Chapter 13: Chapter 13

VALERY

Sam meets me at the campus gates and bows with a smile.

We start walking and I find myself speaking up about what happened with Mr. Lamberg. “So, Sam, something weird happened.”

He turns to me, giving me his full attention while we walk. “My necklace broke, and one of my professors picked it up.” I tense for a second before continuing. “His hand… I don’t know… He got hurt when he touched it, like he got burned.”

Sam’s eyes widen and he stops, his expression turning serious, and he looks around us warily.

“He’s a werewolf.”

I nod as I bite my lip. “I know. He mentioned Alvarius. But what happened to him?”

He sighs and relaxes slightly, probably sensing no one around. “Your necklace is made out of silver. Silver hurts us. Did he do anything to you? Did he behave differently from usual?”

I shake my head. “No… He behaved like always. He’s a friend of my father’s. I’ve known him for years. He even gave me a little pouch, so I wouldn’t lose it again.”

Sam relaxes a little more, but the frown doesn’t leave his face. “You said he mentioned the alpha?”

“Yeah, like he knows him. But, Sam, and sorry if this sounds impolite, but how can a werewolf be a vet? From the stories I’ve heard, animals go nuts around werewolves, but the ones he takes care of are fine.”

Sam nods and grins. “Every animal gives off a scent, as you know. Werewolves are special in that we can turn off our scent or dim it—at least, as far as most animals are concerned. Dogs and cats can always sense us, and a werewolf will always know when another is nearby.”

“So, I guess he’s aiming to be a livestock vet.” I’m silent for a moment as I think about my future. “When I’m…officially the luna, it’ll be the same for me, won’t it?”

Sam shrugs. “Probably.” He sees my frown. “But who’s to say? Maybe your abilities will allow you to block your scent from all animals.” He shrugs again, and I drop it. I can tell I’m making him uncomfortable.

He clears his throat. “Please tell Alvarius about what happened. It doesn’t sound like we need to worry though. For now, let’s head back and pack your stuff.”

I nod, biting the inside of my cheek, and walk the rest of the way home with him. Once inside, I head to my room to pack my belongings for staying at the pack house. I still can’t believe I’m going. I’m nervous.

Just as I finish latching my suitcase, there’s a knock on the door. “Valery, are you done? The car is here.”

Grabbing the suitcase from my bed, I open the door. “Yeah. We can go.”

Sam nods and takes my suitcase, which I thank him for, and I grab my backpack. Outside, a pack member from before greets me and opens the door of the SUV in front of the house. As we set off, they tell me they usually go by foot as wolves, but since I’m a human, they got the car today.

I look out of the window into the forest and tense when I hear howling close.

“I’ll take care of it.”

The driver stops the car and Sam leaves, heading out to the howl.

I look after him as the car once more picks up speed. “Will he be okay?”

“Don’t worry, he’s our best warrior. He’ll be back before you can miss him.” The pack member makes eye contact with me and smiles. I smile back at him and nod.

As soon as we arrive, Alvarius is waiting for us and kisses my forehead as I jump out of the car.

“Missed you, kitten.”

I blush and look away. The pack member takes out my suitcase and places it next to me, bowing.

“I will take my leave now, Alpha, Luna.”

I shake my head. It’s going to take me some time to get used to being addressed with that title. I sigh, and Alvarius looks at me, his eyes narrowing.

“Valery. Where is your necklace?”

I frown. “One of the links broke during work. I’m sorry.” I take out the little pouch and show him my necklace.

“Ah. That can easily be fixed. I’m gonna do it quick.” He reaches out to take it, but I pull my hand away from him quickly. He looks at me, confused.

“Won’t it hurt you?”

His eyes close in understanding, but he shakes his head. “No. But only me. This jewelry is special. Only your mate can touch it. See for yourself.”

He holds out his hand again, and I frown but put the necklace into his palm and sigh with relief when nothing happens. He smiles and takes care of the necklace.

“All right. There you go. All fixed now.”

My eyes widen. He didn’t need tools? As if reading my thoughts, he chuckles and inches closer to me, his voice a low whisper next to my ear. “I’m more talented with my hands than you can imagine, kitten.”

I blush, and he puts the necklace on my neck again and smiles. Then he takes my hand and pulls my suitcase to the giant house.

“This is the room you’re going to stay in. That is, if you don’t mind sharing with me.”

I blush again but shake my head, making him grin mischievously. He closes the door, and we’re alone in the room. “Let me give you a little welcome.”

His eyes shimmer golden as he approaches me like I’m his prey, and I back away until I’m against the bed. He catches my arms and holds them behind my back.

“Don’t think you can escape me. You’re mine, kitten.”

He kisses my lips hungrily, making me moan, and he growls low in his throat while pushing me onto the bed.

“Wait… Please…” I try to pull away to catch my breath, but he chuckles.

“Oh, sweet innocent little girl, thinking that a hungry wolf could listen to such a request.”

He traces his lips over my neck, making me shiver.

“I know you want it just as much as I want it. You can’t hide your feelings from me.”

I moan again at his dark voice as he lightly pushes his teeth into my neck, sending a pleasant shiver through my body.

He groans. “I can’t wait to finally mark you.”

There it is again, a mixture of fear and need for him at the term of being marked. What does it mean? It sounds important, and he said once he does, I will become the luna, but how will he mark me?

He growls, inhaling my scent, and pushes his lips to my neck.

“It means that I will claim this pretty neck of yours… I will bite you, leaving my mark for everyone to see, so everyone knows you’re mine.”

My eyes widen, and I push him away. His eyes are almost completely golden. “You ~can~ read my thoughts.”

He smirks and nods. “More or less. Don’t worry, as soon as I mark you, you will be able to read mine as well.”

My cheeks heat as I realize that he knew every second what I was thinking about him, what I wanted him to do to me. He growls, almost a purr, and his eyes are golden.

“Valery, don’t tempt me with your naughty thoughts.”

I bite my lip and avert my gaze. “Does… Will it hurt?” My voice is barely a whisper, and he stops his teasing, pulling my face to look at him, his eyes swirling between golden and blue as he smiles.

“Only for a moment. It’s like losing your virginity. I will make sure to prepare you properly. I promise.”

“Prepare me?”

He chuckles, his eyes golden again. “Yes, my little kitten. The bonding ritual is not only claiming your neck but also the rest of your pretty body.”

His gaze travels the length of my body, and my mouth opens as understanding hits me.

“Wait. I… I’m not ready for this!”

He kisses my forehead before closing his eyes and inhaling again. When he opens his eyes, they’re blue again with sparks of golden.

“Don’t worry. I’ll wait.” He smiles, and I breathe out a sigh of relief as he rolls onto the bed next to me and I cuddle into his side.