68

Chapter 68

Dan's POV

The sudden pause in my words made her tensed.

"Do not stop please"

As I ventured deeper into the forest, the serene symphony of chirping birds and rustling leaves enveloped me. A familiar scent filled the air – Elena's. My heart raced at the thought of seeing her again. With eager anticipation, I carefully scanned the forest, my senses heightened by the desire to be close to her once more.

The sun's rays filtered through the dense canopy above, casting enchanting patterns of light and shadow on the forest floor. I moved silently, keenly searching the surroundings. And then, there she was, her chestnut hair catching the sunlight's golden hues as she knelt amidst a thicket, camera in hand.

Elena was oblivious to my presence, engrossed in her world of birds and photographs. It was the perfect moment to approach her. My footsteps were cautious, every step bringing me closer to the woman who might possibly be my mate.

I cleared my throat softly, not wanting to startle her. "Elena," I said, my voice barely louder than the rustling leaves.

She froze, her fingers still poised on the camera's shutter button. Slowly, she turned, her wide eyes locking onto mine. Time seemed to stand still as our gazes met, and the memories of our shared past rushed back.

"Dan, why are you here?" she asked, her tone a mixture of shock and disbelief.

I took a tentative step closer, my heart racing. "Yeah, it's me," I said, my voice filled with amusement. "What if I said I missed you?"

"Don't play with me, Dan. I'm busy," Elena replied, her attention still on her camera.

"You're going to ignore me now?" I asked, a smile forming on my face.

"You're distracting me. Go away," Elena whispered under her breath as she tried to position the camera well to take a picture of a bird perched on a tree.

"Is taking that picture more important than talking to me?" I asked in an amused tone.

"Yes, right now it is, so go away and don't scare the bird away," Elena replied, her eyes fixed on the elusive creature.

"Come on, Elena, the bird can wait. I came all the way here to see you," I urged.

"Or you were just walking by and saw me by chance, don't lie, Dan, it's unbecoming," Elena said, still focused on the bird. Then, suddenly, it flew away, and she looked up at me with a cute frown on her face.

"Look at what you did? You scared it off," Elena scolded, her disappointment evident.

I couldn't help but smile at Elena's pouting expression. "I'm sorry, Elena. I didn't mean to scare it away," I said, my tone sincere. "Yes, I didn't come to see you. But you being here is an added bonus."

Elena's frown softened, and she sighed, her playful annoyance giving way to a hint of a smile. "Well, alright, Dan. You're forgiven this time," she said, her eyes still glancing around in hopes of spotting the bird again.

I took a step closer to Elena, trying to regain her attention. "So, what's so fascinating about that bird, anyway?"

Elena's gaze finally met mine, and she seemed genuinely excited as she explained, "It's a rare species that's been eluding me for weeks. I wanted to capture it on camera. But I suppose that can't happen now because you scared it off. "

I chuckled, feeling relieved that I hadn't entirely ruined her day. "I apologize for scaring the bird away. So, do I have your attention now?" I asked, gazing up at her with those beautiful doe eyes of hers.

"Yes, what can I do for you?" She inquired as she began to carefully pack up her belongings, gently placing the camera into its bag.

"Actually, nothing, I just wanted you to pay attention to me and not that bird," I admitted, and her expression shifted to one of surprise.

"Who are you, and what have you done with Dan?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.

I grinned, enjoying her playful suspicion. "I promise I'm still Dan," I reassured her. "But I thought it was time to shake things up a bit."

She chuckled, a mixture of relief and amusement in her eyes. "Well, you certainly succeeded in getting my attention. What's on your mind?"

"Care for a walk?" I proposed with a friendly grin.

Elena hesitated, her bag slung over her shoulder, her curious eyes fixed on me. "Why? Won't your friends be annoyed if they see us together?"

I reassured her, "My friends aren't around. It's just the two of us – no rivalry, no group dynamics, no drama. Just us, enjoying a peaceful stroll."

