His Mate;His Redemption

"But you said you would let me see the land beyond on my eighteenth birthday!" Aerona, Celeste's adopted daughter said in anger. "I know but-" "But what, Mother? What other reasons do you have? Why can't you let me go? Or better still, when do you plan on letting me go?" Aerona disrupted her mother's speech, taking slow strides towards her. This had always been an issue between them but after she turned seventeen the year before,her mother had promised to free her from the castle on her eighteenth birthday. Aerona had looked forward to that moment since that day. Today, she turned eighteen yet it seemed her mother had forgotten her promise or maybe she had lied back then just to make Aerona's petulance stop. She had lived in the castle for eighteen years and never had she stepped foot outside. She yearned to see the world and she would see it today. Celeste released a deep sigh while reaching for Aerona's right hand and patted it slowly. "Would four more years be too much to-" "Goodnight mother." Aerona yanked her hand from her mother's and stalked off, not bothering to hear whatever remaining words she had to say. Trading words with her mother was of no use but she had made plans of her own. A smile twitched on her lips as she strode down the dim lit hallway. Eavesdropping on the witches whenever they prepared to go out had definitely taught her a few incantations she needed while the rest she had looked up in the library when she was less busy. Her mother thought she would storm off to her room in anger like she did in time past. What her mother didn't know was that the night before in her dream, she had finally gotten the last word to open the doors. She would wait for everyone to fall asleep before she escaped. _______ Aerona dashed through the woods. Excitement coursed through her veins as she breathed in the fresh night air. Ever since she was a child, this was her dream. Not even her mother could stop her. It was quite dark but she continued along the dark path. A piercing screech halted her when she reached a bifurcated junction. Her hands flew to her chest as she backed a tree in fear while wondering what could have made the noise. After a few seconds, she realized that it was an owl. She was glad that it was nothing serious. She was confused as to the path to take but after a few seconds of contemplating, she turned right. The crystal bright moon hung up in the deep blue sky illuminating her path across the woods. She raised her hands to ward off the buzzing insects coming her way. There's danger outside, Aerona. Never go out without informing me. Her mother's warnings echoed in her mind but she shook the thoughts off immediately. For once she wanted to be free. She would be back to their castle before dawn. Her mother would never know about this night since she was deep in sleep. The cold night air whipped her long hair as she ran through the woods. She paused in her tracks and picked up a stone to mark the tree with her initials in case she got lost and needed to find her way back. She pocketed the stone and continued strolling. A small voice warned her to go back while another nudged her to move ahead. Adventurous Aerona chose the latter. After walking for a few minutes, something attracted her. It was like a beckoning to her soul. Its force was so much she couldn't resist it. The sound of water afar off meant that she could swim too. She ran in its direction as fast as she could. As she got closer, the sound of the water became louder. She was almost close to the river when she noticed a figure bathing inside. Her brows furrowed in confusion and she stopped in her tracks. Who could that be? She wondered. She willed herself to move closer tiptoeing to avoid drawing his attention toward her. It was a man. He took some water and dabbed his face with it. Then he flexed his muscles and knotted the blue robe on him. Her lips parted as she took a few steps further. The moon illuminated his chiseled face. She sucked in breaths at his side view. He was breathtakingly raven-haired and had such beautiful skin. And although his back was to her, she knew without a doubt that he was handsome. She watched him run his hands through his thick mane and close his eyes. Then he picked the towel on the floor to towel his hair. "Ouch!" She let out a piercing scream when a sharp twig pierced her toe. Realizing her mistake, her hands flew to her mouth to muffle the sound but it was too late because at that moment he immediately turned his eyes toward her and it was as if time stopped. She was lost in his golden eyes. He was the most magnificent man she had ever seen. She could feel a connection brewing between both of them. Aerona gulped hard and her heartbeats thumped loud in her chest. She opened her mouth to form words but nothing came out. Then that brief moment expired and the stranger was running towards her. Aerona turned around and dashed into the woods not caring which direction she came from when she remembered that although he was handsome he was a stranger to her and she wasn't safe around him. She ran with every strength in her. After a few minutes, she paused for a moment to take in short breaths before continuing when she heard a deep baritone voice behind her. "Stop right there! Who are you and what are you doing in my Pack!?" A cold chill ran down her spine as he grabbed her and whirled her around