Chapter 9

Adam led Ella to his bedroom, sitting next to her on the bed.

“Are you sure about thhs?” He asked her again. The last thing he wanted to do was push Ella to do something she didn’t want to do.

Ella bit her lip but nodded. “I have to.”

Adam looked deep into her eyes, making sure she knew he was speaking honestly. “No, you don’t. You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to.” He paused a moment, letting the words sink in. “Ella, I never want to hurt you ever again. So if you really don’t want to do this, I won’t force you.”

Ella blinked in surprise. She hadn’t been completely sure, but with Adam being so vulnerable and open with her, placing the option to leave in her hands, she knew that she wanted to do this for him. He had changed and he deserved another chance. He didn’t deserve to continue dying, getting weaker and weaker.

She placed her hands on his. “Adam, I’m sure. I want you to claim me. You need to heal. You need to lead this Pack.”

Adam searched her eyes and nodded.

Ella stood up and slowly pulled her shirt up over her head, exposing her silky teal bra and bare belly. She shyly looked up at Adam. His face remained unchanged, a perfect professional mask. Ella tilted her head to one side, baring her neck to Adam.

Adam walked over to her, his eyes never leaving hers. His mouth opened and a pair of sharp canines protruded from his human teeth. The rest of the change happened quickly. His teeth transformed to that of a wolf’s and his eyes shone.

Adam grabbed her on either side, pinning her arms down, and pulled Ella close. He lingered over her collarbone, his breath tickling her skin. After a momentary hesitation, he sunk his teeth into the crook of Ella’s neck, marking her as his own.

Emotions and images flooded into Ella. They were overwhelming; all she could do was gasp before going limp in Adam’s arms. Her eyes rolled back into her head as the flood of emotions continued. Ella could faintly feel Adam gently laying her in his bed. She heard him murmur something, but couldn’t quite catch what he said.

Ella started panting as the emotions subsided, leaving the insatiable desire to be with her mate. Ella’s eyes snapped open, and she could see Adam sitting across the room, eyes boring into her. She could tell he had the same feelings as she did and was barely containing himself.

Before she knew it, Ella had made her way over to Adam and straddled him, pressing her lips on his.

“Ella—” His words were cut off with another kiss.

Adam pulled away. He placed a firm hand on each of her arms, keeping her from leaning back in.

“Ella, if you keep doing this, I cannot be held responsible for what I do next. I’m hardly keeping it together.”

His voice snapped Ella back to herself and she could see how hard Adam was straining. He’s right. I can’t do this. We promised not to do this. She backed away, getting up from Adam’s lap. With a deep breath, she turned away and ran out the door.

Ella kept running, knowing she had to put as much distance between herself and Adam before she shifted. If she transformed too close to her mate, her wolf would jump his bones as fast as she could. Her feet pushed off the ground, propelling her toward the outskirts of Pack territory.

Without thinking, she headed toward where she had bumped into Cassius the day before. She stripped her clothes, but this time, she made sure to pick them up in her mouth when she finished the change. Ella loped toward Cassius’s stash, letting the scent of him lead her there.

Cassius wasn’t there, but his scent was all over and fresh, telling her that he was close. She let out a howl, hoping he’d answer her. A few seconds went by before she heard a response. Ella grinned, stashing her own clothes with Cassius’s. She then set off toward his howl.

Ella saw him running toward her, a spark in his eyes. She wasn’t sure if he’d be up for what she needed, but her head was too clouded to ask first. Ella gave him a look, telling him what she needed. He hesitated at first, but the glint in his eye returned and he danced with her, letting the tension build before pouncing, pinning her under him.

Cassius nuzzled Ella’s soft fur before playfully nipping at her ear. They both transformed at the same time, their lips locking in a heat that could melt ice. They continued in a tangle of limbs, trying to touch and taste every inch of each other.

It was well into the afternoon when they had their fill. The burning desire inside Ella had simmered down to embers. As she realized what she had just done, she started to apologize to Cassius.

“I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have—”

But he cut her off.

“Don’t. It’s fine.”

He smiled and leaned in to kiss her again. This time, it was short and tender. Ella smiled in return and allowed Cassius to help her up. She brushed herself off before grabbing her clothes and putting them on.

“Would you like to meet up somewhere not in the woods?” Cassius asked as Ella pulled her shirt over her head.

“Where did you have in mind?” Ella asked, pulling her shoes on.

Cassius shrugged. “I don’t know… Maybe meet for coffee or something?”

“Oh,” Ella replied, surprised.

“We don’t have to if you don’t want to,” Cassius blurted.

“No. I mean, yes. I would love to meet you for coffee sometime,” Ella replied, blushing.

“Why don’t I give you my number and you can text me the details later?” Ella said after a pause.

Cassius smiled. “That sounds great.”

Ella gave him her cell phone number and he punched it into his own phone. He saved her contact and pocketed the phone. Ella smiled and waved to him.

“I should get back. I kind of ran off without telling anyone and they’re probably worried.”

“No problem,” Cassius replied. “See you soon?”

“Definitely.”

A giant grin grew on Cassius’s face, and he waved farewell. Ella headed back to the compound.

She decided to check on Adam before she headed home. Ella nervously knocked on his front door. She heard him moving inside and started wondering if it was really a good idea for her to be here.

Before she could change her mind, the door opened.

“Ella?” Adam asked, surprised to see her back.

“I just wanted to check on you. Sorry I ran out like that.”

“No need to apologize, Ella. I understand,” Adam replied kindly.

“So, did it work?” Ella asked.

“See for yourself,” Adam chuckled, lifting his shirt.

The gashes hadn’t closed at all, but they were no longer infected, and nothing was oozing from them. Ella breathed a sigh of relief.

“Thank goodness,” she sighed.

“Do you want to come in for a bit?” Adam asked.

Ella realized she was still staring at his chest, and she tore her eyes away to meet Adam’s. She gave him a small smile.

“I should really get back to Aaron and Emme.”

“Of course,” Adam replied apologetically. “Maybe some other time?”

“Maybe.”

“Have a good night, Ella,” Adam said in farewell.

“You too, Adam.”

Ella turned to leave, but hesitated.

“Adam?”

“Hm?”

“Would you like to come over tomorrow? Get to know Aaron and Emme a little better?"

“I would love that,” Adam replied, beaming.

Ella couldn’t help but smile back.

“See you tomorrow.”

“Yes,” Adam answered, even though Ella hadn’t said it as a question.