The Alpha's Untamed Mate

Chapter 4

Quietly, she slipped outside, avoiding her Aunt Sarah, and headed to her designated changing room. Aunt Sarah had arranged it after Iris refused to allow anyone to see her in her true form.

The shift, the transformation from woman to wolf, was a thrilling surge of power. She'd attempted to capture this feeling in her art, but failed. It was like a caterpillar metamorphosing into a butterfly—an ugly transformation into something exquisite.

She dashed into the forest, her thoughts a tangled mess. She hadn't heard her wolf speak in years, until last night. The wolf had always been there, hidden deep within her soul. But why now? She didn't want her there.

Frustration fueled an angry growl, and she pushed herself harder, attempting to outrun her thoughts.

She didn't stop until she reached the clearing and the pond. Sunlight danced on the water's surface, like scattered glitter. The forest and the scent of water calmed her instantly. She'd never been able to articulate the soothing effect of water—like wrapping oneself in a warm blanket on a cold night.

This was her sanctuary, a refuge from dark thoughts, a place of strength and peace.

Four years ago, when she'd moved here, she'd discovered this place while fleeing her past. It had taken months before she felt strong enough to enter the clearing. She remembered the surge of happiness she'd felt then, marking the beginning of her healing, even though she knew she would never be completely whole.

She leaped, shifting mid-air, and plunged into the clear water. Submerged, she felt she could breathe again—not just physically, but spiritually, her soul feeling lighter. Floating on the surface, she allowed her mind to drift into tranquility.

She didn't know how long she'd been floating when a feeling of being watched shattered her peace. She inhaled water, sinking, coughing as she resurfaced. She glimpsed a dark shadow retreating into the woods.

"Damn creep," she coughed, stomping angrily to the shore. Quickly, she shifted back into wolf form, covering herself. She sniffed the air, heading towards the spot where she'd seen the shadow—the scent from her dream. No, it couldn't be.

'Why would he be here, watching her?

Heading home, scanning the forest, she heard a twig snap behind her. She turned to see a large, dark gray wolf—a werewolf. She growled, baring her fangs, a warning to stay away. He stood there, head c****d, studying her as if she were some strange curiosity.

Muscular tension coiled within her. If he attacked, she was vulnerable. Iris repeated her mantra: Show no weakness, show no fear. She refused to break her gaze. She wouldn't yield.

Then, he turned, disappearing into the forest, a smirk seemingly playing on his lips. She returned home, curiosity tempting her to follow, but reason prevailed.

Inside, she shifted back into human form and entered quietly, only to collide with her aunt. "Are you alright, Iris?" Aunt Sarah asked.

"I'm fine, Aunt Sarah," Iris replied.

"But you never run in the mornings," her aunt observed. Iris shrugged, attempting to appear unconcerned. "I couldn't sleep," she explained. "Are you certain you're alright, my dear?" Her aunt's worry was evident.

"I promise I'm fine," Iris reassured her, hugging her aunt tightly and offering a reassuring smile. "I'm going to shower."

"Do that, and I'll make us some breakfast," her aunt replied.

"Thanks, Aunt," Iris said. After a quick shower, she descended the stairs, hearing a male voice and her aunt's laughter.

' What on earth was he doing here?'

The air throbbed with a familiar scent—the intoxicating fragrance from the party, her dreams, and the forest. No! This couldn't be happening. Iris silently approached the kitchen, her heart racing, and peeked around the corner.

The sight shocked her—she stumbled, losing her balance. She hit her head on the side table, falling to the floor and rolling onto her back.

"Ouch! Damn it!" she cried out in pain.

Looking up, she saw her Aunt Sarah and Geraldo Devin staring down at her. So, he was the one from the forest, the man from her dream.

"Oh, dear God! Sweetheart, are you alright?" Aunt Sarah asked.

Iris lay there, stunned, her gaze locked on Geraldo's eyes. Beautiful, captivating eyes—NO, remember, he's an asshole!

A furious blush crept onto her cheeks as she recalled the vivid dream from hours earlier, a dream where he'd been the central figure. His eyes, his lips... His deep voice jolted her back to reality.

"Are you okay, Iris?" Clearing her throat, she managed a shaky, "I'm... I'm fine." She stood, rubbing her temple. Great job, Iris! You're totally falling for him!

"What on earth were you doing sneaking around the corner like that?" her aunt asked, and Iris wished the floor would swallow her whole. Her cheeks blazed crimson, and Geraldo offered that infuriatingly smug smile, completely unsettling her.

"What the hell are you smiling at, asshole?" she snapped.

"Iris! That's not how you speak to guests! Young ladies don't behave like that! Apologize to Mr. Devin immediately!" her aunt scolded. Mr. Devin? Young ladies? Did her aunt just say that?

"Please, Mrs. Adam, call me Geraldo," he said, smirking at her.

"Oh, Geraldo, I'm so sorry for my niece's behavior!"

"Don't worry, no offense taken," he replied, winking at her.

"Now, young lady, apologize to Geraldo. He's absolutely adorable! I wish I could say the same about you right now." Iris stared at her aunt, dumbfounded.

Geraldo and adorable in the same sentence—was she in some alternate universe? She must look ridiculous, standing there, speechless.

"Well? What do you have to say?" Aunt Sarah prompted again. Iris shook her head and glared at Geraldo, making sure he knew her apology was insincere as she mumbled, "I'm sorry; that was rude of me."

"Oh, no harm done," he replied with another infuriating smirk. That smirk! She was going to... kiss... no!

"Now that's settled. Would you like some more tea to drink?" her aunt offered Geraldo.

"Tea? Why on earth would he want tea and drink here?" Iris blurted out.

"Iris! What is wrong with you today? This nice young man comes to see you, and you act like a spoiled child. I raised you better than that!" her Aunt Sarah exclaimed, exasperated.

"To see me?" Iris asked, utterly bewildered.

"Yes, I'm here to see you, Iris, and I would love some more tea, Mrs. Adam," Geraldo said smoothly.