Ch. 431..440

Chapter 431 Visiting the Shaman (5)

There wasn't enough seating for eight people in Gideon's sitting area as he never hosted gatherings. If more than three-four people stopped by, Gideon would meet with them outside, and this was definitely crowded.

However, Talia sat on Damon's lap, and Kalina on Tony's, so they managed.

Seeing that Gideon was standing at the side, Mindy moved close to him.

"Should we offer them some refreshments?", Mindy asked Gideon in a whisper.

His instinct was to say no, but Mindy's scent of sweet pumpkin reached him, and her eager expression made him unable to say anything other than, "OK. We can make tea." But no snacks!

Mindy's eyes flashed in delight. He said, WE!

"Give us a few minutes to prepare tea!", Mindy exclaimed toward their guests, grabbed Gideon's hand, and tugged him toward the kitchen. "Come. Show me where things are, and we can do it together." She was embarrassed that the only areas of the cabin she knew were the bedroom and bathroom upstairs.

The cabin was deep in the woods and didn't have commodities like running water and electricity, but Mindy didn't mind. She remembered him fetching water from a pail to pour on her when they washed last night, and she thought how all that was romantic. Mindy took a mental note to ask him later about how he gets water and does laundry and such.

Gideon started the fire on a two-burner stove that was attached to a propane tank tucked under the work surface, and Mindy put a pot of water to boil.

Seeing Mindy eyeing the little stove, Gideon thought that maybe it was time for an upgrade. It was fine while he was alone, but a young woman like Mindy is probably used to commodities a town can provide. He left those thoughts for later.

Gideon moved on the side where containers with various herbs were, and Mindy followed.

She observed him with curiosity, and he started explaining, "This is chamomile, good for calming the mind and easing into sleep… Sage will keep you alert and your mind sharp… Lemon leaves rejuvenate the body, skin, in particular, to give a clean youthful look… Mint will aid in digestion and relieve congestion… Ginger will boost immunity, help fight inflammations and nausea…" He paused when he noticed that she eyed the containers suspiciously. "What?"

"Dried herbs look more-less the same. Why didn't you label the containers? How do I know which is which?" What if he asks her for tea to stay alert and she ends up accidentally putting herb that eases people to sleep? She forgot which herb that was because he said many things.

Gideon glanced at the unlabeled containers and realized she was right, but… "They smell differently."

Mindy shook her head in disagreement. "Everything smells like lavender." She looked up to see him smiling at her and she smiled as well when she realized that everything smelled like Gideon.

They stared into each other's eyes, and the invisible pull worked its magic, and they ended up locked in a kiss that quickly turned hungry.

Mindy's fingers moved to explore his broad back, and she loved how his muscles tensed under her touch that was charged with the electric sparks of their bond.

Gideon gave Mindy's waist a squeeze while pulling her closer to feel his erection pressing on her lower abdomen, and her whimper made him pay attention to other sounds which reminded him that they were not alone.

He broke the kiss and released a frustrated breath. The scent of her arousal was driving him crazy.

"How long are they staying here?"

Mindy blinked herself into reality and glanced over Gideon's shoulder to see a group of six. They obviously knew that Mindy and Gideon were almost going at it right there in the kitchen, but they all pretended not to notice. Mindy was grateful for it, especially for Max not blowing a fuse.

"Talia wants to talk to you.", Mindy said. She didn't know the details, but Talia told her that they came to bring Mindy's stuff and for Talia to talk to Gideon. Seeing that Gideon's brows came together, Mindy put her arms around his neck. "They came to bring my stuff and for Talia to seek your guidance. Can you talk to her?"

"Are you telling me what to do?", he grumbled.

"No. I am asking you to listen to what she wants. Talia won't ask for help easily, and the fact that she is here even though she knows that we crave privacy means it's important. Just hear her out, and anything beyond that is up to you. Can you do that?"

He glanced at the pot of water that started releasing steam. "Can you prepare tea while I talk to Talia?"

Mindy's smile was blinding. "Just show me where are mugs and what herbs I should put inside once the water boils..."

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Gideon left Mindy in the kitchen and made his way toward Talia who was sitting on Damon's lap.

"I hear that you want to talk to me in private. We can take a walk through the garden while Mindy finishes the tea."

"I will help her!", Kalina volunteered and went to the kitchen. Kalina was burning from inside with curiosity to find out how Mindy's night went. And she still didn't see the mark on Mindy's neck!

Talia stood up in response to Gideon's words, and Damon was quick to stand as well.

Gideon frowned at Damon. "I thought this will be a private talk between me and Talia."

Damon's frown was deeper than Gideon's. "It will be after you cover up."

Gideon glanced at himself and realized that he was wearing only pants. Why the hell would he cover up his top half? He was NOT a female! But he knew that the Alpha in front of him was possessive and unreasonable, and the sooner they finish, the sooner these people will leave, so Gideon went on the side and reached for the shirt that was there since Mindy undressed him on the previous day.

…

Talia walked side-by-side with Gideon through his garden. It still reminded her of a meadow full of wildflowers, but now that she knew it was a garden, she could see hints of some organization among the colorful blooms. She was careful not to step on anything more than just plain grass.

At some point, Gideon stopped walking and turned to Talia.

"As my future Luna, you don't need to hold back.", Gideon said. "Speak with confidence."

Talia was surprised that he called her Luna. She should probably get used to it.

"I am not a Luna, yet."

"But you hope to be."

"I am Damon's mate. It would be unfair to ask him to give up his pack for me, so I will be his Luna. But in order to reach there, I need your help."

Gideon observed Talia while thinking how she was younger than Damon, yet so mature. She selflessly put Damon's need in front of hers, like a true Luna. His opinion of Talia rose by a notch.

Gideon gestured to Talia to keep on talking.

"On the next full Moon, there will be a pack run, and I am supposed to lead it with Damon. I don't want to disappoint him or the pack, but the thing is that I never shifted in my wolf…"

"Never?"

Gideon's question interrupted her next words and Talia shook her head.

"How is that possible?", Gideon asked.

"No one told me how."

Gideon cocked an eyebrow at her. "Shifting into the wolf form is not taught. It comes naturally. Youngsters will do it when their temper flares and their wolf takes over. That is stronger under the influence of the full Moon, but in time you learn to control it."

Talia was stuck on the words, 'wolf takes over'. She pressed her lips into a line while wondering how much she should reveal. She can't tell him everything, but if she doesn't say something, he won't be able to help her. Assuming that he will want to help.

"Before coming here, I was weak. Doctor Travis told me that my wolf took the burn off my weak body so I can survive. I don't feel my wolf and I fear that she is not there."

Gideon inched closer and sniffed the air around Talia and then he looked into her eyes with such intensity that she felt a headache coming, but she held his gaze without flinching.

After an unknown measure of time, Gideon straightened his posture and spoke with certainty, "There is nothing wrong with your wolf, Talia."

 

Chapter 432 Visiting the Shaman (6)

Talia stared at Gideon like he was growing a second head. Did he say that there was nothing wrong with her wolf? And why did he sound so certain about it?

"If my wolf is fine, why can't I sense her?"

