AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I looked over her face and trembling hands, fighting the urge to scent her properly. I needed to make sure she wasn't injured, but if I touched her again, I wouldn't be able to stop. "Are you okay?" I asked.
Her lips moved, but the violent storm raging on the other side of the door made it hard to hear her. She cleared her throat, then spoke louder, "W-what was that?"
"The big oak out back decided to come in through the main window." I smiled, trying to make light of it. I didn't want her to become more distressed than she already was.
Mina gasped, suddenly sitting up tall and alert. "The festival! It's tomorrow! How will we—"
I held up my hand, quieting her. I wanted so badly to laugh at her concern over a simple party, especially since the storm was likely wreaking havoc all over the village, but I didn't have it in me to tease her with so much sorrow in her eyes.
"I don't think the festival will be happening tomorrow," I said.
Her hands fell into her lap, a look of defeat on her pretty face. "But we worked so hard. Everyone will be devastated."
Glancing around the kitchen, I took note of the baskets of vegetables and dried fruits. Several casks of mulled wine were stacked in the corner, and even a barrel of amber whiskey sat ready to be tapped and enjoyed. The pack had worked very hard, but mother nature had other plans.
Mina's coat lay across the end of the counter, and I quickly grabbed it, draping it over her shoulders. I inhaled deeply, pulling in her scent. She seemed calmer, but her usually sweet scent was definitely muted. Her tender heart was disappointed, that was for sure, but I was pleased that she wasn't distressed anymore.
"Are you—" I froze, scenting the air. A slight tinge of copper filled my chest.
Blood.
My eyes darted over Mina's small body.
"What's wrong?" she whispered.
I didn't answer, too intent on finding the source of her injury. The sleeves of her dress were intact, and there were no tears or marks along her chest, but then my gaze moved over her legs. I crouched down, gently placing one hand behind her knee and the other on her heel.
She squirmed, struggling to meet my eyes, but she didn't pull away. "W-what are you doing?"
"You're cut," I said, looking at the small piece of glass sticking out of her calf. I held her leg up a little higher, noting the position. I know it was nothing to be too concerned about, but I couldn't help the panic that was building in my chest.
"Is it bad?" Mina asked, her eyes wide and her hands clasped tight.
"No," I assured her. "But it might hurt once your adrenaline wears off." Not wanting to draw it out, I grabbed the shard and quickly pulled, thankful to find the cut to be fairly shallow.
"All done." I held the piece of glass up to prove it.
"Oh…oh my." Her words were a little slurred, and her head wobbled.
Pulling her to my chest, I held her to me while she caught her breath. Her skin was already clammy. "Careful there," I whispered, caressing her long hair. It was so fucking thick and soft. The kind of hair you wanted to wrap tight in your fist as you forced your mate to look up at you.
Mina breathed deeply through her mouth, pressing her cheek over my heart. Unable to help myself, I leaned down and sniffed the top of her head. The rich scent of vanilla was so fucking strong this close. It lingered sweet on the back of my tongue. My wolf growled possessively, making my hands tighten around her shoulders and back, holding her to me.
"Are you okay?" she whispered, looking up at me.
"Yes. Why?"
"Your heart is beating very fast." She flattened a palm over my pec. I didn't miss how her breath hitched before curling her fingers in. Her bashful mannerisms and intense scent had my beast spinning.
Fuck, I wanted to kiss her.
"Alpha," Mina whispered, leaning away from me. "Um, I…" She fiddled with her coat, pulling it open to expose the lining. A bright red ribbon poked out of an inside pocket. It was clearly a gift. A gift for Ari?
"Let me clean your wound." I forced myself away from her, going in search of bandages. Only moments ago, I was willing to throw away my honor to take her, but Mina didn't belong to me. She was Ari's, and my wolf yowled loudly at the thought.
The medical kit was easy to find, and I quickly had ointment and bandages ready to tend to her. She blushed wildly as she slipped off her leggings so I could properly clean the cut. I didn't mean to stare, but her dress rode up a bit, and I had to forcefully turn my head and squeeze my eyes shut to keep from losing my mind.
"Nix!" Mina squeaked, and I spun toward the door, looking for her brother. "No," she said, tapping my forearm. "He's waiting for me outside. He's stuck in the storm!"
