The Waning Moon Of Pain

Chapter Seven:

Diana turned on the radio, just to have some background noise. She didn't like the silence when riding in the car. Ulric didn't mind, he smiles glancing over at her, seeing her comfortable next to him.

"You mentioned earlier that you didn't sleep well. Was something keeping you from sleeping well?" He was distracted by her sandwich making, he forget to ask about it sooner.

"I uh...have nightmares sometimes about what happened. They have recurred less and less as the days go by, but they tend to show up at random nights. They were the worst the first couple of months, I could hardly sleep." She softly says looking out her window to let the beautiful scenery help keep her calm talking about it.

His hands grip the steering wheel, turning his knuckles white. He didn't like that she even had trouble with this in her dreams. If he was beside her, he knew he would make sure those bad dreams never returned.

"Have you talked about them to anyone or about what happened?"

"Just my father. I hate that he's the only one that can really understand what I am going through, but I'm glad he's stayed by my side and helped me through it, like I did for him the best I could at least."

Ulric looks over at her, he glances down at her hand in her lap. He decides to be a little bold, gently reaching over taking her hand into his. The strong sparks between them igniting with their touch, she stiffens looking down at his large hand engulfing hers gently. Her cheeks turned cherry red looking up into those wonderful sapphire eyes.

"I might not know a thing about what you're going through, but know I am here for you too. If you ever wish to talk about it more, I'll be happy to listen to you Diana." He says giving her a handsome smile that makes her stomach do flips.

She forces herself to look ahead of her to try and calm her racing heart. Darn this mating bond, she doesn't remember it being this strong or is it because they haven't completed it that it's getting to her this badly. Darius and her completed the mating bond right away, that was a crazy day for her. Getting her wolf, then losing her virginity with the love of her life.

Looking back at Ulric's hand over hers, she smiles a little gently moving her hand to intertwine her fingers with his. Something about his touch felt so familiar to her. His hands are much bigger than Darius, but just like Darius's hand, hers fit perfectly between his.

"I'll keep that in mind, Thank you." She says sweetly back to him and shyly looks back out her window, letting him hold her hand while he drives.

Ulric couldn't help but feel ecstatic that she is holding his hand back and is okay with him. It brought tension in his body for the past couple of weeks to relax, feeling complete with her hand in his. The strong bond between them makes him itch for more, but he needs to remind himself to go slow and enjoy these small victories.

Diana couldn't get her mind off the feeling of his touch on her hand, his thumb softly grazing over her skin, sending small little sparks through her body. It was so soothing, she can't remember the last time she felt this relaxed and all he was doing was holding her hand. She feels Rin shift in annoyance to his touch, a low growl rubbles through Diana's head. Then Rin forces that dark memory into Diana's mind, making her jump quickly removing her hand from Ulric's.

He looks over at her concerned, then glances around wondering if she saw something that startled her,

"You okay Diana?" He asks, slightly disappointed she pulled away suddenly like that. He looks at her hands trembling. She grips them and gives him that fake smile, hiding the pain in her eyes.

"Yeah, sorry. I'm okay." She says in a sweet fake voice, she then turns away from him, keeping her hands from his reach now.

Returning to gripping the steering wheel, he looks out the window annoyed. Then hears his wolf in his head whimper,

'It was her wolf again. Not our fault.' Blake tells him.

That just made Ulric even more upset. Her wolf is keeping her from getting close to him and won't tell her why. He hopes his plan works today to reach her wolf. If she won't come out willing to talk to him, he will have to provoke her out. He just hopes Diana will forgive him if he has to go that far.

Diana can feel the tension in the car, she can tell he's upset about what happened. She didn't mean to upset him, she really was enjoying holding his hand, but Rin doesn't approve and won't tell Diana why. Not wanting to risk getting Rin more upset, she falls quiet.

They beared with the awkward silence for the next thirty minutes. Ulric wanted to talk about it, but it would be best when they get to their destination. Pulling up to a dead end off road they have been on for the last ten minutes. He stops and parks the car, giving her a warm smile.

"We are almost there. It's a bit of a hike, but will be well worth it. I promise." He tells her and gets out.

She smiles following his lead. She steps out and takes in the fresh crisp morning air of the nature around them. After she got her wolf, she enjoyed going out for a run almost every morning with Darius, it was her favorite thing to do.

