As I watch my mate sit on the edge of my bed, I find myself in a familiar yet unexpected struggle. The sight of her, so effortlessly beautiful and alluring, sends a shockwave through me that I'm not accustomed to handling. I can't believe I have a mate now, and she's more enchanting than I ever imagined—her beauty is undeniable, and the seductive aura she exudes is almost too much to bear.
My body reacts instinctively, betraying the century of control and composure I've honed over the years. Despite my nearly one hundred years of existence, the mere sight of her disheveled hair, the way my shirt hangs loosely on her delicate frame, and the fact that she's sitting on my bed, in my space, makes me feel like an inexperienced, hormonal teenage pup.
Every fiber of my being is on high alert, a stark contrast to the calm and collected demeanor I usually maintain. The primal urge to claim her, to hold her close and never let go, pulses through me with an intensity I didn't think possible. Her presence is a constant test of my restraint, a challenge to the discipline I've prided myself on.
She glances up at me, and her eyes—those captivating orbs—seem to pierce right through my defenses. There's a softness in her gaze, a mixture of curiosity and something deeper, something that calls to the very core of my existence. My wolf stirs within me, restless and eager, responding to her nearness with an urgency that mirrors my own.
I take a deep breath, trying to steady myself. The room feels charged, the air thick with unspoken desires and burgeoning emotions. I can't help but marvel at the way she fits into my life, into my world. It's as if she was always meant to be here, a missing piece I never knew I needed until now.
"Seeing you like this," I say, my voice low and rough with the effort of maintaining control, "it's driving me insane. I've lived nearly a century, but you make me feel like I'm back in my teenage years, discovering these feelings for the first time."
She smiles softly, a hint of amusement dancing in her eyes. "You don't think I'm feeling the same way? It's all so new and overwhelming."
I nod, understanding exactly what she means.
"I like your room, but I'll eventually decorate it better," she says with a teasing glint in her eyes. I glance around, acknowledging the undeniable masculine touch to the decor. While I don't mind it, the excitement bubbling within me stems from the fact that she envisions herself here, with me.
"You can do anything you want, little flame," I assure her.
"Really?" she asks, a hint of suspicion lacing her tone.
"Anything," I confirm with a smile.
"Fine, I want pink and florals everywhere," she declares, mischief dancing in her eyes.
"I'm sure it'll look amazing," I reply, moving to sit next to her on the bed.
"I want silk on the bed," she says, giggling.
"I don't know what silk is, but anything for you," I respond earnestly.
"Okay, fine, jokes aside. Nate and I are kind of a two-for-one deal. Sometimes I'll need Nate, or Nate will need me. Can your wolf handle that?" she asks, suddenly serious.
I chuckle softly. "I know that. When you were asleep for two days, on the first day, my wolf went ballistic. I tried to separate you two, and even though you were unconscious, your wolf nearly bit my hand off." I chuckle again, recalling the bloody scene and the pain that snapped me out of my possessive fog.
I've never seen my wolf retreat, but it did that day in the presence of the beautiful red wolf. The memory brings another smile to my face.
"Did I? I don't remember," she says, looking genuinely perplexed.
"Yeah, apparently not even your mate can separate you," I say with a laugh. In the short span of knowing her, I've already bled twice. My mother would have loved her. She always said I'd get an insane wolf to curb my arrogant nature, and it turns out she was right. I can see this becoming a norm, and honestly, I'm looking forward to it.
"I'm sorry," she says, looking embarrassed.
"Don't worry about it. You and Nate have practically intertwined scents, so it's honestly not bothersome," I reassure her, gently tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.
She relaxes, her shoulders visibly easing. "I was a little worried about that, and so was Nate, honestly."
My expression grows more serious as I lean closer, my voice taking on a possessive edge. "I will, however, rip apart any other existence that decides to mess around this little boundary I've set around you." The protective growl in my voice is unmistakable; I am, at my core, a possessive wolf.
She smiles softly, her eyes shining with gratitude. "I know. And that's what makes you the perfect mate for me."
We sit in a comfortable silence for a moment, the bond between us growing stronger. Her presence soothes the restless part of my soul, grounding me in a way I've never experienced before.
"I was worried you'd think I was too possessive," I admit, breaking the silence.
She chuckles softly. "I think possessiveness comes with the territory of being a wolf. And honestly, it's kind of reassuring to know you care that much."
I smile, brushing my thumb over her cheek. "Good. Because I do care, more than I ever thought possible."
She leans into my touch, her eyes closing briefly as if savoring the moment. "I feel the same way," she murmurs.
As we sit together, I feel a sense of peace settle over me. This is where I'm meant to be, with her. Our journey is just beginning, but I know we'll face whatever comes our way together, stronger for having found each other.
"Little flame," I whisper, my voice filled with emotion. "Our future is bright, and I can't wait to see what it holds for us."
She nods, her eyes opening to meet mine. "Me neither," she says softly, her smile lighting up her face.
I take her arms and link them with mine, pulling her gently towards me. "I've only just met you, and yet I can't picture a life without you," I say. Ember looks up at me, a hint of hesitation flickering in her eyes. I know deep down, and she does too, that we're meant to be. But she's skeptical. Our wolves may want to leap into the fray, but we're also human, full of complex emotions, hurt, and fear.
"Why don't we take this slow? Not human culture slow, of course, but let's spend a month getting to know each other. You can settle down here, and we can really get to understand one another before we complete our mating." I suggest gently, watching her reaction closely.
Ember's eyes light up at the suggestion, a spark of relief and excitement dancing within them. "Good?" I ask, seeking her affirmation.
"Great," she responds, her voice firm with newfound determination.
I stand up, offering her my hand. "Let's leave this room. Having you here is doing things to me, and we agreed to wait, didn't we?" I say with a playful grin.
She takes my hand, and I pull her up, our bodies briefly brushing against each other. The electric spark between us is undeniable, but we both know we need to honor the agreement we just made.
As we continue the rest of the tour, I can't help but think that this is going to be the longest month of my life.