Chapter 105: Chapter 105

Miatta

Lucas dropped into a crouch, bones snapping and rearranging within him. His shifting phase looked painful yet intriguing, drawing attention to the spectacle. Thick sheaves of hair grew out on his neck and back and he howled long into the night. It caused shivers down my spinal column as I marveled at his animalistic beauty. Suddenly, he leapt off the ground, somersaulted in mid-air and landed gracefully on all fours. His clothes were in shreds at his feet and I stood in quiet adoration. His wolf had ink-black, almost oily fur, covering him from his head to his powerful paws. He sniffed at something in the air and turned his head towards me in expectation. His eyes were darker and mystic, compelling me to do anything he asked. In either form, he was a sight to behold and I was proud he was mine, all mine.

As shifters, our eyes represented the colour of our fur. The eyes were the window to the soul and our animals were our soul. Without them, one was condemned to a unfulfilled life of pity. It was worse than death to have one’s wolf muted, the ultimate punishment. I gave Lucas some distance so I could get my act together. My wolf wasn't anything as magnificent as his but just like mates, no one chose his spirit animal. It was all up to the Moon Goddess and whatever she did was irreversible. Lucas lowered his head and burrowed his big nose between his front paws, waiting for me patiently. I crouched as he had and bowed my head, willing my spirit animal to take control of my being. Without much prompting, she jumped out of her hiding place, transforming me to a brown, furry animal. The tips of my tail and my shiny coat were a faded green. Streaks of green shone brightly around my pupils.

Lucas came forward then and bumped his nose with mine, showing his affection for me. I touched his paw and wagged my tail in anticipation. He sniffed around me, recognizing my scent eventually and yipped loudly, the equivalent of him punching the air in victory. Frustrated by his patient inaction, I withdrew from him and made for the forest. I wanted to run and I would get whatever I wanted. He caught onto my intent and chased relentlessly after me, causing the natives to scatter in different directions. They scampered for safety and I could hear shrubs and small trees being crushed under his mighty weight. I managed to keep away from him for as long as possible, grateful that at least, I had gotten a headstart.

The forest was practically shaking from the action of his quick hind legs and I hid beneath a fallen tree to trick him. He jumped over the tree but came to an abrupt stop, sniffing curiously. He had caught me and the camouflage of the dead leaves was no good. He spun around, heading back to where I hid and I panicked, jumping out before he got closer and continued leading him deeper into the forest. In my animal form, I was faster, energetic and full of life. However, I was no match for the aroused wolf behind me. I ran past the secret path and darted right, avoiding it for now and headed for the umbrella trees instead. Unfortunately, I didn't finish that thought before Lucas pounced on my tail from behind and flipped me on my back. I yelped, landing my ass on the wet grass. The moon was at the highest point in the sky and its light was pouring down on us.

I've got you now, he bragged via mindlink, leaning over me closely. His tongue hung out of his mouth, his panting heavy. He might have caught up to me eventually but I had given a run he would never forget in a hurry.

So? I taunted him, lolling my head in rebellion. What are you going to do now that you have caught me?

Submit, Miatta, he said next, raising his bulk off me and shifting it to his left so he wouldn't crush me. Show me your submission to your Alpha.

You are not my Alpha, I relented stubbornly, just my mate. Get off me.

Lucas nipped the space under my jaw and licked the tiny assault quickly. He attacked another space, this time, behind my corked ears. He kept going, nipping and licking at various parts of my body until my senses were singed. I was writhing and squirming, defenceless against his torment. He ignored my discomfort and went down to my white belly, not nibbling at it but licking my fur like it was spiked with some sweet substance. Of its own accord, my tail hit the floor, beating it repeatedly in surrender.

Lucas, please, I implored his mercy but he went at me without compassion, his wet tongue getting dangerously close to my hole.

Lucas, baby, please. I give in, I threw in the towel. He looked up at me from below my body, his inky eyes bright with mischief. I couldn't have a glimpse at his thoughts for fear of being scalded by the heat in his eyes. My hind legs ran in mid-air, my ass off the floor.

Apologize, were his only words before he lowered his head again.

I'm sorry, Alpha Lucas. I'm yours. Forgive my impertinence, my Lord.

Although he had said on previous occasions that he did not appreciate me addressing him by his honourific, it was clear that it had an effect on him and not an unpleasant one. His nostrils pulled in air sharply, and he threw back his head, howling proudly. He had another conquest in the bag and he looked at me like I was his last meal.

Mine, he echoed my words and fired an order almost immediately. Shift, Miatta.

I could not control my transformation this time and my body shifted back in record time. I was nude and I scrambled backwards to give him space to do his thing. He stood on his hind legs, an ability only lycans possessed and one I was secretly envious of. It was so degrading having to be on all fours all the time. Within seconds, my Lucas was back, inky fur gone and golden, olive skin in its place.

“Bully,” I jabbed while I was at a safe distance from him. “How did you do that?”

He shrugged carefreely as if the answer itself was so obvious. “You submitted to my dominance and therefore, you gave me partial control of your wolf. The bond between mates is a mystery with secrets that have not been entirely discovered yet. I look forward to exploring them more with you. Come to me, Miatta.”

My legs started moving before my brain could interpret the command. It was rather curious how much control he had over me after our little game. It was like we were one body and one soul. I walked into his embrace, his arms my favourite place in the world.

What do you want to do, Miatta?

His question made my heart leap frightfully, already afraid that he had found out what I planned to do that night. When my heart rate decreased, I realized that he was merely asking what I would like to do with him at the moment.

“Just hold me,” I beckoned, suddenly sleepy and too tired to use my mind to communicate. He gathered me in his arms, sweeping me off my feet and running off in the destination I had opted for before he pounced on me. The umbrella trees made it hard for anyone to see us and he laid down, taking me with him to the floor.

“Comfortable?” he wanted to know, brushing loose strands of hair from my face.

“Happy,” I replied, smiling at his rare gentility. He spooned me from behind, my back to his front and his hands draping over my body. We stayed that way, breathing softly and soon, he fell asleep. He was often the alert one but since he had no idea of my intentions, he let himself relax and drifted into a deep sleep. I counted off a full hour in my head and slowly, I freed myself from his hold and rose to my feet.

I'm sorry, Lucas, I whispered and ran towards the path with tears in my eyes.