Blood Moon Sworn; Book 2

Ivy's Pain and Protector.

Ivy POV

I'd barely had a straight thought for the remainder of the day after Broc's encounter and questions.

Was I the goddess's gift to him? Or Payment in exchange for his discoveries?

The idea didn't sit well with me, I lay on my bed, with so many thoughts running through my mind, subconsciously listening to Broc, he was in the lounge room watching tv.

It was so weird for a wolf, were or not, to be able to speak like a human and watch tv like it was normal.

I growled at myself for letting any thoughts of Broc into my mind, his proposal had shook me, despite the fact I had declined and determined to continue doing so, it still didn't sit well.

I huffed a breathe of air trying to expell some of my stress, I closed my eyes, feeling a frown form anyway, I wouldn't fool anyone, he'd got under my skin, doubts had begun to surface regarding the goddess.

I tried to change my train of  thoughts, Conrad, now there was another problem, with no second chance mate, was I truly stuck between Conrad and eternity of loneliness? 

Though I disliked the idea of existing alone or at least single, as for Conrad that still felt a long way off a choice of Mate, friend maybe, lover? no for a long time yet, my trust had crumbled and I still felt nervous in his presence.

And yet...

When I thought of his naked torso, his chiseled features, his soft kisses when we'd laid together, his gentle caressers, his loving gaze like she'd been the only girl he'd ever cared for..yeah that was hard to forget.

I sighed, a smile tugged at my lips, my eyes half closed at the memories of all our moments together, I remembered the ball, he'd been a mythical price as he spun her around the floor, if only that night could of lasted forever..

That was when I felt it, at first a small pang, I frowned, it felt as though someone had pinched me.

Then I felt aroused, lustful, warm.

Another small pain, to my heart, I clutched at my chest.

Then it was like a kick to the chest, the pain of a full on betrayal seared through my veins like fire down a fuse, a shriek of surprise exploded from my lips.

My mind fogged, I heard heavy foot steps, that's when I realised that the pain was emanating from my Mate connection to Conrad, he was kissing another wolf, he was aroused not me.

Someone leaned over me, my mind still foggy, I didn't recognise them , their features were that of a stranger, but the eyes I knew, Broc.

I whimpered, the pain spread through me, though it was the understanding that hurt more, he looked over me, concern in his eyes, he searched for an injury, it was only when I clutched for his hand and he looked into my eyes he understood.

He looked apologetic, his black eyes seemed to dull to a dark grey, that were filled with a deep concern, he gently gathered me in his arms lifting me from my bed, I let him, needing someone's reassurance and comfort.

I clutched to his shirt like a child, a sob escaping from me, as I felt the pleasure Conrad was feeling in the mystery she-wolves arms, I cut my end of the connection, leaving me feeling nothing but numb, as Broc carried me out of my room.

I closed my arms, feeling his footsteps, he nudged me, I only snuggled closer, all suspicions and fears forgotten in my betrayal and pain.

Broc lowered me onto a soft warm surface, I opened my eyes, reality kicking in, I blinked as I lay in the center of a large bed, I scanned the room, landing on a door ajar to my left, a yellow light glowed within.

I made to move when a chuckle caused me to pause.

"Now now Ivy, don't fuss, I'm not going to force you into anything, don't rush yourself." Broc's voice echoed, I saw a movement in the doorway, the view caused me to swallow, bare chest and every bit as chiseled as Conrad stood a golden tanned man in his late 30's, his black hair wet and slicked back, his eyes black as the night outside captured me.

"Broc?" I asked, my voice unsure, he was so..young looking and attractive.

He smirked, a wild glint in his eyes, though I could also see the concern in the lines of his face.

"Yes, surprised?" He asks, his eyes flashing as I nod awkwardly, my cheeks heating, no wonder the Goddess had fallen for this man, he was toned, tanned and gorgeous.

I felt myself swallow, then I remembered what I'd just experience and against my efforts, I felt tears threaten again.

I quickly hung my head, letting my loose hair curtain my face from Broc's invasive gaze, hearing him move from the doorway I made to turn away, but found myself to slow as I was pulled against Broc's chest.

