Chapter 35 SCENT MASKER
Edeline
My heart skipped a beat as I looked up and locked eyes with his wolf, the elegant gray-and-white creature whose striking blue eyes seemed to pin me in place. His wide, playful grin—tongue sticking out just a bit—made him look so incredibly adorable that I couldn’t help but smile.
“Shift, Percival. Did you find anyone? Did you run into trouble?” I whispered, my voice betraying the anxiety twisting in my stomach.
Without a word, he shifted back into his human form. I quickly averted my gaze as his clothes, shredded from his last transformation, left him entirely naked. My eyes involuntarily darted back, and I couldn’t ignore the powerful, well-defined muscles of his physique. Every curve and ripple of his toned frame seemed to radiate strength and agility. My wolf, always so controlled, stirred restlessly within me, captivated by the sight. I had to clench my fists to keep her—and myself—in check.
He sat down beside me, still naked, and took my hand in his warm grip. The sensation of his skin against mine sent a thrill coursing through me, like a current of electricity. His voice, low and husky, broke through my daze.
“I didn’t find anyone. There was just a faint scent from earlier, nothing to worry about. Plenty of rabbits around, so we’re safe,” he said, his touch making my heart race even faster.
I struggled to maintain my composure. “Percival, don’t you have any clothes nearby?”
He chuckled softly, the sound rumbling in his chest. “I’ve got some down by the pack house. Why do you ask?”
“Are you embarrassed?” I asked, my voice faltering slightly as I tried to keep my tone steady. I winced at how unsure I sounded.
His eyes twinkled with amusement. “Embarrassed? Not really. Besides, considering you want me and I want you…” He grinned, his gaze lingering on me with a playful intensity. “Feel free to look if you want. No objections here. And if you’re inclined, you can touch too.”
“Percival!” I exclaimed, my eyes widening as they inadvertently roved over his chiseled chest, the defined abs, and the unmistakable evidence of his arousal. A deep blush surged to my cheeks, and I quickly turned my head away. His laughter, light and teasing, only made me flush deeper.
“Sorry, Edeline. Seems like being around you brings out… certain effects,” he said, still chuckling. He rose smoothly, his hand still holding mine as he pulled me to my feet. I sighed, meeting his gaze that now held a depth I hadn’t seen before—curiosity, desire, and a clear, unmistakable longing.
The same emotions welled up within me, mirrored in the way he looked at me.
“Hey, Edeline, come check this out. Follow me,” Percival said, his fingers curling around my hand with a gentle tug that made my pulse quicken. Intrigued, I followed, doing my best to ignore the distracting view of his muscular backside. Despite my efforts, I couldn’t help but steal occasional glances as he led me through the dense forest, veering away from the familiar path back to the pack house.
After a short walk, he came to a stop and turned to face me, his hands settling on my hips. His charming smile, framed by flawless white teeth, made me momentarily forget everything else.
“Look up,” he said, his lips curling into a playful smirk.
I tilted my head back and stared upwards. Nestled among the branches of a towering oak tree was a treehouse I’d never seen before. My eyes widened in surprise as I turned back to Percival.
“When did this appear?” I asked, my curiosity bubbling up. I knew these woods well, but this treehouse was a complete mystery to me.
His grin widened, clearly pleased with my reaction. “I built this when I was fourteen. Only your brother knows about it. He helped me out. We’ve kept it a secret from everyone else. Over the years, he kind of forgot about it. Come on up—I want to show it to you.”
I hesitated, nervously biting my lip as I glanced at him. “Are there any clothes around for you to wear?” I raised an eyebrow, hoping my hint was clear.
He chuckled softly, a mischievous glint in his eye. “Let’s find out.”
He guided my hand to the first rung of a ladder—a solid block of wood securely fastened to the tree. I looked back at him, my uncertainty evident.
“You go ahead. I’ll follow. I could go first, but I don’t think you’d appreciate getting a face full of—”
“Alright, alright! I’m going!” I cut him off with a sigh, trying to stifle a smile at his teasing. One step at a time, I climbed the ladder, acutely aware of his gaze lingering on my back and exposed limbs. I emerged through the trapdoor into the treehouse. The full moon overhead bathed the interior in a soft, ethereal light, revealing a surprisingly spacious and cozy space.
Percival followed me in, closing the door behind him. He picked up a spray bottle and began spraying the floor.
“What’s that?” I asked, noticing the scentless spray and the faint mist filling the air.
He looked up, his eyes catching the moonlight with a hint of blue. “It’s a scent masker. Helps keep our presence here unnoticed. I used it whenever I wanted some alone time and needed to avoid detection.”
As I explored the room, my gaze was drawn to a cozy hammock tucked away in one corner. Nearby, a bookshelf boasted an impressive collection of werewolf literature. In another corner, a twin-sized mattress, covered with a soft blanket and pillow, looked inviting. I couldn’t help but wonder if Percival had spent many nights here during his younger years.
I turned to him, curiosity lighting up my eyes. “I know these woods pretty well. The clearing by the creek is my usual spot. It’s strange that I’ve never noticed this treehouse before.” I peered out the window, my gaze settling on the exact spot we’d just come from. My unique rock was visible in the distance, a silent witness to our journey.