As minutes go by, Conrad watched as her expression darkened.
Alice couldn’t believe her luck. Her mate came from the family of the Alpha. But would he want her as a mate? She knew mates could be rejected. All she would bring to this pack is trouble. They might want to avoid that. She dashed her own hope. No way would they want her here. She’s glad for this brief reprieve, though. It’s nice to feel comfortable once in a while after so many months of discomfort.
“What’s wrong?” He finally asked, not liking how her face paled. It was rosy when she got out of the shower and he liked seeing her with color. He can almost feel how soft her cheeks would be. The dress also looked good on her.
She gave him a sad smile, “You’re going to reject me, aren’t you?”
His heart skipped a beat at hearing her question.
“What made you think that?” His expression showed agitation. That would never happen.
“You’re avoiding me.”
He frowned at her answer. “I already told you. I don’t want to startle you. If you weren’t jumpy, I would have touched you already.”
Her eyes turned round at his admission. So, he does want to get close to her.
But… she didn’t want to cause them trouble. If she doesn’t leave soon, those haunting her would probably attack this place. Remembering this is a pack, maybe they have supplies? Maybe she can ask for some before she leaves?
“Do you… does your pack have potions? One that can conceal a wolf’s scent?”
Her question made him remember her situation. She’s running away from her pack, a hostile pack at that.
“The borders alone can conceal your scent. They won’t be able to tell if you’re here or not.”
“But they already know I’m here. Just to be safe, I should also use potions.”
“I’ll check with the doctor tomorrow. They have a lot of potions in their storage, all kinds of them.”
This made her relieved. One problem solved.
“You’re worried about masking your scent? How long have you been running?”
Alice knew what he’s actually asking. “It’s been a few months.”
“How long have you been on your own? How did you survive?”
She didn’t want to be reminded of her nightmares but she thought it would be rude not to answer his questions.
“A few months. Potions helped me a lot.”
Conrad could make out the trembling of her hands and her lips. He should stop asking these questions that remind her of her terrifying ordeal. He should comfort her at this point.
Conrad stood up and walked near her.
“Are you afraid? Don’t be. I’ll protect you.” He kneeled in front of her so he can see her face. His hands are itching to touch her. He couldn’t move his gaze away from her eyes and her lips.
Alice heard his soft voice and it soothed her heart. Suddenly, as if on impulse, her body moved. She was thrown into his arms and he stumbled backwards. Hearing him grunt in pain and the position they were in, she quickly apologized to him.
Her wolf purred in contentment.
“It was my wolf…” She weakly explained. She doesn’t know how she’ll get up without squashing him further. She put one hand on his shoulder so she could push herself up. Before she could do so, his hand wrapped around her waist and trapped her in his embrace. His breathing has slowed down as her scent invaded his senses.
“You smell like apples.” They both said at the same time.
Their eyes slightly widened at this coincidence. Conrad moved closer to her and sniffed near her shoulder. She visibly shivered.
“What are you doing?” Despite asking, she was actually tempted to do the same. She quietly inhaled his scent. She inched closer and closer, the wonderful scent made her close her eyes. She was startled when the tip of her nose touched something. Her face heated up at realizing what she’d done. The warmth from his body enveloped her and she didn’t want to move.
Alice yelped and grabbed his shoulder when she felt him licking her neck. It was only one stroke of his tongue, and then he was pressing kisses on it and on her shoulders. She could feel some wetness on her skin. She’s feeling light-headed and her body seems to be seeking something. She pushed herself closer to him, eventually laying her head on his other shoulder. She heard him groan. His kisses are now making noises she could hear, a smacking of lips against her skin. She feels hot. Is this how it feels to be so close to your mate? It feels good. She wanted to savor it.
Conrad was barely controlling himself. She’s such a temptress. His own wolf howled inside his head. Her body, cradled in his, felt light. He needs to take this slow. She’s only nineteen, if what the middle-aged woman said is true. She’s too young compared to his twenty-eight years.
He adjusted his position on the floor before getting up and carrying her. The movement did startle her and she moved her head away, looking at him.
“Can I kiss you?” His muscles tightened in anticipation. This is only their first day. They don’t know each other yet. He sat on the bed and maintained her position in his lap.
She looked lost and nervous but she nodded her pretty head. Alice caught her breath when his hand moved up her nape and held her in place. His face slowly approached hers. When his gaze dropped to her lips, she did the same. Is she supposed to breathe? It would be difficult if she doesn’t, right? It’s good that she brushed her teeth. Eventually, she closed her eyes. The first touch of his lips on hers made her feel a fluttering of wings in her stomach. Butterflies. Is this the feeling they’re describing with that phrase? It started with just a pressing of lips together. When Alice started feeling that it seems lacking, she gasped when she felt him licking her lips. As they were parted, Conrad suckled on each lip. This made her squirm. It felt good. His lips were soft and his breath smells like mint, too. Though the scent of apples remained the strongest in her senses. Her hands gripped his clothes when his tongue delved inside her mouth, making her moan in helplessness. She doesn’t want him to stop. It slightly felt like drowning but she could feel his strong hand supporting her back. She noticed a throbbing sensation between her legs and she doesn’t know what to do with it. Something seems to be pulling at her insides.
He explored every inch of her mouth and only tasted sweetness. Hearing her moan spurred him on and soon, he was hard for her. He couldn’t touch her tonight, though. He wants her to trust him first, to get close, to understand each other, to rely on him, and to love him.
Soon, she was mimicking his actions and her tongue slowly met his. Good. She’s a fast learner. Alice could feel something hard and large beneath her. She’s sure it wasn’t there earlier.