Gideon looked at Talia with a complicated gaze. It seemed that she didn't know much about her wolf side. "There are cases where the wolf part will sacrifice itself in order for the human body to survive, and I don't know what happened to you, but I can tell you that your wolf right now is fine. Wolves are spirits that live inside us and bless us with longevity and what humans would call supernatural powers. Think of them like a flame; assuming that your wolf gave her strength so that you get better, it doesn't mean her flame was completely extinguished. That happens every time we heal or perform beyond limits of what our bodies normally could if we were humans." He paused because Talia's confusion was obvious.

Gideon decided to simplify it. "Wolves are more than just part of us; they have their own will. If your wolf doesn't want to be disturbed, she will retract at the back of her mind. There is also a possibility of someone with a stronger presence influencing your wolf, but it's just the two of us here, so that's not the case. Didn't Damon tell you that?"

"He did, but…" Talia paused.

"But?" Gideon urged her to continue.

"Damon said that he can't sense my wolf." And Talia couldn't sense her either.

"The strong ones can avoid detection by the weak ones.", Gideon said mysteriously.

Talia blinked while processing Gideon's words. Did that mean her wolf was stronger than Damon's? And also... "Are you saying that your wolf is stronger than Damon's?"

"No.", Gideon said right away. "But I have my ways that don't rely on strength."

Talia was still not convinced. "If my wolf is fine, why am I weak?"

"How would you define weak?"

"I am not as strong or fast as others."

"Let me guess, you are comparing yourself with Damon." Gideon waved his hand, indicating that she shouldn't answer that. He knew what she was about to say. Why would a she-wolf whose body seems fragile compare herself with one of the strongest Alphas? He really didn't know how youngsters think these days.

"Every wolf is different, Talia. Sure, there are standard ranges that accommodate most of the werewolves, but there are always exceptions. Your strength is not only in how quickly you move or how high you can jump."

Who cared about speed and jumping? Talia really wanted to ask him about abilities like glowing, healing people, stopping water currents, and swatting people away without touching them. But she feared that such questions will reveal more than they should.

Can she trust the Shaman? Damon told her not to trust anyone, and she trusted Damon. Wasn't that contradictory?

She shook her head while thinking that her being Damon's mate didn't make sense, yet here she was, trying to get answers so that she can be by his side.

Gideon saw that Talia was thinking about something intently, and he offered her another piece of his wisdom. "We live in a society where power rules. However, one's worth is not limited to strength and speed. Regardless of what you can do, keep in your mind that it was given to you by the Moon Goddess. Treat it as a gift. It's up to you how you will use it."

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When Talia and Gideon returned, the tea was served and Kalina, Tatiana, and Mindy were discussing events from last night.

Mindy was eyeing Damon cautiously while wondering if his fierce reputation matched someone who would give so much freedom to Elders or anyone else. How much she understood, they definitely undermined his authority. Isn't that rebellion? But she didn't want to ask about it. He had his reasons. Maybe.

The talk moved to the pack run.

"I never participated in a pack run. Sounds exciting.", Kalina said and glanced at Tony. "Will we stay long enough to join? Lia could use our support."

Before Tony could respond, Mindy said, "You can't."

Kalina was confused. "What? Why?"

"It's a pack run, only for pack members to establish new or reinforce existing hierarchy.", Mindy explained. She knew this because they have pack runs in the Blue River pack.

Seeing Kalina's confused expression, Mindy continued, "Alpha and Luna lead the pack run with Betas flanking them and others move behind them based on hierarchy. If someone moves ahead of their place, it represents a challenge, and they can fight it out if the other one doesn't yield. There will be hunting also, so members can gain acknowledgment by competing to see who caught more. Outsiders can be there for the ceremony, but they can't participate in the run."

"Oh...", a sound escaped Kalina's lips. She didn't grow up in a pack, so she didn't know this.

Kalina glanced at Talia. "Who will support Lia then?"

Mindy puffed her chest. "I will be there." With Gideon being her mate, it was just a formality for Mindy to join the Dark Howlers pack officially.

Kalina looked at Mindy with concern. "You are not a warrior. Lia will need all the support she can get. You saw those people last night. They were eager to see Talia mess up. I'm sure they will plot against her..."

Talia was sitting on Damon's lap, and she sank into his embrace while trying to tune out the noise.

Her biggest problem was how to shift into her wolf form. If she can't accomplish that, Elders and others with bad intentions will definitely use it against her and Damon. She won't be able to take part in the pack run without shifting, so her priorities were set to getting in touch with her wolf.

Gideon said many things that made sense, yet she needed to figure out how they apply to her. Or do they apply to her?

Was it possible that her wolf was simply not interested in whatever was going on and was snoozing while Talia scrambled to deal with Elders and Marcy and who-knows-who? Or was her wolf concealing her presence with some other purpose?

Talia remembered that her aura came to her aid more than once in the time of need, and that was something that originated from her wolf. At that time, Talia was confident how it was a sign of her wolf getting stronger and allowing Talia to tap into those abilities, but now Talia suspected that her wolf was actually there, listening, watching, and it was her wolf doing things when needed, without exposing she was awake.

When did her wolf wake up? Or what if she was always awake?

Talia was uncomfortable at the thought that her wolf knew Damon was Talia's mate and kept quiet about it. And all the bullying in the Red Moon pack. Was her wolf watching that also?

Talia was not sure what to think about that.

The only thing preventing her from crumbling was Damon's solid hold on her, which told her he was there for her.

---

 

Chapter 433 A bright future (1)

The group of six didn't linger, and they moved to leave after they finished their tea.

Kalina, Talia, and Tatiana repeated many times that Mindy should stay in touch, and wished the newly-mated couple all well, and Maddox moved slowly to stay last.

Their visit was too short for Maddox to observe Gideon carefully, but he could see that Mindy was happy, so he kept his thoughts to himself.

"Give me a heads up before you visit home, so I'm there.", Maddox said while wrapping Mindy in a goodbye hug. "I'm sure that mother and father would like to meet your mate."

Mindy smiled. At first, she was not sure where Maddox was going with mentioning their home, but then she understood that it applied to both her and Gideon.

That reminded her, "Do mom and dad know?"

Maddox shook his head. "I didn't tell them." He glanced at Tatiana. "I didn't tell them that I found my mate either. After last night, they definitely know, and will be upset when I call."

"Don't call.", Mindy said. "Go in person with Tanya. They won't dare scold you in front of her."

"You think so?", Maddox asked and shook his head.

"When you tell them about me...", Mindy paused. "Tell them that Gideon is a good man."

Maddox responded with a stiff smile. Can he say that and sound sincere? He just met the guy! "I'm sure mom and dad will be in shock to find out that both of us found mates only days apart."

"I heard the theory that putting mates together is Talia's power.", Mindy said.

Maddox stifled a chuckle. He wanted to say how Kalina is full of nonsense and Maya is encouraging those crazy ideas, but he realized that it was time to go. "Don't forget that you have a family, Min."

Mindy was speechless. Why did Maddox look so emotional? But his concern was genuine, and she comforted him, "Max, you know where I am. Feel free to come anytime. In addition to that, you can text and call. I have my cell phone and it has a signal."

Maddox looked around. "Do you have a place to charge it?"

Mindy was not sure how to respond to it. It should be a no, but then Gideon spoke, "We have a generator and there is a power bank she can use. I don't live in Middle Ages."

Maddox nodded in approval and after another hug with Mindy and a handshake with Gideon, he walked out to join the other five.