Ulric grabs the basket, blanket, and a bag they have in every car just in case of emergencies. Has first aid, extra snacks, water, and clothing and other little essentials. Joining her side, she offers to take the bag, putting it on her shoulders and walks beside him as he takes the lead.

"I will be honest, it would be much quicker if we ran there with our wolves. Would you care for a run?" He asks, knowing very well that her wolf isn't a team player right now, but he is hoping she might be interested to come and stretch her legs.

Diana nibbles on her lip, looking at the ground. How does she tell him about Rin, he might get mad at her and she will have to explain everything that happened, which she is not ready to talk about with him just yet. It's too soon. She might as well try and see if Rin might be interested.

'Rin? What do you say? You used to love running.'

She feels Rin look through her eyes at the lovely forest around them. She can feel her wanting too, but she decides against it and stays quiet going back into hiding. Diana sighs in her head, that's the most she will get out of her.

"Umm I would love to, but after the lack of sleep last night, I don't want to overdo it." She says trying to get by at having to explain her wolf doesn't want to. It does take a lot of energy to shift and she hasn't done it in over a year.

Ulric nods understanding, he expected her to say no, but he has a plan for it,

"Then how would you feel if Blake carried you? He has been eager to meet you." He offers, giving her a warm smile, seeing her perk up to hearing his wolf's name for the first time.

"Blake? Your wolf? Oh I...I don't know, I don't want to make you two do all that, I don't mind walking." She stumbles over her words flustered at the thought of riding on top of his wolf.

Ulric stops, turning to her smirking, "Really, it's not a problem. Blake would be overjoyed."

She looks up at him with those big emeralds, her cheeks pink, watching her naw on her lip. God it's torture when she does that, he wants to feel those lips between his teeth so badly. She shifts her weight on each foot, adjusting the straps a little from the bag on her shoulders as she thinks it over.

She would really like to see his wolf, she has always been curious about it. With him being the Alpha of the largest pack, the larger the wolf is. She has been told Ulric is the biggest wolf anyone has ever seen, even bigger than his own father. Maybe getting Rin to see and meet his wolf might help her come out a bit more.

"Mmm okay. I guess if he doesn't mind, I'd enjoy meeting him too." She says shyly, her cheeks turning more red at the big smile on his handsome face.

"Great, be right back." He says, setting the basket and blanket down, heading over to a large tree to go behind.

Diana stood there nervous, she quickly faced the other way, not wanting to risk getting a peek at him. Her heart is pounding in her chest just knowing he's stripping his clothes off behind that tree right now. After a few minutes, she hears snapping of bones being rearranged. She was too nervous to turn around.

Hearing something large walk up slowly behind, she stiffens for a second feeling a large snoot boop her shoulder. Slowly turning around, she gasps looking up at the giant wolf before her. His head is larger than her torso. He has beautiful black fur that fades to a soft grey under his belly, tail and paws. Blake had these enchanting bright blue eyes, his large tail swaying slightly at her reaction.

"Wow Blake. You are more magnificent than I imagined." She says with awe at the size of him. He most definitely is the largest wolf she has ever seen.

Blake perks up his ears and wags his tail more at her lovely complement. He steps closer, lowering his head, wanting her to be closer to him. She slowly reaches out, placing her hand on top of his large head, not able to help herself wanting to know what his fur felt like. He gives her a pleased growl enjoying her touch through his thick fur. He felt like a soft cloud, getting lost in the feeling of his fur, she stepped closer hugging his head, putting her face into his fur.

Wagging his tail more, he lowers down laying on the ground and nuzzles her. She laughs stepping back looking at the giant wolf, enjoying the happiness in his eyes. He lifts his head and licks her cheek,

"Hey!" She laughs, wiping her cheek free of his slobber.

Stepping back, she feels Rin moving a lot up there in her head, then a rush goes through her head. Blake and Ulric look at her, seeing her eyes turning black, her wolf has taken over, looking at Blake with curiosity. Blake didn't move, but his eyes followed her as she started to slowly walk around him. She then steps closer wanting to feel his fur again, that made Blake start to wag his tail again.

The movement of his tail startled Rin. She stops looking at his tail then she looks over into his eyes, seeing the joy and hope she likes what she sees. Rin suddenly gives a sour look, snapping out of the mating daze, she growls at him and disappears back into Diana's mind. Blake quickly moves over to her, catching her as she stumbles, holding her head.

