"Well this is a first," Damien chuckled cheekily.
Safira was a little taken aback in disbelief, "First? You're telling me that was the mighty Alpha's first kiss?"
Damien grinned as he took charge this time around, pulling Safira in for a kiss as he hungrily devoured her lips. She gave in to his moves, allowing him to take the reins. In his arms, in his care, her defenses melted away. She had never felt safer with anyone else.
When they finally pulled away again, Damien replied, "Not first kiss, Sunshine. The first time someone initiated a kiss before I did. You're one special she-wolf, Safira."
Safira lay in Damien's arms. Though she was still unable to feel the mate bond between them due to her injuries, she was certain he was her second-chance mate. The connection they had was unlike anything she had felt before.
It was as if they had known each other for a very long time. Damien felt the same way too. Neither of them could explain it in words. It was simply something they knew in their hearts.
Safira held onto Damien's right hand, interlocking their fingers together.
"Damien, I would like to make a promise to you," she said with confidence.
"A promise?" He asked.
"I promise that from this moment forth, I will always tell you the truth. There will be no secrets between us," Safira declared.
Damien grinned as he planted a kiss on the top of her head, taking in the sweet scent of her hair.
"No secrets at all? Sunshine, where's the fun in that?"
Both of them laughed.
"Alright, just a few secrets here and there to keep things interesting," Safira mused.
~
As promised, Damien and Safira set off for the Moon Temple just a day later. Though she was healing well, she still had a long way to go. Originally, they were going to get there by horse and carriage, but Damien decided it would be quicker if they got there in their wolf forms.
Safira would ride on his back. A small group of gamma warriors, known as the Alpha squad, accompanied them. Beta Seth went with them too. It took them half a day to reach the Moon Temple.
As soon as they reached its gates, they were greeted by the High Priestess Adrianna and her Moon Maidens, the keepers of the temple. Damien let Safira off his back before he shifted back into his human form.
Once he was sure Safira was alright, he walked up to the High Priestess and stated the purpose of his visit.
"High Priestess Adrianna, my mate is injured. We would like to seek your permission to use the Moonlight Springs to aid in her healing," Damien asked politely.
Safira came forward and stood by Damien's side. In truth, this was not the first time she had ever met a High Priestess or Moon Maiden, so she was not afraid of them. However, she wasn't sure how they would react to her presence.
The High Priestess had long flowing silver hair that had been carefully braided together in an intricate design. She wore a circlet made of moonstones and other precious metals.
"It's been a while since we've last met, Alpha Damien," The High Priestess greeted Damien first, before turning her attention to Safira, "I'm afraid your mate cannot use the Moonlight Springs."
Damien gritted his teeth. He was not expecting the High Priestess to deny them access. She had always been fair and just, so why was she refusing them access? Safira looked down at her feet with a frown on her face. She had considered this possibility before making this trip.
After all, Moonlight Springs was not a place just any wolf could use. Even Alphas and Kings had been denied its use in the past. What were the odds of her being accepted in the first place?
"Why not?" Damien growled, trying hard to keep his anger and Yukon's in check.
Safira placed a hand around his arm, hoping to help settle his emotions a little. When she felt him relax a little under her touch she gave him a smile.
The High Priestess took a step forward and signaled Safira to come to her. Safira did as she was told. She released Damien's arm and stepped up to the High Priestess.
"Show me your hands, sweet wolfling," the High Priestess beckoned her in a sweet tone of voice.
Safira held out her hands. High Priestess Adrianna held her hands in her own and examined them closely. The lines on the palms of Safira's hands began to glow, even her eyes began to glow too.
Adrianna was a little surprised by what she had found, but it was also within her expectations. She released Safira's hands and leaned forward, wanting to whisper in Safira's ear.
As soon as she got closer to Safira, Damien tensed up. He extended his claws and fangs.
"Hurt her, and I'll be sure that I'll burn the Moon Temple to the ground," he warned.
The Moon Maidens crouched with their spears pointed at the Alpha and his wolves. Everyone seemed to be at a standoff. The High Priestess was amused. All wolves were protective of their mates. Alphas were even more so. She should have known this would happen.
Just as she was about to clarify what she was about to do, Safira stepped in to diffuse the situation first, "Damien, it's alright. I think she just wanted to tell me something."
"Your mate is right, Alpha. I have no intention of bringing her any harm," Adrianna added as she held up both hands.
With both of their assurance, Damien relaxed his stance a little, and his wolves did the same.
"You haven't found your wolf yet, is that right?" Adrianna whispered.
Safira felt a chill run down her spine. There was no need to hide the truth from the High Priestess. Besides, it was common knowledge by now.
"Yes."
"You'll find her soon enough, don't worry. She's not that far away. She's just been held off by a spell. An ancient spell," Adrianna explained as she pulled back.
"Not far away? Wait… ancient spell?" Safira echoed her words while pondering over them.