Chapter 25: Chapter 25

Zaira's POV

The world fell silent and I held my breath. I slowly moved forward in steady strokes, cautious but curious at the same time. The sun shimmered in the clear green surroundings. Grateful that the sun hadn't been up long enough to warm everything around me, I enjoyed the pleasant coolness that nestled snugly around me. When I couldn't hold my breath any longer and the urge to breathe fresh air got the better of me, I surfaced.

However, I lingered in the water for a fleeting moment before heading to the beach. I remembered too well how yesterday the sizzling heat had felt under my skin. I shuddered at the thought.

I had picked up a few scraps of information here and there about the so-called heat phase when I was still part of the Darkmoon pack. Any she-wolf whose mate band was not secured by tagging before the first full moon entered a heat phase that rose and set with the moon. It served to bring the companions closer and unite, at best they would mark each other out of sheer desire.

I thought about the previous night, how close we were, how much pleasure he had given me and pushed me over the pleasure threshold over and over again. My body tingled at the memory of him exploring and licking every part of my body with his tongue. Just thinking about it makes me groan again. My wolf had been so close to the surface that there was a moment when I pulled his head to my neck, urging him to tag me. His teeth had already touched my sensitive skin when he jerked away with a growl of frustration at the last second.

almost .

With the feeling of finally being clean again, I climbed out of the large lake that just bordered on the edge of the forest. Slowly we entered a more tropical climate, the forest turned into a jungle, the plants became denser and greener, the soil wetter and the air sultry. Aramis told me that omorphs grow most commonly in swampy areas. I couldn't wait to discover the new landscape.

I put on my clothes, which were now the only ones I had left and promised myself I wouldn't transform again so unprepared, lest I lose that one too.

My gaze wandered over the endlessly deep forest. I drew my lips into a tight line, stopping myself from letting the longing for a real home surface. I longed to have a family, a place to call home. I wished for all of that almost as much as I hoped that Aramis would love me, whether he was my true mate or not. Because it didn't matter to me, I didn't care if that tape was real or not, the fact was I had feelings for Aramis, feelings so strong they must frighten me. But I didn't allow all these thoughts and feelings at that moment. I had a mission, a task that was more important than my personal misery. The world was about to end and even though I didn't know why

A tingle ran down my back and I felt a gaze piercing me. Heart pounding, I glanced over my back and saw him staring at me. He leaned casually against the tree trunk, as if today were nothing more than a beautiful autumn day. Our eyes locked instantly and my body felt like it was being seared.

We hadn't exchanged a word since last night. I felt the walls that he raised again around him and made him disappear behind them. The only thing that was different was the looks he gave me.

Embarrassed, I turned and wrung out my hair. A small smile crept onto my lips that was completely out of place. I didn't want to give him another chance to smash my heart.

My wet hair soaked my sweater as I swung it back with a head movement, but I didn't mind. I enjoyed the fresh scent they gave off and took a deep breath. The sore spots on my trowel made me wince. Although I healed quickly as a werewolf, my throat was not fully healed. That was because not only the heat phase had left sore spots, no, my screaming at night had also contributed to it. I would like to sink into the ground with shame at this thought.

Oh great moon goddess, what on earth had gotten into me?

Without looking at him, I went to our sleeping place, packed everything up and stowed the blankets in the backpack. My gaze got stuck on the three omorphies in the glass. Each flower was adorned with a different colour, one had dark blue petals while the other was doused in a soft pink. The third omorph was yellow and as beautiful as the sun. In the dark of the rucksack, it seemed as if the dots began to glow. I marveled at the three most beautiful flowers I have ever come across. Her glow became stronger and stronger, attracted me magically. I stretched out my hands to them.

"I'd rather not do that." His voice instantly catapulted me into the here and now. I lifted my head and looked into the bright green eyes that were as deep as the forest. "Until we don't know exactly how you activate them If you can, let's not take any chances."

