Chapter 22: Chapter 22

"Why are you crying Fire?" Dominic asks pulling away from the kiss. His hand leaves my now messy hair, his thumb gently wiping away the tears of happiness from my face. I couldn't help but chuckle as I lean into his touch, nuzzling his hand and sighing contently.

"Because I'm happy." My voice is small, the pain of the Rejection and years of feeling alone now gone as relief fills me. I am genuinely happy, happier than the day I joined Blood Moon, and I am loved by someone I knew I wanted as my mate as we grew closer. The notion itself something I am still wrapping my mind around as just moments ago I was facing the delusions of my tormentor and ex-mate. Now I am wrapped in a loving embrace from Dominic, his lips kissing my temple gently as he guides my head to the crook of his shoulder.

"You don’t know how long I've waited for this Amberle. I've known we were mates since your birthday last year but had to wait until the mate bond between you and Leo broke." Dominic admits, his fingers drawing soothing circles on my back. My stomach flutters at his confession, the way he has treated me since that day now making sense. He had let my feeling for him grow naturally instead of telling me right away we were fated to be with each other. My appreciation and trust for this man increases knowing that Dominic never forced me into anything. He waited for me and I know that with him by my side that I'll never be alone.

"You're starting to shiver, so let's hurry up to the cabin so we can change and go on our date." A bemused smile is displayed on Dominic's face, causing me to giggle as we untangle ourselves from our embrace and continue our walk to the guest cabin. The building is almost empty except for the few pack mates that either lounge around in the living room or seek the medicine known as coffee from the kitchen. They give us a greeting, their eyes gazing at Dominic and me suspiciously before turning their questioning gazes away. There is a silent agreement between Dominic and I not announcing our good news yet, I wanted my mate to myself for tonight and I can tell Dominic wanted me for himself as well. Tomorrow wouldn't be too late to announce it anyways.

Hand in hand we climb the stairs to the third floor, Dominic planting kisses anywhere he can reach on me until we reach my room where he promptly shuts the door and claims my lips in another heated kiss.

"Sorry." He mutters, his hands on my hips as he plants another kiss on my swollen lips.

"Why are you sorry?" I ask, a blush on my face.

"Because you have this date planned for us and I keep delaying it. I've been wanting to kiss you for so long like this." Dominic answers me, claiming my lips once more with his own and nipping the already sore lips again.

"I would say let's shower together but I have a feeling I wouldn't be able to control myself." He sighs out once he relents his kisses. I nod, my head resting against his shoulder as I catch my breath.

"Go for your shower Fire, I'll wait for you to be ready." Dominic chuckles out, kissing my forehead gently before leaving my room to head to his. A soft smile plays on my lips as I bask in the happiness. Taking a moment to collect myself, I head into the bathroom connected to my room and take the time to shower away the stress and training from today. Returning to my room fresh and clean, I notice a black bag sitting on my bed with Dominic's scent still lingering to it.

[What's in the bag?] I link him, my hand toying with the ribbon that ties it shut.

[Something I picked out for you when I realized you're my mate.] Is Dominic's reply. I grin, pulling the end of the ribbon until the bag opens. Inside is a set of clothing, everything from the glaze off the shoulder dress to the matching undergarments being the same shade of lavender. The only other pop of colour is the dark purple scarf that was large enough to be a shawl sits at the bottom of the pile.

Drying quickly and carefully drying my curls, I dress in the outfit Dominic left for me, slipping on my knee-high winter boots and grabbing my purse, the bag containing Dominic's gift, and my winter jacket before opening the bedroom door to leave, my body feeling light as a feather with the happiness high I am riding. I come face to face with Dominic who leaves his room as well, his eyes scanning me from head to toe with love clearly visible in his eyes.

"How do I look?" I ask sheepishly, playing with the end of the scarf.

"Perfect as always." Once again I am left blushing, a bashful smile playing on my lips with Dominic's words as his arms pull me towards him.

"We...we should go now before everyone comes back." I say feeling a little embarrassed and getting a chuckle from Dominic as he motions for me to lead the way. I should be used to how Dominic acts with me, how he likes to pull me close to him and play with my hair or kiss my temple, but realizing how much I have fallen for him in the last year and a half and having fate intertwine our destinies as mates has left me a bashful, shy mess.

Taking his hand, Dominic and I walk down the stairs. More pack mates have returned to the guest cabin from Forest Paw's pack house as a round of some video game is playing in the living room with everyone focusing on it, all but Christian who bound over to us while Dominic helps me into my jacket.