"Ugh...what just happened? Rin?" She groans, her head felt like it was split in two.

Blake whines, bopping her neck with his nose, nuzzling her. She looks over at him and smiles, laughing slightly embarrassed.

"Oh Blake I'm alright. Sorry I guess I had a dizzy spell." She tells him, rubbing his large nose, feeling the sharp pain fade away now. She hears Rin huff in her head, going silent again.

Finding her balance, she walks over taking his clothes, putting it in the bag. Then grabs the basket, walking back over to him.

"Shall we go?" She asks giving him a big smile hoping she didn't worry him or offend him from Rin's attitude. Rin hasn't pushed through like that in a long time, maybe this mate bond will help her get through to Rin, with Ulric's help.

Blake nods his big head, she carefully climbs up on his back, holding onto the basket close to her, hugging her legs over his sides, gripping the scruff of his neck. Blake starts out slow making sure she is hanging on tight then moves into a nice fast stride.

It was so different not being the one running through the woods, but riding on a wolf through the woods. The crisp fresh air, stinging her cheeks red, but it felt amazing. Made her feel alive, she just wished Rin wished to do this again with her. Looking around, enjoying the lovely forest around them, she smiles and hugs his warm fur, his wonderful pine and mint scent bringing peace to her troubled mind again.

'Is she enjoying herself?' Ulric asks Blake.

'I believe so. Wish Rin liked us too'

'I know, give her time. Seeing her push through like that, means we are getting somewhere.'

After a fifteen minute run brings them out into an open clearing with a large cliff ahead. Over the cliff was a large waterfall down below and it was on a large hilltop showing off the amazing forest in the morning sunlight. The strong snowy mountains out in the far distance. Diana couldn't believe her eyes, it was the most beautiful sight she has ever seen.

Blake lays down, she carefully jumps off him. He boops the bag on her shoulder,

"Oh right, sorry." She says distracted by the sight, holding the bag out. He gently takes the strap in his mouth and hurries off behind a large tree to shift back and get dressed.

Diana sets the blanket and basket aside, taking in the view. The wind blowing through her hair and the sun warming her pale skin. She has missed this. Ulric steps out behind the tree fully dressed again, walking over to her side, he takes in the view, then the wonderful view beside him.

"What did you think of Blake?" He asks, giving her a playful smirk.

She smiles, glancing up at him, " He's wonderful. One of the best looking wolves I have seen. I think people under exaggerate how big he is."

He chuckles, feeling proud to hear that. " He enjoyed your company as well and is happy you approve. Seemed like we sparked another's interest, I hope?" He carefully asks.

She gives him a worried look, gripping her hands and looking out at the view, "Uh yeah...I'm sorry for that. Rin...my wolf is not herself much these days. I hope she didn't offend you for her rudeness."

Ulric smiles warmly at her then sighs, " No, not at all. Diana, I have another confession to make, but first let's sit."

He steps over grabbing the blanket and lays out on the ground. They take a seat, Diana sits next to him at an angle, not wanting to be too close, but where she can still enjoy the view and talk with him.

"I promised you I would be honest. I know about your situation with your wolf. When you left the breakfast table early that day, meeting Freya. I followed after you and your father, I ended up over hearing you talking to your father. I didn't mean to over hear. I brought it up with your father the next day while you spent it with Freya and the others. He told me that your wolf blames you, but didn't give me the reason why, that I should ask you about it." He says getting it all out, hoping she doesn't get too upset with him.

Her eyes widen from the sudden information he is revealing about what he knows already. Explains why he didn't get upset with Rin snapping at Blake earlier and didn't push to go running, offering to take her.

"Hmm well that explains a lot behind your actions today. Thank you for telling me, actually makes this a bit less awkward for me now trying to hide it. Yes, Rin doesn't speak to me. She's reacting a lot when I am around you, but still doesn't say a word. She hasn't pushed through like that in a long time, Blake seemed to have caught her eye, but I don't think she is happy for reacting that way. I think the mating bond caught her off guard." She says happy to have that off her chest.