A small smile tugged at the corner of Elena's lips. "Why not? I don't have any better plans today."

She came closer, her presence wrapping around me, and for a brief moment, I felt pure contentment. Oh, how I longed to touch her exquisite skin and discover if her lips were as soft as they looked.

"Thank you for indulging a commoner's request, princess," I teased, prompting a joyful laugh from her.

"Don't call me that; it's cringe," she replied, trying to catch her breath after her laughter subsided.

We went on our impromptu adventure, strolling through the forest. The sun bathed everything in a warm, golden glow, and the gentle breeze rustled the leaves in the trees, creating a soothing melody.

As we walked side by side, our conversation flowed effortlessly. We spoke of our dreams, our favorite books, and the places we'd love to travel to someday. With each step, it felt like we were getting to know each other on a deeper level, and I felt closer and closer to her, which made what Marcus said true. She really is my mate.

Elena's laughter was infectious, and it echoed through the park. I found myself stealing glances at her, captivated by her beauty and the way her eyes lit up when she talked about the things she loved.

We stumbled upon a large fallen branch under a majestic oak tree, and Elena gestured for us to sit. As we continued our conversation, our hands brushed against each other, sending a jolt of electricity through my body. I couldn't help but wonder if she felt the same connection.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" She inquired, her curiosity tinged with a hint of embarrassment.

"Like what?" I responded, feigning innocence.

"Like you want to devour me," she confessed, her cheeks flushing a deeper shade of red.

"Well, I can't help it because you're quite beautiful, Elena," I admitted, causing her blush to intensify.

"You don't mean that. Stop teasing me," she protested.

"I don't lie, love. I'm telling you the truth. I find you extremely attractive to the point where I'm finding it hard to keep my hands to myself," I confessed.

"You can't say that to me," she whispered, attempting to turn away, but I gently held her chin, guiding her gaze back to mine.

Our eyes locked, and I could see the mix of desire and uncertainty in hers. "Why not? We're both grown adults," I whispered, my voice filled with a magnetic intensity that held her captive.

Elena's breath hitched as she struggled to maintain her composure. "This is... unexpected."

I leaned in closer, our faces now just inches apart. "Sometimes, the unexpected can be the most exhilarating," I murmured, my words sending a shiver down her spine as her hands trembled in her lap.

Her lips parted, but no words escaped. Instead, she closed the gap between us, allowing our lips to meet in a passionate kiss that ignited a fiery connection neither of us could deny.

The world seemed to fade away as our kiss deepened, an unspoken understanding passing between us. Elena's hands found their way to my chest, fingers tracing delicate patterns on my skin, while my own hands gently cradled her face.

We broke the kiss, our breaths intermingling as we rested our foreheads together. "Your lips are just as soft as they appear, and you taste like strawberries," I whispered, gazing at her disheveled state. She looked irresistibly alluring, and the fact that I had caused her arousal thrilled me.

My inner wolf rejoiced as I sensed the desire in her eyes, reflecting the emotions in our hearts. Fortunately, it wasn't just me feeling this profound connection. I couldn't resist the urge to taste her lips once more as I gently held her face in my hands, caressing her skin as soft and smooth as the clouds in the sky.

With a tremor of anticipation in her voice, she whispered, "I've yearned for this moment."

Equally captivated, I replied, "As have I. You can't imagine how much I've desired to touch you since our first encounter in the forest."

"Really?" She asked, shocked at my declaration

"Yes, my dearest Elena. So May I kiss you once more?" I asked, and she slowly nodded, leaning into my touch, yielding to my desire as a smile formed on her face.

"It's so beautiful" she interrupted my words wearing a smile on her face, I knew she was eager to meet her mate and feel the same way.

The mixture of anxiety and anticipation written all over her face.

"You need some rest"

"Your training starts tomorrow" I divulged,

I was shocked when I stared at Orion and Freya they walked into the pack with blood stains all over their body.

"Talon's mother asked us to give you this,"