Chapter III
Finding shelter was easy.
He was just lucky enough to find an abandoned cave before the storm decided to wreak havoc to nature's bounty. The howling wind disguised a cold front and the flames coming from the impromptu pit made him want to burst out in laughter.
The woman sat across from him with a pout on her lips. Her long dark tresses covering her phoenix tattoo. "Can't you make it any warmer?"
"No." He said, handing her a scroll.
Her brown eyes widened. What was she supposed to do with that?
"Open it." He said quietly.
The confusion spread across her face as she pulled on the string that kept it closed. A blue light flashed brightly before unfurling a large blanket. She wrapped it around her small body.
To think he already knew what she needed was presumptuous. Though she could not help but wonder. That maybe...
She shook her head. She did not need to be thinking of him. The man that seemed to speak so little yet his actions spoke volumes. No. She just needed to rest. It would be much easier to see him as a stranger sitting in front of her but the curiosity was ever present.
What was behind his mask? What did he look like? And if possible would she be able to touch his hair?
He was watching her.
A fact that could not be denied any longer. Not because of his rapidly beating heart or his warming cheeks. But because the wolf inside his mind would not be quiet. He growls and grunts as if he wants to be let out of the cage that was made for protective purposes.
He wants to claim her. Sniff her. Make sure that she was his.
Yet to do so his host needed to give him permission. Wasn't that grand?
Normally, he would have waited until his lovely other half exhausted himself but his subconscious called him forward - to get a glimpse.
The woman was more than beautiful. She was mate.
And that is what made him remain awake. Behind the mask he was anonymous. He didn't have to witness the glow of his gray eyes and the heightened awareness that his senses had multiplied to the nth degree.
He just wanted a promise of protection. Whether it was from himself or others...the vow needed to be set.
Do not even think about it. He told the wolf in his mind. She is not ready.
He could see the wolf in his mind lingering before returning back to its cage.
Get some sleep. The wolf chided. I will protect you.
He did. Allowing the darkness to claim him.