Chapter 34: No More Pretending

Over the next two days, the tension between Nova and Rune eased considerably. She was on strict bed rest, and Rune attended to her every need, always hovering nearby. Nova practically had to shove him out of the room whenever she needed privacy for a bath.

Rune didn’t mind. Something had shifted in him after witnessing his mate in such danger.

There was no point in pretending anymore — pretending he didn’t care, pretending the bond wasn’t affecting him just as strongly, pretending he didn’t feel the urge to kiss her every time she was near. Life was too short for that kind of denial.

Pretending wouldn’t change the fact that his mate was human, a race he’d spent years despising. So he made a choice: he would believe she was different. And watching her since she’d barged into his life, he knew she was. Sharp-tongued, occasionally greedy, but undeniably different.

She probably didn’t realize it, but changes were rippling through the pack because of her. He’d witnessed her efforts firsthand. She was genuinely starting to care for his people, which made it all the more infuriating that some drunken idiots had still dared to attack her.

But he couldn’t act on his feelings yet. The timing was wrong. Romance wasn’t what he needed to focus on right now, not with the supernatural world in such a fragile state, not with the council looming over his head like a blade. If things were going to progress with Nova, he needed to settle his other problems first. And that was far from simple.

“I’m dressed. What are we doing?”

Rune looked up as Nova spoke. Her wrist was still bandaged, but her other injuries were healing remarkably fast. He wasn’t sure if she’d noticed, but it was a clear sign of their mate bond strengthening, something that pleased him more than he cared to admit.

If they ever completed the final step of the bond, he had no doubt her strength would multiply, possibly matching that of an omega. Her human body would need to adapt if it were going to carry a pup, after all.

“You seem to be healing well,” he said, moving toward the door. “I thought we’d try another exercise today.”

Nova didn’t follow immediately, and Rune wasn’t surprised. He could practically see the gears of her head turning in her head, probably assuming this was some form of punishment, making her train two days after being attacked. Her next words confirmed it.

“I only get a two-day break after nearly being killed?” She raised an eyebrow.

He sighed. “Don’t worry. I’ll take it easy on you today.”

She didn’t look convinced as she followed him outside.

“Are we training outdoors?” She asked, glancing around at the well-kept garden.

“Your attack exposed some weaknesses. You couldn’t run fast enough. We need to work on your speed.”

Nova grimaced immediately. She hated running. It was pure torture. But he had a point, a frustratingly good one, so she couldn’t really argue. She needed this.

She glanced down at the sneakers and comfortable pants. He’d told her to change before coming down, yet Rune still looked like he’d just rolled out of bed in his loose clothes.

“Aren’t you running too?” She asked.

“I am.” He nodded, then promptly pulled his shirt over his head.

Nova’s eyes went wide. A small gasp escaped her lips, but she couldn’t look away.

He tossed the shirt aside, revealing his toned, chiseled body in full display. Golden skin stretched over the lean muscle, every line of his chest and abdomen carved like marble. Her gaze trailed down shamelessly, following the dip of his waist, lingering—

He reached for his pants button.

Nova snapped back to reality and spun around, coughing to cover her embarrassment. “What are you doing? Why are you suddenly stripping?”

“Don’t act like you didn’t enjoy it.” His voice had a tinge of teasing. “I can smell your arousal from here.”

Nova spluttered, heat flooding her cheeks. “I—I would be aroused if anyone suddenly stripped in front of me! I’m human. You should have some modesty.”

Rune didn’t respond for a long moment. Then she heard footsteps approaching from behind, stopping just inches away. The heat radiating from his body wrapped around her, and his breath brushed against her ear. She went rigid.

“What are you—”

“Anyone?” His cool voice cut her off.

She swallowed. “What?”

“Are you sure you’d be aroused if anyone stripped in front of you, sweetheart?” He stepped closer, his chest nearly brushing her back. “You’re my mate. I’m the only one allowed to tease you. If another man tries, I’ll kill him.”

Nova’s throat went dry. She wanted to make a joke — about how he’d have to wipe out half the male modeling industry — but the memory of how effortlessly he’d sliced through those three men kept her quiet. She wasn’t about to add anyone to his hit list.

Besides, none of those models had ever made her heart race the way he did. Not even Adrian, her bastard of an ex.

“I was joking,” she managed, acutely aware of his presence. “Can you back up a little?”

“Why?” That familiar teasing edge crept into his voice. “Does the thought of me being naked bother you? Why don’t you turn around?”

Nova’s mind went blank. Since when had he become so bold? Dirty images of him immediately flooded her brain. Thoughts of his naked body above hers. Thoughts of her fingers tracing his chiseled abs. Thoughts of them in bed, fulfilling all her wildest fantasies.

Nova’s neck burned. She had to stop herself from turning, no matter how compelled she was. She knew her body would betray her if she did, and she wasn’t so keen on losing control… yet.

She cleared her throat roughly, deciding to change the topic.

“You’re wasting time. You said we had to run, remember? Why are you even taking your clothes off?”

A chuckle escaped his lips, but she felt him finally ease back, putting some distance between them.

“I’ll be running in my wolf form. I want you to try to keep up. If you fail, there will be a punishment.”

She turned slightly. “What kind of punishment?”

“I haven’t decided yet.” A pause. “But I’m sure it’ll be fun for me.”

The sound of bones cracking and shifting filled the air.

Nova whipped around to find the massive midnight wolf standing where Rune had been, shaking out his fur. Her heart stuttered as she remembered how he’d pounced on her on her bed that night.

The wolf regarded her for a moment, then padded forward with what looked almost like a grin. He rubbed against her side, surprisingly gentle.

Nova relaxed immediately, sinking her fingers into his thick, dark fur. It was impossibly soft.

“Beautiful,” she murmured, watching her pale fingers disappear into the midnight strands. It was like something out of a fairy tale — Beauty and the Beast, except the beast was a magnificent wolf.

Rune nudged her forward with his nose, signaling her to start, then jogged ahead, leading her down a path that wound behind the house.