Ch. 381..390
Chapter 381 – Checking On Patients (1)
As they finished breakfast, everyone dispersed to accomplish their tasks.
James headed to the human city with his new friends. James saw that Petra, Erik, and Zack would occasionally stiffen as if they reminded themselves who James is, but James didn't mind. He was used to it.
Mindy, Kalina, and Maya went to Darkbourne to check on a few things for the upcoming party. Marcy volunteered to do it, right before Talia snapped and held her down while showing her the graphic video, and then there was the whole rejection business… long story short, Marcy was unavailable, so Maya took it on herself to finalize those tasks, and Mindy and Kalina decided to accompany Maya.
Caden accompanied Tony, Paul, Nate, and Greg for training. Their schedule included training in the morning, and after lunch, they will help with setting up the event hall and the garden for the upcoming party.
Tatiana and Maddox went back to her room after promising that they will make appearances at the party. Damon was hoping that Maddox will be more present, but considering that he just found his mate, Damon didn't insist.
Maddox's situation was a painful reminder for Damon that if he was not an asshole when he met Talia, he and Talia would spend the first few days (probably longer) indulging in each other. When they come out of the room, Talia would wear his mark, regardless of her wolf's presence.
But Damon messed up, big time, and it was weeks already, yet Talia was still not marked. This combined with external threats to Talia's safety, and Axel wanting to take her away… it was all driving Damon mad.
At this rate, Damon feared that it won't happen. He was stupid at the beginning, and now they were stuck with her wolf's conditions, and there was also Axel's warning how they should give it at least few days to adjust to the marking. What was that about?
Part of Damon considered letting his wolf out to mark Talia, and he would deal with Talia's wolf and anything else that comes later.
Sometimes it's better to ask for forgiveness than permission, but Damon was not sure which one this was. What if the mess escalates into something that's too much and he really endangers Talia?
Damon was frustrated. He was never indecisive. Damon's nature was to do what his instincts tell him, but since he met Talia, he was doubting himself like never before.
After breakfast, Talia had a task to go with Dawn and visit Marcy and George. They would deliver fresh food, herbs, and check on the situation there.
Shaken up by recent events, and nervous about what's coming, Damon decided to tag along.
"Don't you have pack-related work to do?", Talia asked Damon when she realized he was serious about coming with her.
"Kitten", he called with all the importance in the world. "Didn't you notice that whenever we are apart, something bad happens? We should stick together. Besides, I want to hear what Travis has to say."
Talia gave up. If Damon was fine to neglect his work in order to follow her around, she wouldn't object. She liked his presence. The only downside was that Dawn was super-stiff with Damon around.
In the kitchen, Damon waited on the side and checked emails on his phone while Talia and Dawn packed food. For people who didn't know what was going on, the official version was that Damon and Talia will have a meal in the forest.
Stephanie, Zina, Ivy, and Lily were also busying themselves in the kitchen with clean-up after breakfast.
Because Lisa was in the dungeon, and it was somewhat because of her, Talia was not sure how to look at Stephanie and she couldn't wait to pack stuff and get out of there.
"Is this the right time to have a meal in the forest?", Stephanie asked Damon with disapproval in her voice. "I know you kids like to have fun, but there is so much to do with the upcoming party."
Damon nodded in agreement. "It's exactly because of the party that we will do this. It will help us change the scenery as we go over the schedule. Maya is handling things in the town with Mindy and Kalina, and we will all be back in time to set up things here."
Stephanie exhaled helplessly and shook her head. She didn't approve, but Damon was the Alpha, and he knew what he was doing. Hopefully.
"If you are not here when I return, I will meet with you in the sweet shop.", Dawn told Zina.
"You have plans?", Talia asked.
Zina confirmed. "We will take Ivy and Lily to enjoy the best lemon pie in the area."
"Just make sure you don't stay too long.", Stephanie reminded them. "At ten-thirty, I want us to start with lunch and food prep for tonight."
"Sure, sure…", Dawn and Zina responded in unison like it's not a big deal.
Stephanie was flustered. Just yesterday Maya told her that they will have this big party, and now everyone was going to relax and enjoy. Don't they have a sense of urgency?
Stephanie felt like the only grownup in the room that was stuck with a bunch of kids who only want to play.
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Talia, Damon, and Dawn reached the house where Marcy and George were.
They took a longer route because Talia wanted to get some fresh herbs from the forest.
Travis was there already, sitting in the living room.
"Don't worry about it. I finished the exam a minute ago, so I'm waiting to tell you the results in person", Travis said when Talia apologized for running late. He didn't dare be disrespectful toward his Luna even though Damon didn't announce it.
Dawn went into the kitchen to prepare a tray with food for George, and Damon and Talia sat on the sofa to hear updates from the good Doctor.
Travis spoke for a few minutes, which could be summarized with, "There are no significant changes to their conditions."
Actually, their states were slowly declining, which was not unusual considering that they were not getting out of beds, and the extent of how much IVs could do was limited.
"They are fine for now, but if this continues for the next few days, I will recommend that we move them to the hospital where they can get extensive care. If they were humans, they would be hooked up to machines already."
Damon didn't like it. If Marcy and George are moved to the hospital, people would find out about their condition.
Sure, people working in the pack hospital are members of the Dark Howlers pack, and Travis can decide who from the staff can approach the patients, but there are ways to find out things by hacking into security feeds, or into hospital records. Nothing was completely secure.
Chapter 382 – Checking On Patients (2)
Damon was alerted when he felt Talia's emotions fluctuating.
He knew that Talia was worried about Marcy and George. She was kind and selfless, and her impulse was to help people, but this was not the right time.
Damon feared that she will use her powers.
What if someone sees how amazing she is? With all the things going on, he really didn't want to add more to it.
He gave her hand a squeeze. "Don't do anything rashly. It's still early to give up hope."
Talia responded with a sad smile. She could feel Damon's worry, and she wanted to assure him that she won't act without thinking.
"I will do my part by providing herbs and food. The two of you continue without me. I will check on Dawn." With that, Talia left the living room.
Travis looked after Talia and smiled dreamily while thinking how their Luna is compassionate. Alpha Damon is just and fierce, and he takes care of his people, but they were missing the soft side that comes out of Talia effortlessly.
In the next moment, Travis broke into a cold sweat as Damon's murderous aura splashed on him.
Travis knew what he did wrong, his head was not just for decoration. He was looking after Alpha's mate with an ambiguous expression that lingered longer than necessary.
And to save his neck, Travis lowered his head in submission.
Travis didn't dare to reveal how he knew that Talia was Damon's mate because Caden told him it was a secret, and Travis didn't want to get into more trouble.
"I had no bad intentions, Alpha. I was just noticing how Talia is a caring person. She would be a great medical professional. That's all."
"It better be…", Damon grumbled and eased up his aura. The more Damon looked at Doctor Travis, the less he liked him. Was he due for survival training? If not, Damon could make it happen.
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Dawn and Talia went upstairs together.
Talia held a bowl with fruits and a bag with fresh herbs dangling on her shoulder.
Dawn carried a tray with a full meal that had covered plates with eggs, bacon, and pastries from breakfast, which went great with cream cheese and small jars of jams. On the tray were also a glass of orange juice and a glass of milk.
