It had been a few weeks since the kidnapping. After Mandella helped us with some herbal remedies and training, Freya and I had never felt stronger.
Bastian had been getting me up each morning with him and his warriors to train with them.
I loved every minute of it. Terrin had been a great help too. He reminded me of how my mom used to train. We had taught each other a lot.
Every day, they had me go up against a different warrior, learning their strengths and weaknesses and how to use them against them. Learning to go into a fight with a level head and not anger made a huge difference.
After training, Bastian and I took a run, letting Rufus and Freya out to enjoy themselves.
We had healed from the full rejection, but we still had not healed our heart yet.
Bastian had been amazing through all this. But I could tell he was getting closer and closer to being ready to heal his heart and look for his second mate.
Bastian still came to see me every night, but lately, it had not been just about the sex. We sat and talked about our past, our present, what we thought the future could bring. I had never talked with anyone like that besides my mother and grandmother. At times, it made me scared.
Freya: Why? Because you are starting to have feelings for him?
Me: Maybe? I don’t know.
Freya: Why are you so resistant to this?
Me: I don’t want him to miss out on a chance of finding his second mate.
Freya: Do you think that maybe we are the second mate?
Me: Yeah, like it’s that easy.
Freya: It could be, but you are too scared to find out.
Me: What if we are wrong, and we get our heart broken? I don’t know if we can survive another broken heart.
Freya: Life is all about chances and risks. You just have to take a leap of faith.
Me: I can’t. Freya. I’m not ready to take that leap.
I felt Bastian wrap his arms around me, pulling me against his chest.
“What are you thinking about?”
“What?”
“You seem like you are deep in thought.”
“Oh, it’s nothing. Just Freya being her normal horny self.”
Freya: Liar!
I giggled.
“Oh, so Freya is in need of some attention, huh?”
I giggled again as I nodded.
He turned me over as he leaned over me. “What about you, Ria? Do you need some attention?” He brushed my cheek with the back of his hand as he slowly guided it down my neck gently, brushing my breast and lightly caressing my stomach. My breath started to hitch as he continued to slide his hand between my legs, slightly brushing his fingers against my mound.
“Well?”
“Yes,” I whispered.
“Yes, what?”
“Yes, I need some attention,” I said to him.
He gave me a wolfish grin, and he started to press his fingers inside me, causing me to moan one right after the other.
My eyes rolled into the back of my head as my body started to shake.
“Ria, what’s wrong?” he said with a concerned tone.
I grabbed his wrist once again and pulled him into the premonition. It was nighttime, and we were seeing various vehicles going through the fields, catching a license plate briefly on one of them and noticing it read: DTRCH.
We both jumped up quickly from the premonition.
“I got to let Jasper know. We will keep everyone on a high alert. I couldn’t tell exactly when it was going to happen, could you?”
“There was something about the moon. It looked a little different.”
“You are right. I think it was in a new moon phase.”
He pulled out his phone and checked when the new moon phase would hit. “Looks like it’s in three days.”
I was a little shaky as I crawled back into the bed.
“I think I am going to call a meeting with Jasper and Terrin just so that we can be prepared and make sure that we have extra warriors doing security. I want to make sure you have someone watching your cabin at all times,” he said as he started to pull his clothes back on.
“Okay,” I said softly.
“Hey, are you okay?” he asked as he sat on the bed again, looking at me.
I nodded and answered, “Yeah, it’s just still a little hard to deal with, but I will be fine. I’m just not sure what he wants. He rejected me.”
“Well, when the time comes, I don’t want you anywhere near that guy. I don’t want to take any chances. I might even call my father and let him know what is going on. This guy is dangerous.”
“Yeah, that might be a good idea.”
“Are you sure you will be okay by yourself?”
I looked at him with a reassuring smile and said, “Yes, Bastian, you are just a pack-link away if I need anything.”
“You bet your ass I am. Okay, good night.” He leaned over and kissed me on the forehead.
I didn’t say anything and just let him walk out. I flopped back on the bed and let out a big huff.
Freya: Damn it! Why did we have to get a premonition right then? And of all premonitions, why that one?
Me: I don’t know. Do you think he is trying to track us down?
Freya: I don’t understand why he would. He rejected us.
Me: I know. I’m just worried that he won’t leave this pack alone until he destroys them.
