The Unicorn And Her Mysterious Mate

Gloves

Chaos POV

I couldn't read her, and it was frustrating the hell out of me. I sat against a sturdy tree, feeling the rough bark against my back as I kept a watchful eye on the camp.

After what felt like hours, Rook's tent finally opened, and Skye emerged. I remained still, my gaze fixed upon her, hidden in the shadows. She settled on a large log, her face upturned to the night sky. The cool breeze rustled through the leaves, causing her shirt to flutter against her skin. I watched as she removed her gloves revealing her delicate hands.

Unable to tear my eyes away, I fought the urge to approach her.

I then watched as Malachi and Talon stumbled out of their tent, their voices raised in a drunken argument. The scent of alcohol wafted through the air, mingling with the crisp night breeze. Skye, sensing trouble, quickly distanced herself from them within our campsite. But Talon, his movements unsteady, noticed her and hastened his approach.

With her back turned, Talon gripped her arm, his words slurred. "What are you doing out of the boss's tent?" he jeered, his tone mocking. Skye's voice sounded strained as she replied, "Fresh air." Something was off, though, in the way she spoke. Talon warned her about the dangers of wandering off, releasing her arm before vanishing into the darkness, followed by Malachi.

Skye stood frozen for a moment before stumbling forward, her body losing balance. Without hesitation, I rose to my feet and rushed to her side. As I reached out to help her up, she snapped, "Don't touch me!" Startled, I took a step back, allowing her to push herself up. "You should not be out here alone," I muttered.

Skye turned to go back to where she had been sitting. I realized she probably didn't want help from someone like me. In a quiet whisper, she explained, "I couldn't sleep," her gaze fixated on the tent. I noticed a slight tremble in her body, and a low growl escaped me, catching her attention.

"I'm sorry to have bothered you. I'm sure you were trying to rest. Thanks for trying to help me," she said, leaning against a nearby tree. My eyes fell upon her gloves. Without a second thought, I walked and picked them up and approached her cautiously, extending my hand with the gloves. Skye accepted them, but I could see the caution in her movements, ensuring not to touch my skin even accidentally.

"Thank you," she murmured as she put the gloves back on. Concerned, I asked, "Did Talon hurt you?" "Not on purpose” She responded. “He startled me." Her gaze shifted towards the tents, and she climbed into the wagon, retrieving her bag. I watched as she pulled out a hooded sweatshirt, oversized and engulfing her figure. A yawn escaped her lips, and she walked back over to a tree, settling down.

"You should go to your tent and sleep. It will be a long journey," I suggested, gesturing towards her tent. Skye glanced at it and shook her head, clearly uncomfortable. Curiosity got the better of me, and I inquired, "Is Rook forcing you to sleep in his tent?" Skye simply replied, "For my protection." Suppressing another growl, I felt relieved knowing she didn't want to be in the tent with him.

"You can sit with me if you want, I don't mind," she spoke softly. I leaned against the tall oak tree next to her.

"Tell me, Chaos, is it really true that it's not safe for me to talk with you, or is it that you just don't want me to?" she asked, her voice tinged with curiosity.

"It is not my place to be talking with you, nor should you show me the kindness you have. Prisoners are shown no kindness in this realm," I responded solemnly, my words heavy with the weight of my circumstances.

Her eyes met mine for a fleeting moment, and I saw a glimmer of understanding. There was no point in claiming my innocence, for it would never change my fate. Once a sentence is given, it is permanent. I would forever be labeled as a murderer.

"I don't think you deserve to be treated as you are. Maybe if you truly were a criminal, but you aren't, are you Chaos?" she spoke gently, her voice filled with compassion. "Yet I know you will still tell me I'm wrong, so I won't push the topic further. But the moment we stop fighting for ourselves, for the truth, we are nothing but an empty shell. If anything, don't lie to yourself. At least be true to yourself. If you are innocent, as you tried to claim earlier, stop telling yourself you aren't."

