’m pleased to know she had a good time, regardless of our lack of fancy amenities in the area.
Pulling her in close, I gently kiss her lips before I say, “Silly mate, the night’s not over yet.”
She has no time to respond before I lift her in my arms, open the front door, then carry her over the threshold. Not even bothering with the lights, I close the door and move into the living room. I set her on her feet near the fireplace and cover her lips with mine before she can speak.
I reach my hand along the wall for the switch to the gas fireplace. After finding it and turning it on, I back her up towards the couch without breaking the kiss. Ari meets my passion when my hands grasp her perfectly shaped ass. Without missing a beat, she wraps her legs around me without a fight, and I guide her down onto the cushions.
She writhes against me in need, and I plan to fulfill that need soon, but I want to show her what she means to me.
My hands are in the hair that I have longed to run my fingers through from the moment I laid my eyes on this wild woman. I caress her face and body, as our lips and tongues move in sync together. Mine. My Goddess. I claim this woman with every part of my being. She could be the Goddess of Destruction and I wouldn’t care in the slightest.
I lift her shirt over her head, breaking our kiss, and then my lips find her neck. Her hands hold on to me as I kiss and suckle her exposed skin while I work her bra off. Her upper half is exposed and I take a second to look at her. Beautiful skin, sexy messy brown hair, and hungry eyes stare back at me. I lean back down to kiss her again. The vibration of her moan against my lips melts away the last bit of my control. I can’t wait any longer. I need her now.
Still holding her sweet lips captive, I start unbuttoning my shirt. Impatiently, she steps in to help before quickly unbuttoning my jeans as well. When her hand glides down my length over my boxers, I am almost done for. I stand to remove my boots and the last of my clothes and then throw a blanket and some pillows on the area rug.
I take off her boots as well, and then rip off her jeans that she has already undone for me. It is then that I find my little vix
en went commando this evening. She smiles wickedly up at me.
“You are going to be the death of me, Ari,” I breathe before lifting her off the couch and moving her down onto the blanket and pillows. I cover her body with mine and her fingers reach for me, tickling my skin, making my whole body tighten with pleasure.
I watch the light of the fire dance on her skin as I firmly enter her, forcing a sexy moan from her lips. She is soaking wet for me, and it takes everything I have to resist letting go right then and there. Her insides squeeze me tight, and I start to move as she pulls me in deep.
She moves with me, her hands searching my body for God knows what, but it feels heavenly.
Her wild need for me makes me even harder, and I know I don’t have long now. I find her dark swollen lips and capture them, biting and sucking as I push deeper and harder into her.
She takes everything I give her and every movement and sound she makes brings me closer to release. I want this moment to last forever, but the feel of her is making that impossible.
I pull her tight against me, burying myself in her as deep as I can, and she moans my name along with curses of pleasure.
“Ari,” I call her name. Her heated gaze meets mine as I stare into her soul. “I love you, Ari,” I pronounce and her eyes glisten with tears that she forces back. She grips me harder and I say it again as I pump furiously into her.
Ari screams my name as she comes undone, her orgasm squeezing me for all I’m worth as I release into her.
I collapse next her when I have nothing left to give, and pull her into my arms. She doesn’t resist, and with my free hand, I tickle her sensitized skin before pressing my lips to the top of her head.
Only a few minutes pass before she is softly breathing as she sleeps in my arms. What I said is true. I love her. I probably loved her the moment I saw her on that jet. I didn’t expect to hear it back, and I won’t hold my breath waiting for her to return the sentiment. She will say it when she’s ready. Until then, I will show her my love and make sure she is safe and happy.
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