Second Chances

Chapter Two: The Beginning Part Two

Before bed, I made sure our little guest was still breathing. Entering the bedroom, I couldn't keep my eyes off his sleeping form. I must have watched his chest move as he inhaled for an hour before my feet grew tired and my eyes heavy. I need to change, my simple blue dress was covered in this werewolf blood, and the smell was starting to make my headache. I went over the full-length mirror and looked at myself. My long blond hair was coming loose from its bun, and I saw some blood had gotten on my headscarf as well. I sighed. My whole outfit was ruined. I looked over at the sleeping werewolf, and he was still breathing. I knew that he was out for the night. I stripped my blood-soaked clothes in the mirror before looking at myself again. My blue eyes stared back at me. I looked closely at the tattoos on my arm, nine stars with a keyhole in the middle.

I was a high-ranking witch. As your power grew, so did the number of stars on your arm. It was the witches' way of showing your strength, a simple threat bound to prevent other witches and creatures from challenging you. However, here in the forest, it was just a symbol of power, marking me as a powerful witch. I ever left the woods, and others would know that I was powerful. I had learned battle magic from my mother. If I ever need to, I could defend myself. Everyone in the forest could, and it was part of our duty to the forest to protect it from danger; therefore, everyone knew how.

I looked over my other tattoos, wards, and other symbols meant to protect and enhance my power. They were different because my mother had to cut them into my skin, a progress that is unpleasant and tedious. However, it has excellent advantages for those who can bear the pain. I looked at my scars, I don't remember how I got them, but it must have been not very good. I had a 4-inch scar on my forehead and scars covering my arms, and a large 7-inch scar lower back with more minor only a little visible. I traced the scars with my fingertips and sighed deeply. Sometimes I wonder what happened and who I was before, but I have no memories before waking up in this room. Mother was at my bedside and told me my name. She never told me how she knew Ember was my name, but she said that's all she knew. I never really felt the need to ask more. The scar on my body told me the life I left behind wasn't worth remembering. I was happy now, I had my mother and the forest, and I didn't need anything else.

I pulled down my bun and took off the stained headscarf. I threw on my black sleeping rode and climbing into my hammock. I hardly slept in the bed anyway. My hammock was way more comfortable and was near a nice large window. I could look out at the moon and watch the forest as I fell asleep. Tonight was different; I couldn't seem to sleep. All I could think about is our guest, I remember his eyes staring into mine, and I felt my lower body grow hot. I have never felt like this. I inhaled deeply, and the smell most wonderful smell hit my nose. It was like I was smelling the forest the day after it rains. I looked over at the sleeping werewolf one more time, making sure that he was still breathing. I watched as his chest moved and he inhaled while sleeping. I felt the needed to touch him.

Something deep inside called to me. I found myself on my feet again as I strolled to the sleeping werewolf. He was lying on his back. Something inside of me wanted to climb in bed with him. I listened to the voice calling me to his side and found myself snuggled against his chest, inhaling his scent. I felt my p***y become hot and wet as I touched him. Tingles shot through my skin. His scent was drawing me closer, and the wonderful smell was coming from him. I couldn’t help but nuzzle myself against his chest, inhaling that scent. I placed my ear over his heart and listened to the beat, and he was sleeping so peacefully.

“Mate.” the sleeping werewolf whispered. I knew he had lost his mate and was dreaming about her. His injuries were claw marks, all self-inflicted. I had study werewolves and knew they did that to themselves when they are our come with grief after losing their mate. Other families had found werewolves in the past, and most of them her injured in this way. After they were healed, they were cast out because none were pure of heart. I hope this wolf was different. The thought of him leaving hurt my heart. I nuzzled him closer and inhaled his scent, and I couldn’t stop myself. I felt his grip tighten around me and looked up to see his eyes open. He looked around before looking down at me, and our guest caught me. He smiled and caressed my arms, pulling me closer to him.

“Hello.” He said in a husky voice, grinning ear to ear. I was frozen, I couldn’t manage to mutter a single word, and he pulled my chin to his lips, claiming mine. Tingles shot through my body as he deepened the kiss, forcing his tongue into my mouth. I couldn’t help myself and reacted, kissing him back as if I knew how. This was my first kiss. I never even touched a man till this day. He broke our kiss and let out a whimper. I was surprised that I even made that noise, never had I made that noise before.

“What’s your name, mate?” He asked. Why did he call me to mate? Was I his second chance, mate? My heart started beating faster. This man was my mate, and I was destiny for him.

“My name is Ember.” I managed to mutter, looking deep into his eyes. He smiled at me, claiming my lips again. The kiss lasted longer, and did better with it. When be broke away, I was left panting.

“I see you are a powerful witch. Do you understand you’re my mate?” He said, touching my tattoo causing a tingle in my skin.

"I do," I muttered, looking into his eyes.

"Do you want to be mine?" He asked, and I knew what he meant. He wanted to mark me. Destiny choose me for him. I clear was his second chance, mate. If I didn't accept him, then he would die. Having to mark me means that I would be his forever. Would the forest accept him? The forest wouldn't cast my mate out. I was one of its protectors. The forest would accept him if I did. I wanted him. I've heard about mates, the bond between mates. It's something that I wanted. I knew that I knew nothing of his man, but he was meant for me. I trusted the gods to give me a suitable mate.

"Yes," I mutter, baring my neck to him. And he took it without question, his canines extended, and he bit down on my neck. The pain didn't last long and was replaced with pleasure. He licked my neck, sealing the mark.