"Amberle and I are heading out, make sure everyone behaves." Dominic orders, his arm wrapping around me possessively. I could see the gears shifting behind Christian's eyes as he looks between Dominic and me. Of course he would notice the change as my blush intensifies. I had a feeling everyone will know we are mates soon enough.

"Okay Dom. Have fun you two." Christian replies, winking at Dominic before heading back into the living room. Dominic ushers me out of the door and towards my mustang where I promptly inform him that I am driving and that he has no say in the matter. Before I can climb into the driver seat of my car, Dominic turns me around for a not so chaste kiss, his lips sending more sparks onto mine, sparks that ignite a desire that I would gladly give into any other time if it weren’t for the fact we had plans.

“Now we can go.” He chuckles out at my dazed expression, kissing my cheek and helping me into the car. I glare at my mate who takes his seat beside me, a bemused smile on his lips, lips that are seriously having a hard time staying off of mine.

“Behave Dominic.” I warn my mate before turning the car on and driving. Blue already knew of my plans to leave the territory, the guards waving at me when we reach the edge of the pack line before allowing us to leave. I take a route towards Sauble Beach, my eyes taking in the twilight scenery. It’s been a long time since I’ve come back here and its nice to see that the tourist town is still the same. Winter is when everything is slow as summer is the most booming for the beach. But the water still looked so beautiful even with the icy cold waves giving off a foreboding feeling. I continue to drive until I come to a small café, stopping in the parking lot. The outside is already decorated for Christmas, the lights hanging around the white wooden porch and wrapped around the large pine tree that stands proudly.

“This place is cozy looking.” Dominic states, a smile on his face as his eyes take in the decor. Dominic being born in December is a Christmas maniac. The moment it is November 12th, the day after Remembrance Day, the tree for the entry way in the pack house goes up. The pack is expected to help decorate the pack house and the pups have a blast, stringing up the decorations as well as making their own. I wonder what he will say knowing my house still hasn’t had Christmas decorations up yet.

“Come on Christmas freak, this is where I planned our date.” I roll my eyes at my mate, climbing out of the car and reaching for my purse and gift bag. Dominic comes to my side, placing his hand on the small of my back as I lock my mustang and make our way into the café. A waitress greets us, her eyes instantly drawn to Dominic as she tries to flirt with him in front of me.

“My wife and I will like a cozy table.” Dominic states, his eyes trained on me. I see the deflated look on the human’s face, and I do a small victor dance in my mind. Stupid human girls need to learn not to go after men that are clearly taken. The waitress leads us to a quiet corner next to the fire place, a love seat and a coffee table making the area cozy and intimate.

“Some one will be coming to take your orders.” The young waitress states, sending one last attempt of flirting to Dominic, only to leave deflated when he ignores her and helps me to sit down.

“So what is this place?” Dominic asks once we are settled on the love seat cuddling. I smile, looking around the room for a moment and take in the familiar scene. Nothing has changed about this place.

“Its where I worked part time most days. I learned how to make the cheesecake you love so much here.” I answer, seeing the surprise in Dominic’s eyes. I spent many days here as my refuge away from my pack. Working full time in the summer and part time during school I was able to save money. I didn’t have to spend much from my paycheck as I already had some to use specifically for school and personal needs growing up that every pup in the pack receives as a pack allowance. But working here gave me a sense of pride and accomplishment.

“So this is the place you talked about.” I could hear the indulgence in his statement as I feel Dominic pull me closer. I am happy that I can finally share this café, Leah’s Beach Café, and Treats, with Dominic. This place being the sanctuary I found when I needed to escape Mia and her group of play toys. Leah, the owner of this place, watched me come in every day after school to do home work. When I turned fifteen she came up to me, explaining that she is a rogue that just wanted a quiet life and asked if I wanted a job and I said yes. I remember showing up for work the next day after my rejection, explaining to the rogue she-wolf what happened and crying to her in the loft above the shop. She wasn’t happy that I had to quit in order to move as far away as passible from Forest Paw, but she supported me as a friend would.

“Yeah, and it still looks the same. Leah is the owner of this place, and a rogue as well. With out her help I would have never moved to just outside your pack territory and we would have never met.” My voice is quiet as I lay my head against his chest, hearing his heart beat. Not long after, a waitress greets us, explaining the daily specials and popular dishes. I ask for two burgers with cheese and bacon with a side of fries and asked for two slices of the New York style cheesecake with white chocolate drizzle. With our orders taken, the waitress leaves, and I start to talk about the fun events that are planned in Sauble for the winter. I can see that the Christmas market is the one thing that catches Dominic’s interest and I chuckle. Deciding that now is the right time to give Dominic his birthday gift, I pass the gift bag to him, reminding him to be careful not to drop it.

