Finishing eating before the others, because after one bowl I am full. Unlike the rest of the pack who eats three or four bowls. I charge off into the woods in my wolf form. My feet kick up the dirt behind me. It was a chilly night as the breeze went through my fur, but being a wolf I didn't care. Pointing my nose in the air, I inhaled deeply. Lifting my neck, I let out a loud howl. The moon lights up the night sky, the bright light warming my furry face, and drying up the moisture on my wet nose.
Every time I close my eyes, I see Chetan's face. This wasn't even a physical attraction. My body just wants to be near him, my wolf form desires his scent, and my heart wants his attention. Hearing Ajay's howl, I knew he wants me to come back. Feeling relaxed, my legs didn't want to move; my fur was too warm in the moonlight. Listening to a little owl hoot in the tree, I wonder what it would be like just to fly away. Live in a one-woman pack.
Hearing Ajay's howl again, I knew I must head back. It was going to be a long journey tomorrow and possibly a zombie fight. I'm feeling at peace as I rush back to the camp and hear the little owl flying above me.
If only I grew the nerve to leave the pack and journey on my own.
"Where have you been?" Ajay raises his voice.
"Don't you know I was worried sick about you?'' demands Chetan.
Kiara looks confused.
She's probably wondering as to why Chetan even cares. "I was just in the woods. I can take care of myself."
"Like hell, you can! '' Chetan grumbles.
"Chetan, I am Alpha. I will handle our runaway," declares Ajay. He walks over to me and gently rubs my cheek. I jump at his touch. His touch felt Gentle but caught me off-guard.
"I understand you need some space, but next time just tell me where you're going, Oginalii," he says.
Did he just call me my friend? I nod.
"That's a good girl." He kisses my forehead.
"What do you think you're doing? I suggest you take your lips off of her," Chetan demands.
Despite trying to hide an astonished expression, I am sure it shows all over my face.
"Why do you care, Chetan?" asks Kiara.
"Enough, I am Alpha, and you don't suggest I do anything. I understand you are in a hard place, Chetan, but you can't have both Zare and Kiara. You must choose," states Ajay.
"What is he talking about?" yells Kiara.
Now I just lost my sister's trust completely.
"Baby, Zare is my Mark mate, and I am just feeling a little bit protective over her. I can't
help it," says Chetan.
Kiara changes into her wolf and dashes into the woods. Chetan changes, too, and follows after her.
"I should go." I start to leave.
Ajay grabs me by the arm. "Let them talk this out."
"I just need to clear my head. I will do a run through the cemetery."
"No, I want you to stay here."
"Why?"
He raises a brow at me.
"Fine."
"Drama, drama, drama," says Dev, shaking his head.
Walking a few yards away, I sit on a nearby tree stump. Putting my head in my hands, I want to let out a scream. Nothing has made sense, and it's all because Chetan is my Mark mate.
"Everything is going to be okay," Ajay says.
I feel him rubbing my back gently. He must have quietly walked up when my face was buried.
"You know why I didn't want you to leave?"
I shake my head.
"I knew there was a chance you might not come back."
I wonder if he can read my mind, too. I swallow hard.
"When I lost my Mark mate, I wanted to run, too." He places his hands on my cheeks, and my heart nearly skips a beat or two. "Uwoduhi." He moves hair away from my face.
Why did he just call me beautiful?
His face inches closer to me.
This is it, is he going to kiss me?
"I found her!" I hear a voice say, knowing it is Chetan.
Jumping up, I rush to hug Kiara. She is standing next to Chetan, holding hands. My heart feels joy seeing that she is happy again.
"I am sorry I didn't tell you," I apologize.
"I understand why you wouldn't," Kiara says.
"I was trying to protect you."
"I know, I feel so horrible stealing your Mark mate. He should be yours." She looks at the ground.
"No, you two love each other, and I am completely fine." I lift her chin to face me and move the hair from her face.
She gives me another hug, and I knew we would be okay.
"I love you," she whispers.
"I love you too."
"Let's go for a walk.'' Chetan leads her in the opposite direction.
She turns to give me a look, and I give her a thumbs up. I close my eyes, trying to fight back the worry that entered my mind.
Will this be too much on Kiara and Chentan's relationship? I know nothing can come between us, but will this come between them? Feeling Ajay's hand on my thigh, I open my eyes.
"Zare, I am proud of you for how well you handled that," he says.
"I want my sister to be happy."
"At the cost of yours?"
"Maybe I don't need Chetan to be happy."
Watching Ajay smile, I get butterflies in my stomach. He has long brown hair and soft brown eyes that look like brown sugar. He has white teeth when he smiles and clear skin. He has abs and is quite muscular. That goes for all the boys in the pack. Dev is the only one who wears his hair short.
Ajay's face inches closer to mine.
Should I do this? He is my Alpha. What would the rest of the pack think? Feeling his lips upon mine, I couldn't help but want him. I kiss him passionately, running my fingers through his long hair. He pulls me into his lap, and my arms wrap around his neck.
We draw our lips apart. He looks into my eyes and says, "I'll be your Mark mate."