Chapter 7 - Chapter 7

The night passed quite peacefully, apart from a few unpleasant nightmares that woke me from sleep. Early in the morning, because that's how I woke up, I stretched and went to the bathroom to clean up a bit. Today was a colder day than the rest, so I decided to wear a hoodie and jeans. Tying my hair into a ponytail, I left the house and sat on the steps, quietly looking around the forest. It was so peaceful here, so relaxing. I felt calm. The peace I dreamed about for so long. Having only been here for a few days, I decided it was the perfect place for someone like me. Far from the traitorous and deceitful smiles... 

Hearing the door opening, I looked towards Damon leaving the house. His eyes smiled at me, seeing me waiting for him, ready for another day. However, he quickly controlled his facial expression and looked very serious again. I was wondering about his behavior because it seemed like he was fighting with himself all the time. As if he didn't know what to do. I started to wonder if I was a problem for him. I liked him... even a lot, but if he got into any trouble because of me, I was able to remove myself from his life. I didn't want to be anyone's problem or disappointment ever again. 

Lost in thought, I didn't notice him approaching me, crouching down in front of me, looking at me curiously.

"A penny for your thoughts" I heard and blushed seeing how close his face was to me. Did he have to be so handsome? I quickly looked away and stood up from the stairs, dusting off my pants.

"I just like this place. It's so peaceful here." I looked around the forest again.

"I'm glad you like it here. Let's go for breakfast." He motioned with his head for me to follow him. We walked in silence, looking at each other from time to time. This time I didn't enter the building with him. I sat down on a bench near the entrance, showing him that I would like to eat here. He understood my request and brought us our breakfast without a word. With a slight smile on my face, I watched this place slowly come to life. Residents walked in and out of the main house, talking to each other and smiling. Everything here was so...

I stole a glance at Damon finishing his portion.

 I would like to stay here forever. 

After breakfast, we went to the training field, where two troublemakers from yesterday's fight approached me. They looked much worse than yesterday, so I raised an eyebrow at Damon, who pretended not to see me. 

"Sorry about yesterday!" They shouted, scaring me. I didn't expect such a reaction from them. Seeing Damon's protective hand in front of me, which shot out when I flinched, sent a wave of warmth through my core.

"You're scaring her" He growled at them warningly, making them quickly lower their heads. 

"We didn't mean to hurt you. We promise it won't happen again" They finished their apology in a gentle voice. I grabbed Damon's hand, which was still protecting me, and dragged it down. I felt a bit stupid and awkward standing in the crowd of warriors and listening to the apologies. 

"Thank you for the apology. And don't be like that to each other. It's not easy to find a good friend"... And I did it... I spoke words of wisdom like a mother to her children. I wanted to bury myself in the ground when I saw the surprise on their faces. However, they didn't get angry with me or say anything bad. They looked at each other with wide smiles, slapping each other's shoulders.

"We will" They bowed their heads, walking away among the others who also started laughing with them and patting them on the back. I looked up in surprise at Damon, who was looking at me with a smile.

"Do you want to be with me during training?" His question shocked me even more. I lowered my head, not knowing what to say. Without knowing why, I didn't want to disappoint him. Suddenly I felt his hand gently grab mine. "If you don't want to, you can sit on the bench. Either way, I'll keep an eye on you" He said reassuringly. I nodded slightly, not looking at him, knowing I was blushing again. I trotted to the nearest bench, looking in their direction from time to time. Time passed quickly and once again we were sitting next to the house eating another meal. 

"So what would you like to do now? I have some things to do with Alpha." He looked at me while taking my plate.

"Then I'll go home and read a book. I don't have anything better to do anyway" I stood up and started walking towards my house.

"Wait, I'll walk you back."

"I can't walk alone?" 

"You can, of course, yes. But I want to make sure you don't get lost." He looked at me with a little worry.

"I remember the route. You don't have to worry about anything. I'll get there without any problems. Now go. Alpha is definitely waiting for you." 

