He gently scrubbed her back with the fragrant soap, and Allegra closed her eyes, reveling in the soothing scent. As he rinsed her back, she returned the favor by washing him, running her hands over his tattoos curiously.
"Is it normal for tattoos to be all bumpy?" she asked absentmindedly, her fingers tracing the raised lines.
"They are scars," Donovan replied calmly, his gaze drifting to the memories etched into his skin.
"What?" Allegra's surprise was palpable.
"Scars from childhood till now. My father usually used silver to beat me so it won't heal," he explained, his voice carrying a hint of resignation.
"I'm sorry," Allegra murmured softly, her heart aching for his past pain.
"Don't be," Donovan reassured her with a gentle smile.
She continued to scrub his back, her mind swirling with questions. "How did you know Declan got me from the slave establishment?" she finally voiced her lingering curiosity.
"Because I wanted to get you from there first," Donovan admitted, his eyes meeting hers with honesty.
Her voice was hoarse as she spoke again, clearing her throat. "Cora told me that a son from the Beaumont family wanted to buy me... was that you?"
He nodded, a hint of remorse flickering in his eyes. "I wanted to take revenge on you for all those torments," he confessed, he leaned forward and placed a kiss on her cheek.
She smiled softly at his admission, understanding the complex emotions that drove his actions. "I don't know why they didn't bring you," she added, recalling her time in captivity.
"I may have tried to escape. They took me to another place. That's where I met Declan," she explained, her voice tinged with a mixture of relief and regret.
"I found out that you were in the slave establishment because I've been trying to find you. When I saw you with Declan during that family dinner, I realized it was a twist of fate. You were my mate and you were with my brother. I felt your hunger through the bond and offered myself," Donovan revealed, his gaze filled with a deep sense of connection.
Listening intently to his words, Allegra leaned in and kissed his forehead tenderly as she rinsed the soap suds off him, a silent acknowledgment of their intertwined destinies.
"I love you," Allegra said, her voice filled with genuine affection, and Donovan smiled warmly.
"I love you too," he replied, his eyes reflecting his deep emotions as he kissed her lips once more before leading her outside.
He was dressed in a body-hugging black shirt and black shorts, while she wore a big black hoodie and his briefs, a comfortable attire for their leisurely stroll.
As they walked hand in hand around the courtyard, Allegra's curiosity surfaced. "When other Lycans shift back to their human form, they are usually bare. How come you shift back and still have clothes on?"
Donovan explained, "It's a spell. Two spells actually. One for me to still have clothes on and the second to give the illusion that someone already gave me clothes to wear."
Allegra nodded, absorbing the magical explanation. "What are the real color of your eyes and fur?"
"I don't know what my eye color looks like," he admitted. "My fur is black. There's also a spell to make it appear white."
Their conversation flowed seamlessly as they enjoyed each other's company in the tranquil setting of the courtyard.
They found a peaceful spot by a small creek, where the gentle sounds of water hitting the rocks created a soothing melody under the moon's soft glow. The scattered lights around them illuminated the area, adding to the serene ambiance.
As they sat together, Allegra's thoughts wandered, and Donovan noticed her distant expression. "What's wrong?" he inquired, his concern evident in his voice.
"I was thinking about… Declan," she confessed, sensing a subtle shift in Donovan's demeanor, followed by a low growl.
Raising a curious brow, she looked at him. Donovan responded, "Sorry, it's just... We recently mated, and hearing you call another man's name irritates my wolf. Also, don't mind me being overbearing, overprotective, and easily irritated."
She felt a gentle apology echoing in her mind.
'Sorry'
"So you can talk in my mind?!" she exclaimed, playfully hitting him.
"The mating bond comes with a perk. We can communicate telepathically." Donovan chuckled, pulling her onto his lap. "What have you been up to all these years?" he asked, prompting a small, nostalgic smile from Allegra.
"Well, I was up to no good. Doing so many bad things. I.." Her voice trailed off, hoarse with unspoken emotions.
"I can see everything from your mind if you don't want to talk," Donovan said softly, his eyes full of understanding as he looked at her.
Allegra gazed up at him in surprise. "You can do that?" she asked, a mix of curiosity and wonder in her voice.
He nodded gently, confirming her question. She let out a sigh, a weight seeming to lift off her shoulders.