Maddox was happy for his sister, but his heart was heavy. Tatiana's arm around his waist and her leaning on him made it a bit better.

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Mindy and Gideon stood in front of the cabin, and they didn't move until their six guests were out of sight.

"My brother means well.", Mindy said to Gideon, hoping to explain Maddox's overprotective behavior.

She wanted Gideon to get along with her family because they were an Alpha family who was close and if Gideon and Maddox start on a bad note, it can lead to Mindy needing to pick between the two. The mate bond was urging her to stick to Gideon, but her memory and experiences were drawing her toward her family and Mindy hoped that she won't need to abandon one for the other.

"In the Blue River pack, we have a shelter for the ones who need it. There are children, elderly, but most of the people who come seeking our protection are women who suffered years of abuse because they thought that no one will help them. Both me and Max are involved in helping those people get back on their feet and start a new life. No matter how much we see, it's always heartbreaking when another woman finds her way into our shelter while believing that she is not worthy of people being nice to her."

Gideon cocked an eyebrow at her as it dawned on him. "Is he worried that I will abuse you?"

Mindy's brows came together. Yes, Maddox was worried, but even Mindy didn't know what the future holds. Things went well so far, and she was happy, but… "I guess we all need to see how this will unfold."

Gideon's expression turned solemn.

"Mindy.", he called. "That is not how the mate bond works. Fated mates can't hurt each other, it goes against our nature. I waited for you to walk through that door from before you were born. I have no intention of mistreating you, but I am used to living on my own. If something is bothering you, I need you to tell me. I don't guarantee I will agree to your requests, but I promise to listen and do my best to accommodate your needs."

While on the topic of accommodating her needs, Mindy thought of asking, "Will you be OK with me continuing to work on the shelter and charities involved with it?"

"I want to hear more about the work you did."

Mindy looked at him apprehensively. Why did he talk about it in the past tense?

Gideon's brows furrowed as he continued, "Going there to work will require a lot of travel, but I'm sure we can make it work."

Mindy's lips stretched into a smile, and she relaxed at the thought that he was supportive.

"I don't need to be there in person.", Mindy said. "We can visit occasionally, just to see how things are going, but even that can be done with a video call. My work was mostly focusing on securing donations so that shelter can run, and also for various charities that are focusing on specific areas, such as sponsoring education, healthcare, or attending mental therapy for the ones who need it."

"Sounds like a lot of work. How much time do you spend on visiting the donors?"

"Alpha Damon is our biggest donor and by being here I'm already doing most of the work.", Mindy responded brightly. She had other people who could do that work, but her identity of Mindy River came with connections to the Alpha family, and that was the biggest incentive for people to give donations. "I can do almost everything with phone calls, emails, and we can attend a few parties a year."

"Parties.", he said sourly. "With me?"

"Will you let me go on my own?"

Gideon exhaled helplessly. He hated parties, but he hated the idea of Mindy being surrounded by some random men more. Didn't she know how beautiful she was?

"As long as you don't expect me to dance, it will be fine."

Mindy giggled and nodded, her eyes flashing in approval.

Now that she thought about it, her work with charities didn't require her to be in other places a lot. There was also the point of Mindy finishing her education, but she can do most of it online, so being mated to Gideon didn't seem to hinder anything she did so far.

Why did she think that finding a mate will be a problem? She didn't need to give up on anything, yet she got a handsome mate who was a beast in bed. Beast, in a good way.

Mindy leaned into Gideon's embrace, happy that the future looked brighter the more she thought about it.

 

Chapter 434 A bright future (2)

The guests left a while ago, yet Mindy and Gideon stood in front of their cottage, embracing each other in silence, each lost in their thoughts and the comfort of just being together.

A long time ago, Gideon closed off his heart that was reserved for his mate. He was not inexperienced in pleasures of the flesh, but every woman who passed through his hands left him empty. He thought that the Moon Goddess denied him fated mate, for reasons unknown, and he gave up on finding his other half, yet with Mindy's appearance all the walls he built over decades collapsed, and here she was… bright and welcoming, and for the first time in his life Gideon felt like he can breathe with full lungs, each breath filling him with the addictive scent of pumpkin. His pumpkin. Mindy.

Mindy enjoyed Gideon's warmth and his solid embrace that came with the irresistible scent of lavender, but her thoughts were focused on the things that are coming.

She lifted her head to look at him. "Do I need to prepare an outfit?"

He didn't get it. What outfit? "For?"

"For the ceremony before the pack run." Mindy smiled proudly. "As Shaman's mate, I will be by your side, right? I attended ceremonies in the Blue River pack ever since I was a little girl. Shaman's mate would pass him things, so I have a general idea what I should do, but every pack has a different outfit, so…" Her voice trailed and she looked at him expectantly.

Gideon's eyebrow twitched. "I didn't agree to perform the ceremony."

Mindy couldn't believe this. "You are kidding, right? The pack run will happen with or without the ceremony. I can see the friction between you and Alpha Damon, and I won't tell you to pretend that things are fine. However, you are a Shaman. The pack needs you. If the ceremony doesn't happen, people will believe that you abandoned them."

Gideon was speechless. He knew Mindy was right, but she was still talking, and for some reason, she was also stroking his chest with the tips of her fingers in ways that muddled with his reasoning.

"I want us to participate in the pack run. It will be my first one since finding my mate and…"

"I will prepare clothes for you.", Gideon grumbled.

"Our wolves didn't greet each other.", Mindy said. "Do you think we can save that for the pack run? It's only a few days away and it will make it more special."

Gideon swallowed hard. The idea of his wolf chasing Mindy's until he catches her and they mate, was leaving him breathless. Werewolves are promiscuous, but mating in wolf form is reserved for mates because their wolves won't touch another.

Gideon saw wolves mating many times, but… he never... until now.

"Alright.", he rasped.

Mindy beamed. She was really looking forward to this. After all, Mindy has Alpha blood in her veins, and being Shaman's mate was not putting her at the top of the hierarchy, but she was not low either. Actually, it was perfect to give her some authority without putting her into the spotlight that came with duties.

Gideon was now thinking about going into town with Mindy to visit the tailor. She will need a traditional leather outfit, and they should probably hurry because the last pack run was a decade ago, and once the news spread, youngsters who came of age in the last ten years will hurry to get their clothes ready. For the ceremony, it was not important, but for the ones participating in the pack run, the leather outfit that is not constricting and can easily be removed was a must-have. And with Mindy standing by his side, as his mate, a lot of eyes will be on her. He wanted to get her the best outfit so she can shine.

Ah, but the town was far away and if they go now, it will cut into their alone time as a newly-mated couple.

While thinking about the distance to the town, Gideon asked, "Do you want us to move to the town? Or somewhere else? There are single-family homes available for mated couples."

"What about your garden?", Mindy asked.

Gideon shrugged. "I can always plant a new one."

Mindy was genuinely moved. She was sure that Gideon spent years arranging this place to fit his needs, yet he was willing to leave it all and start anew with her.

Well, she was leaving her life behind also, but it was common for werewolves that female makes adjustments for her mate.

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Mindy wrapped her arms around Gideon's neck. "Hold onto the thought about planting a new garden for later. Right now, this place is fine. If we find that it's not working, we can discuss a move. It's not something we should rush into."

"It seems you have things figured out."