It was his turn to be surprised, he half expected her to get upset with him for learning things about her behind her back,

"You're not upset?" He asks confused

She blinks at him confused as well, " No, why would I be upset? You just said you heard our conversation on accident and hearing such a thing I know being mated with each other, you can't help find out more about it to help me. So no I'm not mad, actually kind of relieved. It's kind of embarrassing. Being a wolf, but can't be a wolf. Don't forget, I've been through this mating bond before, I know how crazy it can make us think and act at times." She chuckles, looking shyly down at her hands fiddling with them.

Ulric smiles, enjoying her sweet shy moments with him. "Well if you allow me, Angel. I'd like to help get Rin to connect with you again, seeing how she reacts when I am around, maybe I can get her to talk with me."

Diana could feel Rin roll her eyes, but the little nickname that he called her made her butterflies flutter, her cheeks flush, looking up at him.

"Angel?" She questionly asks, feeling her cheeks turn more red.

He smirks, loving her reaction to what he called her, he didn't even notice he did it. It just came out naturally to him,

"Yes. Angel. If you hate it, I won't call you it."

" Oh no...I like it, it's fine. You think you might be able to reach Rin, when I cannot and I live with her twenty four seven."

" I would like to try, if you're okay with it. I know you're listening, Rin. I'm not here to replace anyone, I just want to help you both." He says looking into her eyes, seeing them turn a shade darker.

Diana smiles, " I wouldn't mind the help. She heard you, but still isn't saying anything."

" It might help, if you tell me why she blames you for what happened that day? I'll understand if you don't wish to speak of it right now, but it would help."

Gripping her hands, she nods looking down at them. "Yes, but I...can't right now." She says softly.

He wished she wouldn't sit so far from him, "You can come closer to me, Angel, I won't bite."

She chuckles looking up at him, " It's not you that I expect will bite. Rin seems to hate when I get close to you and puts a horrible image in my head of Darius."

Ulric lifts a brow at her, " Is that so? Come here. We don't have to cuddle if you don't want to, but holding hands shouldn't hurt and if she lashes out, just hold on to me tighter, I will keep you safe Angel."

She smiles, getting flustered by his words. She really enjoys the peace he gives her being close to him. Moving closer, sitting by his side. He takes her hand, folding his fingers in between hers, she leans her arm against his. The sparks from their touch sends a thrill through her body, his scent brings peace to her mind. It was still strange how his touch still felt familiar, but different too.

Taking in the lovely view for a moment, enjoying the comfortable silence between them. She lets out a soft sigh, gently resting her head on his shoulder,

"Thank you for this Ulric. Thank you for everything. I don't know why the moon goddess felt like I deserved a second chance mate, especially someone as kind as you." She softly says, keeping her eyes on the mountains, she could get used to this view.

Looking over at her, admiring her beauty, looking at peace at his side. He smiles, happy to bring her such comfort,

"I didn't use to be so kind. When Freya and I first met, we had a lot of our ups and downs. She helped better me. I used to be hard headed like my father."

" Your father. Mmm yes I can understand that. I only met the man a couple of times when I was younger, but I will be honest, he frightens me." She laughs with him.

" I think my mother is the only one not really afraid of him. He is a very proud man, I respect that."

" Where are your parents?"

" They went on a well needed vacation. They will be back by the end of the month. My mother doesn't want to be gone too long and miss out on planning things for the twins' arrival."

Diana smiles at the thought of his pups, her hand subconsciously going over her stomach again. Ulric glances over at her, he notices she always seems to do that when they mention his pups and she has this deep sadness in her eyes right after.

"I'm happy for you both. Have you and Freya thought of names yet?"

He smiles, leaning more into her a bit, wanting to be even closer to her. Maybe she hates that her and Darius never got a chance to have a pup together, that's why she reacts like that. If she wants pups, he will give her as many as she wants.

"Not yet. We plan to name them as they are born, kind of a tradition in my family. The names come to us when we first see them."

" That's lovely. I like that. I hope they are boys, so your strong line continues. " She says, giving him a smile, looking up at him.

He looks down at her, giving her a smile back, looking into her eyes and getting lost in them. He wanted to lean in and kiss those soft pink lips of her so badly it hurt. Slowly moving in closer to her, seeing if she will let him, not able to help himself with how much stronger the bond is getting.

Diana cheeks flush, seeing the want for her in his eyes as they turn a darker shade of blue. Leaning in close, his lips just inches away from hers, she couldn't breathe or move. She wanted to feel the touch of his lips just as badly. He moves closer, feeling his hot breath brush against her lips now, closing her eyes waiting for that sweet taste of his lips to claim hers, but she suddenly snaps out of it as Rin growls loudly in her head.

