Chapter 56: Chapter 28

NATALIE

I remove my clothes and shake out my hair, then shift into my white wolf. I step out from behind the bushes to Damon’s massive dark brown wolf. Goddess, his wolf is beautiful. His fur sparkles like a smoke quartz crystal, but looks as smooth and silky as melted chocolate.

His green eyes against his brown fur make them appear almost neon. And his size, he’s huge. Compared to him, I look like a pup. The top of my head just barely reaches his shoulder blades. He’d be intimidating if he weren’t mine.

His wolf gives me a grin that’s similar to the one I already know and love. ~“I’ll give you a ten-second head start. I hope you’re fast, my Starlight.”~

I take off without a second glance behind me. I weave through the brush and leap over logs.

~“Not fast enough. I’m right behind you.”~

My wolf yips in her throat what would be a giggle to a human. ~“Oh, no you don’t!”~ I put on a burst of speed and call forth the shrubbery to assist my escape.

~“Cheating isn’t going to keep you from me.”~

~“It’s not cheating; it’s using my gifts to my advantage.”~

~“It’s amazing. You’re amazing. I had no idea you could use your power while in your wolf form.”~

I giggle through the link then hide under a fallen log. I make a small breeze blow my scent away from him, then wait. Damon’s footfalls are getting louder.

~“Are you hiding from me? It’s not working, I could smell your beautiful scent from the pack house.”~

His weight thuds on top of my log and I scrunch lower to the ground. He jumps down in front of me, facing the wrong way.

I jump out from my hiding spot and pull his tail. He spins on me lightning fast and I submit my belly. He lays across the top of me, knocking the air from my lungs.

~“Oof, you’re heavy.”~

He laughs through the link and lets me up enough to breathe. He playfully nibbles one of my ears and if I were in human form, my toes would be curling. His body, his scent, his power all strike me and the animalistic side of me is ready to give him anything and everything he wants.

Damon’s eyes flash momentarily. He licks my muzzle then gets to his feet. ~“We should get back.”~ He doesn’t wait for a response and begins walking slowly.

I get to my feet and strut up beside him. ~“Did I do something wrong? Are you upset with me?”~

Damon stops and rubs against my face. ~“No, Natalie, never. I just want to take things slow. You’re still young. Shit, I’m still young. I don’t want you to feel pressured.”~

~“I don’t feel pressured at all. I may be young, Damon, but I’ve seen more and lived through more than some adults. You are a young alpha, but you’re still an alpha and you’ve spent your life preparing. We’re young, but we’re both more mature than most.”~ I rub my face against his neck. ~“I love you, Damon. I couldn’t be happier that the Goddess gave me you as my mate.”~

He licks my face then rubs against me. ~“I love you, Natalie. I promise to always love you, no matter what. I would’ve fallen for you with or without our bond.”~

I rub up his side one more time then take off back toward the jeep.

~“Hey!”~

I laugh through the link and look back to see him spring into action and the chase is on. I put on all the speed I have in me as I rush in as straight a line as possible through the trees. I make the bushes bend out of my way then let them spring back to their normal position, hopefully catching him or at least slowing him down.

~“I’m going to get you. In three…two…one.”~

His body playfully tackles mine and I roll a few times then get to my feet to face him. He’s perfectly relaxed, waiting to see what I’m going to do.

~“Go and shift. When we get home, I’ll cook us some dinner.”~

~“Actually, let me cook.”~ I want to surprise him with everything I’ve practiced with my mom. I quickly dress then pull my hair into a ponytail. Damon is already waiting for me, leaning against a tree with his arms comfortably crossed over his massive chest. His body is so solid and powerful.

He pushes off of the tree. “You ready?”

I give him a nod and he reaches up to pull a leaf from my hair. He softly chuckles then plants a kiss to my forehead.

“Have you had a chance to learn to drive?”

“No, not really. I tried a few times, but it was just small things like pulling out of the driveway.”

He pulls his keys from his pocket and gives them to me. “I promised to teach you, and we never got around to it. I want to keep my promise.”

I timidly reach up to take his keys. Once we’re all buckled in, he goes over all the knobs and buttons before I even start the jeep. “Take it slow, we’re in no rush. Go ahead and back out to get us on the road.”

I make sure I’m in reverse then look behind me as I back the jeep onto the road. He patiently helps me straighten out then I drive us home. I park a little crooked, but he doesn’t say anything, he’s just proud of me that I drove home. I still can’t get over how different the house looks, it’s like my dream home.

“I’m going to shower then make dinner. Do you have any preference?”

“No, but I have meat in the fridge and the pantry is stocked. You pick, but I’ll help whatever you need. I’ll shower and meet you back here.”

He tilts my chin up with his thumb and forefinger. His lips gently press against mine and my body melts into a puddle. Is this real? Do I really get to kiss this Adonis?

“I like that I can finally kiss you. I plan on kissing you as much as possible,” he tells me, breaking my thoughts.

“Good, because I want you to kiss me every chance you get.”

His lips tick up into his sexy smirk then he takes my hand and leads me up the stairs.

I decide to make fajitas and I don’t let Damon help at all. He pulls a barstool from the island and watches me work. I get distracted every time I look at him because he’s wearing gray sweatpants and a black tank top. His feet are bare and he looks hot.

“Are you sure you don’t want help?”