"Mhm…", Mindy hummed in confirmation. "Both of us will come up with a list of things we expect from our new place and find one that's perfect. If that kind of a place doesn't exist, I will take care of that." She winked playfully. "I am close to the Luna and can pull some strings. We will get our dream home in a perfect location, and neither of us will have regrets."

Gideon chuckled and tightened his hold on her. Mindy's cheerfulness and easygoing way of talking were refreshing. But the best part was that he could feel her emotions and he knew that she really felt that way. She wanted them to be happy… both of them. And he wanted that as well.

Mindy took a deep lavender-infused breath while imagining their future house.

A big house won't do because she didn't like to clean, and she didn't want to get Omegas to serve them either. Privacy was the top priority, and they can't have that with others snooping around.

Two bedrooms, one for them and one that can be used when they have guests. A library for his books, a spacious backyard that can accommodate all his herbs, and a shed that would serve as his workshop for drying herbs and whatever else Shamans do. A small patio where two of them could sit and have a snack with his aromatic teas while enjoying the view of the garden.

As for the location… Closer to the town than this, but not too close to the noise and crowd.

Just the two of them would be perfect. The two of them, and… kids… maybe? The thought of the baby-making process made her heart race.

Gideon's nostrils flared when he picked up the scent of her arousal.

"What are you thinking about, princess?", he asked huskily.

She looked at him and waggled her eyebrows playfully. "I'm thinking about us continuing to get to know each other. On a deeper level."

A hearty chuckle escaped Gideon's chest and he scooped Mindy in his arms and carried her into the cabin.

He closed the door with his leg and continued walking upstairs, loving the way her soft body clung to him.

His adorable mate wanted them to get intimate, and he had no intention of denying her that.

 

Chapter 435 Restless thoughts

When they returned to the packhouse, Damon went with Caden to handle some pack-related business as Maya was swamped.

Maddox was restless after leaving Mindy with Gideon, and there was also the point of telling his parents that he and Mindy both found their mate. But the matter that weighed on him the most was the upcoming talk to Tatiana. Will she accompany him to the Blue River pack?

Maddox and Tatiana touched on the topic of their future, but Tatiana was talking about her company and upcoming fashion shows, and there was no mention of the Blue River pack and her being a Luna and Maddox's mate.

Maddox was nervous. Will she leave him?

In order to release some of his tension, Maddox decided to join Tony when he headed to the training grounds.

That left Tatiana, Kalina, and Talia in the living room.

Talia decided to give attention to her two friends.

Until then, she was thinking about Gideon's words, and about the incident in the study when her wolf took over for a few endless minutes, and about every time her aura came forth and… nothing. Other than her getting a hint of a headache, there was nothing.

Talia needed a mental break, and there were many other things to think about. Like the possibility of an upcoming war.

"Did you guys decide how long you will stay here?", Talia asked Tatiana and Kalina. "I'm not chasing you away, just asking."

Kalina nodded in understanding. "I guess you don't want us to be implicated if Alpha Edward makes his move."

Talia gave Kalina a grateful smile. She was glad that her friend understood. "I know that Tony and Max believe how your presence will deter him from acting, but I think that the man is power-hungry to the point of not caring of who is watching. I don't want you to get hurt just because you are here."

Kalina reached to hold Talia's hand and gave her a reassuring squeeze. "We can help."

"I know.", Talia responded. "But I believe you will be of more help if you are out there. Talk to people who are willing to listen until they understand that Alpha Edward is unreasonable. They don't need to provide reinforcements to the Dark Howlers pack, but if they can decline assistance to Alpha Edward, that will already be a lot of help."

Tatiana slumped back in her chair and let out a long breath. "To be honest, I like it here."

Kalina cocked an eyebrow. "You are just shagging your mate. What is there not to like?"

Tatiana stifled a laugh. "That's not what I meant. I was talking about being myself."

"You sound like you were holding back so far. I don't remember that you lived a life of solitude.", Kalina said teasingly.

"No. I mean…" Tatiana paused while thinking about how to explain. "I spent a lot of time among humans, always watching that I don't move too fast or squeeze too hard during a handshake. Humans look like us, but they are not. I felt caged while suppressing things that come to me naturally, and here I don't need to do that."

Kalina pursed her lips. She grew up around humans also, but she didn't see it as caged. "I always thought about that like practice in control."

Tatiana leaned forward, resting her elbows on her knees. "That's exactly it. Control. With humans, we need that. Here, I can do what I want, how I want it, and people won't look at me like I'm a freak. I remember attending one of my first parties and when I took the champagne flute, the delicate thing shattered in my hand. My date looked at me strangely, and after the third one I broke, the waiter said how the glasses must be flawed because there was no way a refined lady like myself would end up breaking them on purpose. Ah, I still remember going home thirsty because I didn't dare touch those anymore, and everything was fragile crystal…"

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Talia's chest tightened when Tatiana's story reminded her of herself. Damon was warning her to be careful but why did she need to control her powers? Will people think of her as a freak if they find out what she did? What about her friends?

Will Tatiana be grateful that Talia stopped water currents so that Maddox can save her, or will Tatiana fear her?

Gideon said that whatever she can do is a gift from the Moon Goddess, but what's the point of a gift if she can't use it because people might look at her like she is a monster?

Was there a place for Talia where she can be herself and break stuff without people looking at her strangely?

Somehow, Talia remembered Axel. He said that she was welcome in the Midnight Guardians pack. Based on the scene of Meg glowing in the car and Kai's silvery eyes, it appeared that people in the Midnight Guardians pack have such powers. Was that the place where Talia could be herself? But they won't accept Damon because he was not one of them. Was she one of them? How can she know if she belongs to a place she never visited?

Talia nearly jumped out of her skin when a pair of strong arms circled her from behind.

"What's weighing on your mind, kitten?", Damon murmured close to her ear, and she took a deep breath of the forest and the dark chocolate that had the power to ease her nerves.

That's right. Damon was her home. With him, she could be herself and he won't judge her or think of her badly no matter what she did.

"Just… stuff.", she said. Was she actually thinking of going with Axel? No, that's not happening. No matter what, she won't leave Damon.

She looked up at Damon to meet his icy-blue eyes full of concern.

"I am fine. Really.", Talia did her best to assure him. They already had so many things to juggle and adding more to it won't help.

Acting like things were normal was one of the things that helped her from running away. Where would she run? She didn't know. Maybe into the mountains, or out of the country; wherever she ran, it would be fine as long as Damon was with her, but… would he want to leave all this behind? She shook useless thoughts away.

This place, this pack… it was important to Damon, and he was her most important person and she didn't want to put him in a position to choose. She will be with him in this, for better or for worse. Together. Isn't that what mates do?

Before any of them said anything else, James entered the living room.

Talia felt anxiety bubbling inside her. Wasn't James supposed to spend the day having fun with Petra, Erik, and Zack? And why was James' expression not good?

Talia swallowed hard. If James was back early, it could mean only one thing.

"Is it time?", Talia asked Damon, her voice barely above a whisper.

Damon gave her a small nod and said words that made her chest tighten.

"Marcy is awake."

 

Chapter 436 A three days-long deceit (1) [Bonus chapter]

Author's note:

Thank you, BFD_80, for the Magic Castle gifted on March 19, 2022!