As something little extra, Dawn brought a plate with cinnamon rolls, her favorites. Dawn knew that she would come to see Commander George in the morning, and she got up extra early to make them with the hope that the soothing scent of cinnamon rolls will stir him out of his daze, at least to eat.
The idea of such a handsome man with a promising future dwindling away because of rejection was eating Dawn alive and she had to do something, anything. Unfortunately, making cinnamon rolls was the most she could do, and she didn't have much hope it will work, but it was more than nothing.
They went to Marcy's room first.
Dawn observed Marcy who was unmoving, and she was not sure if it was right to feel nothing.
Dawn thought that she will feel sorry for the woman in her early twenties that was in such a sorry state. Marcy was the princess of the Red Moon pack, with good looks and great education, she came here to become Luna, yet she fell into a coma.
Dawn also thought that maybe she will despise Marcy for not appreciating all the good things in her life and rejecting the mate bond.
However, instead of any of those, Dawn didn't feel anything.
Dawn watched as Talia arranged herbs in the vase and collected the ones that started drying. They really smelled nice, and Dawn thought of asking Talia if she can get some for her apartment also. It wouldn't be fair if Zina's place smells great and Dawn's was lacking.
Seeing that Dawn was watching her, Talia started explaining what she was doing while wrapping the half-dried plants into paper towels. "I will cut off the wet parts and dry them separately. When they are fully dried, we can use them as spices, to make tea, for scented pouches, or as material for incense burners."
Dawn thought how Talia was amazing, and she remembered how Talia would always keep the leftover food for later. No matter how much they had, Talia never wasted anything.
"OK. We are done here.", Talia announced, and Dawn felt all jittery.
"How do I look?", Dawn asked.
"Are you worried that Commander George won't approve of that smudge on your cheek?"
Dawn started rubbing her left cheek vigorously.
"The other one.", Talia said with a straight face, and she burst into giggles when Dawn switched to rub her right cheek.
It took a second for Dawn to realize… "You are messing with me."
"Don't be silly, Dawn. The man is non-responsive. Even if you have horns sticking out of your head, he won't mind. Or it's more accurate to say that he won't notice."
Dawn made a face and grabbed the tray that she kept on the side. "Lead the way."
The truth was that even Dawn was not sure why she was so self-conscious while thinking about Commander George.
Sure, George was powerful and handsome, but Dawn saw many Alphas and many handsome people, yet none of them invaded her thoughts and affected her emotions to the point of her acting like a flustered teenager who was experiencing her first crush.
…
Talia entered George's room first and after a quick glance at George, she confirmed what Doctor Travis said. He was not better.
Talia placed the bowl with fruits down and moved toward the vase where herbs were.
Dawn paused in the hallway and peered through the open door to see George lying on the bed and staring blankly at the ceiling.
She expected a heartache, or concern, but instead… she was happy. Or to be more precise, Dawn's wolf was happy and urging her to get inside.
Dawn had no idea what was going on because she never felt like this, but the urge to get closer was overwhelming and she made one step, and another, and another… and she stood at the door and stared at the man who was lying on the bed.
Somehow, George was more handsome than Dawn remembered him to be.
Dawn inhaled deeply and her lungs were filled with the scent of a meadow where many flowers mixed, but the most prominent one was the sweet clover.
Dawn remembered that Zina said how the flowers Talia brought smell fantastic, but how come Dawn didn't pick up this addictive scent in Marcy's room? Did Talia place different ones in this room?
Dawn's heart skipped a beat when she realized that the man on the bed was staring at her. His dark brown eyes seem to peer into her soul, and she was wondering if that was really happening or if she imagined it.
Chapter 383 – The Second Chance For Happiness (1)
George was lost in the turbulent world his memories created.
Scenes from his early childhood morphed into an endless cycle of training, shouting, pain, hiding, enduring, hatred, dejection. He was able to survive by channeling all that negativity into more training and using it as fuel to keep going.
And then there was light. Marcy. The perfect woman, made for him. She stood like a beacon of light for a brief moment, and then she pushed him back into the cycle of nightmares that waited for him, threatening to swallow him whole.
George was unable to find an exit into the reality that was just as grim as his nightmares, but he knew that in the reality there were people waiting for him. There was Estelle and a number of other people, and for their sake, George should do something only he could do, and he had to snap out of it so that he could help them.
Helplessness was consuming him, and he wondered if this was the extent of his abilities. What was the point of finding out about his heritage if this is how it will end?
George hated himself for falling into such a sorry state. He was a joke of an Alpha.
And just when he thought that there was no hope for breaking the cycle, he picked up something different. It was a sweet scent of cinnamon that carried warmth with it, and George turned toward the source to see an outline of a person. He narrowed his eyes to focus and realized that he was staring at a young woman with short blond hair and endlessly blue eyes directed at him.
Was that his wolf stirring? It was weak, but it was definitely his wolf.
The girl was standing at the door and the light from behind her made her look like she was glowing. She was familiar, yet he was certain that he has never seen such a beautiful woman in his life.
George was lost in a daze that might have lasted a second or eternity, and he didn't realize when his wolf whispered into George's mind that one word he never thought he will hear again, "Mate".
George couldn't believe it. Was that for real or was his imagination playing tricks on him?
…
Oblivious to the state of two other people in the room, Talia finished arranging the flowers and turned around.
"Dawn?", Talia called her non-responsive friend.
Talia's eyes widened in shock when she realized that George was staring back at Dawn.
Both Dawn and George were in some kind of a trance, mesmerized with each other, and Talia realized… mates.
But how was this possible? Didn't Marcy reject George?
It took Talia a moment to remember the story about second chance mates and her lips lifted into a knowing smile.
Who said that witnessing mates recognizing each other was a rare occurrence? In just two days, Talia saw it three times, and she even saw one rejection!
Talia carefully approached Dawn and took the tray from her hands. She placed the tray on the side table and moved toward the door.
Talia nudged Dawn from the back, pushing her to step into the room, and said softly, "Go to him, Dawn."
Dawn moved robotically and stopped only when her legs reached the bed.
Talia started closing the door and paused when she remembered the camera in the room. It was there so they can see if there were any changes in George's condition. Caden just placed the camera on the dresser, so Talia swiftly snatched it and put it in her bag where herbs were. No one will get to watch what's going to happen in there.
Well, almost no one.
Talia pulled the door to close, but she didn't close it completely. She left a small crack so that she can peep inside.
Talia didn't want to watch the X-rated scenes, but she just wanted to ensure things were moving in the right direction.
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Dawn looked at George's handsome features, but she couldn't read his expression.
Somehow, he didn't look happy and that made her heart tighten painfully.
In the next moment, she was overwhelmed with emotions.
Disbelief. Doubt. Fear. There was a trace of joy, but it was quickly drowned by hesitation.
Dawn clutched her chest while wondering from where those feelings were coming, and then she heard a voice in her head, "Mate".
Dawn stared at George while questioning her sanity. Was she daydreaming about handsome Commander George, and she lost her mind completely? How can she be his mate?
Isn't he the powerful Commander?
