Verena's POV
I slowly became aware of a fresh, citrusy scent, the soft, warm weight of the fur blanket, and the coolness pressing in at different points. Sleep clung to my thoughts as I snuggled closer to the long, hard length of the body behind mine, and the firm arm under my cheek.
Damon.
I didn't dare move as I lay there, my senses clearing at once and focusing on the feel of him-the sensation of his flesh pressed against mine. He was wrapped tightly around me, not even an inch separating our bodies.
I felt his chest rising and falling against my back with each steady breath he took. A heavy arm lay on my waist as if he sought to keep me there. That was a fanciful thought, one quickly lost in the sweet, hot feeling rippling through me. One of his thighs was tucked between mine, the soft material of his pants pressing against a very intimate part of me. My pulse picked up, as did a sense of wonder. I had never been held like this for any length of time-not this closely, and not awake or in sleep.
It felt like something had shifted in the moments before sleep claimed us. Like something was growing between us, making it more than mutual lust. There was respect, and I thought a certain understanding.
"Morning," a voice answered quietly.
A shock went through me. My eyes shot to the source of the voice, to the railing on the balcony. What I saw made me wonder if I was still asleep. Barefoot and shirtless, Damien crouched on the railing, which seemed impossible given how narrow it was. He appeared completely at ease as if he had no fear of slipping from the railing and falling to his death.
"Hey uhm, morning,"
"Never have I seen him sleep so peaceful. What magic did you perform woman?"
All of my body heat came rushing to my cheeks.
He eyed me suspiciously, a smirk plastered on his face.
"I thought you're hurt?"
"Nah, I'm all good now."
Damon woke up shortly after Damien tap his shoulder until he was awake.
Like an adult, I feigned sleep when he eased his arm out from under me and sat up, lifting himself over me. He paused above me as I lay there. My heart started skipping as his fingertips grazed my cheek, brushing a few stray curls back. Then it stopped altogether when I felt the cool press of his lips against my temple.
That was sweet.
I didn't want him to be sweet.
"Kinzhe," sleep roughened his voice. "If you continue pretending to be asleep I might kiss you until your lips are swollen unknowingly."
My eyes snapped open.
His cool breath danced over my cheek as he chuckled.
He shifted, moving so he sat on my other side, his feet on the carpeted floor.
"We will roam around the gates, the frequent attacks may endanger the pack," he said before we parted ways.
He ask me if I wanted my food to be brought in the room or I'll have it with Rox. Of course having breakfast with someone is better.
I eventually dragged myself into the bathing chamber and got ready I left my hair down and went to the wardrobe. With most of my clothing being dresses and crop top tees, I managed to steal one of Damon's simple shirt with 'Please Not My Ass' imprinted on it and a shorts. I chuckled with my immature way to make my day more appealing and engaging.
When a knock sounded on the door, I found Rox standing in the hallway, in all smiles.
A brief smile appeared, "Breakfast?"
"Sure," I smiled.
I stepped out into the hall, closing the door behind me. Rox extended an arm toward the end of the hall, where a less elaborate staircase was located that fed into one of the many side entrances of the main house.
I started forward, only taking a handful of steps before something occurred to me. I glanced over Rox.
"Is Lucas fine? Damon said they faced wild rogues last night."
"Yeah he's fine, although his ego is so hurt. He's been trying to prove his self as worthy. I don't know if Damien saved him from harm or just want to crush my twin's little dreams." She sighed.
"Are they enemies?"
"Since we're kids, they like to punch each other 'til the Alpha wanted them to sign an agreement that they won't kill each other at 13. It was pretty petty and pathetic though."
"Damien has very playful upbringing, and Lucas well he's..." I trailed off.
"He's dumb, that's what he was." Rox chuckled, her wavy brown hair sways as she cocks her head to the side.
As we traveled the winding, narrow staircase, I refused to acknowledge the fact that Damon cares for me.
When we reached the first floor, it was hectic and everyone is busy, so Rox and I got in our lazy haze and just ate turkey sandwich, bacon and softdrinks, not ideal for breakfast but we enjoyed every bite.
Rox showed me around the training ground where the pups are trained.
"That brown fur one is my cousin, he's the leader of his team despite he's the youngest." Rox proudly said.
I smiled when truthfully as Rox said, her cousin is only watching from afar while his team mates are having a werewolf duel. Biting and stuffs.
"Is it mandated that they need to be in their werewolf form?"
"Nope, but it's like a werewolf thing since when our wolf senses danger we shifted right away. So it's like normal things to train them in their werewolf form."
That makes sense.
"Can I ask you something?" I said.
We are sitting in the small bench, facing almost twenty young pups having their morning exercises and trainings.
"Sure what is it,"
"When the werewolf mark their mate, is there any connections? Like a deep one."
"Really deep connection, once we are separated from our mate we experiences deep sorrow and anguish, the one that can lead us to loosing our sanity."
"Gods, how others cope with that?"
Thinking of some werewolves having partners away from them or worse, death.
"Some they their own life."
My heart pounded vigorously. If Damon will eventually finds out I'm his mate, I can never ever leave him. God, this is so hard.