Your generous gift prompted me to release this bonus chapter!

- - -

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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In the house where Marcy was...

Talia, James, Dawn, and George were in the kitchen, all seated on chairs and staring at the screen of a laptop that showed the live feed from Marcy's room.

Marcy was on the bed, and Doctor Travis was checking her vitals and taking notes on his tablet.

Dawn was nervously squeezing George's hand and he gently caressed her knuckles, silently assuring her that Marcy had no effect on him. And she didn't. The truth was that George didn't want to be there, but as Commander George, he needed to be present.

James observed with a boorish expression, and Talia was tense because she knew that Damon will enter the scene.

Upstairs, Damon stared at the door like it was his mortal enemy while silently chanting James' last instruction, "it needs to be convincing".

Damon hoped that just words will be enough and Talia won't blow a fuse. He could feel her anxiousness spilling into him and he took a deep breath to stabilize his emotions. If Marcy sees through him, all this will become a fantastic shitshow.

They needed Marcy to cooperate and only Damon could do this.

James said it will work, and Damon hoped that youngster's confidence was not just for show.

After a short knock, Damon pushed the door open.

Travis was sitting on a chair next to Marcy's bed and he bolted to his feet. "Alpha!", he greeted with his head lowered.

"Continue…", Damon said and leaned on the doorframe with his arms crossed over his chest.

Marcy opened her mouth for Travis to put a thermometer, and her eyes drifted toward Damon. His intense gaze was trained on her and she held her breath, unable to look away. He was super-handsome without trying and his appeal was enhanced by the sharp aura coming from him. Dangerous. Powerful. Dominating. A true Alpha.

She bit her lower lip. How much did Damon know?

She woke up some time ago, and this doctor entered her room a few seconds later, introducing himself as Travis, the doctor assigned by Alpha Damon to take care of her.

Travis told her that he was watching her since yesterday, her condition was serious, but improving, and that Alpha Damon was on his way.

Travis didn't mention breaking of the mate bond and she wondered if he didn't know about it or if he was not allowed to talk about it. In either case, Marcy decided to keep quiet and see how things went.

Marcy used this time to assess Damon's attitude. Surely, if Damon knew that George was Marcy's mate and that they broke off the bond, his Alpha pride would kick in and he would send her packing. Or maybe to the dungeon. Or worse.

The fact that Damon provided her medical aid in a house, outside prying eyes, told her that Damon either didn't know about what happened or was trying to conceal it. Was it possible that Damon was fearing her father and was willing to overlook her error of coming here to be his Luna while having a mate?

But George accepted the rejection, so there was no evidence, and no obstacles for Damon to mark her.

If George didn't spill the beans, they might think that she only passed out from unknown causes. And if George said the truth, he would be in danger also, and George was not stupid or suicidal, so... there was a chance that Marcy can come out of this scot-free.

Travis removed the stethoscope from around his neck and turned to Damon. "Done."

"How is she?", Damon asked.

"Her vitals are steady but somewhat weak. I expect that in two-to-three days we will see a full recovery."

"Thank you, Travis.", Damon said and moved while gesturing toward the open door. "I would like privacy with Miss Marcy. Please wait downstairs. I will have some instructions for you."

Travis bowed his head and took his medical bag before making his way out of the room and closing the door behind him.

Marcy's heart thundered against her chest. This is it, the moment when she will find out what will happen.

Damon knew that this was not fair but facing a choice between the safety of Talia and his pack vs Marcy's, the choice was obvious. He also reminded himself that Marcy came here with her mate while hoping to become his Luna, so deceiving her won't be a big offense. She was doing the same.

'It needs to be convincing!', James' voice echoed in Damon's head, reminding him that this was not the time for doubting priorities and weighing who is right.

"How are you feeling?", Damon asked while taking a seat on the chair that Travis vacated, next to Marcy's bed.

Marcy's eyes widened. Was that question full of concern directed at her?

"F-fine.", she stuttered before adding, "A bit weak, but fine." She repeated what Doctor Travis said. If she says that she is completely fine, Damon might kick her out.

Damon ran his hand through his hair. "You got me worried."

Marcy was not sure what to think about this. Did he say he was worried? "Thank you for your concern, Alpha Damon."

She blinked a few times before deciding to ask, "It seems I missed the event."

"Yes, you did."

"How did it go?"

"It was nearly a disaster. Everyone expected you to show up and I announce that you will be my Luna, and when you didn't come, I had to improvise." Well, that was almost-truth.

Now the acting came. Damon's role was to convince Marcy that he was clueless about the rejection.

"I'm sorry, Marcy."

Marcy's stomach dropped. Was this the part where he tells her to pack and leave? Or will he send her into a dungeon? "About?"

"My doctor believes that you were poisoned. Considering the condition of your wolf, he thinks it was wolfsbane.", Damon said with a pitiful expression.

Marcy wondered if her ears malfunctioned. She was poisoned? "What?"

"I hope you can forgive me the negligence. I have no idea how an enemy sneaked into my packhouse, but my people are working on it. By the time I found out that someone is targeting my future Luna, it was too late and when I arrived, you were already on the floor. I brought you here and got my best doctor to take care of you. I couldn't risk taking you to the pack hospital because I didn't know who was behind the attempt on your life."

Marcy blinked while staring at him stupidly. Poisoned? He was sorry? She couldn't decide if he was serious or maybe baiting her into something, but there was no way she will admit to anything.

"You think that someone poisoned me?" She had to make sure about this.

Damon nodded solemnly. "Your bloodwork was clean, so it must have been a mixture that is difficult to detect. But only wolfsbane will weaken your wolf in such a way. The good news is that given enough time, you should make full recovery."

Marcy couldn't believe her luck. Her wolf was weakened from her rejection, and she took another blow when George accepted the rejection, but Damon thought it was wolfsbane. This was fantastic!

 

Chapter 437 A three days-long deceit (2)

Marcy reminded herself not to smile about her stroke of luck. Instead of being scolded for coming to the Dark Howlers pack to be Damon's Luna despite having a mate, Damon thought that she was poisoned and he felt guilty about it! She can definitely use that to her advantage. But first, she needed to understand the whole situation.

Marcy made a troubled expression. "You said you improvised at the event. How did you explain my absence?"

"I told everyone at the event that Talia will be my Luna."

Marcy's head was spinning. Did they think she will die and that wretched mistress took her place? Marcy still remembered how Talia pinned her down while showing her the racy video, and then George lost his temper and accepted Marcy's rejection, snapping the bond completely and causing her unimaginable pain.

It was Talia's fault that Marcy ended up in this sorry state, and now Talia took her spot! Marcy wanted to give Talia a good beating.

Marcy thought that Damon came to comfort her, yet it seemed that he replaced her already. It didn't make sense. "You… what?"

"I had to announce Talia as my mate.", Damon said. "You see, like this, my enemies don't know if they were successful in poisoning you, and whoever is targeting my Luna, will shift their focus on Talia. Only like that, I can assure your safety. My men already have a solid trail and once we find the culprits, I will call the press and remove any doubts about who will be my Luna.", Damon said this in one breath and hoped that Marcy will fall for it.

James said it will work as Marcy mostly thinks about her survival. Damon admired this scenario that covers the truth with a veil of deceit perfectly. Marcy will buy it.