Freya: Bastian is a strong Alpha; he won’t let that happen.
Me: Yeah, but Tarech doesn’t fight clean. I don’t want Bastian to get hurt because of me. He doesn’t deserve that.
Freya: It will be okay. There is no use stressing over the things we are unable to control at this time. Let’s try to get some rest.
Me: Yeah, you are right.
***
Three Days Later…
Bastian’s POV:
Three vehicles pulled up into the field with their headlights shining brightly at us. Tarech jumped out of one of the vehicles.
“Well, look who we have here. If it’s not the Alpha himself, gracing me with his presence,” Tarech said in a mocking tone.
“What do you want, Tarech? Last time I checked, these are my lands, and I did not give you any approval to cross them,” I barked out.
“I thought it was an unspoken approval since you came onto my lands and took something that belonged to me.”
“I think you are mistaken. This all started when you came here first and kidnapped one of the wolves that was staying here.”
“Yes, and now I am here to take her back.”
“She’s not yours to take,” I said while crossing his arms over his chest.
“She is my true mate; she belongs to me,” Tarech yelled as he hit his chest.
“If I’m not mistaken, I recall hearing you accepted her rejection,” I said, trying to keep my cool.
Me: Damn it, Ria. You better get your ass back to the cabin before he smells that you are here.
Ria: I am not leaving you here alone to deal with him.
Me: Ria, don’t make me lose my cool. I got this.
I could tell she was moving farther back, but not far enough. That girl made me crazy.
“A momentary lapse in judgment. What can I say? I got heated up in the moment and verbally hurt her the only way I knew how. Now, bring her to me so I can apologize and take her home. I assure you she will be in good hands.”
“She’s not here.”
“Huh? I don’t believe that you would let her leave here. I am sure you are fully aware of how special she is.”
“Yes, which is why she went back to her home with the High Council. I’m sure the High Council would love to see you. Would you like me to tell them you are on your way?” I told him as I pulled out my phone, ready to make a call.
“That won’t be necessary,” Tarech said with a hint of fear in his tone.
Tarech started to walk a bit as he tried to catch a scent in the air.
Crap.
“You know her scent is something a mate will never forget. My wolf is not happy with me for accepting her rejection. But I’m sure you know how she can be.”
“Can’t say I do.”
Tarech walked up right up to me, but I didn’t flinch once in front of him even with how much he was invading my space. Tarech sniffed again and started to laugh.
He whispered, “I’m sure you know exactly what I am talking about. She is addicting, isn’t she? Just when you think you have had enough of her, she makes you thirsty for more. Her drive is endless. She really knows how to wear a wolf out.”
A growl was released from my chest. Rufus was not happy.
“Oh, oh,” Tarech said while laughing and backing up. “See, you do know what I am talking about.”
Ria: Bastian, easy. He is taunting you. He came here for a fight. Don’t let him get what he wants.
Me: You included.
She sighed.
“You know, Alpha. I’m going to let you have her for a little bit. But you can bet I will be back for her, and when I come back, there will be hell to pay for keeping her away from me,” Tarech threatened.
“Is that a threat?” I asked.
Tarech was walking back to his Jeep, turned to point at me, and said, “It’s a promise, Alpha.”
Tarech got into his Jeep, started it up, and squealed out of here, kicking up dirt and debris towards me and my men.
***
Ria’s POV:
At that moment, a premonition hit me. The battle and seeing Tarech raising hell and ending Bastian.
No!
Freya: Calm down. We have time to change it.
Me: I hope so, Freya. I don’t want anything to happen to Bastian and his pack. He doesn’t deserve to die because of me.
Freya: I know. Shh, calm down.
The tears were just streaming down my cheeks. I couldn’t stop them. I couldn’t let this happen. As soon as Bastian’s heart was healed, I was going to have to leave. It was the only way to save him and his pack.
I quickly wiped the tears away so that Bastian did not question anything.
Not long after, Bastian walked up under the tree that I was squatting in.
“Get down here, Ria. Now,” he barked.
I jumped down, landing right in front of him. He picked me up, and I wrapped my legs around him.
“Do you think he will make good on his threat?” I asked him as I wrapped my arms around him.
He shrugged as he continued to carry me back to my cabin. “Possibly.”
“I don’t want anyone in your pack to get hurt because of me. I am not even a pack member.”
