Dev finally went to bed, and sitting on the couch with Ajay feels so right. I never
believed in soulmates or finding Mr. Perfect. Now maybe I do. Ajay certainly isn't my Mark,mate, but I definitely feel connected in many ways.
"Today wasn't your first time having intercourse, was it?" Ajay asks.
Why would he be asking me this? How can he tell? "Was it that obvious?"
"Well, for one, you weren't nervous like a virgin and weren't in pain."
Nodding, I understand how he could tell.
"Chetan?" he asks.
I hope you're not serious?"
"I am not trying to offend you; I just don't know who else it could have been."
Taking a deep breath, I realize I need to share with Ajay something I often don't talk
about. I knew if it pushed it to the back of my mind, the memory would stay there and rot. The whole pack is in their twenties. Kiara and I are twenty-three, Chetan and Dev are twenty-four, and Ajay is the oldest at 28.
I hope Ajay would not notice my body shaking and the change in my mood. Trying my
best to act normal, I knew I couldn't.
"What happened? You okay, Zare? You don't have to tell me anything," he says.
"It would be nice to get this off my chest, free my mind of the secrets it held on to for
so long," I whispered.
"Okay. '' Ajay places a hand on my leg.
"I can see the memory like it was yesterday, even though I pushed it entirely from my
mind. When I was eighteen, I went to a senior high school party. It was great, everyone was smoking weed and drinking all besides me. I still had fun. Even though I used my head and stayed safe from drugs and alcohol, I wish I could say the same for sex."
"We all make mistakes."
"That would be a great excuse, but I knew better. A boy named Dustin Green was the
most popular boy in school, a football star, and in a band. Every girl wanted to be with him, sadly including me." Looking up at Ajay's face, I realize he understood everything I was saying. "All the boys made dares to who each other should sleep with. I was just a dare, a bet, a wager, and I meant nothing to him."
"I am so sorry, baby," says Ajay wrapping his arms around me.
"The sad part is I wasn't even unpopular, and he still didn't want me."
"That guy is a fool, and I bet he regrets that decision."
"I am not sure why he would."
"Because you are amazing."
Smiling, I feel my cheeks turn red. "I am happy he did reject me, because now I have the
best boyfriend in the world."
Ajay brings his lips to mine and kisses me passionately. My body is comfortable and
relaxed in his strong arms.
"Gvgeyu," he says.
He loves me. I mean, I do feel incredible around him. He makes me feel warm, loved, and protected.
"Sorry, that was too soon."
"Gvgeyudv." I stroke his cheek.
It didn't matter how fast Ajay and I were moving. I am crazy about him. He will always
be my Alpha, and I hope it won't cause our relationship trouble. His body is warm against mine, and my eyelids are starting to droop. I close my lids, intending to rest for only a little bit.
My eyes open suddenly to the beautiful morning sun as it shines through the window. Touching my neck, I noticed it was completely healed. All I needed was a good night's rest.
My nose smells burnt eggs, and I knew Ajay was cooking breakfast, or burning it. He
takes care of everyone above the Alpha's duty. He always cooks our food and makes sureeveryone is well-rested before journeys.
Hearing Kiara's quiet little voice, my mind is reminded I need to work things out with
her. I have to patch up our relationship.
My sister is my best friend; I love her very much. Getting up from the couch, I let out a
big yawn.
"Good morning, beautiful," Ajay says.
"Morning, everyone." I give a small wave.
"I noticed your neck is better, I told you all you needed was sleep," Ajay smiles.
The whole pack is sitting around the table. Walking over, I take the empty chair next to
Kiara. She doesn't say anything, nor did she acknowledge my gesture.
She is still pissed off, I can see.
Ajay comes up behind me and kisses my neck. "I love you," he whispers in my ear.
I feel my face break into a smile; he makes my heart so happy. I just straight out have to
ask Kiara to talk. I mean, she is my sister. She has to forgive me. I love her to the moon and back. Here it goes!
"Kiara, can we talk?"
"Sure," she answers.
"Outside."
Kiara nods. Getting up from the table, I lead the way outside. Pushing the door open, I
already feel better taking in a breath of morning air. "
"So?" Kiara asks.
"I am sorry for the lip-locking between Chetan and myself. It was wrong, and shouldn't
have happened. The Mark mate pull is unbelievable to fight against, and everything happened so fast. It will never happen again."
"I know it will never happen again, because I made it clear to Chetan that I would leave
him." She raises an eyebrow.
"It wasn't all his fault, Kiara. As I said, the Mark mate pull is so hard to resist."
"So you're irresistible?"
Feeling my face turn red, I know I am getting angry. "You are too immature to
I understand, but you will when you finally find your true Mark mate."
"Whatever." She rolls her eyes.
Changing into my wolf form, I dash into the woods. The run and rush start to calm me.
The breeze brushes through my fur, while the ground and dirt ooze between my toes. Lifting my head into the air, I get a scent I don't recognize.
There are other wolves here.
Their howls fill my ears, confirming my suspicions. Following their smell and sounds, I
was able to locate them quickly. I counted three wolves, and I estimated I was a few yards away.
Hiding behind a tree, I watch them, studying every footstep. The big gray one is
obviously Alpha. I could tell by his demeanor. He looked strong and demanding, but more gentle than Ajay. He stands taller and more confident, while the others follow. Hearing Ajay's howl, I know I will be punished for leaving the pack without permission. The gray wolf puts his nose in the air and takes a big sniff. He looks in my direction, and I know I am caught.
Hopefully, he is friendly.
He walks over to the tree. Stepping out from the tree, I don't want to appear scared.
"Are you alone, wolf?" he asks.
"No, I have a pack," I reply.
"Close by?''
"Yes."
"I am Cricket, that's Smoke and Aanya." He points to each wolf in turn.
Hearing another one of Ajay's howls, I know it is time to go back.
"That your Alpha?" Cricket asks.
"Yes, and I left without permission, so I must be getting back."
"That's good advice, you should have listened to it sooner," I hear Ajay's voice, and
nearly jump into the air.
"I am Cricket," the tall one states.
"I am Ajay," he replies.
"Sorry, I kept your cub longer," Cricket remarks.
"She is a runaway and doesn't follow my commands, so it's not your fault," Ajay replies.
Cricket chuckles.
"Come join our camp for some rest," Ajay invites.
"Thanks, we could use the shelter," Cricket agrees.
Great more wolves in that tiny camper. I mentally groan.
We all walk to camp together. I stay behind everyone, happy he is talking to the other
Alpha. So he was too busy to scold me. Since we were all in wolf form, it wasn't long before we make it to camp. The others rush over when they see the new wolves. They seem excited.
"Another pack? Badass!" exclaims Dev.
"I am Cricket, that's Smoke, and Aanya," he says, getting everyone caught up.
"I offered them shelter," Ajay announces.