The Chosen One

Chapter 4: Draxen

She was beautiful yet frail, like a leaf tossed in the storm.

Her doe-like eyelids batted in confusion at my declaration, even as the morning wind trailed past her damp, moist hair. Her pupils dilated and eyebrows squeezed , triggering within me the instincts to protect her.

From whatever it was that put her in this mangled condition.

My chest tightened as I caught the scent of blood in the tangle of her hair. The sharpness of the scent pointed to its freshness and it made me frown in question— no matter what did hurt her, she should have healed by now.

“M-my mate?” She stammered.

“Yes,” I replied with a gentle scowl of my own, noticing the denial in her eyes– as if she hadn’t expected me to meet me.

The hesitation, the stammer, the faint flicker of disbelief in her eyes—none of those pointed out the honesty of her reply. I felt more like she hadn’t expected to see me, now of all times. But I could understand that, she was a scarred survivor.

And the mate bond was the last thing she expected to encounter, after losing her pack.

I leaned sideways to my Beta. “Lucien, go ahead, tell the house of my find. And get me Madame Bea.”

Lucien's eyes flickered to Flora very briefly. “And her?”

“She comes with me.” I replied monotonously, placing my jacket around her shoulders. .

Lucien nodded silently, though his eyes betrayed concern for my safety. And I could not blame him-- we lived in dire times.

But Flora was my mate, and I sure as hell wanted to find out everything myself.

When Lucien walked away, the tension in her shoulders eased. I could see the relief etched out on her face.

“It's alright.” I mumbled low, as calmly as I could. “Whatever happened, you’re safe here.”

She nodded.

“How about we walk, at our own pace, and you tell me what went down.” I mumbled. “Would you like that?”

“Yes. I’d love that very much.” She replied quietly with a nod..

A flicker of light danced in her eyes, relief softening her features as a small smile played at the corner of her lips. The sight sent a thrill within me, as the mate bond rumbled in my head, igniting a fierce desire to claim her-- there and then.

But now was not the time-- I just met her. So I tensed and fought my wolf for control.

I drew a sharp breath, realizing the growing silence. I could tell she was lost in her thoughts, gears in her head turning until I took a step.

We walked down the expanse of the beach, taking in the salty winds as awkward silence descended on us. I was not sure how to proceed.

Not to mention the tight, distant look in her eyes. It was a mystery, trying to decipher what she thought about.

Just then, our arms brushed and I felt the soft, velvety feel of her skin again. It was like a soft call to me, urging me to clear the silence. To feel her in my arms, like I once did.

But the urge to have her more comfortable with me prevailed.

A flicker of sadness in her eyes made me livid, rage coursing through me. Flora lost everything-- her pack, her family. It was inhuman and every ounce of me demanded justice for her pain.

Except, I didn't know the full story.

I wanted her to speak on her own terms. So I made a mental note of having Lucien investigate this. Whatever or whomever hurt my mate— they did not deserve to live.

I was lost in my anger that I barely heard Flora groan, staggering forward. She had hit a tree stump and was falling fast. Quickly, I bolted forward, holding her by her chest and waist.

“Ouch. Ouch.” She groaned, tipping to massage her toe.

“Are you alright?” I whispered gently. “Can you still walk? If you can’t, I will lift you all the way.”

I was livid yet concerned for her wellbeing. Angry that I let myself go while allowing her to hurt again.

I should have seen that.

But even as I berated myself mentally, another emotion dazed me with the close proximity of our bodies. Especially the warmth of her plump breasts against my arm. .

I was fighting two battles now— anger and lust.

It was hard to stay present as my breath hitched and an undeniable tension roared within.

When she rose, a warm flush spread across her cheeks. And I was caught off guard by the mischievous curl of her lips in a smirk.

“I can,” She mouthed. “Thank you.”

As we walked, the only sounds that greeted her were the crunching of leaves underfoot and the occasional morning bird call. The air became tense and awkward until I could no longer bear it.

"Are you relaxed enough to tell me about your pack…" I asked, breaking the silence. “About what happened?”

Flora stopped, leaning against a tree.

The salty sea wind was behind us, replaced by the fresh air of the woods. Sunlight streamed in through gaps in the canopy above, casting a serene glow on her face that bathed her like an angel in shimmering light.

I envied the light that caressed her cheeks, wanting so desperately to feel the softness of her skin. My fingers ached, dancing with the urge to reach out to her. But I looked away, distracting myself with the trees around us.

“Have you ever shifted in a serene place like this?”

It was an innocent question, but her expression darkened almost immediately– like I had touched something forbidden. When I caught her eyes, she looked away before mumbling back in a barely audible voice.

“I-I’d rather not talk about that.”

Which one?—was the question I wanted to ask. But I decided not to press. When I returned my gaze to her, I caught her staring at me.

She had a hungering look in her eyes, her luscious red lips twitching in a way that invited me. From where I stood, I could tell she was eating me with the way her eyes danced all over me.

So, I played along.

I closed the distance between us with a knowing smirk.

Hitting the space above her head, on the trunk made her flinch. Followed by a blush of red in her cheek.. And I couldn't help but grin wider, savouring the scene.

She wasn’t scared when I leaned in, with inches apart. It was rather an inviting look, that had a sense of urgency to them, with how her lips parted and her eyes searched my face.

“You’re hiding something, Flora.” I breathed out.

Soon as the words left my lips, Flora tensed again but her expectant eyes never left mine.

In the moment that followed, the world faded away-- the chirping birds, distant crash of the waves--- all faded into nothing as I was lost in the depth of her gaze, drawn into a silence that communicated our longing desire. .

My lips twitched, her pupils darted searchingly and hungrily.. As if in approval, she leaned forward, tipping her jaws to me. It was all the signal I needed.

I moved in to claim her, to share our very first kiss together. But the moment I closed in and she shut her eyes, I heard a loud howl.

And then Flora flinched, her eyes flickering open as she gasped out, holding her head.

“No. No. No.” She screamed, white with terror as her breathing spiked.