“Doesn’t matter. We protect whoever stays here, pack member or not,” he said before opening the door to the cabin and walking in, closing it behind us and then leaning me against the door as he put his forehead against mine.
“What are you thinking about?” I asked hesitantly.
He sighed for a moment and then lifted his head, pulled me back from the door, and put me down.
“I need to get back to my office and work on some things. Try to get some rest.”
I moved away from the door so that he could open the door and leave.
I let out a big sigh after the door closed behind him. I walked up to the door and laid my head and hand against it, wishing him to come back.
But he didn’t.
Freya: Come on, Ria. Let’s do what he said and get some rest.
Me: Yeah, okay.
I made my way into the bedroom, changed into a t-shirt and panties, pulled the covers back, and crawled into bed.
***
Sometime Later…
Rufus: Ria…Ria…
Stirring from my sleep, I slowly woke up as I continued to hear someone call me.
Rufus: Ria…Freya... Come to me.
Me: Bastian?
Freya: No, it’s Rufus. He’s calling to us. Let’s go.
I pulled the covers back and slowly got out of bed. Feeling like I was in some kind of trance, I continued to slowly move through the cabin to the front door.
Rufus: Ria, please, come to me. I need you.
I opened the door to my cabin, stepping out and closing the door behind me. I started making my way to the packhouse. I looked up at Bastian’s office window and saw that the light was still on.
Making my way around to the front, I tried to open the door, and surprisingly, it was unlocked.
I closed it quietly, trying to keep the sounds minimal as I made my way to Bastian’s office.
***
Bastian’s POV:
I heard a slight knock at my door. I was in no mood for company right now.
“Go away. I do not want to see anyone right now.”
I could still hear their heartbeat through the door. I took a deep inhale and realized that Ria was at the door.
I sighed before saying, “What is it, Ria?”
She opened the door quietly and let herself in. She was in nothing but a t-shirt and possibly panties.
“What are you doing here at this hour and just coming into the packhouse in just that. Are you trying to stir up craziness in the house?” I said in almost a whisper yell. I could feel my hormones raging as I saw her standing like this before me. I wanted to be inside her so badly, but I didn’t want to hurt her.
She continued to move closer to me and then dropped down to her knees in front of me between my legs.
She looks up at me with her seductive eyes. Normally, they were a deep blue, but I could see them turning to lavender, which only meant Freya was coming to the surface.
“Rufus called to us and told us he needed us.” Her voice was slightly different, which meant that Freya was taking over.
“Freya, bring Ria back,” I told her in a controlled tone.
“But Rufus needs me.”
Me: Rufus?
Rufus: Yes?
Me: Did you?
Rufus: I did, but I am just as surprised as you are that it worked.
I pinched the bridge of my nose—this wolf of mine.
Me: Why? Why? Why?
Rufus: We need to release some of this tension that we have.
I opened my eyes and saw Ria start to inch closer. She started to move her hands up my legs, slowly bringing them up to the buckle of my jeans.
She continued to stare at me as she loosened them. I could feel my member growing, pushing to get his release. Ria smiled as she felt my member growing and stretching against the material.
She licked her lips as she looked at my jeans. She continued unleashing my member, and just as she released it, she immediately wrapped her mouth around the tip, licking and sucking it.
I closed my eyes and leaned my head back as she continued to suck on me. I tried to take cool, calming breaths to try and calm myself down and relax, but I couldn’t. This rage inside of me was growing. Immediately, I pushed back from Ria, spun her around, and pushed her against the desk, spreading her legs apart as I rubbed my fingers between her legs. She almost groaned for me as I touched her.
She turned her head, and I still saw Freya brimming at the surface for all this.
“Freya, I want Ria. Now!”
She smirked at me but obeyed and closed her eyes. When she opens them, they are back to her original blue.
“Bastian,” she whispered.
I grabbed her panties and practically tore them off of her. I lifted her leg as I brushed my member at her opening.
“Yes, Bastian.”
I slammed into her with no patience. I heard her whine a little, but I didn’t stop. I pulled out and slammed into her again. This time, she let out a moan.
“Yes, Bastian. It’s okay. I can take it,” she whispered, and at that moment, I almost lost myself.
