Conrad decided to give her more time. He understands it won’t be easy for her to trust him when she spent the last few months only relying on herself and the others she’d been with.
When they neared the lake, he heard her softly gasp.
“It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” He’s proud of this scenery. It’s one of the best places in their territory. Also, it’s calming.
The surface of the lake is calm and reflects the mountains beyond. The colors are clear, perfectly simulating a mirror.
Her pace became faster and she almost skipped towards it, going ahead of him.
He chuckled at her reaction. He’s glad she likes it.
Alice also noticed the cute houses that were situated near the lake. There were two of them. She assumed those were the houses he mentioned. Her gaze focused on the lake and its water surface. She breathed in the fresh air, too. His scent of apples tickled her nostrils. It made her shiver. Mate, huh?
When her mother lectured her about mates, she kept covering her ears. Some of those things were embarrassing. She never liked anyone in their pack so she couldn’t relate to some of the things her mother said. In a way, when she sensed him as mate, some of those lessons came to her mind. If they accept each other, he would have to mark her. And then, they would have to be intimate. Her face burned at imagining it. She’d never been naked in front of another person. Again, except her mother. How could she do those things with him? She was kissed for the first time yesterday and yes, she liked it. It was nice and gave her a very warm, fuzzy feeling. Her mother told her it’s going to be instinctual if it happens. Just go with it, if you accept your mate. He’ll take care of you.
Still… she’s embarrassed by the thought of letting him see her naked body. Since she only shifted into her wolf a year ago and she didn’t have much experience doing it, she’s not comfortable flinging her clothes away. She knew most men are very comfortable parading their nudity. It’s second-nature to them. For women, it’s completely different, though there are definitely some that are very comfortable with it, too. She’s not one of them.
“I think there are extra clothes inside the house. But you won’t need them unless you ruin your clothes.” Conrad stood next to her before escorting her inside.
“Are you going to run with me?” She’s suddenly nervous. Would he shift with her?
“Do you not want to? I can just watch you from here if you’re more comfortable with that.”
Alice hesitated. She’ll be more comfortable, yes. But… she’s curious about his wolf.
“I think running together would be better, right?”
The way he brightened up is cute. Right, he’s definitely much older than her.
“How old are you?” Her eyebrows furrowed. It must be a rude question, so she quickly covered her mouth.
“I mean…” How should she apologize for her slip of tongue?
“I’m twenty-eight. Does that bother you?” He ran a hand through his hair, a little concerned. They have a nine-year gap between them.
“No. I’m just curious. You still look young. Just older than me.”
He was relieved to hear her mumblings.
“Ready to shift? I’ll wait for you outside.”
“Oh, okay.” Why did she even assume that he’ll shift with her inside the house? Stupid her, she scolded herself.
The thing is, she’s not used to shifting. It takes her more time than others. She still feels the pain but it’s now bearable compared to the first few times she did it.
When she’s fully transformed, she made her way towards the door and pushed it open. Huh, didn’t she push it as well coming in? It’s a nice door.
She found a larger wolf waiting for her. His fur is pure white. She would definitely ask him about it later. Most wolves have black fur, or darker shades. White… that’s unique.
He gestured with his head and started walking towards the side of the lake. She quickly followed. When she caught up with him, he started a light run. And then, they were playing who runs faster. It was immensely fun.
She knew he was just accommodating her. There’s no way she could outrun someone like him. She enjoyed their time playing near the lake very much. It must have been over an hour before they got tired. Well, she was more tired than him. They shifted back and she wore her clothes again, grabbing her daggers.
There’s a built plank, some sort of walkway, near the lake and Conrad was setting up the picnic there. Alice took a deep breath as she made her way towards him. He doesn’t look tired at all.
Conrad glanced at her and smiled. It’s been a while since he had a fun run and he’s happy to have done it with her. Normally, he’s preoccupied with his duties and responsibilities in the pack. When he run with the others, it’s for training.
Her wolf was like any other. Dark brown fur. Brown eyes, just like the one he’s staring at right now.
She raised an eyebrow when she noticed the different way he’s looking at her.
In response, he simply smiled again. He may not have seen anything out of ordinary, something that would make her special or better than any other wolf, but he knew he would treasure her as his mate. He only needed her to exist.
“Are you hungry? Let’s see what mom packed for us.” He assisted her in sitting on the edge of the plank. Her feet almost touching the water below.
Alice couldn’t help returning his smile. He does make her feel safe. If only it could last…
“I don’t get hungry when I’m tired.” She honestly told him how she’s feeling.
“I see. Here, drink this then.” He gave her a tumbler filled with lemonade.
She already drank half of it before realizing there seems to be only one tumbler. Though she still wants to drink, she stopped and offered it to him. If he’s not thirsty, she would think he’s a monster.
“You looked as if you could drink more.” He chuckled and pushed it back to her.
“How about you?” She was bewildered.
“I’m fine. I’m used to running.”
“Still, drink some. You must be thirsty.” Alice insisted.
He stared at her for a while, before relenting, “Alright.”
He took a couple of sips, then returned it to her again.
Both of them looked at the lake. In their wolf form, they could definitely drink directly from its surface. They both chuckled.
He shook his head, wondering why he didn’t check the contents of the basket earlier. Why would his mom only put one tumbler? In a way, it made him see that she’s not selfish. She’s considerate. She does care for others. She would be a kind Luna.