"I may have been an asshole in the passed but I'm not heartless, I heard and felt you agony, I thought.." His voice cracked and I felt him swallow. "I thought you were hurt, and you were through you Mate's bond correct?" He asked, I nod once, my heart hammering in my chest, his scent musky and inviting in my nostrils, he continued.

"I don't know anything of Mate bond's since I was cursed, but if it was anything like the betrayal I felt from the goddess, I pity you, and wanted to comfort you anyway I could." Broc says, his voice low and raspy, I lean into his chest, it doesn't matter what I've been told, in that moment I welcomed his offer of comfort.

Before I knew it, I was relaxing in his embrace, his leaned back against the bedhead, switching on the tv, I watched half-heartedly letting myself be pulled into a restful sleep, my chest aching with every breath.

It only eased briefly once my eyes closed, when I felt a warmth gently brush the top of my hair.

"Goodnight Ivy.." was the last thing I felt whispered with warm breath into my ear, I smiled snuggling against the owner further.

Broc POV

I'd been stretching ready for bed, I'd just chucked my shirt onto the floor, when I heard her.

"Ahhhrrghh" the sound turned my blood to painful Ice, Ivy.

I moved quicker then I had in years, I slammed open her door, scanning the room, nothing stood out.

I turned my attention to where she lay, I leaned over, searching for injuries, again nothing.

It was only when I met her eyes I understood, pain, emotional pain, she reached desperately for my hand, I blinked but allowed it.

I frowned it had to have something to do with the mate bond, she was breathing hard and laboured, tears stained her cheeks and she held a hand clutched to her chest.

I swallowed, her eyes glazing, I came to a decision, I gathered her in my arms holding her to my chest, her bed was too small for the both of us.

Her gaze seemed hesitant confused at my human form, she'd never seen it before, but her eyes registered my eyes as mine, so she didn't fight me.

I carried her to my room, her small hands clutching my shirt, I could smell the stench of the betrayal she felt, the realization hitting me hard, taking me back to an experience of my own.

I placed her gently on the bed, striding into the bathroom, I gripped the sink, my hands white with tension I felt.

I turned the tap on splashing my face, I let the droplets trickled down my face and neck, I heard the bed creak and moved to the doorway.

"Now now Ivy, don't fuss, I'm not going to force you into anything, don't rush yourself." I tried to sound reassuring but it came out cocky, I cringed inwardly.

"Broc?" Ivy asked, blinking as she did a double take, her eyes beginning at me topes before meeting my eyes, she was blushing, she looked so cute.

"Yes, Surprised?" I asked, though her reaction told all, and her scent of arousal, though enticing also surprised me.

She hung her head trying to hide her feelings, I almosted chuckled, instead I clibed onto the bed behind her, pulling her to my chest.

"I may have been an asshole in the passed but I'm not heartless, I heard and felt you agony, I thought.." My voice cracked, I tried to swallow, my mouth dry. "I thought you were hurt, and you were through you Mate's bond correct?" 

She says nothing, so I decide to continue, rambling in my nervousness, after more then 1000 years of living? What had she done to me? 

"I don't know anything of Mate bond's since I was cursed, but if it was anything like the betrayal I felt from the goddess, I pity you, and wanted to comfort you anyway I could." I try again, my voice cracking a little. she sniffled against my chest, I feel her nod, and decide to remain quiet for a while.

After some time she relaxes against me, I take this opportunity to use the remote to turn the tv on, she watches for a while before closing her eyes, I listen as her breath evens out.

I smiled to myself, pressing my lips into her hair, I feel myself relax, she smells like vanilla and caramel.

"Goodnight Ivy.." I whisper to her, she sighs in answer. I barely sleep all night, instead watching over the hurt woman in my arms.

I can't help wondering what i***t would choose any other she-wolf's company, over that of his beautiful and kind Mate's?

I felt that stab of possessiveness at the thought, I wanted blood for Ivy's pain, I was quickly growing attached to her, I was feeling things I hadn't in over 1000 years.

Ivy stirred briefly pulling me from my thoughts, I froze, as she snuggled down again, I wished she'd never wake for fear of her leaving my arms.