I continued to pound into her, and she let me, moaning and holding onto me. I pulled out of her and turned her around to lay her back on my desk. I took both her legs and wrapped my arms around them, spreading them as I entered into her again. I stared into her eyes, and she held my stare. I continued to thrust, speeding up my pace. Her breath started to quicken, and I knew that she was close to her orgasm. I continued my pace as I felt her release against me. I couldn’t hold my back any longer and let out a growl as I finished inside her. I slumped over her, and she slowly sat up and wrapped her arms around me.
I tried to move away, but she continued to hold onto me.
“I’m sorry,” I rasped.
“Shh, it’s okay. You didn’t hurt me. I can handle it,” she said in a soothing tone.
“Still doesn’t make it right,” I said as I pulled her into me. I sat in my chair with her curled on my lap with my arms wrapped around her.
She sat with me for a while, just letting me hold her without saying anything. After a while, she said, “Are you feeling a little better?”
I let out a frustrated grunt before saying, “Yes and no.”
“Are you concerned about Tarech?” she asked as she moved so that I was looking at her.
“I’m upset that I am losing my self-control,” I said as I got up from my chair, forcing her to get off of me. She moved to the couch in my office and pulled her legs under her as she sat. I continued to pace the room.
“We should focus more on trying to heal you so that you feel more like yourself,” she said softly.
I stopped in my tracks. “How? By having more sex? I don’t think it’s working; I feel like I am getting worse,” I said as I ran my hands through my hair.
“There is a part of the healing process we have not approached yet because you have not felt ready to talk about it.”
I stopped and turned to her. “What?”
“Katia.”
I took a deep breath as I felt my heart freeze up by just hearing her name.
“What about her?”
“We have yet to find out who she was so that you could have closure and be able to actually say goodbye to her.”
“No, I said goodbye the day I had to bury her.”
“But you had no idea who she was. Some wolves find closure in knowing who their mate was.”
Shaking my head, I tried to rid my head of the words she had just said.
“I can’t deal with this right now. I have to go.”
And without another word, I stormed out of my office. I jogged down the stairs and bolted out of the packhouse, tearing my clothes off as quickly as possible to let Rufus take over.
Rufus: It’s okay. Just breathe.
Rufus shifted and took over, and together, we just ran. I could already feel the cold air cooling our skin and calming me. Rufus took us to the same spot where we helped Ria and Freya and collapsed by the water. After our breathing became normal, I shifted back into human form and quickly jumped into the water.
I let out a loud growl, trying to release all the pain and frustration that I was feeling. I wasn’t angry at Ria for talking about her. After all, this was exactly why she was here in the first place, to help me heal.
Rufus: Maybe hearing who she was can help us find closure.
I swam back to the grass by the pond and pulled myself out. Shaking the water off of me, I laid back on the grass, looking at the star-filled sky, and found myself glaring at the moon.
I let out a sigh. “Why, Moon Goddess? Why all this? Why did I have to lose my mate the way I did? Why does Ria have to be a sexual healer? Why do I feel the way I do for someone who may or may not even be my mate?”
I rubbed my hands over my face.
Rufus: Maybe that is what’s truly going on?
Me: What?
Rufus: You have fallen for Ria, and you feel guilty because you are no longer mourning for our true mate, but for the uncertainty you have with Ria.
Me: What if she leaves right after healing us? I can’t explain the feelings that I am having.
Rufus: It’s love, real love. Not just having a mate bond. You have found something in Ria that you have never found in anyone else that you have been with. She could be your true love on your human side.
Me: What?
Rufus: It’s been known to happen that the human will pick their human lover over their mate because they feel that pull is a lot stronger than the mate bond, and they choose to reject the mate bond.
Me: So, what do we do?
Rufus: We need to talk with Ria and see if her feelings are the same as yours.
I huffed.
Me: I was afraid you were going to say that.
I slowly got up from the grass. Rufus shifted back into his wolf form, and we made our way back to the packhouse. I shifted back and picked my clothes up from the yard. I pulled my clothes back on before walking back into the packhouse. I could tell that Ria was no longer here, and I made my way to my room. I walked into the bathroom and took a shower. I thought about what Rufus said while letting the hot water hit my skin and clean the night off of me. Was I falling in love with Ria? Could this be why I couldn’t get enough of her? I put my head under the water to rid myself of these thoughts. I just wanted to go to bed and forget all this for just a little while.