She fell silent after her impassioned words, and I found myself at a loss for a response. How could I articulate the complex emotions swirling inside me?

Confidently, I realized she did not sense me as her mate. There was no connection in her eyes, no pull drawing her towards me. No, her presence here was not driven by primal instincts. She was simply who she was - kind, compassionate, and capable of seeing the good in those deemed unworthy.

She believed me when I said I was innocent, though I couldn't fathom why. Despite her youth, she spoke with a maturity that belied her age. She was undeniably intelligent, more so than I had initially given her credit for.

But amidst my admiration, I couldn't help but question her motives for coming here. She clearly didn't trust the crew.

"Is it that hard for you to see? She may not sense us yet, but she still came because of us," Blade growled in my mind. "She feels the same pull we do to be around her. She just doesn't understand what that feeling is yet. But I also believe she has underestimated the danger she may be in now, traveling with those who have bought us. The way Rook looks at her is with the same excitement as finding a map leading to treasure. He sees our mate as if she were a treasure herself. We must keep her safe, even if it means fighting against our restraints. If we don't, I am certain they will use and harm our mate."

I glanced at her slumped figure, her head resting uncomfortably against the tree trunk. She had fallen asleep, her face peaceful in the moonlight.

I rose from my spot, being careful not to make any contact with her skin. I couldn't fathom why she disliked being touched, but her earlier reaction indicated she was overwhelmed. As I lifted her, she felt incredibly light in my arms, as if she weighed nothing at all. Placing her gently on the wagon's bench, I ensured her comfort, but it was difficult to let her go. If it weren't for the collar, I would have whisked her away to safety. I couldn't trust the fae king with her.

She remained peacefully asleep on the bench, her lips slightly parted. I took a moment to admire her without her awareness. Her hoodie carried a faint scent of wolves, and I observed as she subconsciously inhaled the aroma from her sleeve. It seemed to calm her, but I wondered why she had any connection to werewolves. As far as I knew, none resided in this realm. Did she have a chosen mate? Why would a fae be drawn to such a scent?

Suddenly, a strand of her hair fell, partially obscuring her face. Unable to resist, I gently brushed it away with my fingers. In that brief moment of contact, I felt an unexpected surge of warmth, a pleasurable sensation I had never experienced before. It was the mate bond. But then, a small moan escaped her lips, and it wasn't a sound of pleasure. It was pain. Had my touch, even for that split second, caused her discomfort?

"So angry," she mumbled in her sleep. As I gazed at her, I wondered if she could sense my anger. Shaking my head, I stepped out of the wagon. I needed to distance myself. I couldn't continue getting close to her, for it only intensified the pain of knowing she could never be mine.

I stood just outside the wagon, my eyes scanning the campsite. After sometime Rook emerged from his tent, his face etched with anger. His gaze swept the area, clearly searching for Skye.

"Lycan, where did the girl go?" he demanded, his voice laced with frustration.

"She's sleeping in the wagon," I replied calmly, watching as he approached. He peered inside, his tense expression easing slightly. Relief flooded through me, though deep down, Blade growled with a fierce intensity. But I had to keep up the facade, acting as if she meant nothing to me.

From within the wagon, I could hear the muffled sounds of commotion and hushed voices. Rook had undoubtedly woken her up. Moments later, both of them emerged, ready to pack up camp.

"Time to pack up camp, Lycan," Rook declared, his eyes fixed on me. Skye kept her gaze lowered, avoiding eye contact. Rook's arm snaked around her, pulling her closer to him. Surprisingly, she didn't resist.

"Let's consult the map. We have a few stops to gather hidden items necessary for revealing the unicorn kingdom," Rook informed Skye.

"Fine, but that doesn't mean you can keep your arm on me. Release me," she asserted, her tone firm and unwavering.

As I walked over to start dismantling the campsite, I couldn't help but hide a small smile of amusement. Maybe Skye was stronger than I had initially given her credit for.