Cruel Fate

Chapter 3

5 years ago

Werewolves couldn’t get drunk without wolfs-bane. So here Ember was taking shots of human vodka mixed with wolfsbane. She originally had every intention to get drunk. But she realized that might not be the best idea. Instead, she found herself tipsy and on the dance floor trying to sober up. She was swaying and moving her hips to the beat well aware of her mate watching her. She could smell him and sense his eyes on her the entire time. But she didn't dare look for him. She was going to enjoy this night before it was over.

Julian was indeed watching her like she was his prey. He made sure no other male touched or looked at her or he'd mate her right here and right now. The way her hips moved to the beat stirred his c**k.

After a few more songs Ember sighed and approached her mate following his scent. She knew he was waiting for her to get her fill of the night and worst of all watching it all happen.

She found him far away from the festival in a secluded part of the clearing; it was a full moon that lit the way to him.

"Are you ready to talk now?" Julian broke the silence and held out his hand to her. To which she hesitated for a second before taking it and allowing him to pull her closer. She gasped when their fingertips touched and their bodies collided.

"I am, my escape from reality was a little short but worth it." Ember’s voice wavered as she felt their goddess gifted bond. She bit her lip trying not to react to their bond. But god is this an amazing feeling. I've never felt anything like this.

"Do you know how long I've waited for you mate?" He nuzzled her neck placing a light kiss on his spot he would eventually mark.

Her eyelids fluttered slightly and instead she chose to put some distance between them. “We have the rest of our lives together to talk. Run with me?” Ember asked, taking a step back.

“I would love nothing more than to run with you but we should really talk.” Julian closed the distance between them and held her waist.

“Let’s go to my favorite spot and talk then but to get there we’ve got to run.” Ember smiled mischievously. She had no intention of talking. So she would prolong the talk as much as she could and any way she could.

Julian released Ember from his embrace, allowing her to slip from his arms. He watched her closely, the tension between them palpable, his gaze never leaving her as she took a step back. Ember's eyes glinted mischievously.

“Fine, lead the way, little wolf. I can never deny a chase.” Julian growled, licking his lips, his eyes darkening with anticipation. His wolf was excited to be out with his mate, the primal urge to hunt and claim her surging through him.

Ember didn’t care if she tore her clothes. She took a moment to shift into her wolf, transforming into a beautiful white and gray creature, slightly larger than average. Without hesitation, she took off running in the opposite direction of the festivities and the pack house. The thrill of the chase invigorated her, and she spared a glance behind her to see a full midnight wolf, extremely large and powerful, chasing after her with a predatory look.

Julian's wolf surged forward, his powerful muscles propelling him effortlessly through the forest. His eyes never wavered from Ember's form, his focus narrowed to the hunt and the exhilarating scent of his mate. The primal urge to catch her, to claim her, drove him forward with an intensity that bordered on feral.

Ember darted through the trees, her movements agile and graceful. She reveled in the freedom of the run, her senses heightened by the presence of her mate pursuing her. The forest blurred around her as she led him on a winding path, testing his speed and endurance. She felt the thrill of being chased, the excitement of the unknown, and the undeniable connection between them.

After about thirty minutes, Ember led Julian to a secluded cave hidden by thick foliage. She shifted back into her human form, panting softly as she stood by the edge of the cave's natural hot spring. Slowly, she entered the pool, the moonlight casting a soft glow on her bare skin, highlighting her curves and the flush of excitement on her cheeks. Julian followed, his intense gaze never leaving her as he also shifted back into his human form.

Julian, the crown prince of wolves, understood exactly what his mate was doing. Watching her every move, he followed her into the spring, letting the warm water envelop him.

“We aren’t here to talk, are we, little wolf?” Julian’s voice was low and filled with desire as his eyes roamed over her hungrily. The moment he had been destined for all his 22 years of life had finally arrived.

“No…” Ember bit her lip nervously as she looked up at him, her eyes meeting his with a mixture of anticipation and vulnerability. The moment she dreaded and never thought she’d have was here. She knew that tonight was about more than just words; it was about their connection and the irresistible pull they felt toward each other.

Julian wrapped one arm around Ember's waist and cupped her cheek tenderly. He leaned down, their breaths mingling as he paused, his eyes searching hers, waiting for her to make the final move.

When he didn’t close the distance between their lips, she impatiently bridged the gap. A moan escaped her lips as heat surged through her body from their fated bond. She had kissed a few boys before this, but nothing could compare to the intensity of this moment.

Julian's tongue delved into her mouth, exploring and tasting her with a fervent intensity. Ember opened her eyes to find Julian already staring at her, his gaze burning with raw desire. His hand on her cheek held her firmly in place, his touch both possessive and tender. Beneath the warm water, she felt the unmistakable hardness of his arousal pressing against her stomach, sending shivers of anticipation through her body. Ember’s hands roamed over Julian's broad shoulders, feeling the tension in his muscles as he deepened the kiss, his need for her palpable in every movement.

Breaking the kiss, Ember struggled to catch her breath, her body throbbing with desire. Julian didn't relent; he attacked Ember's neck with fervor, leaving a trail of marks in his wake. With a smooth, effortless motion, he lifted her, her legs instinctively wrapping around his waist as he carried her to the rocky edge of the hot spring. His teeth grazed the sensitive spot where her neck met her shoulder, eliciting a shiver of pleasure from Ember.

“No!” Ember stammered, her voice filled with a mix of urgency and hesitation. Tonight, she yearned to mate, to feel the intensity of their connection coursing through her veins. However, she wasn’t prepared to be marked just yet. A mark symbolized a lifelong bond, an unbreakable tie until death parted them, and she needed more time to deepen her understanding of him.

Julian pulled away, confusion clouding his features. “Why?”

“Save the marking for our ceremony,” Ember replied, her voice soft but determined. “Tonight, I just wanted to feel you.” She blinked up at him, uncertainty flickering in her eyes as she struggled to articulate her desires. Her mind had gone blank after their first kiss, and now she was operating purely on instinct.