Passionate mates

Getting closer

Did he actually say that? I stared at him. Did he really think I would do that? I put my arms to my sides and shook my head.

"No, I won't hit you," I protested. "I told you I didn't want to fight anyone," I continued. He raised an eyebrow and dragged his hands over his face.

"Kira. I can't be there to protect you at all times. I wish I could, but I won't. So I need you to be able to protect yourself. And I need you to be a good Luna for my pack and be a good example for the other girls. What message will it send if everyone is expected to fight, but not the Luna herself?" he said calmly, sounding reasonable.

My breathing fastened at his words. All this mentioning of me being a Luna made me nervous. I don't know if I am fit to be Luna or if I even want to. All the responsibility seemed to be too much. I scrunched my nose at the thought and looked away from him. But I have to admit, he had some good points.

"I know you want me to be the perfect Luna Jax, and I understand you need one. But I'm not sure if I can be who you want me to be. I'm young, and it's a lot of responsibility." I said honestly, not daring to look into his eyes. A part of me was also scared that I wouldn't live up to his wishes, both in being his mate and his Luna.

What will happen then if I'm not good enough? It hurt to think that thought, but I had to be reasonable about this. After a few moments of silence, I looked up to see his reaction. He was standing close to me now, looking very thoughtful.

"I don't think you could ever be a bad Luna, Kira. You will grow into your role, and I think it will be much easier for you when you have met my pack. They are great", he said, actually understanding my fears. It was easy for him to say. He had known that he would be Alpha someday, and he has been one for several years now.

He grabbed my hand and pulled me into his embrace. He hugged me tightly, and I almost wanted to cry. I hugged him back, very aware of his shirtless upper body that I was squished against. I realized I was so small compared to him I nearly disappeared in his arms. This was a feeling I could get used to, though. Being in his arms, feeling safe when I was unsure of myself. And him being shirtless, I could definitely get used to that. I smiled at my thoughts.

"Just give me time, okay?" I asked quietly and drew his scent in. I restrained myself from letting out a hum.

"I will," he said, squeezing me against him for a moment before he let me go. I felt cold all of a sudden. He was so warm and comfortable. "You still need to learn to fight, though. For your own safety," he said with a smile while putting my hands up in a defensive position. I sighed but smiled back at him. Okay, I will try, I thought. I will do it for him.

"Now, hit me," he said while gesturing for me to come at him. I balled my fists and imagined how to hit and where to hit, even though I'm not comfortable with the thought of hitting him. I took a deep breath and plunged my fist at his face. He easily grabbed my fist in his hand, and I groaned. It was like hitting a wall.

"Again. Keep 'em coming," he said and let go of my hand.

We kept the practice going for a while. The time went fast, and I was starting to get sick of him always blocking me. I also realized that the madder I got, the harder I hit.

"Come on. You're not even trying, Kira." he nagged, and I clenched my jaw. I was definitely trying, but it wasn't enough.

"Is this what all the girls are like in this pack? Weak?" he continued, and I met his eyes for a moment, showing him that I didn't like that comment. I punched, he blocked.

"Maybe you're not cut out to be a Luna anyway," he provoked. That comment really hurt, and I was mad at him for turning my own words back at me. I punched at him again, and he caught it. But I also gave a surprise punch with my left hand, which actually hit him in the face. It felt really good, and I took advantage of his perplexed look and hit him once more.

I celebrated by throwing my hands in the air and yelling, "Hooaah!". I grinned happily at him, and he slowly clapped for me and matched my grin.

"Nicely done," he said with a big smile, and I felt proud.

"Wasn't expecting this small weak girl to actually get any hits in, huh?" I teased and punched his arm lightly. He laughed at me and wiped off the blood in the corner of his mouth.

"Next time, I won't go so easy on you," he said with a teasing glimmer in his eyes. I stared at his hand and then at his mouth. I hadn't seen that he was bleeding before now.

"I'm so sorry! Are you okay?" I asked concerned, and rushed to his side. "I didn't mean to hurt you like that!" I apologized and grabbed his face with my hands, examining the cut. It was small, but it was there and already healing. I tried not to think about the small amount of blood I saw.

He looked down at me like he was amused but stood still as I fussed, letting me panic for a while. He circled his arms around my waist and eventually grabbed my hands from his face, in just one of his hands. I looked up at his eyes and stared when he had this weird look.

"What?" I asked, puzzled.

"As much as I love you being worried about me," he began and pressed our bodies together. "..you didn't really hurt me. This is nothing, Kira," he said, still amused by my worry. He leaned his forehead against mine. I smelled the blood when he was this close and shut my eyes for a moment. I was such a wuss.

"When your technique and strength improve, a small cut on the lip will be nothing," he explained and stroked his hands up my back. I was still trying not to smell the blood and didn't perceive what he said. I was starting to get nauseous and pushed him away and took a few steps back.

"Remember I told you I don't tolerate blood really well?" I asked, turning my back to him. Soon his arms encircled my waist from behind.

"We have to work on that," he said in my hair, smelling it. "The blood is gone now," he said, and I felt him smile against my ear. I didn't entirely believe him, so I turned my head and looked at him over the shoulder. Good, I saw nothing. I let out a breath and leaned back against him. My head was the same height as his shoulder, so he was perfect for leaning on. He would be great to cuddle up in bed, too, I thought. My wolf barked at me in agreement and suggested that we go for a cuddle right now.

"My wolf is very fond of you," I said, closing my eyes and smiling. He moved my hair away from my neck.

"Yeah? And what do you think?" he asked. He lowered his head to my neck and kissed me lightly. He kissed from right below my ear and to where his mark would be. Tingles shot through my whole body when he kissed the spot.

"Hm?" he asked when I didn't answer. I felt his tongue on my neck and then his lips. I sighed in content and didn't utter a protest.

"Are you fond of me too, Kira?" he asked between kisses. He sucked on my neck when I didn't stop him, and I reached my hand up to his hair to keep him in place. I tugged lightly on his hair, and I heard him groan. The groan he made sounded so sexy, and I answered with a hum. He lifted his head and kissed me on the ear before letting me go.

I regained my balance and opened my eyes. The sudden lack of body heat made me shiver.

"I have things to do. Great progress today. I'll see you later," he said before walking to the house. I stared at his back, perplexed. Why the sudden change in actions? I scoffed and muttered a few words to myself before taking a shower. Asshole.