And there was another thing… wasn't he rejected by Miss Marcy?
If the mate thing was real, doesn't that make her his second chance mate?
But… the stories go that only two people who lost mates can be each other's second chance mates.
Did that mean she had a mate at some point, and she lost him? Did he perish before they met? Or did he mark another woman and that destroyed the chance for a bond to form between them?
Dawn will never know the answers to those questions.
However, she knew that if she was looking at her second chance mate, then all those negative emotions she was feeling were coming from George.
Why was he just lying there and staring at her?
Was it possible that he didn't want her?
No one ever mentioned a third chance mate… will she be mateless forever?
George stared at Dawn while taking in her features. No matter how he looked at her, she was perfect. Was this another joke of the Moon Goddess? A test?
Why would she give him a mate, if the bond can be so easily discarded?
And he could also feel that she was uncertain and a bit scared. Is that how one feels when they meet their mate?
George frowned when he noticed tears streaming down her cheeks. It was all super-confusing.
"Why are you crying?", his voice was raspy because he didn't talk for a while and his throat was dry.
"You don't want me.", Dawn said in a shaky voice, and she wiped her tears with the back of her palm. "Is it because I am an Omega? Not worthy to be your mate?"
George's frown deepened. He never thought about the status of his mate. Actually, before meeting Marcy, George was so consumed in his training and revenge that he didn't think about his mate at all.
The scar of Marcy's rejection was fresh, and it reminded him how opening up to the bond could backfire but… how could she be not worthy?
Marcy rejected him because she thought that he was an Omega, and if he does the same after the hell Marcy put him through, he will be the biggest asshole on the planet.
Chapter 384 – The Second Chance For Happiness (2)
George raised his hand and touched Dawn's fist that was in her chest level, pressing on the spot where her aching heart was.
They both jolted when sparks prickled their skin upon contact, confirming that the mate thing was real.
"It is me who is the unworthy one.", George said.
Dawn's brows came together in concern, and she voiced her thoughts, "Do you think that Alpha Edward won't take you back because of what happened?"
"You know…" He couldn't say the words that Marcy rejected him, but there was no need to say it.
He slowly retracted his hand from Dawn's, and she was quick to catch it.
Their hands stood connected between them, symbolizing the bond that was fresh and delicate.
"I know what got you into this state.", Dawn confirmed. "I assume that Alpha Edward won't approve. You don't need to go back to the Red Moon pack. You are a Commander. I'm sure that Alpha Damon will find you a position in our army and protect you. He takes care of his people. If you don't want to be a soldier in the army of the Dark Howlers pack, that's fine. I have an apartment where we can live, and my income is enough for both of us. Actually, I saved quite a bit."
Dawn was planning to go on a trip with Zina, but now that Dawn found her mate, Zina will need to take the back seat… assuming George doesn't reject her.
George looked at Dawn in disbelief, wondering if he heard her right. "You will support me?"
Dawn suspected that she hurt his pride. But he was still holding her hand, so even if she stepped over the invisible line, it was not by much. "I will support you until you find a job. Then we can both contribute."
"You won't mind if I am a nobody? A failure that was discarded?"
Dawn realized that his words were harsh because Marcy rejected him. Was it possible that he was insecure?
Or did Marcy's rejection hurt so badly that he didn't want a mate anymore?
Or was he testing her?
Whichever it was, it didn't matter. Regardless of how George felt about the mate bond, her answer would be the same.
From a young age, Dawn was hearing stories about how the mate bond is beautiful and sacred, and how true happiness can only be achieved when mates were together, and now that she was standing in front of her mate who was outrageously handsome, Dawn had no intention of backing down.
Dawn put her other hand over George's that was still holding hers, and she confirmed that the sparks of their bond were real. How long will she get to enjoy them? Dawn was not sure.
"You are not a nobody. You are George. Your job or background don't define you. The only thing that matters is what you will do going forward. My wolf told me you are my mate, and these sparks confirm it. I am willing to make it work and if you think otherwise…" Dawn released a shaky breath. "Reject me and be done with it."
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George helplessly looked at Dawn whose cheeks were wet with fresh tears again. He was a soldier, and he didn't know how to handle a crying woman.
He propped himself into a seated position and raised his hands to wipe her cheeks with his palms. Every movement hurt, like a thousand needles were lodged into his muscles, but his urge to comfort her was stronger than anything else.
"Stop crying. Uhm… What's your name?"
Dawn sniffled. "Dawn. That's D-A-W-N, like the first appearance of light in the sky before sunrise." She had to explain because some people would call her Don, like she was a boy. It's pronounced almost the same.
"Dawn…", George repeated with a smile that made her heart skip a beat. "How about you sit next to me, so…"
'GRRRGRRR!'
George stopped talking when his stomach growled loudly.
He wanted to say that she should sit next to him so they can talk and get to know each other, but his stomach made noise and interrupted the moment. Actually, his wolf was weakly urging him to pull Dawn into his embrace and kiss her senselessly, but George decided to take it slow.
With Marcy, Gorge allowed himself to get carried away, and it's not like he had an intention to reject Dawn, but he wanted to be careful and not rush into things.
Dawn realized that George's emotions changed from what she sensed previously. The initial negativity was dissipating, and she knew that he was willing to give them a go, and that meant the world to her.
George was embarrassed by the noise his stomach made. He looked at Dawn sheepishly to see her smiling brightly, making him feel like the whole world came to life.
He thought of her name… "Your name suits you."
"It does?"
"You brought light to my darkness." He knew that she probably won't understand how true his words were, but it didn't matter.
Dawn felt her cheeks heating. Was she blushing? Probably.
She thought how it was ridiculous, George didn't even say anything super romantic or sexy, but her heart was racing like his words were the sweetest thing she ever heard.
Completely flustered by George's unexpected compliment, Dawn's eyes darted randomly until she saw the tray with food. "I brought you food. You should eat."
Dawn moved to get the tray with food closer to George while talking quickly. She would blabber when she was nervous. "I guess your body feels stiff. Would you like a good stretch? We can go for a walk, or a run if you are up to it. I can give you a massage. If you want, I can prepare a bath for you…"
"Can I have some water first?", George asked when Dawn paused to inhale.
Dawn swiftly changed her direction toward the pitcher with water. She poured him a glass of water and watched him drink it.
She stared unblinkingly at his Adam's apple that bobbed with every gulp he took and she thought how even that part of him was handsome.
Dawn placed the tray with food on the bed next to George. She gingerly sat on the edge of the bed with the tray between them.
Instead of ogling at him, Dawn decided to get busy, and she started removing covers from the plates with food.
Dawn took the fork and her eyes darted from the food to George. "With what do you want to start?" It was obvious that she wanted to feed him.
Instead of answering, George took the fork from Dawn's hand and poked a piece of scrambled eggs.
Dawn stared at him as he held the fork in front of her mouth.
"That's your food. I had breakfast already.", she said.
George smiled a little. "It's custom for a werewolf to feed his mate first. Allow me to do this, Dawn. It's a gesture to show that I will take care of you." And he also had an inexplicable urge to feed her.