I reluctantly closed my backpack and stood up. I didn't want to look any smaller than I already was. Only a few steps he was still leaning against a tree trunk. My heart was beating automatically, and even though I was aware that this predator could bite through my neck in a matter of seconds, I wanted nothing more than to snuggle into his arms and never let him go. His hands clenched into fists as I unconsciously eyed him, negating his relaxed demeanor and revealing what lay beneath his surface. A dangerous being, ready to attack at any moment and unwilling to lose. My cheeks grew hot as I thought of how those big, rough hands had touched me all over, I felt like

Aramis cleared his throat and raised an eyebrow.

In my mind I just died several deaths from shame. But instead of looking away in embarrassment, I straightened my back and lifted my chin. Samantha would be proud of me .

With a wall raised around my heart that kept threatening to fall near him, I gathered all my courage, grabbed the backpack and threw in Aramis. Without looking to see if he was caught, I turned and started walking. My pulse was racing, sweat was running down the back of my neck and my legs felt like pudding. I gritted my teeth and resisted the urge to submit and beg for mercy.

As I walked, I turned and asked, "Are you coming or what?"

I knew he wouldn't hurt me. Why was that? No idea, maybe because we were mates, or at least it feels like it. Maybe because I couldn't find the same sadistic spark in his eyes as Alpha Blake? But whatever the reason, I was 100% sure of it.

But he could yell at me, insult me, and tear my heart apart over and over again.

I dug my nails into my palm, shaking. I would not allow him to torment me, destroying all my self-esteem until all I was was fear and pain. Because - I stated resolutely - I was no longer the old Zaira, and I never wanted to be her again.

I saw a glint of wonder in his eyes as they began to burn. I turned back around with a small smile. Then I heard his footsteps. I didn't look up when I felt his body next to me, I didn't want him to notice how much courage this action had cost me.

"And then I thought you wouldn't show your claws anymore." My steps got out of step for a moment. The corners of his mouth twitched. He was amused at me! "Although I shouldn't be too surprised, yesterday you could don't even move them in."

I gasped. Oh goodness! How many times a day should I die of shame? The image of his naked torso, marked by bloody scars that ran all over his back, would never leave my mind. My heart still clenched in pain at the thought of inflicting those wounds on him. "I'm sorry."

"So sweet and so innocent." I was surprised to see the blazing desire on Arami's face. "It doesn't have to be. I'll make sure it happens again."

My blood boiled with desire and I bit my lip. A dark growl echoed through the forest. This Aramis, in whose eyes I saw desire, who talked to me and touched me, this Aramis was extremely dangerous. Even more dangerous than the one behind the iron mask. Because he could bring my wall to decay in one fell swoop.

"How long before we find the omorphs?" I said, trying to change the subject.

"About three hours." I didn't expect a longer answer from Aramis.

"Oh!" I didn't expect so few hours.

"So you just have to be patient a little longer."

"What do we do when we have her?" I asked, looking at his handsome side profile. His tanned skin stretched over his distinctive features, all of which I want to kiss.

A side glance. Intense green eyes looked at me. “We will go to Reah. She is a Gi and also an old friend of mine. She will know how to use the Omorphies to save the goddesses." I couldn't help jealousy flooding through my veins and my wolf baring her fangs.

Unser Mate!

I bit the inside of my cheek and restrained my over-exaggerated emotions.

"Tell me more about your friends." It wasn't a feigned interest. I really wanted to know what his life was like, I was just dying for more information about my mate.

He growled. "There's not much to tell."

If I didn't push him a bit now, he wouldn't tell me anymore. "Come on, you're centuries old, there must be something to tell."

"Did you just call me old?" he asked with a mischievous look on his face.

My heart stopped for a moment. I saw the wolf in his eyes. He played with me. Aramis actually played with me! My wolf howled happily, we would never turn down a game with our companion. All misgivings about him were erased and forgotten.

"Nah, aren't you? I was wondering when you'd need a stick to help you from exhaustion—” His hands quickly grabbed my waist and lifted me to my feet. I cried out in surprise.

"Don't you dare say that again!" his voice was a snarl, but I wasn't afraid. His wolf was on the surface, he just wanted to play.

"Oh, I'm so scared of the big bad wolf!"

"Grr." His expression darkened and he snapped at me.

I dodged his fangs and giggled, his eyes lit up. As soon as the giggle left my mouth, I clapped my hands over it. Did I really just giggle like a teenage girl?

Yes I had.