The way Marcy's eyes moved told Damon that she was processing this information, and this was the right time for the next step: making Marcy feel important. It will boost her confidence to the point of neglecting the warning signs. At least that's what James said.

Before Marcy could react, Damon moved swiftly to sit on the edge of her bed and hold her hand.

"Marcy…", Damon called huskily. "I need your help."

Marcy stared at their connected hands. His hand was big and warm and… she liked it.

Damon's free hand moved to touch her chin and lift her head so that he can meet her eyes. "You said that you want to be my Luna. I expect my Luna to watch my back. Will you help me?"

Marcy blinked. He was close. Too close. "Help you? How?"

"I need you to handle your father. He doesn't know what happened and thinks that I discarded you."

Her eyes darted to his lips. "How can I help?"

"Tell him the truth.", Damon said without missing a beat. "Actually, if you can skip the poisoning part that would be for the best." Damon waited until Marcy nodded, and then continued, "Tell him that someone is targeting you and what happened at the last night's event is only to flush out my enemies. We need him to be patient for three days, and then everything will be clarified."

"What will happen in three days?", Marcy asked breathily because her heart was racing. Damon was awfully close, but she wanted him to get closer.

"Doctor Travis said that by then you will be fully recovered. Also, I'm confident that within three days the culprits will be caught, and then we can make your position official. I don't want my Luna to be in danger before she can take on her role."

Damon had no problems saying that because most of it was mostly the truth. Mostly. He will announce that Talia is his Luna, and everyone will know that Marcy is not. Three days. By then, Talia will wear his mark. This thought made him smile a little.

Marcy nodded robotically. "OK."

Damon stared at her intently, and Marcy thought he will kiss her, but he stood up and stepped away.

He took a phone from his back pocket and gave it to Marcy. Marcy flipped the phone to see that it was hers, powered off, and her attention went back to Damon who was giving her additional instructions.

"Call your father. He is probably going crazy thinking that I mistreated you. Tell him that things between us are going well, and ask him to be patient for three days until we clarify everything..."

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Marcy called Alpha Edward to tell him what Damon instructed her to say.

The short version was that someone was targeting Marcy, and the announcement how Talia is Damon's Luna was a decoy to keep Marcy safe. Marcy was in a safe location, near the packhouse, until Damon finds the culprits. Marcy said that Damon was visiting her when the circumstances allow and that things between them are great.

Alpha Edward was at first confused and then pacified. The call ended with Alpha Edward's, "I look forward to hearing good news in three days!"

Damon knew that Alpha Edward will continue sending his spies to confirm what was really going on, but after his talk to Marcy, he will dismiss stories that place Damon and Talia together either as Talia being Damon's assistant, or Talia being a decoy to protect Marcy.

After ending her call, Marcy powered off her phone and returned it to Damon. He said that his enemies might use GPS to track her phone, and she believed him.

"Is there anything I can do to make your stay here more comfortable?", Damon asked.

"Here?", Marcy asked while eyeing the room. "I won't stay in the packhouse?"

"No. There are too many people there, and we need to stick to the scenario. It's temporary.", Damon assured her. "Don't leave this house until I come and say that it's safe. I have my trustworthy warriors guarding you. Even if you don't see them, they are there. Rest as much as you can in order to recover your strength. Handpicked people will come here to bring you food and anything you ask for. You might hear from them that I'm with Talia. Don't overthink it. She is just a decoy until I find the culprits. Only a few of us know how important you are...", he picked his words carefully, but he still felt sick to his stomach when he saw Marcy smiling brightly at him.

Marcy's smile faded as she thought about the next few days. "Are you expecting me just to sit here and do nothing?"

"It's for the best that you stay off the grid. You can watch the television, but no internet and no cellphones. Be patient until the coast is clear."

Marcy let out a long breath and nodded in agreement. A few days. Three, at most. She can do that.

"I won't visit you before I'm sure the culprits are caught.", Damon said. "I am probably being watched and I don't want to risk leading my enemies to you. At this point, you are precious and vulnerable."

Marcy's smile was back. He said that she was precious.

Marcy asked about James, George, and Nora, and Damon told her that James and George are attending training as scheduled, to which Marcy frowned. How can George train like nothing happened while she was unconscious for a full day? But then, George was a Commander with a trained body and spirit, so maybe that was the difference between their endurance.

She decided not to think about George because Alpha Damon was right there, and he was telling her updates related to Nora. Marcy was not surprised that Nora made her move on Damon, and she was visibly pleased with the news that Nora was in the dungeon.

Marcy asked for books and magazines to keep busy in the next three days because she was not interested in watching television, and Damon said that he will take care of it with a reminder that the internet and cell phone are prohibited, for her protection. And she believed him.

Everything went just as James predicted.

 

Chapter 438 A three days-long deceit (3)

Damon left Marcy's room feeling victorious, but also apprehensive about meeting Talia's eyes.

While he was in that room with Marcy, Damon felt Talia's unsteady emotions bouncing on him, and he was on the verge of dropping everything and just going to hold her. She needed comforting, and he needed assurance that she won't leave. He was never so insecure. Maybe because he never truly cared about someone before.

Damon hoped that Talia knew he held Marcy's hand only for the show, and all the nice things he said were only to get Marcy to cooperate.

He tried to focus on the positives.

With this, level of alertness in the territory of the Dark Howlers pack can be lowered. No matter what Alpha Edward hears after his conversation with Marcy, he will think that it's information from people who don't know what's really going on.

In the meantime, Marcy will send to her father a few updates that James prepared already. Damon couldn't believe that everything played out how the teen predicted.

Damon really admired James' mind. The boy is a genius!

Damon was thinking about how to recruit the teen, but James was right… his father won't let him go because Alpha Edward doesn't see James as a smart kid, he sees James as his successor.

However, in two years, James will have his eighteenth birthday and his cover will crumble when his aura doesn't awaken. Damon took a mental note to poach the boy at that time. If he can have James as a strategist, Damon was ready to make him his Gamma.

This three days-long delay will be enough for Damon to mark Talia and they enjoy being lovey-dovey in the cabin, away from it all. Even if the sky was falling, Damon would prioritize solidifying his bond with Talia. No more waiting. With dangers pressing on them from all sides, he needed to know that she was his, or he would lose his mind. And once she wears his mark, and they step out as Alpha and Luna of the Dark Howlers pack, everything else will be settled… somehow.

This three days-long break will give James more time to play, and George and Dawn will indulge in the activities as newly found mates.

Everyone wins!

Well, not everyone. Someone needs to work.

Caden and Maya have tasks to monitor the situation and catch any people who attempt to get in touch with Alpha Edward.

Damon didn't get a chance to talk to Maddox and Tony about their plans, but they can either continue what they were doing, or go home. At this point, they can't contribute, and they were not in the way either.

Once three days are up, Talia and Damon will return, and they will move on to the next stage of James' plan.

- - -

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When Damon reached the kitchen, he found Dawn, George, James, Travis, and Talia. They were looking at the screen that showed Marcy on the bed rolling and giggling. She was obviously pleased with this outcome, and totally oblivious to the camera in her room or that her happiness will collapse in three days.

Damon pressed his lips into a line while wondering how Marcy will behave when the truth slaps her on the face. Telling her a pretty lie in order to manipulate her was wrong, but Damon knew that he couldn't tell her the truth in advance.

