Howling Hearts

When I woke up again, I saw that I wasn't in my own room, which was by Layla's, as I remembered. I looked around the large

room.

Dark green with intricate line-work that formed a pattern in gold as an accent wall, the rest were rich dark wood walls. I sat up in bed. Scanning over the room to see if anyone was there, but soon realized I was alone.

I then got up from bed and went to the door. I slid the door open and was met with long empty halls. I knew this decor. I rubbed my eyes to make sure I wasn't still in that weird dream. Suddenly, I heard something drop on the floor. My eyes shot open as I got a fright at the sudden sound. That's when my eyes met the gaze of the most handsome man I had ever met. "Scarlet"

he whispered in relief.

Unknown:

"See, I knew she was strong Astraeus. You may have doubted her strength, but I know my daughter. Let's just hope you know your son well enough. This bond is detrimental."

"At least my son didn't choose a different mate and tie them to him. Almost ruining the future and the path that was chosen for him"

"No need to be proud or jealous that my daughter is strong enough to do that without even knowing who and what she truly is"

Lucian:

Both me and doc were shocked to have seen her gather the strength and accept the rejection. But after that, she just slid back into an unconscious state.

Nobody knew how long it would take for her to regain consciousness. I decided on behalf of her to bring her to my place. So that I can keep an eye on her 24/7.

Doc said it is all up to the gods now. I spent a lot of time staring at her and making sure she was breathing and her heart was still beating. Even though the machines told me that at a glance, I had to double check. I can't afford to lose her. Due to my paranoia, I haven't gotten one bit of sleep.

Just like every morning, I made her breakfast in hopes that she would wake up to the smell of the salted caramel cappuccino along with any of her favorite foods.

Since the time that she first fell into this state. I asked Layla what all her favorites were since we hadn't had lots of time. This morning I had decided to do something that she had reminded me of her scent.

South African pancakes. It had the cinnamon and maple that was the essence of her scent.

One day I would take her right across the earth to each and every country and have her explore the food that she loves so much.

As I was taking the tray to her room, I was stunned at the sight that was before my eyes.

She looked sleepy and messy but absolutely beautiful. My whole body froze at seeing her right in front of me awake, aware, and conscious.

"Scarlet" I whispered in disbelief and relief.

My body moved on its own, wrapping my arms around her and picking her up in a hug. "It's really you. Your back", I said with a single tear that left the corner of my eye.

Then I realized she was out of bed walking and now I'm squishing her half to death before the doc has come to check on her.

I grabbed her under her arms and straightened my arms, holding her like a kitten. "Why are you out of bed" I asked, but only received her raised eyebrows in return. I then turned her about to hold her bridal style and took her to the room. "Scarlet, you've been unconscious for 5 days. The doc needs to check if you're OK again before you hurt yourself"

"Lucian, I'm not a child"

"Then don't act like one. I'll call Doctor Peterson to check you" I mind linked Doc to come and then climbed into bed next to her.

I wrapped my arms around her and buried my face into her neck. I just wanted to hold her tight and never let go. I wanted to be her armor and protect her from anyone that tries to harm her.

Protect her from this ever happening again. We just laid like that even when Doc was doing his tests and concluded that she was healthy and fine, taking into consideration what had happened to her.

"You're very lucky Scarlet. A lot of she-wolves would've died in your situation. I am, however, worried in regards to a mark on your ankle."

He said while looking over his square framed glasses. His sentence intrigued me.

"Oh no need to worry, it's just my birth mark." She said chirpy.

He nodded before he greeted us and left.

"Can I see?" I asked, nervous that I might offend her.

"Sure as long as I have a moment to breathe", she said, lifting her right leg, revealing a half moon that was in a light brown color, the same shade as her freckles. It was as big as my thumb. My eyes glittered out of happiness. There was something we shared that no one else could.

Something that let me know I was indeed destined for her.

Scarlet:

"Why are you smiling"

Starring at the honest smile as it faded away and into a smirk as his eyes glided up my body before meeting my stare. "It's just adorable" he said as his smirk grew.

I survived a rejection as well as cheating and he wants to call me adorable. I am a strong a's woman. I started slapping his shoulders playfully. Before I knew it, he got hold of both my wrists and pinned me down.

A thick strand of hair fell onto my face and I tried bowling the thick stand of my face and was only successful in getting some of it off while others still lingered.

"How adorable am I now"

I asked mockingly, as well as challenging him. He giggled, but not his normal giggle that was contagious and inviting. This giggle was lustful and possessive. It was terrifying and yet intriguing.

He then moved my arms above my head and held them down with one hand. He then tucked the lost strands behind my ear and lifted my chin with his index finger and thumb.

""Now you're just hot"

He said before he planted some kisses on my neck. They started out as sweet and warm kisses but soon faded to sloppy nibbles, causing my body to experience the lightning bolt that had a one-way path set on clenching my core. He stopped nibbling, making me frustrated at the absence of the sensation that I had been feeling just moments ago. Then I felt his lips round my ear.

"Your wet Princess. I can smell it"

I blushed at his words. "I, I, I"

He giggled again before he started sliding his hand down my body and rubbed my core through my clothes, teasing me.

"Come on Princess, use your words", he said seductively. He gave me a grin and I could see his canines beginning to grow. "Not yet"

I gasped, hating myself for saying those words. I wanted him so damn much but I wasn't ready yet. I needed to know him first. I needed to love him undeniably before I could go through with this.

I needed to know if he was my true mate. I needed to make sure before I went down the same hole again because I didn't know if I was capable of going through another Asher series.

I needed to build something with him that me and Asher never even acknowledged. Trust. He stopped what he was doing and his eyes darkened slightly, letting me know his wolf was not impressed with the situation even a little. "Fine. But I have to ask you something that I've been burning to know", he grumbledThis text is property of Nô/velD/rama.Org.

I hesitated at first, knowing my next move could possibly awake a beast that I was not ready to face. I nodded my head at his request.

""Did you sleep with Asher?"