The more he looks at her, the more he wants her. But he kept himself under control. They ate everything his mother prepared, which wasn’t much. Apparently. After a few hours of light conversation, in which he told her things about the pack, the sun has gotten very hot against their skin. It must be lunch time already. “Do you want to head back? Or stay a while longer?” Conrad asked her and she contemplated. “Can we come back here?” She likes this place. “Of course. Any time you want. It’s not restricted. I can come with you if I’m not busy.” Alice nodded. “Let’s go back, then.” She helped in packing the basket and they walked back. “Do you want me to show you around?” Though he told her what she would find in the pack, it’s not the same as seeing them. Alice hesitated. “Can I rest for a while?” He noticed the way she seemed to wince while asking. “Of course. I should’ve known you would be tired. How long has it been since you last had a fun run?” “Almost a year?” “Back in yo
Alice stared at him straight. She could sense his feelings. He’s nervous. She could feel his sincerity. His words touched her deeply. She badly wanted to believe him, yes. But this morning, didn’t she tell herself that she would leave? Conrad didn’t press her for a reply. He kissed her forehead and they walked back to the house. There were people on the way, but she seemed distracted and not ready to meet anyone so he excused themselves as he escorted her to his room. Well, their room. He left her there after a while, telling her to think about what he said. He needed to see his father. What he learned isn’t much, things they could’ve speculated based on the rumors going around. His father is starting to gather more factual information about Alpha Walter of the Silver Crescent Pack. His past isn’t good. There was a period of time that he seemed tame but now he’s uncontrollable. “We’re going to keep Alice here, right?” Conrad wanted a direct answer from his father and alpha. “Of c
Conrad spent a long time with his father, the pack leaders and the elders. They’re happy that he has found his mate, but they were also concerned that she’s trouble. Alpha Walter is hunting her. If they keep her in the pack, they would have to battle it out with Silver Crescent. A pack that has a reputation for being ruthless and stronger than most. There were heated arguments about it. It’s practically half and half. At least half were supportive of him, who doesn’t mind her presence, and looking at the situation like a challenge. Maybe it’s time they battle it out with that pesky pack. Yes, Snow Mountain may not be able to handle it on its own, but that’s why they have allies. The neighboring packs would most likely help them out. The other half are either pessimists or cowards. They like their current comfort and didn’t want it to change. Or they simply don’t want to engage in a confrontation with a vicious pack. The rest understand that packs like
“You’re safer here. I’ve said this many times already, I’m going to protect you. I promise you that.” Alice let him pull her closer to him. She stared into his eyes, searching for something. It’s not as if she’s good at discernment but she could usually tell if someone’s lying. Also, he is her mate. He would surely feel compelled to protect her, keep her safe, and have intimate feelings for her. “Would you really?” She wanted confirmation. She wanted to trust his words but she’s afraid he would let her down. These last few months, what she learned is that she can only rely on herself. “I will. You’re a part of me now. You are my mate. If you get hurt, I would feel your pain and I can’t stand that. Your pain is my pain. Your sadness is mine as well. I will keep you safe and make sure you’re happy in this pack. This is your pack now, just as it is mine.” When she looked like she’s going to cry again, he took her into his arms and hugged her tigh
She seemed to return to her senses after tasting his blood. Her eyes widened as she froze atop him. What has she done? Seeing her shocked expression, Conrad understood that it was an unconscious reaction on her part. But still… how did she have the urge to mark her own mate? “I’m sorry… I didn’t mean to…” She looked at the mark she made and her gaze darkened. How could she carelessly mark him? Without his consent as well? She feels terrible. He breathed out and held her in place. “It’s fine.” His assurance made her feel even more guilty and he can see that. He caressed her back, trying to make her relaxed. Well, women can technically mark their partners but it was not necessary in mating. What’s required is for the male to mark his mate. “I like it.” That sentence from him was better, relieving her. She sighed as she stared at him with a remorseful expression. After a while, his hand moved from her back towards her arm
Conrad brought her everywhere he goes. When he can, that is. He introduced her to everyone they meet and it was clear as day that she is his mate. He kept her close and he’s always touching her. He’s either holding her hand or keeping a hand on her back.Every one in the pack is happy for him. Also, they understand that she’s their future Luna. No one dared to be disrespectful. Even when they learned that the previous incident was technically because of her presence, no one dared to voice out their opinion or pin the blame on her.Also, it’s quite a change to see their next Alpha blissfully happy with his mate. He’s a good leader and they mean to support him in everything. His father trained him well.And so, Alice was warmly welcomed by everyone. His family has been wonderful. The members of the pack have been nice to her. No one was hostile.Well, they were actually a few complaints but Conrad and his father made their posi
After they were done being intimate, Alice kept staring at his face as they lay on the bed together.“You said you’ve waited for me. Did you not have a relationship with another wolf before?” She reached out to caress his jaw.Conrad took her hand and kissed her fingers.“I did not. I’m someone who treats the rules on mates seriously. Here in the pack, we’re teaching the youngsters to be patient and wait for the right time. Of course, not everyone is like that and we can’t force them. Still, we try to emphasize the importance of keeping yourself available for your mate. If you tie yourself to someone else and your mate appears, it would be a difficult situation. Would you choose your mate or the one you decided to have a relationship with? Anyway, rejecting a mate also occurs. It’s the same everywhere. When someone can no longer wait, they usually choose to whom they want to be mated. Not everyone is blessed to fin
Just when she thought she could live a normal life among her kind and happily with her mate, that’s when everything changed. One night, the pack was attacked. They were woken up from their sleep and Conrad quickly responded with the men, telling her to stay behind. Alice went out to find his mother and the others, but she couldn’t help worrying. “Was it my father?” She asked as Selene as the older woman patted her arm, comforting her. “Hmm, it seems like he brought more wolves than last time.” She could hear the seriousness of the matter from her tone. “I should go…” She kept muttering this phrase over and over, but Conrad’s mother wouldn’t let her. When the injured were brought back for treatment, the Luna left her side to attend to such matters. Alice saw it as her chance to do something, to help, or maybe to run away and lead the enemies off the territory. She couldn’t bear the thought of anyone getting hurt because of her.