As Donovan delved into her memories, he witnessed the hardships she endured, starting from her strained relationship with her mother to the traumatic experiences at the establishment and beyond.
Allegra had gone through immense struggles, yet she remained resilient and strong. Donovan couldn't help but feel a surge of admiration and protectiveness towards her. He wrapped his arms around her in a comforting embrace.
"Can I enter your mind?" Allegra's question broke the silence, but Donovan stiffened at the request, a hint of hesitation in his eyes.
"Sorry," Allegra quickly apologized, realizing Donovan's discomfort, and she withdrew the question, giving him the space he needed.
"No, I... my past is too gruesome. I'd rather tell you than let you see it," Donovan said, his voice carrying a mix of vulnerability and reluctance. Allegra nodded understandingly, respecting his boundaries.
"Donovan?" She called out softly.
"Hmm?" He responded, turning his attention to her.
"Is it selfish of me to say that I don't want to leave here?" Allegra's voice held a hint of uncertainty.
A warm chuckle escaped Donovan's lips. "It's not selfish at all. I sometimes wish I could stay here forever, away from everything and everyone," he admitted, his eyes reflecting a longing for peace and serenity.
The days spent in Donovan's private house were filled with a plethora of lovemaking and intimate storytelling. Allegra found solace and peace in the presence of her mate, Donovan, who was no longer an enigma to her. She felt like she could see right through him, understanding him on a deeper level.
One evening, they were lounging in the living room, Allegra resting comfortably on Donovan's lap as he played with her hair. Suddenly, he sensed someone approaching the house through the glass doors. With a gentle motion, he lifted Allegra off his lap and walked towards the door, a protective instinct kicking in. Allegra, wearing Donovan's oversized white shirt, followed him curiously.
"What's wrong?" she asked, her concern evident in her voice as they reached the door.
Donovan opened the door to reveal an unfamiliar man standing outside.
"This is Israel," Donovan introduced, nodding towards the newcomer as he shut the door behind him. Leading Israel into the living room, Donovan gestured for Allegra to join them.
"Hello Allegra, I've heard so much about you. To be honest Donovan tends to be quite reserved, so it's so little." Israel greeted with a warm smile. Allegra glanced at Donovan's flushed face.
Allegra returned the smile. "Likewise, Donovan has mentioned you a bit. How have you been, and what brings you here?" she inquired, extending her hand for a handshake. However, Donovan let out a low growl, causing her to quickly withdraw her hand.
Israel noticed the tension in the air. "You two have already mated?" he asked, sensing Donovan's protective aura.
"Yes, we have," Allegra confirmed, her gaze shifting between Donovan and Israel.
Israel's expression turned serious. "There's bad news. Donovan, where have you been? The witches believe you're dead, and they're planning a full-blown attack on the east side of the pack. If we don't intervene, they will likely wipe out the pack members," he explained, his tone filled with distress.
Donovan's eyes widened in alarm. "Where are they now?" he demanded.
"Headed for the east side," Israel replied.
Without hesitation, Donovan made a decision. "Let's go," he declared, rushing towards the door. Allegra moved to follow him. "Where do you think you're going?" he asked, turning to face her.
"I want to come with you. I can fight," Allegra insisted, determination in her voice.
Donovan hesitated, torn between wanting to protect her and understanding the need for all the help they could get. "To be honest, Donovan, we need all the help we can get. If she can fight, then let her. The witches are numerous, and we can't risk them spotting me, or everything will be in vain," Israel interjected.
Donovan clenched his jaw, weighing his options. "Fine," he relented, albeit reluctantly. "But you're not going dressed like that," he added, snapping his fingers. Allegra's white shirt disappeared, replaced by black leathers.
Allegra's black leathers comprised tight-fitting pants that accentuated her curves, offering both flexibility and protection. The long-sleeved shirt hugged her form snugly, its sleek design allowing for ease of movement while providing ample coverage. Strapped securely to her back were several swords, their gleaming blades ready for battle, complemented by a collection of daggers strategically placed for quick access. The ensemble exuded a sense of readiness and capability, reflecting Allegra's determination to stand alongside Donovan in the upcoming confrontation with the witches. Her hair was now in a tight bun, and her feet adorned with sturdy black boots. Donovan's attire mirrored hers.
Israel donned a black cloak, signaling their readiness. With a final incantation, they passed through the protective ward, transported to the pack's east side, prepared to face the imminent threat from the witches .