The She-wolf and The Prince

Ryan's statement.

CHAPTER 10

- Do you really believe that?

- Yes, I do. Of course, I do. If you want, we can practice. When I was little, I used to play fight with the boys from our... my old pack.

Her interlocutor understood her melancholy through her last words and the way she had pronounced them. A sigh escaped the teenager.

- You must miss them, don't you?

- Yes, I do. I do a little. But I can't go back there anymore. I don't want to.

- I know what you mean. You know what I mean? I too would have liked to leave everything like you. But I've always been too much of a coward to do that. I preferred to take refuge in the books and the stories I write.

Alia was surprised by the news.

- What do you do? Do you write? But since when?

- Well... I started writing about five years ago. It was my way of escaping this life.

- That's great! Alia exclaimed. I always wanted to write, but I often lacked inspiration. Mind you, even if I had some, there were few pens and papers.

- So, don't you think it's cowardly of me?

She stood up and flicked him.

- Why would I think that of you? I think writing is the most beautiful way to live and travel. I suppose you were writing before I came in. May I read your writing?

- No, you may not.

- Why not?

- You will read it when it is finished. Actually, it's our story. I thought I could make it into a story that we could read to our children.

Alia started to blush.

- Are you already thinking about the children?

- ‶Yes," he admitted. I'd like us to get married after we settle in France. Then the children will come. I hope we can.

- ‶We will," Alia reassured him. Nothing can separate us or prevent us from realizing our dreams. Now, let's stretch our legs, shall we?

- So be it, he yielded all smiling.

The enthusiasm with which Alia had spoken about their future reassured him. He placed all his trust in her. Hand in hand, they took the path leading to the courtyard. Their shadows lengthened on the granite slabs.

- I haven't been here for ages.

- Now you'll come here more often.

They continued on to the entrance of the castle and came upon the outer courtyard. The wind blew in their faces, giving their beings a sudden calmness. They took a long walk around the large building, avoiding the hill.

- I'm tired, Ryan complained at the end of the tour.

- Let's go rest under this tree, she suggested, pointing to a weeping Saul.

After they sat down on the tree, they realized that from their spot, they had a great view of the tower.

- This is the first time I have seen it from the outside. I must admit that it is a rather surprising vision. When I think that my whole life is summed up in this pile of stone...

- Now it's going to come down to us.

Alia rested her head on the shoulder of the man she loved and closed her eyes.

- Alia?

- Yes?

- Would you like to be my fiancée?

- I thought we were already engaged.

- No. I'd have to propose to you first.

He stood up and took a knee.

- Miss Alia Griffin, will you be my fiancée?

- Yes, I do.

- ‶Thank you," he whispered. You don't know how happy you make me.

He took her in his arms and they stayed snuggled up in each other's arms until nightfall. No one disturbed them in their peaceful rest. The two lovebirds fell asleep and only Ryan woke up after dusk. Judging that it was time to go home, he carried Alia in his arms, not wanting to wake her up. However, she was only half asleep and in order to enjoy the moment, did not make any move.

- She's pretty heavy.

He had said it loud enough for her to hear, and for once the she-wolf didn't get carried away, thinking that the best punishment would be to let him carry her back to her room.

- I don't want to sleep in the horrible room," she begged in a sleepy voice.

- I'll do it.

The young man then headed for his prison. When he was finally in the room where he slept, he was exhausted.

- For a vampire, you get tired pretty fast. Let me down. Thank you.

He obeyed, relieved. Alia went to sit on the small bed and he joined her there.

- I remind you that I am not like all the other vampires.

- Yes, you are. I know you are. That's why I love you. Even though I worry about your health.

- Don't be. I'm fine. I assure you. A vampire can dry up from great thirst but not die from it.

- So be it, she imitated him.

Then, she tended him her wrist which he refused.

- You do not want?

Of the head, he answered by the negative and kissed her.

- I do not need to drink. The only need I have is you. Just you.

- How stubborn you can be! You haven't fed for two days. If you don't help yourself, I'll be very angry with you.

- So be it, he blew.

She tended to him once again her wrist but, instead of biting it, he directed his lips towards the neck of the girl and planted his fangs there.

- Aï, she let escape.

After having taken his blood, he came back in front of her and sealed once again their mouths to then look her in the eyes. She could not detach herself from his irises and him either. Both their hearts were beating wildly. They could hear them thanks to the sharpness of their ears. A certain attraction was felt between them.

Alia felt that she needed Ryan; that what she wanted from him at that moment was more than a kiss. She wanted them to be closer; new sensations were taking over her being. Her skin began to shiver and her cheeks became flushed.

- What do you think? he murmured.

She looked away. Ryan frowned.

- ‶I... I've been feeling weird ever since you bit me," she finally said. I want to kiss you even more and I feel so confused.

- I feel the same way too. In fact, it's been happening to me ever since we got together.

He took a lock of her hair and tucked it behind her ear. Then he leaned in and whispered a few words to her.

- But, we will wait until we are married.

Alia took the hint and her whole face turned red.

- ‶No," she replied suddenly. I don't want to wait.

- ‶Alia..." Ryan began, embarrassed, "I don't want you to regret it later, do you understand that?‶

- ‶I'm sure I won't regret it because I trust you," she said.

- Do you really feel ready?

She nodded her head. However, the young man remained on the spot, hesitating. She kissed him then ardently. He answered his kiss then she detached herself, made him back and began to unbutton his shirt.

Suddenly, two arms came to encircle it and its back stuck to the chest of the vampire.

- You will not be able to go back, he warned her before kissing her in the neck.

- It is what I want.

He turned over it so that she can face him. The teenager remained stunned in front of the irises of a deep black which probed her. He was different from the usual; she had understood it. It was him who took off his shirt which he threw on the ground.

- I am afraid, she admitted tense.

All her confidence in her had evaporated. For any answer, he made her lie down and crossed her body of the glance.

These gestures were delicate and passionate at the same time...