Devoted : Enemies and Heirs

Chapter 4

I wake with a jolt, looking around in a panic. What happened? Where am I?

The man rushes up to me, "Hey, hey. It's okay. I'm not going to hurt you. I could never hurt you. Please, I have some extra clothes, I would appreciate it if you could shift so I could explain."

My head jerks between his face and the clothes next to the cot. I take a deep breath, trying to calm myself down. I nod slowly as he turns to leave.

I close my eyes so I can focus on shifting, unsure why I'm trusting him so much. I feel like a part of me knows, but my head is so foggy right now I'm not connecting information.

I pull on his clothes, his scent surrounding me. How did I not notice before how good he smells? Just his scent alone is seeming to calm me down.

I walk out of the tent slowly, the noise causing him to turn around. As soon as his gaze reaches my eyes I feel like the air is knocked out of me and I can't breathe.

He smiles again and my body instantly reacts. My heart is pounding but in a good way and my stomach is turning circles.

He walks over slowly, making sure not to make any sudden movements. I assume it's to make sure I don't run, but I couldn't move even if I wanted to.

"Come, let's sit by the fire and I'll explain everything."

I follow him, still unsure as to why I'm trusting him right now.

He hands me a mug and I smile when I look inside and see hot chocolate. "I haven't had hot chocolate in years. Decades, it seems."

He smiles sadly, "Well I'm glad I could provide it now. I've been looking forward to this day for so long, and yet I find myself speechless. I knew you would be beautiful, but my deepest imagination couldn't hold a candle to your true beauty."

I blush deeply as he seems to look me over for the second time. "Let's start with your name."

A strange look passed over his face before he smiles softly, "You can call me Dakota."

I smile softly, "Okay, Dakota. I take it you're a werewolf like me?"

He nods, "I am."

"What were those sparks I felt when you touched my head?"

He moves closer to me, reaching up to my cheek. I close my eyes as his thumb strokes my cheek, producing the same sparks as before.

"I'm not 100% sure as I've never experienced it before now, but I have an idea. Do you trust me?"

I open my eyes, "I know I shouldn't, but yes. I trust you."

He leans in slowly and I close my eyes in anticipation. When his lips finally meet mine it feels like my whole world has exploded.

Only one word is clear to me: MATE.

He pulls back, resting his forehead against mine. "Wow."

I'm impressed he can even talk after that kiss, I certainly can't.

I look up into his eyes, trying my best to memorize every speck in his irises. He captures my lips in another breathtaking kiss, sliding his fingers into my hair. I move to straddle him, deepening the kiss.

When I feel his erection underneath me, I gasp, giving him the opportunity to deepen the kiss with our tongues.

My body seems to move of it's own volition, grinding against him. I've never been brave enough to pleasure myself for fear that Damien would discover me, but it seems to come naturally with Dakota.

He pulls away only to kiss his way down to my neck, settling at the sweet spot where my neck meets my shoulder. He nibbles on my skin, causing me to moan.

"Dakota..."

He growls and I can feel it all the way down in my core. "Goddess, my name sounds like heaven from your lips."

I shudder as his teeth graze my skin. "Believe me when I say I never want to leave your arms, but I have more questions."

He sighs, "You're right. I apologize." He lifts me up so instead of straddling him I'm just sitting in his lap.

I take that opportunity to clear my mind and look around. When I look up at the darkening sky I bolt upright to standing.

"How long was I unconscious?"

Dakota stands, looking down at me worriedly. "A couple hours, why?"

"s**t! I have to go. If I'm not back by sundown I'll never get to leave the pack house again."

I start pulling off his clothes so that I don't rip them when I shift. I'm amazed he has the decency to turn away.

"Why do you need to get back so quickly?"

I blink, unsure how much I should tell him. "There's a curfew in affect."

He doesn't respond so I hope that means he believes me. I hate lying to him but I don't want him thinking he can take on Damien.

I stand up on my toes and kiss his cheek, "I'll try to come back tomorrow."

I shift and quickly make my way back to the pack house. I pass a river and take the opportunity to roll around in the water and mud. I wish I could cherish his scent on me but if Damien smells him, Dakota will be in serious danger.