I set off again in the direction I knew. This time he didn't protest anymore and entered the main house. I walked calmly along the path, looking at the other inhabitants. Everyone was doing their own thing and no one paid much attention to me. It was a nice break from my old life. A few minutes later I was sitting on my bed and reading a book with interest. I was so absorbed that once again I didn't notice Damon who quietly entered my house. Leaning against the door frame, he silently watched me read.

Damon

Today started well. When I came out, I immediately noticed her waiting for me and without my knowledge, a smile appeared on my face. I quickly corrected my expression and walked over to her, seeing how quickly she was lost in her thoughts. She was beautiful. I didn't want to take my eyes off her, but the thought of Sarah... I didn't want to replace her. My wolf would not leave me alone, wanting to be with Tess and spend every possible moment with her. We ate breakfast together and went to training. I saw her look at me, seeing the beaten up boys, but I pretended it was nothing. I got mad at them for how they scared her, but her gentle hand quickly calmed me down. And what she said. It made me feel so proud of her. I knew how afraid she was of confrontation with others. Like she didn't know what to do or what to say. This one sentence was a big step for her. She probably didn't even notice. I smiled at her, seeing her surprise. The warriors were happy at her words. We greatly value the friendship between us. We know we can trust each other. I wanted her to stay with me. I would be sure that nothing bad would happen to her and I could focus on my work. But when I saw her hesitation, I knew it was too much to ask. I will slowly show her that she can live her own life without fear. Maybe with time Tess will open up to us... After another meal together, I had to go to Zack's to take care of some urgent matters. I wanted to take her back, but she decided to go alone. I felt bad about it. I wanted to make sure she got there safely, even if it was just a few stupid minutes. I started to think about one option, but for that I would need her consent. I went to Zack and we got to work. A few hours later, I anxiously went to check on her. I knocked lightly on the door but heard no answer. I went inside and looking around the house I noticed her absorbed in reading. She sat there defenseless, having no idea of ​​the danger. I walked over to her and sat down on the bed next to her. She looked at me calmly, as if she knew it was me. 

"Tess. I would like to offer you something," I began, taking her hand. "Since I won't always be able to be there for you, I would like to offer you an option" Upon hearing these words, she put down her book and focused her full attention on me. "You may know that we can communicate with each other in our thoughts. I wish I could do the same with you" I looked at her with some determination, deciding that I wouldn't leave until she agreed.

"How?" There was no fear in her eyes.

"In the same way when an Alpha accepts someone into the pack. By slightly cutting the hands and joining them together or simply biting the hand. Then that person can communicate with the rest of the pack."

"Will I hear everyone?" Concern appeared on her face.

"No. Not everyone. Just me" I reassured her by stroking her hand. She breathed a sigh of relief, lost in thought.

"Will I be able to communicate with you in my mind?" She made sure she understood correctly. I nodded, smiling slightly. Her eyes landed on the hand I was holding. 

"Let's do it" I finally heard and breathed a sigh of relief. My wolf went wild with joy knowing that he would be closer to her. 

"I'll try not to make it hurt too much" I put her hand to my mouth and started kissing it where I wanted to bite it. Her face immediately turned red and her breathing quickened significantly. She watched with amazement as I caressed her hand. Electricity spreads throughout our bodies. I extended my fangs and bit her hand. She moaned quietly but didn't take her eyes off me for a moment. Blood appeared on her hand. Without wasting any time, I started licking it and kissing the wound. She purred sexily, which made me irresistibly tempted to take her in my arms and kiss her.

'Hey beautiful' I said to her in my mind. She looked at me with delight. 

'Hello, handsome' She blushed up to her ears. Goddess... She was so lovely.

"This way I will know what you are doing when we are not together. All you need to do is think that you want to talk to me. It works within our pack. If I have to leave, we won't be able to communicate" I explained, holding her hand on my cheek. We talked together about normal everyday things for some time before I went to bed. 

'It was a successful day. Good night, Tess' I said before I entered my house.

'Goodnight Damon. Sleep well' I heard her soft voice.