As the morning sun cast its warm rays over the pack lands, Blake was up early, his thoughts a tumultuous sea of emotions. He knew he needed time to sort through the confusion that had been gnawing at him since the previous night. The complexities of his relationship with Marie, weighed heavily on his mind.
Seeking solitude, he retreated to his office and busied himself in the piles of paperwork that had built up over the last week due to his attention being elsewhere. His thoughts continued to swirl, leaving him feeling torn and uncertain. The bond with Marie was undeniably strong, and he loved her the moment he set eyes on her, but the weight of her being attacked by his pack and the danger she now found herself in because of him pulled heavily at his heart.
Marie stirred and rolled over to find Blakes side of the bed empty. Her heart dropped. Blake had always been there in the mornings before. It was at moments like this that she could have her old abilities back and be able to link Blake or feel his emotions through their mate connection. Marie got out of bed and set about getting herself ready to go and find Blake. After a quick shower Marie threw on a pair of blue jeans and white shirt and placed her curly hair up into a messy bun, pulled on some white trainers and left on her hunt to find Blake.
Marie knew his office would more than likely be where he was so she headed there first. Marie approached the door and reached out for the handle. She stopped herself from walking straight in and instead knocked on the door softly.
"come in" Blakes voice rang from the other side making Marie's heart skip a beat.
Marie pushed open the big wooden door and stepping inside.
"I missed you this morning Blake" She said as she moved around to where he was sat at the desk and wrapped her arms around his neck. Blake stiffened under her touch. Marie felt the sudden shift and stepped away. She fought to hold back the tears that were threatening to spill from her eyes.
"Sorry, But I had work here that required my attention, and you need your rest" Blake said without lifting his gaze.
"I understand. I shall leave you be" Marie darted across the office and opened the door.
"Have you eaten?" Blake asked finally looking at Marie's face.
"Not yet" She replied softly.
"Well please make sure you do"
Blake shifted his attention back to work as Marie left.
Marie's appetite had all but vanished thanks to the chill Blake had left her feeling. Marie did not wish to be wondering the pack house by herself scared incase she were to bump into the She-Wolf who attacked her. She therefore decided she would quickly grab a book to the library and retreat to the bedroom.
Marie's fingers brushed against the spines of the books, each one a testament to the knowledge and history that had shaped their world. Marie made her way to the section of books on vampires. The library's quiet and stillness changed Marie's mind she decided she would settle into one the sofa's and read in there.
As Marie delved into the pages of the vampire books she had chosen, the library's tranquil atmosphere enveloped her. The soft rustling of pages and the occasional shaft of sunlight filtering through the windows created a cocoon of quiet reflection.
Marie hoped the books may offer some answers as to what happened to her markings, or why she had felt her wolf stir. The vampire world was a mystery to her and she hoped to reveal some secrets that may help her answer her own mysteries. Marie's mind would drift occasionally to Blake and her emotions would begin to stir. She had never experienced this cold side of Blake before. He had only ever wrapped her up in love. Maybe he was starting to realize she was not the right person for him to be with.
Hours passed, and Blake had steadily worked through the work that needed his attention but the turmoil within Blake showed no signs of stopping. He couldn't shake the feeling that he was pulling Marie away from a world in which she was safest and into a world where she would only face danger thanks to him and his title. Blake decides to stretch his legs and get some space from his office.
As Blake wandered through the pack house, his thoughts still heavy with the burden of his conflicting emotions, he unexpectedly encountered Michelle, a she-wolf who had always held a soft spot for him. Her playful and flirtatious demeanor was evident as she greeted him with a warm smile.
"Blake, fancy running into you," Michelle purred, her eyes sparkling with interest. "You're looking quite handsome today."
Blake, caught off guard by the unexpected encounter, managed a polite smile in response. "Michelle, it's good to see you. How have you been?"
Michelle's flirtatious banter continued as she leaned in a bit closer, her tone suggestive. "Oh, you know, same old, same old. But seeing you has certainly brightened my day."
"Michelle, you always know how to make a guy feel special," he replied with a sly grin, his tone carrying a hint of flirtation.
Michelle ran her fingers over his arm and smiled "Oh my! you must have been working out a lot. your arms definitely feel bigger since the last time I had the pleasure of being wrapped up in them"
Blake let out a throaty laugh "Well you know, I have to stay strong for my pack". Blake found himself momentarily swept up in the playful exchange. Her attention and compliments were hard to ignore, and for a brief moment, he allowed himself to respond in kind.
As the flirtation with Michelle continued, Blake found himself drawn further into the playful exchange. Her company was enjoyable, and the light banter offered a momentary escape from the complexities of his thoughts and emotions.
"Michelle," he said with a charming smile, "how about we take a walk? The fresh air might do us good."
Michelle's eyes sparkled with interest as she accepted his invitation. "I'd love to, Blake. Lead the way." Michelle slid her arm into Blakes and allowed him to lead the way.