Chapter 174 174

Chapter 174 174


Arielle's POV

His brows lifted and he chuckled, low and rough. "I can't control it with you naked beside me. It won't listen."

"Maybe I should put some clothes on then," I said, making a move to shift away.

His arm tightened around me, pulling me back. "Don't you dare."

I laughed, the sound light and happy, and nestled against him. The morning air was cool, but his body was warm, and I felt safe in his arms.

For the first time in my life, I felt truly whole.

He unexpectedly flicked my nose with his finger and he chuckled, the sound light and teasing as I looked up at him.

"I can't believe what happened between us last night," he said, his voice low and thoughtful.

I lowered my gaze, my cheeks warming. "Me too."

"Hmm." He tilted his head, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "I thought you said I was annoying."

I looked up to find him frowning, and I reminded him, "You said I wasn't close to appealing."

He rolled his eyes, lifting his neck a bit to look at me properly. "I never said that."

"You indirectly said it."

"When?" He feigned obliviousness, his brows furrowing. "I don't recall."

I frowned, and his other arm slipped under me, pulling me to lie on top of him, his arms locking around me. "You're the most beautiful to me now," he murmured. "Let's forget what we said before last night."

I raised an eyebrow. "Wow, you're suddenly a flatterer after having a taste of me. Is that the effect?"

"I don't know." He studied my face, his gaze softening. "But I know I'm not the same. Just like you weren't the same last night."

He shifted, and I winced, the soreness between my legs flaring up. He observed me, his brow furrowing, then made me lie gently beside him. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah." I avoided his gaze. "Just... sore down there."

He trailed off, his eyes narrowing as the pieces fell into place. "Last night... it was your first?"

I shook my head. "No."

"Liar." He propped his head on his angled arm, looking at me in awe.

"What?" I asked, my voice small.

He chuckled, shaking his head. "What were you doing all this while?"

I shrugged, a sheepish smile on my face. "I don't know—" I paused. "Anyway, I guess I should have told you first."

He looked at me, more surprise flickering across his face. "It was really your first time?"

I nodded, my cheeks flushing. "I wanted it to be you. I wanted my mate."

His expression softened, his hand cupping my face. "I should have been gentler. I should have known."

"You were perfect," I said. "You were everything."

He didn't speak. He just kissed me, soft and slow, and held me close as day settled around us.

"Thank you, Aeson," I whispered, nestling my head against his chest.

"For what?"

"For claiming me." I paused, looking up at him. "For making me yours."

He kissed me again, and I felt the weight of his love in that simple gesture. "You're mine now, little wolf. And I'm yours."

I smiled, the sound of birds chirping overhead filling the air. They watched over us, silent witnesses to the bond that had finally been sealed.

But I jerked up the next second, the realization hitting me like a wave. "I have to go to college!"

He reached out, pulling me back. "Relax. You can miss a day."

I scrambled around, my boobs bouncing as I searched for his shirt. I spotted it buried in the leaves and grabbed it, pulling it on. "I can't just miss a day. I have responsibilities."

"Like what?" He sat up, a teasing smile on his face. "Running late? You're so serious. It's like your mother compelled you to take life too seriously."

I paused buttoning up and turned to look at him. He was already in his briefs, slipping into his pants. "Did she scold you for running late?" he asked.

I shook my head. "Not so much, and..." I trailed off as reality struck. "Oh, goodness!"

He walked up to me, his brow furrowed. "What is it?"

"My... my mother." I stared at him, panic rising in my chest. "She's not going to forgive me."

"Arielle—"

"No, no, no." I started pacing frantically, my hands running through my hair.

He reached out, grabbing my arm. "Hey, relax."

"No, Aeson!" I pulled away, my voice rising. "She forbade me from stepping into your pack. I went against her. Now I'm entangled with you, and I won't be spared!"

"Arielle—"

"Oh, goddess!" I pressed my hands to my temples. "Don't try to calm me down, you don't know my mother!"

He stepped closer, his voice calm, steady. "I know her better than you."

I froze, my eyes snapping to his. "What? How so?"

He opened his mouth, then closed it, his jaw tightening. He seemed speechless.

"Was she your ex or what?" I blurted, my voice laced with disbelief.

He looked away briefly. Then he shook his head and forced a chuckle. "No, she isn't my ex."

I moved to stand before him, blocking his path. "So why speak like you've known her?"

"No. I mean—" He paused, his gaze meeting mine. He inhaled deeply, then let it out slowly. "I used to know your father."

I blinked. "What?"

"Yes. We... go way back."

I looked at him skeptically, my arms crossing over my chest. "Scrap that. I think you're an enemy. That's why she warned me not to ever step into your pack." My gaze drifted, my mind churning. "Now... if she gets to know we're together, she'll kill me. And my father won't even be awake to save me."

He moved closer, coming to stand before me. He took my hands, his grip warm and steady. His expression was soft, almost tender. "Maybe he will."

I stared at him, baffled. "You can't say that with such certainty like some magician."

I moved away, my arms wrapping around myself. "My father has been down for a decade, and—" I paused, shaking my head. "I don't want to think about it. I might just cry my eyes out."

I turned to look at him, and he walked up to me, pulling me into a hug. It was more comforting than I expected, his arms wrapped around me, his warmth seeping into my skin. I let myself lean into him, just for a moment.

We left the woods soon after, and soon we were in his car, heading back to the pack. But another anxious thought hit me, and I cried out. "Mandy!"

He glanced at me, his brow furrowing. "What now?"

"What are we going to do about her? She's going to be furious that we're now a thing." I pressed my hands to my temples. "I can't even tell her."

His brows creased. "Why?"

I was speechless, my mouth opening and closing. He frowned, his voice sharper. "You don't want me?"

"Aeson—"

"Just tell me you don't want me." He paused, his jaw tight. "Is it because of the age difference, or...?"

I shook my head quickly. "Age difference? Age isn't even telling on you." The words tumbled out uncontrollably. "You were so good last night, and—" I stopped abruptly, my cheeks burning.

He threw me a pleased look, a smirk curling his lips. I looked away, mortified. I couldn't believe I had said that.

"Maybe we can have another quick round in the car," he teased, his voice low. "Just so you can be more proud of my abilities."

I shoved his shoulder. "Stop it, Aeson."

He chuckled, but his hand left the steering wheel and caressed my lap. I blushed, looking away, but I couldn't stop worrying about Mandy.

As if he could read my thoughts, he spoke, his tone more serious. "I can tell Mandy. You don't have to worry."

"No, you won't."

"Okay." He shrugged. "You do it, then."

"No, I—" I paused, realizing it was inevitable. Mandy would have to know eventually.

This might be worse than I even thought.