James said that Marcy is a bad liar, and even if she wanted to collaborate with them, Alpha Edward would see through the deception. Marcy might be willing to lie, but she won't be brave enough to go through it.

Based on James' assessment. It was crucial for Marcy to believe the lie because only like that she could make Alpha Edward believe it.

Well, she will enjoy her bliss for three more days before they tell her what's really going on.

Damon didn't like this. He was a warrior, and not a schemer. This lying made him feel icky all over. But he reminded himself that Marcy wanted to be his Luna with a mate by her side, and she beat Talia, twice. Marcy did a lot of selfish things without considering who gets trampled. With that in mind, Damon felt less guilty.

"Travis…", Damon called. "The fact that Marcy is here is no longer a secret, but we don't want to publicize it. Marcy is not allowed to leave the house. Pick a few trustworthy nurses to come and check on Marcy once or twice a day, just to make sure her condition doesn't worsen. Tell Caden and Maya who are nurses you picked, so they notify the guards. Zina can coordinate with them to bring Marcy her meals."

George stood up and pulled Dawn with him. "We are leaving.", George said.

Damon nodded in acknowledgment. "You have three days. After that we move onto the next stage."

George's eyes darted toward James. "Will Marcy cooperate after finding out the truth?"

James smiled smugly. "By then she will be too deep to back off. Don't worry. I got it all figured out." He glanced at Damon. "Anything else, or can I go?"

Damon knew that James was irritated because he had to stop his fun to attend this. "If you want to join your friends, I will arrange for a warrior to take you there. And if you don't, there is the latest PlayStation console in your room with a few games that should keep you busy for a while."

James' eyes lit up. "I will check out the game console." James walked out of the kitchen in hurried steps. PlayStation!

With that, Damon looked at Talia who had a small frown on her beautiful face. He could feel that she was troubled. It's not that he was holding a woman's hand, but this was Marcy. She wanted to be his Luna. She already experienced his touch and Talia ended up watching the video recording.

Damon knew, if roles were reversed, he would blow a fuse just by seeing Talia in the same room with a guy who put his hands on her.

"Give me a moment, kitten.", Damon said and moved toward the sink.

He used the dishwashing liquid to soap his hands and he washed them thoroughly before patting them dry with a towel and turning to Talia who was now smiling a little.

She knew that he washed hands because of her, and she appreciated the gesture. She didn't want to think about Marcy or anyone other than Damon.

"Can we go now to the cabin?", she asked.

Damon's heart flipped in his chest, and he licked his lips nervously. It was happening! But first, a few more things.

"I will ask Steph to pack us some food for the road and in the meantime, we can pick a few changes of clothes to take."

Damon extended his hand toward Talia, palm up, and her delicate hand slid into his big one, their fingers interlaced, and Damon was glad that Talia was not upset.

They were getting ready to leave for the cabin, and he will mark her, and she will be his completely. Finally.

---

Chapter 439 On their way to the cabin [Bonus chapter]

About ten minutes after they passed Darkbourne, the black armored Lexus SUV took a right turn, and Damon skillfully navigated a gravel road that snaked between massive sequoias and pine trees that were blocking the afternoon, allowing only occasional thin bright rays to spear through the air and speckle the ground with white dots.

As the drive progressed, gravel became sparser, revealing the hard soil beneath it. Bushes and ferns stretched toward the road, indicating that this road was not frequently used.

Other than the moving car, everything appeared to be still.

Talia opened the window and warm sticky air caressed her cheeks. The humidity was so high that there were puddles on the side of the road even though it didn't rain in days. But she loved it. Wherever she looked, she could see the green untouched nature.

And the best part was her left hand was in Damon's right, their fingers interlaced.

Talia knew that they were heading for his cabin, and she didn't ask where exactly that was. As long as she was with Damon, she would go willingly even if it's inside a volcano.

Over the steady hum of the car engine, Talia listened to the sounds of the forest. She could hear birds chirping and there was faint clamor of water that sounded like a stream hidden in the dense foliage, but not a single animal was in sight no matter how much she looked.

"Are you searching for something in particular?", Damon asked her.

"I was wondering if I could see a bear or a fox." Or anything. They were away from the town, and she was sure that this dense forest will be a home to many creatures.

Damon chuckled. "Animals have strong instincts to avoid danger. They won't get close to us."

Talia paused and it took her a few long moments to realize that the danger he spoke of was him.

She smiled while thinking how Damon is so sweet with her that she forgot he is an efficient killing machine. An Alpha. Predator.

There was a time when she was afraid of him, but in time he showed her that he can be caring, gentle, passionate. Hers.

Maya told her that Damon's behavior changed since he returned from the Red Moon pack with Talia. He was less aggressive, not so impulsive, thinking more (and sometimes overthinking), but overall, happier. Maya also said that Damon would spend a lot of time training with warriors or engaged in a fight. That was not the behavior Talia observed and she hoped the change in Damon was for good and that people won't think less of him.

Talia unbuckled her seatbelt and scooted closer to lean her head on Damon's shoulder. It didn't matter how other people (and animals) looked at him, to her, he was Damon. Just Damon. Her mate.

The drive was steady, and the exhaustion caused by stress of the last few days caught up to her, and Talia drifted off to sleep.

Damon glanced at the sleeping woman by his side, and he made sure to avoid bumps on the road, so she can rest.

Both of them needed a break, from everything.

Damon really wished that they can take a whole week, or a month, or forever, just for the two of them. But he knew that was impossible. He couldn't leave the pack. It was his duty to keep everyone safe and provide for them, and now that he found his Luna, he needed to introduce her to his people. Their people.

Last few days were a constant reminder that he screwed up. Maddox and Tatiana, Kai and Meg, Gideon and Mindy. Even George and Dawn were clinging onto each other from the moment they realized they were mates, and Damon… didn't.

Damon was supposed to announce Talia as his mate on the same day she arrived at the Dark Howlers pack. Actually, even at the Red Moon pack, instead of sneaking Talia in the trunk of a car, Damon should have claimed her as his mate in front of everyone and walk her out through the main door with a warning that Alpha Edward will suffer for mistreating her. Surely, a fallout after that couldn't be messier than what they were facing at this point.

Damon squeezed the steering wheel while releasing a frustrated breath. He was unable to change the past, and he decided to treat this as a new beginning. This time, he will do things right.

His plan was solid. The two of them will enjoy the next three days; he will mark Talia and assure her that he will keep her safe and support her to the best of his abilities, swearing loyalty and commitment while they make sweet love and savor each other until exhaustion. And when these three days pass, Damon will bring Talia back to the Dark Howlers pack as his Luna, ready for the pack run and to deal with Alpha Edward and anyone else who dares to endanger what they have.

- - -

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Talia opened her eyes when the movement of the car changed.

"Sleep, kitten…", Damon murmured as she blinked herself awake.

"No, it's fine.", she said and rubbed her eyes. "I didn't mean to sleep."

Talia felt guilty. Damon was working more compared to her, yet she ended up dozing off while he was driving.

She observed that the road became bumpier, and it was actually just two faint strips in the grass. If not for those, the only indication that it's a path would be that there were no bushes that way.

The amount of light diminished, indicating that the sun was setting. How long was she sleeping?

"We will be there in a few minutes.", Damon said, and she hummed in response while looking out the window that was closed now.