Watching as he takes the top item out carefully, I smile when he chuckles at a picture of us in wolf form framed. It was the second day I was training his pack, I asked if it was okay for us to end the training to enjoy the sunny day by the lake on his territory. Many were in human form, but I always loved the sun warming my fur and found a patch covered in wild flowers to lay in. Dominic joined me in his wolf form, our clashing furs being a spectacle for everyone and a Reluctant Christian, who had yet to accept me, took the picture because his mate forced him to. I was glad she did because the two of us cuddling in the warm sunlight made for a great memory. The second gift is another glass figurine like the one I had first given him the day after I saved his life. I remember shopping one day with Avery when we came across a crystal and glass shop where I found this. Two wolves that looked like my fire furred form and his ice furred form are cuddling underneath a tree as two pups are tackling each other. At first I couldn’t figure out why I thought to buy this as the future of Dominic and I possibly being mates was unclear back then. But I felt compelled to buy it.

“This is beautiful.” He states, kissing me gently before placing his gifts back into the bag.

“I thought so too when I saw it. Something just compelled me to buy it for you and I guess we now know why.” I laugh out, happy that the gift matches perfectly today. The waitress returns with our food and brings along two hot chocolate, apparently on the house from Leah who promptly rushes over, gives me a hug as I introduce her to Dominic. She is shocked to learn that not only is he the Alpha of Blood Moon, but also that he is my mate as of three hours ago, her wrinkled face showing her happiness for me before she heads back to the kitchen in the back room. I had a feeling that this she-wolf wouldn’t stay away when she noticed my scent in the café.

“These burgers are amazing.” Dominic groans out. I choke on my food, laughing at his reaction as I try to get the stuck bite of burger down my throat. Of course Leah’s food is amazing. We finish our meal, relaxing with the fire place keeping us warm as we start to talk about the future and us being mates. I would have to give up my position as Head Tracker and take on the role as a leader of the pack when we return home.

“I refuse to be called Luna. I would rather be called Alpha.” I admit, yawning as Dominic plays with my hair.

“Well then Miss Alpha Amberle what else would you like to do when we get back home?” Dominic asks, accepting my preference of being an Alpha as well.

“Have you move int-“ I gasp as a pain shoots down my body, an insatiable flame starting from my core and burning its way along each nerve ending. I do my best to keep in the scream that threatens to break through as the pain has my eyes tearing up.

“Amberle! What’s wrong?” Dominic asks, panic in his eyes. His hands hold my face, making me look at him as his touch has a cooling effect on my burning skin. I knew what this was as I have experienced this feeling three times before.

“It’s…it’s my heat.” I whimper out, leaning into his touch and relaxing as his body is pressed closer to mine. I could feel the reluctance of him wanting to hold back, we had just learned we are mates and a heat happening right away is unheard of.

“I’ll be right back to help you through this Amberle.” Dominic presses a kiss to my temple before carefully leaving my side. He disappears for a moment, leaving his jacket filled with his scent behind to help keep me calm as the fire continues to rage war against my body. I supress the screams and moans of pain I wanted to release, knowing that there are still humans here. Dominic returns in what feels like hours, draping his jacket around my shoulders and helping me to leave the café and into the passenger seat of the car. My purse and his gift are already placed in the back seat as he takes his spot at the driver’s side.

“Is there a place for us to go?” He asks, one hand clutching mine as he steers towards the road.

“Down the street and turn right at the first stoplight. There is a small bed and breakfast at the end overlooking the water.” I whimper out, shutting my eyes as another wave of heat causes more pain to my body. I can hear Dominic having difficulty breathing, the driver side window being opened to bring in clean air and help drive away the hormones radiating off of me. This heat is much stronger than any I have experienced, and I had a feeling it is because Dominic and I accepted the mate bond between us. Fate was making her stance in us being together. I just thought that Fate would wait and give us a chance to take the process at our own pace.

The mustang comes to a stop, windows closing and Dominic leaving my side only for him to scoop me into his arms and carry me into the building.

“Pretend to be asleep.” He whispers, tucking my head into the crook of his neck. His voice is husky, his need to consummate our mate bond because of the heat evident in his stiff posture and tense muscles. But his closeness helped to ease the pain. An elderly lady greets us, Dominic quickly ordering a room for us with the reason of us traveling to a wedding and being too tired to continue driving for the night, asking for at least two days of stay. I hear the jingling of keys before feeling Dominic move, his feet sounding on wooden steps.

