The Alpha and the Princess

A Girl in the Dark

Chapter: A Girl in the Dark

Victor POV

It was a nice evening with a full moon, at the end of February. The snow has melted and it was less frigid than the past few weeks. We were holding the usual party to welcome the beginning of spring. Everyone had a great time eating, drinking and dancing and the party went uneventful. It was getting late so I thought it was time to wrap it up with a little speech just to lift the spirit of my people and motivate them for the coming season. 

Then out of nowhere, a peculiar smell hit my nose. At first it was faint but the wind would bring a new huff of the delicious floral fragrance. My words were slowed by the occasional sniffing, but I couldn't get enough. I forgot what I was doing and my legs carried me to where the smell was stronger. As I got closer to the woods, I could distinctively tell it was a mix of jasmine and vanilla. Something moved inside of me and my heart started beating fast. I let my wolf senses lead me to the direction of the elegant perfume and I looked at the darkness beyond the tree line. 

There was definitely someone there, a special someone. I had to know who was the person hiding in the darkness. I stopped at the edge of the tree's shadow. I needed time for my eyes to adjust to the low lighting, but I could see her outline and hear her erratic heartbeat. 

Mate

I could smell her fear when she realised that I found her. All I wanted was to have her in my arms and show her that she will be safe with me.

" Hello there. You can come out now, it's okay" 

A girl walked out of the shadows and stood in front of me. She was eighteen, maybe nineteen tops. She looked disheveled and had a bleeding cut on her forehead.

"Are you okay? You seem injured". I said as I reached for her out of worry, but she moved away from me. I thought my mate would be running in my arms when I found her, so I was disappointed to see her put distance between us.

" I'm fine. I got lost in the woods. If you can please show me the direction to the road and I will be on my way." She replied, wrapping  her arms around her to warm her shivering body.

"I can't do that. it’s past midnight. There are no buses or taxis this late at night. "

"I'll walk"

" It's not safe for a young lady to walk alone at night. You don't know what is lurking in these woods. Besides, you are injured, our doctor can look at your injuries."

"I don't need a doctor, it's just a few cuts"

"We have plenty of rooms. How about you stay for the night and you can leave tomorrow morning?" I said. “ You look like you need a hot shower."

"Are you saying I stink!?" She yelled at me. "I've been on the road for two days, couldn't find a place or time to get a shower".She said apologetically.

Her words were choked like she's about to cry. I bit my tongue for my insensitivity. I didn't want to make her upset the first time I met her. I didn't want her to remember me like this. 

" I'm sorry I didn't mean to offend you. You smell .." 

I paused for a second. Maybe saying fantastic is going overboard with it, I thought."fine. It's just that your clothes are all wet and it’s cold."

I extended my hand hoping she would take it and say yes. She avoided my touch again, walked around me and stood waiting for me.

"I'm Victor by the way" 

"I'm cc.. Claire" 

The stutter was so cute. I hoped it was because she was feeling our special bond and not the cold. 

While we walked back to the party, I reflected on our conversation. Claire didn't realise that I was a werewolf let alone an alpha . Also she didn't mention anything about trespassing our borders, or which pack she came from. Which any pack wolf would’ve done. I’m having the impression that she doesn't know about her true nature. 

I led us through the suspecting  pack members and made my way to Hannah.

"This is Claire, she is going to be our guest. " This is Hannah, she's my little sister. She will show you the way to your room.”  I said introducing them to each other.

" Give her the room next to mine. I don't think she knows about our kind. Be careful what you say, don't freak her out." I murmured to Hannah before taking my leave.