Dawn's eyes opened wide to the point of hurting and her lips parted to accept his offering. He said that he will take care of her, another indirect confirmation that he was OK with her being his mate.
Was she worthy of being Commander's mate? The Moon Goddess seemed to think so.
Dawn didn't want to appear like a weak Omega. Commander's mate needs to show some backbone.
She took the spoon and scooped a piece of scrambled eggs.
"And I want to take care of you in return.", she said while holding the spoon in front of his mouth.
George looked at Dawn with a complex expression and his heart cracked a little. He realized how this was the way it was supposed to be from the beginning. If Marcy didn't reject him, they would take care of each other… but she did reject him, and now he didn't feel anything when he thought about her. Actually, his wolf protested.
George opened his mouth and Dawn pushed the spoon in there, smiling happily when the utensil came out clean. She really wanted to be that spoon and to get into his mouth, so that he can touch her with his tongue… Naughty thoughts.
Chapter 385 – Learning About Each Other
In the hallway…
Talia jumped in fright when she felt someone fondling her ass and she whipped her head to see Damon grinning at her.
Damon finished talking to Travis a while ago and he expected Talia to come down, and when she didn't, his patience ran out quickly and he went to investigate. He didn't expect to see Talia sticking to the door and he couldn't stop himself from teasing her.
It was obvious that she was peeping through the crack on the door of George's room. What were Talia and Dawn up to? And where was Dawn?
Damon was not aware of this playful side of Talia. Every day he learned more about his adorable mate and he couldn't wait to see what else she had in store for him.
"What are you doing?", Damon asked in a hushed voice.
"Mates", Talia mouthed and pointed excitedly toward the door.
Damon's eyebrows shoot up and he craned his neck to see through the crack of the door above Talia.
And sure, there it was… George and Dawn were sitting on the bed with a tray of food between them, and they were feeding each other.
A big smile bloomed on Damon's face. He didn't care if they were mates or not. The only thing on Damon's mind was that with George awake, one of his problems disappeared.
George was not a kid who can be swindled, and he was definitely not a fun-hungry teenager.
But the most important thing was that Damon knew George's secret, and that went beyond George and Marcy breaking their mate bond. If the wrong people knew that the Alpha of the Frostcrest pack was alive and kicking, heads would roll.
The point here was that Damon would rather collude with a person he had something on, and he had something big on George.
Without any shame, Damon briefly knocked on the door and pushed it open.
Dawn bolted to her feet and bowed her head. "Alpha!" She looked like a kid who was caught doing mischief.
Damon waved at Dawn. "Continue what you were doing."
Damon spoke to George. "I am glad to see you are better. I congratulate you on finding your mate. Take your time to recuperate. Let me know when you are better so we can talk. My pack Doctor would like to examine you but considering the circumstances, the doctor won't intrude." Damon glanced at Dawn who sat back on the bed, but her head was still lowered. "Dawn can inform us when is a good time for the doctor to visit. Feel free to move to the packhouse where you will be closer to amenities, and not so close to…" Damon gestured toward the hallway. He didn't want to say Marcy's name, but they all understood what he meant.
Talia used this opportunity to approach Dawn and give her a hug. "Congratulations, Dawn. Enjoy with your mate. You deserve it." Talia winked at Dawn and mumbled congratulations to George before moving to leave the room and dragging Damon with her.
The moment the door closed behind them, Talia asked Damon irritably, "Why did you barge in there?" He pushed the door open, and Talia was still half-bent, and if Dawn or George paid attention, they would know she was peeping. How embarrassing!
"Are you upset that I spoiled your spying on a newly mated couple?", Damon asked with amusement in his voice.
Talia pouted. She didn't want to peep. OK, maybe she did, but just a little bit. If they started kissing or undressing, she would definitely stop.
By this time, Damon and Talia were downstairs.
Damon chuckled and pulled Talia into his embrace. "I didn't know that my mate is into looking."
Talia had no intention to admit to anything.
"I don't know what you are saying."
"I think you do, kitten…", Damon drawled. "Should your mate give you a good show? How about right here in the…"
"We should head back.", Talia said with urgency. She grabbed his hand and pulled him toward the front door. "The preparations for the party will start soon and we can't let others do all the work. We should tell Steph and Zina that Dawn won't be available today, and maybe for the next few days…"
Damon smiled helplessly and walked after Talia, allowing her to drag him with her.
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In George's room…
"Tell me something about you.", George said while poking food with the fork for Dawn.
"Uhm… I work in the kitchen."
"Does that mean you are a good cook?", George asked.
Dawn lifted her chin smugly. Cooking was her forte. "You will find out soon enough."
"I look forward to it.", George responded. "Tell me more about you."
Dawn shook her head. "It's your turn to share."
George accepted the food that Dawn gave him and he chewed while thinking what would be interesting. She probably didn't want to hear about training and military stuff which was about 90% of his life.
Eventually, he thought of something. "I don't have parents."
Dawn's face fell as she imagined George without his parents, and then Marcy rejected him. It was a lonely picture, difficult to bear.
George could see that Dawn was upset. Was she feeling sorry for him?
"Don't worry about it. It happened a long time ago. They died before I could remember… Uhm… I mean…" George stumbled over his words when he realized that he only made it worse.
The image of a lonely young man turned into an image of a lonely child, and Dawn's heart cracked.
George felt the urgency to fix it. But what could he do? He was really not good at this type of talking with women.
In his panic, George pushed the tray with food away and pulled Dawn into his embrace.
Dawn stiffened for a moment, but then she relaxed against him, taking a deep breath that filled her chest with the scent of a meadow that was full of various flowers, and there were a lot of sweet clovers.
Even through the clothes, Dawn could feel the sparks of their bond prickling her skin, and the way his hold on her tightened told her that he felt the same.
She realized that her arms were slack next to her, and it didn't seem right, so she gingerly moved her hands around him.
Dawn smiled when she fully embraced George. The firm muscles of his back felt good under her palms, and she couldn't believe that this was her mate. It was surreal.
George buried his face in the crook of Dawn's neck and her scent of cinnamon made him lightheaded. It was warm and welcoming, just like the woman in his arms. He really wanted to get a taste of it, so he pressed his lips on the delicate skin of her neck and then he licked her there.
Dawn's hairs stood on ends.
George's embrace was solid, and he was kissing and nibbling on her neck and releasing small groans that sent pulses of need converging at her core, and she gripped his back firmly to steady herself because the whole room was spinning.
Chapter 386 – Mate’s Promise [Bonus Chapter]
"Dawn…", George murmured and lifted his head to look at Dawn. They were so close that their noses nearly touched.
Dawn stared into his eyes that were getting darker by the second and she forgot how to breathe.
Commander George was even more handsome when he was this close. And she still couldn't believe it. Just yesterday she was swooning over him as he carried suitcases out of the car. She was thinking about him as some untouchable celebrity, yet now she was almost sitting on his lap, their hips were connected and his arms were around her and her heart was beating in her throat.
George wanted to take this slow and to get to know Dawn so that he doesn't repeat the mistake he made with Marcy. However, he could pick up the scent of Dawn's arousal and she was so adorable with her red cheeks and those delicious lips he certainly wished to devour. Was there a need to wait?
