288- Where Firelight Meets Fur
POV Elowen Grimwald:
MONTHS LATER
We had taken a short walk and were returning to our secret cabin at the edge of the territory of my beloved Valmorin. We could relax and enjoy our time in peace, because several guards patrolled the territory to make sure no intruder disturbed us.
Intruder… that word brought back so many memories and sounded so ironic.
The air in the forest was fresh and invigorating, as if it somehow embraced us. The tall, sturdy trees, their trunks covered with moss and their branches intertwined, formed a natural canopy that filtered the sunlight into golden rays, carrying the earthy scent of pine and damp leaves.
The sensation of being carried on Aldren’s back, transformed into his imposing white wolf, was indescribable.
His soft, warm fur wrapped me in a sense of security that nothing else in the world could provide. Every step he took was careful, as if he were walking on glass, making sure that I—and the precious life growing inside me—remained safe.
“Are you comfortable, my wolf?” Aldren’s voice echoed in my mind with concern and affection through our connection, which was different from all the others because I was also part witch.
“Yes, I am,” I replied, lightly stroking his neck with my fingers. “Don’t worry so much. You’re being perfect.”
His response came in the form of a soft howl that vibrated through his body, making me smile. Being like this, so close to him, feeling every powerful movement of his muscles beneath my body, made me realize that we remained more connected than ever.
My already large seven-month belly rested gently against his back. With every step, I could feel our pups moving, as if they knew they were being carried by their father, protected by the one who would never allow anything bad to happen to us.
I wasn’t on four paws walking beside my mate because, after the third month of pregnancy, it was no longer possible for me to fully transform. The abrupt shift in body structure could harm the pups.
“Thinking about the birth?” I asked, sensing a bit of his tension through my pores.
“Yes,” he admitted, his voice echoing in my mind with a hint of concern. “I want to be by your side every moment, and when the day comes, I want to make sure everything goes well.”
“We’ll be together until the end of our lives, and everything will go well,” I reassured him, tightening my legs around his furry body.
He quickened his pace slightly, though maintaining the same care as before. The sounds of birds filled the air, as if the Universe itself worked for our tranquility and peace. That cabin, far away from everyone, was our refuge—a place where we could simply be ourselves, free from the worries and pressures of being the king and queen of Valmorin.
We loved our people, but we needed to learn to trust. Aldren might never fully learn to do that again, but he tried.
For me.
For us.
The alpha he once was would never have lowered his guard to grant himself time to breathe.
The feeling of being cared for by my mate, with his meticulous and loving attention throughout the pregnancy, filled me with indescribable happiness.
He was my protector, my lover, and the father of our children.
Together, we walked toward the future with the certainty that, no matter what happened, our bond would be unbreakable.
I didn’t need an exam to know the sex of our pups—I dreamed about them. Everything I dreamed came true. It was incredible.
It reminded me of that famous saying: what the eyes do not see, the heart does not feel.
It was so real.
Before discovering that I was part witch, I didn’t have so many supernatural intuitions. But once that truth struck me, a new ability seemed to emerge every day. I had grown tired of fighting who I was, and I had the support of my destined mate to study magic in secret in our underground library, if I wished.
A few minutes later, we arrived at our beloved cabin. Our simple place, yet cozy and full of love.
Made of wood, it was surrounded by tall pine trees that seemed to touch the sky. In front, a small and comfortable deck with welcoming furniture—perfect for relaxing and forgetting the world. The scent of fresh pine filled the air, and the peace of the place was almost tangible.
Everything we needed to recharge and feel a true connection with nature.
When we reached the cabin, Aldren stopped in front of the small deck and carefully lowered himself so I could climb down. I felt the slight shift in position, the meticulous care he took to make sure I felt no discomfort.
I stepped down gently, steadying myself against his soft white fur. I was wearing a comfortable sweatshirt that fit snugly around my seven-month belly.
He took a few steps back and, in a fluid and natural movement, transformed back into his human form. I watched him for a moment, admiring every detail of his transformation, the way his white, muscular skin emerged from the wolf, completely naked.
“So you got tired of tearing clothes and now you don’t even wear them anymore, huh?”
I teased, a smile spreading across my lips.
He laughed, stepping closer and pulling me into a tight, comforting embrace. His strong arms wrapped around me, and I felt the security of his body against mine. He kissed me, and the world seemed to stop once again. It never changed. Our lips met with urgency and passion.
Whenever the kiss ended, the feeling that I would never kiss him enough struck me.
“I have the impression that my mate enjoys seeing me naked—that’s the reason,” he replied, amusement sparkling in his eyes.
With one last kiss, he lifted me effortlessly into his arms and carried me inside the cabin. The living room was cozy, with comfortable furniture and an atmosphere that invited relaxation. He placed me carefully in the armchair, adjusting a cushion behind me to ensure my comfort.
I looked at the fireplace and, with a wave of my hand, lit the flames, which began to dance and warm the room.
“Thank you for sparing me the trouble, my little witch,” he said with a mischievous smile.
I bent into laughter, and he joined me. The feeling of happiness and peace filled the air even more.
Aldren gave no sign that he intended to put on clothes. Instead, he braced his hands on the arms of the chair and leaned over me, staring with that mischievous grin.
“What is it, hmm?” I asked, already feeling my cheeks warm, because I knew that smile.
“It’s not what you’re thinking… at least, not yet.”
I narrowed my eyes at him and slid my cold hands along his warm arms.
“Then tell me what it is, handsome.”