AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“If Luna agrees to be mine, you’ll have to ask her. I know better than to make a promise like that without consulting my mate.”
His expression sobers. “Father will be furious, you know.”
“Yes, but… hopefully, he’ll get over it.” I shrug. “I’m sure his father was upset when he and Mother decided to bond. And that worked out, did it not?”
Fredrik gives me a doubtful look. “I hope you are right. If you are wrong, he will exile you from the pack.” He claps a hand on my shoulder and meets my eyes evenly. “May the goddess smile down upon you, Brother.”
“And you as well,” I reply solemnly before I turn to leave.
CHAPTER5
MALAK
Although the town of Westry is less than two hours from the capital, it took much longer because I decided to travel off the main roads. Not that everyone in all of Winterhold would recognize me, even a few would be damaging. Especially when I want my parents to believe I’m preparing to take part in the mating chase.
It is only a few hours until sundown, and I am so close to my prize I can nearly taste it. Thick fog and swirling mist wrap around my legs as I track my quarry through the dense forest. Closing my eyes, I focus on Luna’s delicate scent. A cool breeze blows through the woods, carrying the delicious fragrance of apple pie and cinnamon. My heart rate quickens with the thrill of anticipation, my inner wolf instinctively responding to the distinct scent of she who is my mate.
A flash of red catches my eye in the distance and I pick up my pace.
It is her. I am certain of it.
The earth is soft and damp beneath my feet and my canines lengthen into sharp fangs as the desire to claim and possess what is mine threatens to consume me.
Up ahead, I notice a small stone building directly in the center of the bustling town square. The smell of fresh bread carries on the wind. I glance through the window and notice two bakers, a man and a woman, hard at work inside.
The man is shaping loaves, while the woman slides several others into the ovens. The bakery is bustling with activity. Several patrons line up inside as another man helps them at the counter.
A figure dressed in a red hooded cloak, carrying a wicker basket, walks up the steps and pauses at the doors. She pushes back her hood, and her long, silken red hair catches on the cool breeze.
My nostrils flare and my eyes nearly roll up in the back of my head as Luna’s familiar scent floods my senses. Curling my hands into fists at my side, it takes every bit of my strength to remain rooted in place, forcing myself to remain concealed in the shadows along the edge of the town as she enters the bakery. As much as I long to go to her, I know I must wait.
My plan to surprise her will have been for nothing if I reveal my presence now.
A growl rumbles in my chest as the male behind the counter smiles brightly at her. I snarl as he looks her up and down when she turns to the side to look at the display case of various pastries.
One of the other bakers—a woman white hair tied back in a knot at the top of her head—comes from the back. She shoos the man at the counter away, and Luna reaches into her basket and pulls out a folded letter. The woman nods and then slips it into her apron. Luna gives her a few coins and the baker gives her two loaves of bread for her basket.
After what feels like forever, she finally exits the bakery. My mouth drifts open as I catch sight of her face. Long lashes frame warm brown eyes. She tucks a stray tendril of hair behind the shell of her ear, so dainty and round where mine is tapered at the tip.
Booming thunder rolls overhead, and a small crease forms across her delicate brow as she lifts her gaze to the sky. Her plush, pink lips part as she mutters under her breath, “Seven hells, will this rain never end?”
A smile quirks my lips. Luna hates the rain. She always complains that it ruins her hair.
She is dressed in a long, red skirt that matches her cloak and a simple white top with a dark leather corset. She quickly pulls the hood over her head to protect her from the rain and dashes toward the forest, holding tightly to her small basket.
I follow close behind her as she enters the dark woods alone. The last rays of the sun lengthen shadows from the trees as my ears detect the sounds of nocturnal creatures beginning to stir in their dens.
It is concerning that she does not recognize the danger of entering such a place by herself, and I am all the more pleased that I followed her here. If she were truly alone, there are things in this forest that might be tempted to hunt her. But because I trail her, nothing would dare. For any that sense me nearby would recognize that I am the superior predator in these woods.
And I would not hesitate to kill anyone who dared try to harm her.
The moon is nearly full, and my muscles ripple beneath my skin with want to change forms. I decide not to deny myself the pleasure, and allow the change to overtake me.
Besides, I can better guard Luna this way. With a quick whirl of wind, I shift into my four-legged form. Instantly, the delicious scent of apple pie and cinnamon fills my nostrils as I follow on silent paws, behind her. My dark fur allows me to blend in with the fallen leaves and the tree trunks in the dark woods.
She stops abruptly and spins back, her warm brown eyes searching the darkness. “Who’s there?”
Although I wish to remain hidden, I cannot deny how pleased I am by her heightened awareness of her surroundings. These instincts will serve her well to keep her alive. Standing there so fierce and unafraid, I have no doubt she will make a fine mother to our pups.
