Misguided Wolves

10. A Day of Bonding

Kate woke with a spark of excitement, eager to see her newfound mate. To her delight, Oliver had gifted her a new wardrobe, tailored for Logi’s warm climate. She ran her fingers over the fabrics, pausing at a sleeveless off-white dress attached to a gold choker, its thin material flowing with a breeze. A subtle gap revealed modest cleavage, enhancing her innocent charm. She braided half her hair into a crown, letting the rest cascade down her back, and paired the look with gold drop earrings and brown-and-gold sandals—no heels to trip her today. A touch of makeup completed her radiant glow.

Satisfied, she headed to the dining hall, finding only Dean and Hova. Dean’s face lit up, waving her to sit beside him. “You’re the talk of the castle!” he teased.

Kate’s cheeks burned cherry red. “Everyone knows?”

Hova took her hand, her smile gentle. “Don’t fret, child. They’re thrilled for what’s to come.”

Dean squeezed her shoulder. “It’s not every day you meet your mate!”

A growl from the entrance cut them off.

****

Elliott woke with a spring in his step, taking extra care to look his best. To his surprise, his closet brimmed with new clothes—Oliver’s work, no doubt. Grateful for the upgrade, he chose dark blue jeans and a pale blue button-down that highlighted his eyes. Dragging Kyle along, he headed to breakfast, only to freeze at the sight of Kate with another man’s arm around her.

Leo’s growl rumbled through him, startling the room. Kyle gaped, but Dean’s booming laughter broke the tension. “Down, boy! I’m not stealing your mate.” He ruffled Kate’s hair. “This pup’s like a daughter to me. I changed her diapers.”

Kate hid her face, mortified. Elliott sighed, relieved, and sat beside her. “Good morning, beautiful. Sleep well?”

“Good,” she whispered, shy as ever.

He chuckled, joined by Dean. “She’s bold with family but quieter than a werecat in a rainstorm around you.”

Hova smiled. “This pup will emerge from her den soon.” With that, she glided away.

Elliott grinned. “I look forward to it. Kate, I have a surprise. Are you free later?”

Her eyes sparkled with curiosity, and she nodded, making him beam.

****

Elliott blindfolded Kate with a silk scarf, her heart racing as he guided her through the castle, his hand warm on hers. The air grew humid, pleasantly warm, with the soft murmur of flowing water piquing her curiosity. He untied the scarf, revealing a hidden cave, sunlight streaming through an overhead opening onto a shimmering pool fed by a gentle waterfall from a deeper cave system. Lush grass and trees framed the water, and in a clearing, a blanket held a picnic basket and a bottle of wine chilling in ice.

Kate’s face lit up, eyes wide with delight. “You did this?”

Elliott rubbed his neck, sheepish. “I had help with the location.”

She threw her arms around him, catching him off guard. “It’s perfect!” Before he could respond, she darted to the picnic, nearly tripping in her excitement. He chuckled, jogging to catch up, his heart skipping at her enthusiasm.

They sat across from each other as he unpacked the spread: fruits, cheeses, dried meats, honey, and fresh bread. Kate’s mouth watered. She drizzled honey on bread, pairing it with goat cheese, the sweet-tangy flavors dancing on her tongue. Elliott watched, grinning as she savored each bite, her eyes sparkling with joy.

He plucked a plump grape, holding it up with a playful smirk. “Open wide, princess.”

Kate’s cheeks flushed, but she parted her lips, giggling as he popped the grape in, his finger brushing her lips deliberately. She squeaked, swatting his hand lightly.

“You’re trouble,” she teased, her voice soft but bolder than usual.

“Me? Trouble?” Elliott feigned innocence, leaning closer. “You’re the one stealing my grapes.” He dangled another, daring her to take it.

She snatched it from his fingers with her teeth, her eyes locking onto his, a mischievous glint surfacing. “Fair’s fair,” she said, picking up a grape and tossing it at him. It bounced off his nose, and they both burst into laughter.

“Nice aim,” he teased, catching the next one in his mouth. “Try again, or I’ll have to retaliate.”

She tossed another, and he caught it, winking. “My turn.” He held a grape between his lips, leaning in, daring her to take it. Kate hesitated, then leaned forward, her breath hitching as she plucked it with her lips, their noses brushing. Her cheeks blazed, but she held his gaze, a shy smile breaking through.

Elliott’s voice dropped, husky. “Can I kiss you?”

Kate bit her lip, nodding through her lashes. He kissed her hungrily, fingers lacing through her curls. Her soft moan sent a jolt through him, and he deepened the kiss, possessive yet playful, nipping her lower lip. She gasped, giggling against his mouth, and he pulled back, catching his breath, only to dive back in, stealing another quick kiss that left her laughing.

Trying to cool his rising arousal, he stood, running a hand through his hair. “Going for a swim,” he said, stripping with a cheeky grin. He dove into the cool water, surfacing with a splash. “Join me?”

“I-I don’t have a swimsuit,” Kate stammered, her blush deepening.

He raised a brow, water dripping from his hair. “Neither did I. Live a little, princess.”

She motioned for him to turn, and he obliged, chuckling. She undressed and leapt in, squealing at the cold. “It’s freezing!”

“Move around—it warms up,” he called, splashing her lightly.

She yelped, splashing back, her laughter echoing in the cave. “You’ll pay for that!” She swam toward him, sending a wave his way, her shyness melting into playfulness. He caught her waist, pulling her close, and she wrapped her legs around him instinctively, their laughter fading into charged silence.

He tangled one hand in her hair, the other gripping her rear, deepening their kiss. Her parted lips welcomed his tongue, and he groaned, “You’re making it hard to resist, troublemaker.”

Kate’s eyes widened, her blush near crimson. He grazed his canines along her neck, where her mating mark would go, his fingers inching toward her core until she stopped him, her hand trembling.

“What’s wrong?” he asked, cupping her face gently.

She looked down, whispering, “I’m a… virgin.”

Elliott bit his lip, desire mingling with tenderness. He rubbed her arms. “It’s okay. We’ll go slow, only when you’re ready.” Noticing her shiver, he added, “Let’s dry off, you little mermaid.”

On shore, he caught her eyes lingering on him, her blush deepening when she realized he noticed. “Everything you see is yours,” he teased, winking. “I won’t bite—unless you ask, princess.”

She took his hand, stepping out, and he drank in her form, willing himself to stay composed. They lay on the blanket, eating and talking about small things—hobbies, dreams—laughing over shared quirks as the sun set. Reluctantly, they dressed and packed up, the scents of apples and cedarwood lingering in the air.