George cupped her cheek with his palm, and he pecked her lips once, twice… every kiss was a bit longer and it stirred him to get closer, and the fact that she was kissing him back was the best thing ever. Without further delay, George deepened the kiss, greedily taking everything Dawn had to offer.
Dawn melted into him as his tongue explored her mouth and his sweet flavors seeped into her system.
His hand slipped under her blouse, and she jolted when addictive sparks prickled her skin low on her back. She knew where this was going, and it's not that she was not willing, but she remembered something important.
"Wait… wait…", Dawn called between kisses and George frowned when she inched away while pulling his hand out of her blouse.
He didn't like it. Why was she pushing him away? Is this the moment when she rejects him? It happened the last time. Marcy kissed him, and then she rejected him.
Dawn took two deep breaths to stabilize herself before saying, "Are you OK? I mean… is your body fine?" He was lying on the bed without moving. She saw him on security feed last night and even this morning. Sure, one day in bed without food for a werewolf is not much, but the mental and emotional damages were unknown.
George studied her expression for a few long moments before responding, "My body is fine and my wolf welcomes your proximity."
He was about to dive for another kiss when Dawn put her fingers over his lips and asked, "Don't you want us to go to the packhouse? Or if that's not fine, we can go to my apartment?"
George removed her hand from his face. "Why?"
Dawn was not sure how to respond to this. Didn't he know why? Marcy was right there, in the room next door!
"Because… Marcy is here…", Dawn said in a small voice while pointing at the door.
George's hard expression eased.
"She can be in the room across the hall or across the ocean. Why would I care where she is?"
With that, George's hand landed at the back of Dawn's head, and he pulled her for another kiss.
Dawn was swept away in another kissing frenzy, and she felt his hot palm on her waist when she remembered one more thing.
"Wait… wait…"
George groaned in protest. "Now what?"
Dawn bit her lower lip guiltily and looked to the side. "The tray. Let me keep it on the side." It was right there on the bed and if she and George were about to do what she thought they were going to do, that tray will be tossed on the ground and make a mess she would need to clean later.
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Dawn kept the tray on the table and turned to see George's frown directed at her.
"Is something wrong?", Dawn asked.
"I don't know. You tell me.", George said dryly. "Is there some other condition I need to fulfill before I can claim my mate, or are those just excuses to keep me away from you? If you are not willing, just say so. There is no need to…"
"Is that what you are thinking?", Dawn interrupted him.
George closed his eyes and exhaled sharply. "I don't know. What should I think? Tell me."
Dawn's heart cracked when his insecurities splashed on her through their mate bond, reminding her that just yesterday his bond with Marcy was broken, and it seemed that he was broken also.
She looked at him and for the first time, she didn't see the powerful and domineering Commander George. He was just George, her mate, who fed her and wanted to know things about her, and he was impossibly handsome. In addition to that, he was scarred in ways she couldn't imagine, but she knew that she had the power to make it better.
Dawn reached for the hem of her blouse and pulled it over her head. Next, she unbuttoned her jeans and shimmied out of them while being painfully aware that George was observing her keenly.
Dawn released a slow breath and met his gaze.
"No excuses, George." She looked down on her body that had only a blue lacy bra and matching panties to cover her private parts. "This is me. No matter what you think that's going on, never doubt the fact that I am your mate, and I am yours. This is yours."
George could feel her sincerity that dispersed the dark clouds from his mind.
He pushed himself off the bed and in one swift move he removed his t-shirt.
Dawn's eyes widened at the sight of his muscle-packed torso, and she swallowed a mouthful of air when she realized that he was less than a step away from her.
This was the first time for them to stand so close in front of each other, and Dawn realized how tall he was, and how broad his shoulders were… he looked like a mountain.
George's hand went up in slow motion and he run his thumb over her lower lip. "Dawn Shaw, from today onward, you are mine. As your mate and your partner, I will take care of you. That's a promise."
Dawn was not sure if she heard him right. "Shaw? That's not my name."
George's lips lifted into a smile. "It will be after I mark you." His hand moved to Dawn's left, and he touched with the tips of his fingers the base of her neck. "You will carry my mark, and you will carry my pups. Mine."
Dawn's heart was beating so violently, that she thought it will come out of her chest.
Shaw. George Shaw. Dawn Shaw. She liked it.
He will give her his last name, his mark, and his pups… their pups. Dawn could feel arousal swelling within her at the thought of them making babies.
Chapter 387 – Cinnamon And Clover (1)
George admired the sight of Dawn's breasts rising and falling as she breathed. Her blue lacy bra hugged her curves perfectly and the color matched her eyes. It was like it was made for her.
He licked his lips while imagining what her nipples look like, and how they will feel on his tongue. Would it taste like cinnamon? He knew that he could remove that bra easily and confirm, but part of him enjoyed the guessing game.
Dawn's nipples were just like Dawn herself; a mystery, something he was yet to uncover, but he knew it was his.
George pinched Dawn's chin with this thumb and index finger and lifted her head and he took his time memorizing her features. Light blue eyes with a hint of gray… small nose… pinkish lips… and adorable freckles that created an intricate pattern on her nose and cheeks that were now rosy because she was flustered.
George's wolf was stirring impatiently, urging him to get closer to mate, and George was happy to confirm that every spark of their bond prickling his fingers was gradually mending his cracked soul, and embedding pieces of Dawn as part of George's new normal.
It was faint at first, but now George was confident that thanks to Dawn's presence, his wolf was getting stronger by the second, and so was George. Will they return to the state they were before Marcy's rejection? George was not sure, but this phenomenon confirmed that Dawn was much more than his light. She was his lifeline, his everything.
While George studied Dawn's features, her eyes moved lower to look at the tattoo that was on the left side of his chest.
The design was elegant with a fully open lily flower in the middle and branches spreading on the sides with buds on it. Two swallows with forked tails were facing the lily, and there was a patch close to George's armpit that looked like clouds. It was delicate and curvy, and Dawn thought how it wouldn't fit a fierce warrior. And below it were two letters, E and C.
George was watching her, and he could see her brows coming together in a frown.
"What is it?", he asked. Did she not approve of his tattoo? Or was something else going on in her pretty head?
"Those letters…", Dawn said in a small voice. "Are they… for a… woman?"
George glanced down and responded flatly, "One of them is."
Dawn pressed her lips into a line. She didn't like the idea of a memory of some woman being etched onto his body.
George's expression didn't change when he said, "Eliana and Conor. My parents." He did it to serve as a silent reminder of what he was doing. Revenge.
Dawn's eyes widened for a moment, and she cursed herself silently. Was she jealous of his mother?
George leaned on her left and his breath splashed on her ear as he murmured, "I love that you are possessive of me. It tells me you don't want to share me. I feel the same about you."
Dawn moved to see George's face and she examined him while wondering if that was true or if he was just saying it to make her feel better.
"You do?", she asked. The thought of such an exquisite specimen thinking of her as his, and not willing to share, was fantastic.
George took Dawn's right hand and placed it on his chest. Her palm prickled with sparks of their bond, but even with that, she could feel his strong heartbeat.