“Hang in there Fire, we are almost alone.” He whispers, his voice hoarse. I nod, pressing my face into the exposed skin of his neck, tears sliding down my face as another wave of fire burns through me, a whimper escaping my lips. I hated this, hated feeling pain from an insatiable need to mate. I feel like if I ever meet the Moon Goddess that she and I will have a few words for making us she-wolves suffer this way.

A door slams open before I find myself being placed on a soft bed. The cooling sensation of Dominic’s body leaves me and the fire from the heat is all to consuming as the pain takes over.

“I’m sorry but I have to call Christian and get him to explain things to Blue.” Dominic coos at me, his hand smoothing my hair away from my face as he takes his cell phone out.

“Christian, something came up and Amberle and I will be away for a few day…It’s her heat. Tell Blue for us will you.” His eyes stare into mine the whole conversation before the phone is thrown to the side. Lips find mine in a passionate kiss, the flame coursing through my body subsides as he presses himself on top of me. His hands push my dress up until they rest on my hips, thumbs drawing slow circles that cause pleasure to ripple through me and a moan to escape past my lips.

“I really wanted to make our first time special, he whispers, grinding his groin into my core as his lips leave small kisses down my jawline to the crook of my neck. Every movement he makes is gentle, knowing that at any moment the flame inside me will take over. I whimper when he moves away from my body, my hands reaching out to bring him back as the pain slowly grows again.

“I need to remove your clothes.” I can hear the strain in his voice as his hands slip to the edge of my dress that is already bunched around my waist. His fingers graze my skin, the flame inside me licking at the contact and causing an ache I never knew could exist.

“Please.” I call out, needing to feel more. Clothes are quickly removed as bare skin is pressed close together. Dominic’s lips are once again on mine, a gasp causing them to part when his calloused fingers dive deep into my wet core, working the sensitive skin until a puddle forms. I could feel Dominic restraining himself, the hormones emanating from my body making the air thick and heavy. His lips once again find mine, his tongue diving into my mouth as another finger is added inside me. Lewd moans escape my throat as I reach my climax, my walls clenching around his fingers deep inside me. But my body needing more to extinguish the burning flames inside me.

“Will you let me mark you Amberle?” The strain in his voice, the need and pleading that reaches my ears from Dominic is there, begging me to let him mark me and completely be united as mates for the rest of our live. I could see the pain from his past rejection and the betrayal he once faced mixed with the fear of being rejected once again in the depth of his eyes behind the love he has only for me. I could never give Dominic up, wanting the man who has done nothing but trust and believe in me since we first met.

“Yes, I want to be with you Dominic.” I whimper out through the pain, the inferno inside me now returning with a vengeance. A sigh of relief escapes Dominic’s lips as he claims me in a passionate kiss, taming the heat for a moment. His fingers leave my body, making me feel empty with a wanton need to fill a void.

“This will hurt for a bit, please bear with it.” He whispers, his lips kissing my cheeks as I feel the tip of his cock slowly enter me. A new type of pain is felt as his thick rod pierces past the entrance to my core, claiming my first time as his. My nails dig into his back as tears spill from my eyes, the inferno licking at my body now being condensed into a single area, traveling the path his length takes. I can feel him sliding further inside me, his muscles tensing as he claims me as his slowly, not wanting to hurt me. The inferno becomes dying embers with his touch being the cooling balm I needed to extinguish the pain caused by this wretched heat.

“Take a deep breath beautiful.” He moans out, his lips pressing a kiss onto my temple as one hand dries the tears from my face. A feeling of being full takes over, Dominic stilling above me holding me tightly to him. Then he moves, slowly retreating from inside me as another pained whimper escapes my lips as he stretches my insides. He continues to move, his body slow as he fills me once again. His lips leave a trail of kisses along my jaw, neck, and shoulders. The pain of him inside me slowly morphs into a euphoric pleasure and I find myself rocking in sync with him. My whimpers become lust-filled moans; the heat now consumed with Dominic’s touch as the need builds with each thrust. His kisses become needy and fervent, his movement uncontrolled as he searched along my neck, his canines brushing against my sensitive skin causing me to shiver. My own canines grow with the need to mark and claim Dominic as mine for the rest of our lives. I can feel myself slowly growing closer to the edge of pleasure with each thrust, Dominic calling out my name in a possessive growl being the spell that undoes me as his canines sink into the crook of my neck. I feel my walls close around him, his body tensing above mine as he releases inside of me. My gums ache from my canines, waiting for my chance to mark Dominic as he releases his hold on my neck, the sheen of my blood on his lips. My hand reaches out to pull his panting body closer to me, lips trailing along his neck and shoulder until I bite down, a sense of euphoria rushing into me as our bond solidifies and he is marked. We are each others now, nothing able to break us apart.

Dominic and I a mated pair meant to be.