Chapter 175

Chapter 180
Natalie POV


But sleep refused to come. After tossing for what felt like hours, I sat up in the darkness, my body feverish with restlessness. My wolf was pacing the confines of my mind, pushing thoughts I didn't want to face to the forefront of my consciousness. Typically, I could suppress her, could force my human side to dominate when necessary. Tonight, she wouldn't be silenced, her presence like a physical ache beneath my skin.

I glanced toward the window. The cottage grounds were quiet, most areas dark except for the occasional guard patrol, their shadows stretching long across the moonlit grass. Through the glass, I could see a faint light still burning in Nathan's quarters, a golden beacon in the darkness.

Before I fully registered what I was doing, I was on my feet, padding silently across the room. I opened the door, pausing only briefly to ensure the hallway was clear before slipping out. My heart thundered in my chest as I made my way toward Nathan's quarters, my body moving as if guided by something beyond my conscious control—some instinct far older than my sixteen years.

I waited until a guard patrol passed, then hurried across the open courtyard. The light in Nathan's window grew brighter as I approached. I didn't knock. I simply opened the door, stepped inside, and closed it behind me with a soft click that seemed to echo in the quiet room.

Nathan was lying on his bed wearing only training shorts, one arm thrown over his eyes, looking as restless as I felt. He sat up immediately when I entered, his eyes finding mine in the dim room, widening with surprise before darkening with something more primal. In three strides, he crossed to where I stood, cradling my face between his hands before kissing me deeply, desperately.

His lips were softer than I expected, contrasting with the urgent pressure of his touch. I could feel him trembling slightly, fighting for control as his thumbs stroked my cheekbones. I knew this was his first time, and despite my limited experience, I let him lead, my arms encircling his neck as his hands found my waist, hesitant at first, then more confident as I leaned into his touch.

The pull between us was magnetic, primal—my wolf howling with satisfaction as we moved toward the bed where moonlight spilled across the sheets like liquid silver. Every step felt like moving through honey, time slowing around us.

Nathan pulled away just enough to look at me, his breath ragged, pupils dilated until only a thin ring of amber remained. His hands hesitated at the hem of my shirt, fingers grazing the strip of exposed skin above my waistband with reverent uncertainty.

"Natalie," he whispered, his voice thick with desire and a hint of nervousness.

"Mmm," was all I could manage as I covered his hands with mine, guiding them upward, helping him remove my shirt. His fingertips traced along my ribs as the fabric lifted, leaving goosebumps in their wake. When he reached my bra, he faltered, his confidence wavering.

I smiled encouragingly, reaching behind to unhook it myself. His sharp intake of breath as it fell away sent a thrill through me. His movements grew slower, more tender as he kissed me again, pressing our bodies together, his skin warm and solid against mine from his warrior training, his heartbeat a frantic drum I could feel through my chest.

When his fingers paused at the waistband of my pants, hovering there as if gathering courage, I pushed them down myself, moonlight highlighting the silver wolf tattoo on my hip. His eyes followed the movement, fascination and hunger warring in his expression.

Nathan lifted me gently onto the bed, supporting himself on one arm to avoid crushing me with his weight as he continued to kiss me, his inexperience showing in the occasional bumping of noses or clicking of teeth, but his enthusiasm more than making up for it.

His hand traced the curve of my side with tentative exploration, and I moaned softly, the sound encouraging him to grow bolder. I reached for the edge of his shorts, my fingers dipping just beneath the elastic. I used my feet to help push them down his legs, feeling his muscles tense at the contact.

"Natalie." His voice was rough with emotion, his adam's apple bobbing as he swallowed hard.

"Mmm?" I stroked his cheek, feeling the stubble beneath my palm.

"You know I've never done this before." The vulnerability in his eyes made my heart ache, his usual Alpha confidence replaced by endearing uncertainty.

"I know," I whispered, brushing my lips against his jaw.

"Have you?" The question held no judgment, only curiosity, his fingers absently tracing patterns on my shoulder.

"Yes. And I only did this with Jackson." I watched his face carefully for any reaction.

He nodded slowly, processing. "I just thought you should know. In case I..." He trailed off, color rising in his cheeks.

"Nathan." I touched his face, feeling the warmth of his skin beneath my fingers, guiding his eyes back to mine. "I don't care. Just feel, don't think."

When he kissed me again, it was with renewed confidence, his body relaxing into mine. I felt his arousal pressing against my thigh, hot and insistent, my wolf fully awake now, urging me forward with primal need. I reached between us, stroking him several times until his face buried in my neck, his groans growing louder, his breath hot against my skin.

"Like this," I murmured, guiding his hand between my legs, showing him how to touch me. He was a quick study, his movements growing more assured with each response he drew from my body.

I placed my hand on the back of his head, fingers tangling in his hair, arching against the pillow, wanting this moment to be special for him, memorable. His eyes never left my face, watching with wonder as I reacted to his touch. Perhaps this was what a true mate bond felt like, even if I hadn't reached the age to officially recognize it yet—this perfect synchronicity, this feeling of rightness despite all the complications surrounding us.