"I lost hope that I will see the light, but then you came. I have no intention of letting go, Dawn. As long as you don't abandon what we have, I will go through any storm for you."
A million butterflies exploded in her stomach, making her all giddy and she feared that she might throw up.
His words were extremely stimulating, and it was all enhanced by the fact that she was just in her underwear, standing a fraction away from her smoking-hot half-naked mate.
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Dawn's hands moved around George's neck, and she got on her toes, boldly going to claim lips that were begging to be kissed, and George was happy to respond ardently because he also craved for deeper intimacy with his newly found mate.
Dawn closed her eyes when their lips connected, and she laced her fingers in his hair that curled a bit.
His stubble prickled her skin, a stark contrast to his velvety lips that devoured her hungrily, and she wouldn't want it any other way.
George's arms wrapped around Dawn, and he pulled her into a firm embrace, closing the tiniest gaps between their bodies.
Dawn gasped upon contact as addictive sparks danced everywhere they touched, and she loved it. Was it too soon to say that she loved him?
Dawn was lost in the emotions that overloaded her system, and she didn't realize that he was pushing her to move backward until her back hit the door.
She felt the loss of him on her lips when he started trailing kisses along her jaw, and she gripped his back while his tongue created magic circles on her neck.
She bit her lips in anticipation. Will he mark her now?
But he didn't.
His lips traced the edge of her bra, teasing her breasts and she couldn't wait for them to move faster so she reached to the back to undo the buckles and remove that pesky fabric.
"Don't…", he said. "Not yet."
Slightly disappointed, Dawn nodded obediently and waited to see what he will do next.
His hands moved on her sides, trailing the curve of her waist, and then he hooked his fingers at the edge of her panties and paused. He looked at Dawn, silently asking if this was OK, and her smile told him that he can continue.
Dawn had no idea why he asked for consent. She was sure that he can smell her arousal.
George was objectively handsome, and the mate bond charged with addictive sparks was only making this several folds better. Even if they were not mates, Dawn wouldn't mind hooking up with George. After all, she was fangirling over Geroge from the moment she laid her eyes on him, and sex is not a big deal for werewolves, except when it came to mates, and this exquisite specimen IS her mate. Isn't she a lucky girl?
Dawn moved her legs as the delicate fabric slid down to her ankles and George got on his knees with it.
He kept her panties on the side carefully, like he was afraid that he will damage them somehow.
She thought that he will come up, but he stayed down there, and her face flushed when she realized that he was staring at her crotch area. She hoped that he liked the view, because just a few days ago she did a Brazilian, leaving only one narrow strip right in the middle, that ended above the spot where her folds start.
George looked up at Dawn and gave her a wicked smile that made her heart skip a beat.
He approved.
Chapter 388 – Cinnamon And Clover (2)
Dawn stared at George as he inched closer to her and he took a deep breath, obviously taking in the scent of her arousal.
"Cinnamon…", he murmured.
Cinnamon? Dawn thought how that was odd. Why would he talk about the cinnamon rolls she brought for him? They were still on the plate. She would be happy if he ate pastries she personally made, but what's with this timing?
As if he could sense her confusion, George clarified, "You smell of cinnamon. The delicious kind." He gave her another sniff. "There is some honeyed sweetness, like an apple pie with cinnamon."
Dawn saw George lick his lips and she understood that he wanted to eat, and the food was her. In an instant, her arousal swelled through the roof, and she feared that her juices will drip down her legs. That would be embarrassing.
She inhaled a shaky breath. "Clover."
"What?"
"Your scent is like a meadow full of flowers, but the sweet scent of clover stands out.", she explained.
After a brief pause, George hummed in approval. "Did you know that every part of clover is edible?" He learned that as part of survival training.
Dawn didn't know that, but she thought it made sense because George looked edible.
George's attention was back to the strip of her pubic hair, and he traced it with his index finger, like a child who never saw such a thing. George saw them bushy, neatly trimmed, and completely waxed, but this was new. It was like a landing strip, directing him to the destination.
As a werewolf, Dawn was used to nudity. However, in front of George, she felt exposed, and she wanted to cover her crotch area because he was taking his sweet time inspecting her like he had never seen a woman. It made her jittery. But the last time Dawn took initiative, George thought she was pushing him away, and she didn't want him to get the wrong idea because she was absolutely smitten with her mate, and she really wanted to roll in the sheets with him, and she knew it will happen, so there was no need to rush no matter how eager she was. She stood with her back leaning on the door and waited to see what he will do next.
George's hot palms ran up and down Dawn's legs as if he was memorizing them, and then he grabbed her right leg, behind her knee, and hooked her leg on his shoulder.
George hoped that Dawn won't pick up on how nervous he was.
He was not an inexperienced guy, but the reality was that in the past, women were pleasuring him, and this time, he wanted to do something different.
George never thought much about eating pussy, but Dawn smelled delicious, like a dessert, and saliva pooled in his mouth as he imagined her taste.
George reached with his hand and spread her folds with the tips of his fingers to reveal a delicate pink flesh that was glistening with juices Dawn's body released.
His urge to lick her there swelled.
Dawn couldn't believe that this was happening. Handsome Commander George was on his knees, holding her right leg up and caressing her down there. It was electrifying.
The only problem was that she was technically standing on one leg, without anything firm to hold onto. She grabbed the door handle, that was the best she could do.
When he was done with the visual inspection, George's fingers moved between Dawn's folds.
"Ahh…", Dawn released a soft sigh and George smirked.
George inched closer and gave her a lick. His eyes flashed when he identified sweetness.
Without any warning, he buried his face between her legs and started exploring her with his tongue.
"Oh, God!", Dawn exclaimed.
It was not the first time for a man to go down on her, but his every touch was charged with thrilling sparks of their bond that shook all her pleasure centers.
George growled into Dawn's flesh when she fisted his hair with the force that made it sting, but it only spurred him to lick her more.
Her taste reminded him of a filling for the apple pie that was made with cinnamon, brown sugar, and a hint of nutmeg, and baked to perfection. Everything about Dawn was perfect, made for him.
Dawn's whole body shook, and she almost fell but then George grabbed her buttocks and supported her.
Somehow, he knew what she wanted, so he licked her harder in long mighty strokes that sent cataclysmic sensations through her body in the rhythm his tongue set.
Dawn's breathing became choppy, and he latched his lips around her clit and started sucking.
Dawn's eyes rolled at the back of her head.
'BANG!'
Dawn's head slammed against the door behind her, but she didn't notice because the whole world was spinning, and she felt like floating.
He wanted to ask if she was OK. That was quite a hit. But she was still moaning, so he continued with his ministrations.
"George… Yes! Yes! Fuck!… Yeah!…", Dawn shouted without any shame, and it all stopped abruptly when her body spasmed, and an intense orgasm rendered her unable to breathe.
George groaned as Dawn's emotions spilled onto him, and he really wanted to put his cock inside her, but he was also glad to know how good he made her feel.
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Dawn blinked herself into reality, and she realized that she was lying on the bed with George sitting by her side. The last thing she remembered, she was at the door. How did she get to bed? Did she pass out?
George flicked her blue lacy bra on the floor and observed her completely naked form.
