Waiting for you: Howling Hearts 2

Bond

I laid in bed, staring at the ceiling, my stomach churning with nerves.

Today was Xander’s eighteenth birthday, and I was about to face him, our bond stronger than ever.

I traced the outline of the label on the spray bottle.

Spelling out "scent mask".

A brand that created a deodorant like spray that covered your scent to all werewolves.

making you smell just like the surroundings.

And although this was mostly sold to children who pranked people on Halloween so that they wouldn’t get caught.

It had become the thing I hope would buy me even the slightest little bit of time.

I debated whether or not to go through with it.

It would only extend my time ever so slightly.

But eventually I would have to face this head on.

Just then. That familiar and intoxicating scent met my nose. Xander’s woodsy aroma, now stronger, more inviting, and just absolutely ravishing.

It made my heart race. His scent was a blend of cedarwood and fresh pine that something that was so delicious it was impossible to ignore.

“Dawn, Xander’s here to walk you to school,” Riley called from downstairs.

Panic surged through me. I rushed to cover my scent before he noticed.

That is, if he hadn’t already. I could hear Xander’s voice faintly.

“Wow, Miss Stormclaw, your house smells amazing.”

His voice sent shivers down my spine. Did he know? was i too late? No i was quick it should be fine.

“I’ll be there now,” I replied to my mom, trying to steady my overly shaky voice.

I scrambled to get dressed, feeling a sudden urge to somehow impress him.

Maybe it was the mate pull making me want to make Xander want me.

I chose a striking red floral dress with a deep V-neck and flowing sleeves.

It accentuated my curves and created a contrast to the green in my eyes.

The fabric felt soft and smooth against my skin.

As I twirled in front of the mirror, I felt a sense of confidence enveloping me.

I put my hair up into a loose braid, exposing my neck.

Hoping my mate’s mark would be there.

False hope but hope none the less.

I matched it with comfortable sandals.

I did light makeup and sprayed on my baccarat perfume to mask my natural scent without seeming suspicious.

I looked over at the gift bag standing on my dressing table.

It was a gift I had prepared for Xander before i eve knew he was my mate.

It was an old vintage fishing reel that Xander wanted.

He liked to collect them, and this specific one was a unique piece that would tie his collection together.

And although I saw no value in it, I knew it was something priceless to him.

Something he had been looking for, for years.

And the guy I bought it from also saw value in it as he charged a high price for it.

I looked over at the little jewelry box that contained the gift Xander had given me on my birthday.

A lovely pair of diamond earrings in the shape of a small circle.

Along with a necklace that had a beautiful rose made of rubies and emeralds.

I quickly put them on as I thought they matched my dress beautifully.

I made my way down the stairs whilst still trying to catch my breath with that intoxicating scent filling my lungs and making me want to act irrationally.

As I approached the door, his scent became more delicious and infatuating.

My pulse quickened, and butterflies swarmed across my stomach.

I tried to avoid his gaze as I opened the door.

“Happy birthday,” I mumbled, handing him the gift.

I caught a glimpse of his smile.

His lips looked so inviting.

I couldn’t help but wonder how they would taste, the thought making my cheeks burn.

“You look beautiful, Dawn,” he said, making my eyes shoot up to his.

My body started overheating, and my thoughts raced.

“Thank you,” I managed to say before breaking eye contact, my voice barely a whisper.

On the walk to school, Xander’s presence was both comforting and completely nerve-wrecking.

The silence between us was thick and the tension palpable.

Every step we took together felt like a countdown to something that was bound to happen.

He broke the silence first.

“Why are you covering your scent?”

My heart skipped a beat. I felt anxious about what to say.

The truth was too dangerous, too revealing.

“Dawn, just tell me. I would never judge you,” he said, his voice sooo sincere, making my heart feel warm.

The kindness in his eyes only made my chest tighten.

“I’m scared of rejection. We both know my reputation here, Xander. You’re like my only friend,” I whispered, my voice trembling.

“I’m sure your mate accepts you... I mean, will accept you,” he said, lifting my chin to meet his gaze.

Sparks flew down my back, and the hairs on my arms stood to attention.

The sparks were way more intense now, like lighting shooting through every fiber of my being.

Like the ground beneath me is shaking and only I can feel it.

Like my world is spinning and making me dizzy.

A confirmation of the bond that flowed between us.

Both comforting and yet terrifying.

We stood like that watching each other like time was standing still for us.

The air between us was charged with anticipation.

A silent promise of what could have been.

But then reality crashed back as Amanda walked over and pushed me to the side.

I fell onto my bum, wincing at the impact.

“Xander, while you may be the Alpha’s heir, it’s important to remember that I am still a valued member of this pack. I won’t let you stab your pack and your mother in the back. Have you forgotten what her father did to all of us?” Amanda scolded.

Xander’s expression darkened, and he took a step towards her, his posture tense and protective.

But before he could say anything.

A powerful voice and aura that commanded attention yelled Amanda’s name, cutting through the tension like a knife.

The authority in that voice left no room for negotiations as it demanded respects. it demanded cooperation.

No, it demanded obedience.

Amanda’s face paled, and everyone turned to see who had spoken.

A chill ran down my spine. I got up to my feet and looked over the crowds heads, spotting the owner of that voice.

Our Luna.