Crossed Swords And Crossed Hearts

CHAPTER TWO : Strange Encounters

Eduardo’s Pov

The forest stirred with a myriad of scents, but one in particular cut through the underbrush and infiltrated every fiber of my being. It was an intoxicating concoction that stirred a storm within me—a magnetic pull that clashed against the irrevocable bond I already held. The urge to find the source, to hold them close, was a betrayal to my commitment, a conflict that gnawed at my soul.

The moon goddess might have decreed a union, but I refused to yield to a fate dictated by an unseen force. The stranger lurking in the depths of the forest wasn’t a part of my plans, and their presence threatened the equilibrium I sought to maintain.

“Come out” I commanded. With a command etched in authority, I demanded. Impatience swirled within me, fueled by their lingering scent that spoke volumes of their proximity. Yet, the defiance in their silence only fueled the inferno of frustration roaring within.

I c****d my head to the side, waiting for this person to come before me. Their pheromone was still heavy, and so I am certain they are still on the same spot since I came around. I can’t believe this person has the guts to keep me waiting .Repeated orders fell into the abyss of the dense woods, met by an obstinate absence. Their reluctance to heed my call was a blatant challenge, one that further stoked the flames of my aggravation. Patience dwindled as I realized waiting was a futile endeavor.

“Come out this instant” I commanded again, releasing more pheromones to bring this person to submission, but seconds had passed and they were still hidden in the thick back trees of the forest. I am done waiting, patients weren't the solution to this situation. I needed to get this over with. And so I let myself move towards this unknown person. But as I dared to take the first step forward, the rustle of grass betrayed their retreat. Anger surged, mingling with a primal instinct to chase, to capture what eluded me. This person was running. Not to me but away from me. I growled in frustration, I definitely am not chasing an unknown person, it’s best if they are away from me. And so I turn away, pressing down the urge and inner yelling of my wolf to chase after this unknown person.

“What are you doing here?”

I frowned as the question reached me, straining to catch a glimpse of the individual just a short distance away. Clearly a woman, judging by her stature and attire—a somber dress that hinted at widowhood. Our encounter confirmed my suspicion, as her appearance and demeanor spoke of loss and grief. She seemed to be in her sixties, carrying the weight of mourning upon her. It was a pity to see her in such a state, likely wandering on her own now that her companion was no longer by her side.

“Who are you?” I questioned.The enigmatic figure before me held an air of mystique, a presence that defied the ordinary. Her response, or lack thereof, to my inquiry only deepened the intrigue. She didn’t exude the roughness of a rogue or the familiarity of a pack member; instead, there was an undeniable regality about her.

“I shall be on my way now” She stated softly as she began to drag her feet past me, walking away from my presence. The woman is strange, she was definitely not a member of my pack, and this was a path leading to several packs. And then my eyes widened as I turned to call the woman back, but she was gone, no trace of her aside from the blood that dripped for hand as she walked away.

The sight stirred a flurry of questions within me, igniting curiosity that tugged at my instincts. However, the path ahead was tangled with uncertainties, and my obligations loomed large. I couldn’t allow this unexpected encounter to divert my course. As much as the unanswered riddles piqued my interest, today was not the day to chase the unknown.

With a heavy heart and a reluctant step, I continued on my journey, leaving behind the unknown mate, and the widowed woman.

“Eduardo!!”

In that moment, she stood before me—my everything, my partner, mate. As I caught sight of the faint pout gracing her features, a radiant smile spread across my face. Closing the distance between us, I enveloped her in my embrace, cherishing the warmth of her presence.

Lowering my head, I traced a gentle path down to where our love had blossomed and grown. Resting against her stomach, I spoke softly, directing my words to the beautiful evidence of our shared affection, to the life flourishing within her.

"Aw, you've been eagerly waiting for cuddles?" I chuckled as Ayza's playful complaint reached my ears.

"Guilty as charged," I teased in response.

"Eduardo!" Her protest only made me lean in, planting a tender kiss upon her forehead. "I'm sorry, baby, I just needed a run in the forest," I explained, my initial plans disrupted by unforeseen circumstances.

"Still, you should've returned sooner," Ayza remarked, her doe eyes reflecting her genuine disappointment. "I won't do it again," I vowed, winking at her as I pulled her close, encircling her waist with my arm.

As I saw her nod, I couldn't resist the urge to lift her up, her adorable protests and playful struggle only adding to the desire to hold her even tighter. With a grin, I swept her off her feet, carrying her toward our room, reveling in her sweet whines that made my heart yearn to cherish her even more.

The night rushed by, leaving behind a trail of stress that lingered into the next day. Without Ayza by my side, the day seemed even more taxing. My mind couldn't help but wander, wondering how she was faring. It was meant to be a day of celebration, surrounded by friends and colleagues, yet thoughts of Ayza clouded my mind. I understood her reluctance to attend the birthday dining, given the hostility from my family, but I couldn't shake the longing to be with her, to feel the gentle kicks of our future pup beneath my touch.

However, reality had me seated in the dining room amidst unfamiliar faces. Courtesy of my father, I had to plaster on a fake smile and feign warmth to make them feel welcomed.

"Your son has grown so much like you, Mr. Adams," a woman commented from the end of the table—the Luna of the Green pack, Mrs. Holloway. Her presence alone had caused turmoil in my family, a consequence of her indiscretions with a married man. Disgust twisted within me at her words, prompting me to take a sip of the wine placed before me.

My father's smile greeted her comment before he replied, "Yes, and I'm sure your daughter has learned a lot from you."

It would be a shame if the poor girl had indeed learned from her.

"She has. In fact, you can see it for yourself," Mrs. Holloway announced, clapping her hands, perplexing everyone gathered. “Melissa” She called.

While confusion contorted the faces around the table, my expression mirrored disgust as the familiar scent from the previous night washed over me. My head instinctively turned toward the woman standing beside Mrs. Holloway, and as expected, her eyes met mine.

"Mate," she blurted.

Surely this couldn't be happening.