Her nipples were right there, waiting for him to tease them, but he controlled that urge. For now.
He knew how she was feeling, but he still asked, "Did you like it?"
"Very much", she said breathily.
Somehow, her acknowledgment that he could satisfy her made him proud like he accomplished something monumental.
Dawn glanced at his crotch area, and she could see that his erection was straining his jeans.
She licked her lips subconsciously.
"Can I…? To you…?"
Dawn had no idea why she asked, but she felt that since George asked for permission to undress her, she should do the same.
George caressed her face that looked so small compared to his palm.
He was not a stranger to women pleasuring him, but this time he wanted something else.
"You can but I wish you don't.", he said. Seeing her confused expression, George explained, "For our first time, I want to make you feel good. Can I?"
Dawn nodded in agreement. How can she say no to that?
The truth was that George really wanted to plow her pussy and get balls deep inside her, and if she gives him a blow job, it will only delay what he truly wanted to do.
—
Chapter 389 – Cinnamon And Clover (3) [Bonus Chapter]
Author's note:
Here is a shoutout to BFD_80!
Thank you, BFD_80, for the Magic Castle gifted on February 23, 2022!
Your generous gift prompted me to release this bonus chapter!
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Note: comments that matter, gifts, and votes are available only on the NovelFire platform , where this novel is published.
Thank you for reading my story from the original source and not supporting people who are publishing my work without permission!
Now back to the novel… ??
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George stood up and Dawn gulped a mouthful of air when he started removing his pants.
He had no problems showing off his physique, and he approved of the way Dawn stared at his muscular legs and his cock that was hard and ready.
Her insides tightened at the thought of that big thing stretching her in unimaginable ways. She was nervous.
George crawled on the bed above Dawn, and only then she realized that both of them were completely naked.
He spread her legs with his knees and her breathing became choppy. Was this really happening?
Dawn dated a few guys and had a few hookups. As the prelude to sex, they would go to the Shifters nightclub or some other party. The mood would be good, alcohol would make it better, and this was totally different.
It was almost mechanical like they followed some invisible script. What if she messes up?
This was not just any guy. This was Commander George, her mate. What if she disappoints him?
Would he prefer if she was inexperienced? She heard that some guys prefer only pure, untouched girls.
Or should she show him a few moves she learned along the way?
Unaware of Dawn's internal conflicts, George was focused on Dawn's breasts, and he took a moment to decide on which one to suck first. The left one won.
The moment George's lips latched around Dawn's areola and his tongue caressed her nipple, electrifying sparks of their bond shoot through Dawn's body and she forgot about her insecurities.
Her hands moved from his shoulders into his hair and then glided over his back. She couldn't reach his ass because his body was too low, so she went back to fisting his hair.
By the time he moved to her other breast, Dawn was completely under his spell and the throbbing void at her core demanded to be filled.
"George…", she called breathily. "Please."
He looked up at her. "Please, what?"
Dawn squirmed under him in frustration. He knew very well what she wanted. Did she need to say it?
She was about to tell him to fuck her, but she realized how that was not right. She wanted much more than sex, because just sex was not enough. Not with George.
"Make me yours…", she said, and George's face lit up with delight.
In one swift move, he propped himself higher and kissed her on the lips. The kiss was slow and deep, with a lot of tongue and just a bit of teeth, and it told her how much he wanted her.
His torso pressed on hers to maximize the surface where their bodies connected and both of them relished the sparks that were urging them to get closer, much closer than they were.
In unhurried, rhythmical movements, George's hips moved, and his cock glided between her drenched folds, charging them both with arousal and anticipation of what's to come.
His insides trembled and he was not sure if that was from Dawn, his wolf, or maybe he was nervous. Why would he be nervous? Probably because this was Dawn, his mate. She was not the first woman he was about to have sex with. She was not even his first mate. However, she was the woman who accepted him, welcomed him, and she didn't even know that he was an Alpha.
Dawn assumed George will lose his position as the commander, and she wanted to support him. Instead of shrinking away, Dawn was ready to do whatever she could, so they stay together, and she wanted to take care of him, regardless of his status.
That selflessness and dedication were the only things he wanted from his mate. For the first time since finding out about his heritage, George didn't cringe at the idea of being an Alpha and leading a pack because he knew that Dawn will be a great Luna.
He wanted to prove himself as worthy.
Dawn gasped into his mouth when she felt the pressure at her entrance, and he made his way inside slowly, allowing her to fully grasp every glorious inch he was giving her.
He looked at her face for that last inch and he loved the way her eyes clouded with lust.
"Ah!", Dawn moaned when he jabbed himself inside her for that last fraction, and then there was a moment of complete stillness as they stared into each other's eyes.
"Mine…", George growled, and his hips started rocking.
George closed his eyes and acknowledged the sparks that drove him to the edge of sanity as he enjoyed profusely the sensation of Dawn's pussy gripping his cock, and he wanted it to last forever, yet he also wanted to get his release.
"George…", Dawn called breathlessly, and he opened his eyes to look at her face that was completely flushed. Her eyes were watery, and she clutched his shoulders tightly, and the whole experience was out of this world.
'Mates', George thought. That one word held so much weight, but only after meeting Dawn, he understood that it describes the feeling of belonging he never experienced before.
"Dawn… Dawn…", he murmured while kissing her sloppily, her flavors of cinnamon muddled with his mind, and he could feel his wolf urging him to increase the pace of his thrusts and claim his mate completely.
Dawn was a mess.
She was still reeling in the reality that George was her mate, and now he was inside her, and the friction came with sparks that shot into her brain violently, making her think only about the man who was holding onto her like he never wanted to let go, and she hoped that he never will.
George moved to kiss and suck on her neck, and she felt the pressure building up as her orgasm was approaching.
"George… George…", she called his name wantonly and he never heard anything more seductive in his life.
Dawn's eyes rolled at the back of her head when he increased the pace, and she was right there at the edge of a cliff beyond which rapture waited for her when she felt a stinging pain in her neck.
"Ah… Geo… ah… ugh… Geor… mmm… ah…", she cried unintelligibly.
Her breath was choppy, and her brain refused to work.
Dawn was overstimulated. George's body was pressing on hers, his hands held her body in place, and he was still thrusting inside her, giving her that final nudge toward the orgasm that was amplified by the scorching pain that spread from her neck to the rest of her body.
Dawn squirmed under him, and George held her tightly while releasing his venom into her system.
George muffled his groan into her neck when her insides coiled around his shaft and his ass buckled when he found his release. Every squirt of his hot seed came with an ecstatic sensation that was out of this world and he didn't want to stop movements of his hips.
Eventually, George unlatched himself from Dawn's neck. He checked her face to see that she was red and gasping for air, but the silly grin on her face told him she was fine.
He looked at her neck that had two streams of blood and his chest swelled with pride. That's where his mark will form.
George licked her neck to help the wounds heal and Dawn's body jerked every time his tongue touched her there. It was super-sensitive.
He was proud of his handiwork and his wolf jumped from joy in his mind, and it took some time for George to realize that he was releasing his Alpha aura uncontrollably. He was happy to confirm that Dawn was not affected. Was it because of his mark? Or because they were mates?
