The Hunted Princess

Chapter 6

Another day had passed with the demon wolf— Caelan, at my side.

He reacted so well to the name that I was left to believe that it truly was his actual name. Another fact my mind had somehow already known.

I still didn't understand why he hadn't yet left my side. By now, if he truly wanted to eat me, he would have already done it.

At least that's what I told myself to keep my heart from jumping out my chest every time I saw him next to me.

Today, I was out looking for supplies once more when a sudden thought had interrupted my earlier plans. There was some place my mind wanted to take me.

After walking around for a good hour, I'd finally found it.

My eyes took its slow time taking in the scenery in front of me. The rich, pungent scent of the flowers filled my nose. The clean, crystal clear river to the front of us caught my attention, the bright sunlight shining its golden beauty on the water brought a smile to my face. That was before a shocking realization invaded my mind.

I've been here before.

That was the only explanation for the feeling of warmth that took over my body at the sight.

Don't be crazy Alina. Only women chosen for the mate hunt ever came to this place.

I glanced over at Caelan, he seemed preoccupied in his own thoughts. The look in his eyes tugged at something in my heart. For some reason, he looked as though this exact spot made him even more sad than before.

Why did I feel as though I knew exactly what was hurting him?

I was yet to figure out the connection I had with the beast. So far, he had been the biggest of them all. It made me wonder if he was some sort of leader amongst the few.

That thought escaped my mind the moment I saw him snap his head to the right. He was on high alert now. Whatever he'd heard must have spiked this reaction from him. 

Then, right before my eyes four wolves appeared before me . .  .surrounded us and blocking my chance of escape. These were bigger than the others, but still not as big as Caelan. They were growling at me, their posture prepared to strike.

My hands flew to my mouth to stop myself from screaming. I looked around me, hoping for some way to escape. But this time unfortunately things were looking really bad for me. I was completely trapped with nowhere to hide. 

I watched in shock as Caelan moved in front of me, almost as though he was trying to guard me from the rest of them. He growled deep in his throat, a warning to the others, I silently thought to myself.

If I knew any better, I would think that they were having a conversation with each other. If they were, it certainly wasn't going good.

Caelan's growls grew more aggressive now and he looked as though he were ready to attack. The other wolves were all different shades of brown, but something was off about them. I still sensed a bit of calm in Caelan but these seemed as though they'd completely lost it.

Again, I felt a bit of sadness at that fact.

What was wrong with me?

These creatures planned on killing me but yet I stood over here feeling sorry for them? Surely, I wasn't right in my head.

I watched in horror as the wolf with the darkest shade of brown lunged for Caelan. But just like the other fights, even this wolf was no match for him. The other wolves seemed to read my mind, for now all of them were attacking him at once.

This time I couldn't stop the scream that escaped my mouth. I looked around frantically for something that could help save Caelan from the fight. For even though they were no match for him, he didn't stand a chance with all of them attacking at once.

However, by the time I had finished looking around for someway to help, the fight was already finished.

There was blood everywhere. But that wasn't what made every part of my body come alive. No, it was the naked man on the ground.

Caelan had somehow transformed into a man. I could hear my own breathing overpowering the sound of everything else around me. His face was facing the ground, but his body. It was a living masterpiece, no man had ever looked this appealing to me before.

It was absurd, for this one was covered in blood.

Yet, it did nothing to fight the deep attraction forming within me.

My body trembled as I took slow steps in his direction. The crunching sound of dry leaves being crushed beneath my feet wasn't even enough to cancel out the loud beating of my heart.

Before I could stop myself, I reached forward with my hands and carefully placed it on his shoulder. The feel of his firm, soft skin under the palm of my hand stirred unwanted desires deep inside of me.

I gently pressed down on his arm, trying to get his muscular body to shift beneath my hold. But the man was too strong.

I pressed with much more force now. This time it was enough, for he was now laid down with his back against the ground.

My cheeks reddened in embarrassment, my body overflowing with unwanted desire.

He was naked.

I fought to regain my composure, trying my best to keep my gaze above his waist. I silently traced his toned bare chest with my eyes, a heat awakening from the depths within me. My hands itched to touch everywhere.

I swallowed, my gaze going higher now. Despite the voice in my head begging to go lower. . .

My breath got caught in my throat.

Sharp jaw, plump sexy lips . . . Narrow nose.

My heart skipped a beat, the blood thrumming in my ear.

Who was this heavenly man?