With every passing second, Talia was becoming more aware that she was alone with Damon. They were going to spend some time in a cabin and… have sex. Her cheeks heated. They did it many times before, but now they were going with an intention to do it, and she was getting flustered.

Damon threw her a side-glance. "What are you thinking, kitten?"

There was no way she will admit her thoughts. "I was wondering how the cabin looks like. You said that there is a lake nearby. I would like to see it."

"Mhm…", Damon hummed in response. "Do you think it's a sexy lake?"

Talia blinked. "What?"

He chuckled. "I can smell your arousal. So, either you were hoping that the lake is sexy, or it was something else. Were you thinking what are we going to do in the lake? Now that is something I want to hear about, so I can make it come true."

Talia cleared her throat awkwardly and swiftly pushed the button to open the window. She forgot about the scent!

Damon's hand was squeezing and caressing her knee now, but she decided to ignore him and think about something else because if she acknowledges her naughty thoughts, it will only spur him to tease her more, or maybe stop the car so they can go at it right there, and it's not that she didn't want it but she wanted to reach the cabin before nightfall.

She couldn't believe that they were about to spend three days off the grid considering what was happening at home.

But she knew that these three days were calm before the storm and even though everyone seemed to be happy to get this break, they were anxious about what's coming.

Other than Maya and Caden, no one else knew that they left. They agreed that Maya will say how she will tell everyone that Damon and Talia went to handle some pack business and it might take a few days.

Talia didn't want to conceal this from her friends, but she knew that the fewer people were aware that Alpha Damon was set on marking her, the bigger were chances that no one disturbs them. After all, when Damon marks her, their bond as mates will be sealed, and even if someone doesn't approve, only by killing one of them that can be broken. Talia tried not to think about it. She hoped that people will approve, or at least not meddle. One can wish.

 

Chapter 440 In the Cabin (1)

Talia tried not to think about Marcy's situation because the mental image of that woman made her insides tighten in a bad way. However, no matter how much Talia disliked Marcy, giving her hope only to let her crash later was cruel.

Talia cringed when she realized how one tiny part of her agrees that Marcy deserved everything that was happening.

Marcy rejected her mate while coveting another man, and Talia's body tensed at the memory of Marcy's beatings and words full of spite, talking to Talia like she was dirty and unworthy to be in princess Marcy's presence.

"Ah!", Talia let out a surprised cry when Damon squeezed her knee with some force.

"Why did you do that?", she asked.

"Didn't we agree that this is our chance to disconnect and recharge? For the next three days, you can either relax or think about me."

She realized he was right. Somehow, she ended up thinking about Marcy and her mood dropped, and he could feel her. "Sorry. My thoughts drifted that way on their own."

Damon clicked his tongue, and he was about to say something, but then his lips stretched into a smile. "We are here…"

It was a simple cabin made out of dark wood that appeared black where shadows blanketed it. Tall bushes started on each side and massive trees towered above. The grass in front of the cabin was cleared of other foliage, but there was no path to the front door. It seemed like the structure was completely part of the forest.

Damon went to the back of the car to get the bag with their things, and then he opened the door for Talia and offered her his hand.

"Welcome to the first three days of our forever as mates.", Damon said with a smile that reflected in his eyes, and Talia's heart skip a beat.

Forever as mates. She liked that. She liked it a lot.

Damon was quick to give Talia a tour, eager to be done with formalities and move onto the important parts.

The kitchen extended into the dining area that had a small square table with four chairs.

The sitting area had a three-seater sofa and a rocking chair. Talia could imagine snuggling with Damon on the fur-rug with a cup of hot cocoa in front of the fireplace where a fire will dance later that evening.

One small room on the left doubled as pantry and miscellaneous storage, and the door next to it was for the bathroom.

The back half of the cabin was a bedroom with a king-size bed and the armoire that had a few dark gray t-shirts and sweatpants, to add to the clothes they brought with them.

Everything was clean and smelled fresh.

Talia approached the window and smiled when she realized that the small flashes of light were reflections of the sunset in the lake that could be seen between thick trunks of trees. Damon said that there is a lake close to the cabin, but this was closer than she thought it will be. Will they go swimming? Maybe tomorrow.

"What do you think?", Damon asked. "Is this fine?"

"This is perfect.", Talia said honestly.

Damon released a nervous breath. "I'm glad you like it."

He was torn between something grand and romantic (based on the information he found on the internet), and this solitude that is more werewolf-style.

Damon knew that Talia grew without the influence of her werewolf heritage, and what she saw in the Red Moon pack was just wrong. He grew up hearing stories about battles for territory, people living in caves and gathering under the Full Moon to worship the Moon Goddess, Alphas taking care of their people, and that forever-bond with a fated mate that was the most sacred of them all.

Damon didn't care about the bond before, he didn't want it. But as Talia entered his life, he realized that he can't escape it, and the more he found out about the delicate girl he took away from the attic, the less he wanted to resist the pull. He was absolutely under her spell.

After all they've been through, Damon was determined to show her how things should be.

Talia looked at Damon who was staring at her intently, yet he also seemed to be a bit distracted.

"Damon?", she called.

He blinked and then his lips lifted into a smile that stirred butterflies in her stomach.

She leaned into his warmth as he cupped her cheeks with his palms and the softness of his lips against hers made her crave for more.

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"I will be back in a bit…", he murmured before giving her another light kiss.

Talia wondered if she heard him right. "What?"

"I need to do something."

Talia's eyes widened as she processed his previous statement. He was leaving her! And if he was just going to the kitchen, he wouldn't announce it. "Where are you going?"

"Out. I will be back before you know it.", he assured her and he gave her another kiss because he could feel her uneasiness swelling. "Trust me."

Did she trust him? Yes!

Did she like him leaving? Absolutely not!

But she didn't want to whine, not now when they were away from troubles.

"Uhm… fine? I guess I will unpack.", Talia said, unsure where this was going. "When can I expect you back?"

Damon smiled a little, enjoying her need for him that he could clearly feel through their mate bond. "How about you freshen up? By the time you shower, I will be back."

"I can take a quick shower. Under five minutes.", she warned him. The thought of him leaving her there made the cozy cabin not so cozy anymore. "Will you be back so quickly?"

Damon chuckled. "Come here."

He took her hand in his and led the way into the bathroom.

When Damon gave her a tour, the bathroom door was cracked open and she didn't care much about what was inside, but now she noticed that there was no bathtub, only a shower, a toilet, and a sink. The sink had on it two toothbrushes, still in their original packaging, and a toothpaste. A basket on the ground held neatly rolled towels that smelled fresh.

She moved to peer into the shower area that was half-blocked by the shower curtain and observed that the boards below the shower had gaps and she could see pebbles that were a few inches below it. The thing drained into the ground.

The shelf on the wall had a shampoo and a soap, so Talia had everything she needed to freshen up, but soon she realized one problem. There were no knobs, buttons, or anything on the wall she could press or twist to start the shower.

"How does the shower work?", Talia asked while standing under the showerhead which looked like a straight wide pipe that ended abruptly with a closure that had tiny holes in it.

Damon pointed at the simple chains that hung from the ceiling. "There is a water reservoir on the roof that's collecting rainwater. The reservoir is full and considering the weather we had recently, the water will be warm. The right chain will start the water, and the left one will stop it."