"George…", Dawn called when she found her voice. "Did you mark me?" She clearly felt the bite and the scorching sensation, and she also knew that their bond was much stronger than before, but she still wanted a confirmation.
His smile reached his eyes. "Mine."
Dawn opened her mouth to say something, but George's hips started moving again and her head plopped backward into the pillows, and she forgot what she wanted to say.
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Chapter 390 – News About Dawn’s Availability
In the packhouse…
Damon went to the study to deal with his matters, and Talia took on herself to deliver news about Dawn's absence. She wanted to do it in person, and Damon was glad that Talia took that task because he didn't want to tell Stephanie that one of her best helpers won't be around for a while.
Damon mind-linked Stephanie and confirmed that she was in the kitchen, so Talia knew where to go.
To Talia's surprise, it was not only Stephanie, but Zina, Ivy, and Lily were also there.
"What do you mean, we should proceed without Dawn?", Zina asked.
Zina, Ivy, Lily, and Dawn had plans to go to Darkbourne and enjoy sweets, and Dawn told them to go without her and she will catch up. However, when they finished work and saw how late it was, they decided to wait for Dawn so they can go together.
But Talia came without Dawn and said that Dawn won't come. How can Zina not be curious?
Stephanie was alerted. Normally, Stephanie wouldn't poke her nose in other people's business, but Talia said this like it was something important. Did Alpha Damon give Dawn an important task? Despite her goofy and playful nature, Dawn was one of the responsible Omegas in the packhouse, and considering that they had not only lunch but also a big party coming, Stephanie was counting on Dawn's presence.
"When will Dawn be available?", Stephanie asked.
"Uhm…", Talia was not sure how to answer this question. "Probably not today."
"Where is she? How come I can't contact her through mind-link?", Zina spoke with urgency.
Talia realized that she will need to reveal more information. Well, here it goes. "Dawn found her mate."
All four women stared at Talia and wondered if they heard her right.
"That's wonderful!", Stephanie was first to recover. No matter how much help she needed, she was really happy for Dawn.
Ivy and Lily bounced in place and clapped from excitement.
Zina was the only one with a strange expression. A mate? Zina knew very well where Talia and Dawn went. She went there last night. Unless Dawn's mate is a bear or some other forest creature, there was no way Dawn found her mate during that trip.
Sure, there were soldiers patrolling the area and safeguarding that house, but Zina and Dawn made several visits to the places where soldiers gather and if Dawn's mate was there, she would find him.
"Who is it?", Zina's question put the focus of attention back to Talia.
Talia wished that Zina asked this in private, but everyone would find out sooner or later, so it didn't matter.
"Commander George."
Ivy and Lily pressed their hands over their lips to suppress their squeals. They got a few peeks at the handsome commander, and they knew that Dawn scored a jackpot.
"What?", Zina asked Talia in disbelief. Maybe others didn't know, but Zina knew that Dawn saw George more than once since they came here, and they were close. And didn't George just got ditched by Marcy?
Talia saw invisible question marks above Zina's head, and she wanted to gesture to her silly friend to ask more later, but she couldn't do that discretely, so Talia decided to give them an acceptable version.
"Yes, Commander George.", Talia confirmed. "As you know, Dawn went with us to help carry things for our meal in the forest, and we met him along the way. They are now…" Talia made a knowing expression. "Getting to know each other."
When Talia said how George and Dawn met in the forest, Zina realized how that lie was a warning for her to stop asking questions. She felt guilty for letting her curiosity take over and nearly spill the beans.
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"I can't believe her luck.", Zina said while shaking her head. She turned to Ivy and Lily. "Ladies, how about instead of sweets we go drinking?"
"No!", Stephanie exclaimed. "I need you here back in one hour, with clear heads. You can drink after we are done with the party tonight."
Zina rolled her eyes dramatically. "I didn't mean that we should get drunk. It was just to celebrate. My best friend found her mate. I should be happy for her and not sad because I will be all alone…" Zina's chin shivered.
Talia's heart cracked and she gave Zina a hug.
Talia patted Zina's back. "There, there… Dawn finding her mate doesn't mean you lost her."
Zina sniffled. "I know you are saying that only to comfort me. Between silly me and a hunk who can give her endless orgasms, Dawn's choice will be obvious, and I won't blame her… but I will miss her."
Talia was not sure if she should laugh or cry.
"And there is the issue of different packs.", Lily chimed in. Ivy was tugging on Lily's hand to get her to stop talking, but it was too late, as words already slipped from Lily's lips, "Considering Commander George's status, Dawn will definitely go to the Red Moon pack…"
"Waaah!", Zina wailed loudly and buried her face in Talia's shoulder.
Talia didn't like this. Not the Zina dramatically crying, but the idea of Dawn going to the Red Moon pack. That was not a good place. They treated Omegas horribly, and outsiders even worse.
Talia knew that George is actually an Alpha, but with him concealing his identity, Dawn will be treated like some low-level servant. Talia could see Anna and her bunch of bullies ganging on Dawn. And Anna was just one of many.
How can that be OK?
Talia decided to talk about this with Damon. As an Alpha, Damon should be able to find a solution that will prevent Dawn from going to that wretched place and keep her with George.
"Calm down…", Talia said to Zina while patting her back. "Crying won't help anything." And she knew that Zina was overreacting. "You should go to Darkbourne and have those sweets you were planning to have. Chocolate will make you feel good." Talia knew this from her latest science lesson where she learned that chocolate increases the level of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that makes a person feel good. So, Talia's addiction to Damon went beyond just his impossibly good looks and sparks of their bond. Damon was truly addictive, like chocolate. Her chocolate.
At the thought of going to Darkbourne, Talia realized that Maya, Mindy, and Kalina were there also, and Damon was swamped with work, and she didn't have anything pressing at the moment other than her worry about Dawn, so… "I will join you to town.", Talia said to Zina. "I want to meet up with Maya." Seeing that Stephanie gave her a queer look, Talia added, "They are finalizing some things for the party, and I want to see if I can help."
Stephanie nodded in approval. At least someone was thinking about the party.
Of course, Talia had her motives. Her girlfriends knew about George's condition, and they might have some ideas about Dawn's situation. Maya and Mindy are endless sources of unusual solutions.
Talia had only one problem. Damon.
He struggled to let her go to the kitchen without him, how will he let her go to town on her own?
Damon didn't restrict her movements, but he wanted to keep an eye on her. He was always iffy about not having Talia nearby, and since he found out that Lisa spread the information about how Talia came from the Red Moon pack, he was on pins and needles.
Talia hoped that Damon's overprotectiveness will ease once he reveals they are mates, and people know she is his Luna, but on the other hand, she feared that his behavior might escalate.
She really wanted to go to town, and she needed a plan… and then she saw Stephanie.
"Steph, can you mind-link Damon that I'm heading to town with Zina, Ivy, and Lily?"
"Sure, dear.", Stephanie said without missing a beat.
"Wait!", Talia exclaimed when she saw that Steph was about to do it right now. "Can you tell him when we leave? Give us a minute or two head start…" Talia hoped that Damon will understand that she is not alone, not in danger, and won't come rushing after her to cause a scene.