He catches me staring again.

“You could grate some cheese. I’m almost finished.”

He gets behind me and holds my hips. “Your wish, my command,” he whispers in my ear then kisses just below. He takes a moment to run his nose up my neck and I involuntarily hum. He chuckles then kisses me again.

His fingers burn my skin so deliciously and send pleasant tingles throughout my body. He releases his hold on me and I pout at the instant cold disconnect.

He softly chuckles and I love it when he does that. With dinner served in a nice new kitchen, he helps me up to sit on the counter while he stands beside me.

“We have a table, chairs, an island, and barstools.”

“Oh, I forgot. I hate sitting in barstools and that table is so big for just the two of us.”

“There’s also a coffee table in the living room…”

Huh, maybe I should pick a seat.

“If it bothers you, I’ll sit wherever you want.”

He stops me from jumping down by holding my thighs. “No. I was just thinking of your comfort. We’ll go wherever you’re comfortable.”

I reach my legs up to trap his, pulling him closer. With me on the counter, we’re almost the same height. I touch his forearms then feel my way up to his thick biceps. His shoulders, oh Goddess, they’re so thick, round, and sexy. His hands move up to my waist then wrap around me as he steps closer to the counter between my legs.

“I like sitting anywhere you are.” My nails gently scrape up his neck and I feel him shiver. My fingers continue to the short hair of the back of his head.

Damon pulls my body forward, forcing a giggle from me. His hand trails up my back and tangles into my hair as he presses his mouth to mine. His breath is warm and fresh. His tongue peeks out to taste my lips and I’m in uncharted territory.

I let my eyes close and just feel as his tongue tastes my lips again. My lips slightly part and he presses just a bit deeper into my mouth. I taste his lips with just the tip of my tongue and it feels incredible.

I had no idea I would be able to feel how soft and warm his lips are. His tongue caresses mine and a slight whimper escapes my throat. He grunts then pulls back.

I open my eyes to see him staring into mine. I feel my face heat up and I look away, tucking a strand of hair over my ear. He lifts under my chin.

“I love it when your cheeks are pink because you’re nervous. I love it when you move your hair behind your ear because you’re embarrassed.” He gives me his smirk then runs his nose up my chin and to my ear. Using just the tip of his nose, he traces the edge of my ear sending little shivers through my body. “You never have to be shy or embarrassed with me.”

I don’t expect it when his tongue traces my ear and my core tightens. His teeth replace his tongue and I shudder with a moan escaping my throat. My nails curl into his shoulders and he releases a groan of his own.

He pulls away, removing himself from between my legs to stand against the counter, and clears his throat. I see his cheeks color as he turns toward the fridge. He grabs two sodas and places them on the table.

“Come on, my Starlight. I think the table is safer.”

He helps me down and I take my plate to the table; he follows just behind, taking the seat beside mine.

“Safer in what way?” I ask before digging into dinner.

“Safer as in protecting me from losing control and ravishing your body.” He laughs when I tuck another stray hair over my ear. He takes my hand and kisses the back of it.

“Natalie, I’m very attracted to you. You’re beautiful, you’re sweet, you’re smart, you’re kind. Hell, you’re perfect. When the time comes and we’re both ready, I look forward to mating you and wearing your mark proudly for everyone to see. I’m inexperienced, so this is all just as new to me. I’m enjoying every single second spent with you.” He leans over and kisses my even pinker cheek.

“I love being with you. I have since the first time we met and you offered me your chair, then your jacket. You’re such a gentleman. I’m excited that I get to wear your mark. Now eat, dinner is getting cold and I made it just for you.”

He kisses my hand then we eat dinner and chat about our time away from each other.

“So why would only one rogue show up? That’s suicide. Been there, done that.”

“They came to challenge me.”

I have to wipe my chin from the liquid that sputtered out of my mouth. I look up to Damon in absolute horror.

“You could’ve been killed.”

He shakes his head. “My strength comes from my pack. I have to be strong for them, for you, my luna. I can’t just cower away. I took over this pack to protect them. To give them a better life than what they had. There’s no backing down from that.”

“Were you ever hurt? If I were here, I could’ve healed you.”

“Yeah, a little. Realta was here every time. She took care to heal me if I needed it.”

“Every time, how many have come?” My heart sinks thinking that he could’ve been killed many different instances.

“Uh, I fought nine. Finn took on four and one ran away.”

My hand covers my open mouth. I was thinking three, maybe four, but nine? Damon pulls me into his lap and I wrap my arms and legs around him, burying my head in the crook of his neck.

“Shh, it’s okay. As you can see and feel, I’m fine.”

I had no idea I was crying, but the thought of him being hurt pierces straight to my heart.

He comforts my back with one arm and holds me tight with the other. “The challengers were strong, but they weren’t trained as well. They were sloppy. Only one was an actual challenge.”

That doesn’t help and a sob wrecks my body.

“Damon. I couldn’t bear it if anything happened to you. You’re…my everything.”

He rests his head on mine and combs his finger through my hair. “I know, my Natalie. You’re my everything too. I would do anything for you. Please don’t cry.” He lifts my head and wipes away my tears with a smile on his face. “You’re even beautiful when you cry. Come on. As you can see and feel, I’m alive and perfectly fine.”

I nod then get to my feet. I wipe away any remaining tears then we start cleaning up dinner.