Ulric backs away quickly, holding his breath seeing her flinch in pain, grabbing her head and turning away from him. He curses to himself for giving into the need to be with her so easily. Sighing, he runs a hand through his thick jet black hair.

"Damn it, I'm sorry Diana." He says softly, gently resting a hand on her back, feeling her trembling.

Rin was pissed, she could feel her wanting to lecture her, but that would mean speaking with her. She continued growling annoyed some more then went silent with a huff. Diana feels Ulric's gentle touch on her back, softly rubbing it, helping her calm down her trembling.

'What is your problem Rin!? I'm so tired of this, just talk to me already damn it!' she growls at Rin in her head, but she stays silent as always.

Sighing, she turns back to Ulric, not even caring if Rin is against it. She wants to feel this warmth again, he makes her feel not so alone. Rin abandons her, her father tries his best to be there for her, but Ulric being her second chance mate can help her feel alive again. Yes, she misses Darius more than anything and Ulric could never replace him, but she is tired.

Ulric freezes as Diana suddenly turns around and burrows herself into his large chest, wrapping her arms around his large torso, barely wrapping all around him. She wants to cry, but is just seeking comfort.

"I'm sorry, it was Rin. She got mad again." She says muffled into his chest.

His blue eyes soften looking down at her. He can tell Diana really wants to be close to him, giving her something she hasn't felt in a long time. Not caring what Rin thinks for right now, he wraps his big arms around her small frame and pulls her into his lap, completely embracing her. Them both taking in each other's scents, to calm the ache for each other.

"You have nothing to apologise for Angel. I shouldn't have gotten carried away." He softly tells her resting his chin on the top of her head, letting each other just enjoy the moment of holding one another.

Besides getting his strong scent, she can smell Freya on him as well, with them being mated. Surprisingly she didn't mind it, she had this sweet jasmine and honey scent that just warms the soul. Their bond is so strong, they love each other very much.

Pulling back, Diana adjusts in his lap, turning around to rest her back against his chest, having his arms around her waist. Letting his strong large warm body relax with hers while she looks out at the view, resting her head back on his shoulder.

"Does this feel weird to you just a little bit? Being attracted to another other then Freya? It feels slightly strange to me. Being with Darius, I never imagined being with any other and the thought of another disgusted me."

Ulric loved having her in his lap like this, seeing her get stronger by the second against her wolf. Her wolf will soon break and speak to Diana, he can tell. Hugging his arms happily around her waist, he rests and relaxes with her.

"It does feel weird just a little, but it feels more right then anything. Even Freya thinks it's slightly weird but right as well. The moon goddess works in strange ways, but she always thinks the best for her people."

Diana sighs, closing her eyes, " I wish I could feel the same as you do about her, but right now I am not on good terms with her. Taking my mother and my mate from me. Then when I found you, I felt like she was playing a cruel joke on me, trying to torture me some more."

" That's where you are wrong Diana. What happened to your mother and your mate is not the goddesses fault. She plans our lives with the right person, not how our lives go. She couldn't have known that would happen to your family. Her giving you me, is a sign of her trying to help you find your way again and deserve love."

She smiles liking his explanation, but what use would she be to Ulric. Why would the goddess pair her with the largest, strongest Alpha of the biggest pack. What path is she trying to give her that can benefit him in all this. Even if she connects with Rin again and they become official, she is still useless as a she wolf to him.

"Let's change the subject to a more happy conversation. What's your favorite color?" He asks smiling, tilting his head looking at her, enjoying the beautiful smile and her angelic laugh at his random question.

"Purple, yours?"

"Blue. Freya's is Green." He didn't know why he needed to put Freya's likes in there, but he's glad she doesn't mind.

They spent the rest of the day just asking as many simple questions about each other. When they dug into the basket for lunch, Diana shook her head at him seeing he asked her father for her favorite things to eat, because the basket was filled with different things of her favorites. He finally admitted he had prepared ahead for this if she chose to go out and do this.

It got easier throughout the day talking with him, the more they got to know each other. Rin seemed to stay quiet and to herself, listening in on them once in a while. As long as they didn't attempt to get closer then cuddling with each other Rin left Diana be.