𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐁𝐲 𝐇𝐢𝐦

𝐶𝐻𝐴𝑃𝑇𝐸𝑅 𝑇𝐻𝐼𝑅𝑇𝐸𝐸𝑁

𝐃𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐚𝐧

In the four and a half hours it took to drive from Gemtopia to Blue Moonstone Valley, I noticed that Karina hadn't spoken a word. She just sat there, staring out the window while her hands were folded neatly on her lap. Drake was pushing me to communicate with her, but to be honest, I had no idea what to say.

I contemplated asking her about her home life, but decided against it. I didn't want to bring up the topic of her home, only for her to get sad when she would have to leave soon. Then I thought about asking her about her likes and dislikes. But before I could open my mouth to ask, I heard a low rumbling sound.

"I'm sorry, that was my stomach," Karina murmured, somewhat embarrassed. "I hadn't eaten anything in a while."
"We'll stop and buy something to eat before we head to Rubellite Cove. What would you like to have?" I asked her.
"Anything is fine. I'm not a picky eater."

I checked my watch, seven fifteen. We just crossed Pyrite Desert, it would take twenty minutes to arrive at Blue Moonstone Valley. Once Karina had her things, we'll leave for Rubellite Cove, which would take eight to ten hours, give or take. If we drove through the night and into the morning, we should arrive in Bloodstone Isle around eleven am the next day.

"What do you do for fun?"

I glanced at my mate for the second time and saw that she was looking at me with curiosity in her eyes. "I don't really have time for recreational activities. I spend the majority of my time working. When I have a spare minute, I might sit and read or watch TV."

"I like to read too," she said with a smile. "I was always a quiet pup growing up, I liked to read in our garden and indulge in simple activities like drawing and colouring."
"What kind of books do you like?"
"Anthology, historical fiction, romance, science and the occasional mystery. I especially like to dive deep into old books."

I nodded and took a mental note to show her the library sometime.

"When we get to your pack, who will I be meeting?" she inquired.
"My mother, sisters, brother-in-law and nephew. We're all staying in the same house so you'll meet them all at once," I replied.

"Will your family like me? I mightn't be what they expected for a Luna, and their son's lifelong companion," she said a little sadly.
"You have nothing to worry about, my family will love you," I assured her. "My mother especially. She's been longing for me to find my mate so she can have a daughter-in-law to fuss over."

"And your sisters? Another she wolf will be coming into their home, won't they be...I don't know, jealous?"
"No sweetheart, in fact they'll be thrilled that they'll have another sister. With all the attention you'll receive, I might have to lock you in our room just to have you to myself," I chuckled.

I could see her cheeks heat up all of a sudden at the mention of 'our room'. What, did she really think she'll be sleeping alone?
"Our room? We'll be sleeping in the same bed?" she whispered.
"Yes Karina, we're mates, so obviously we'll be sharing a bed. But don't worry, I won't rush into things. We'll take it slow," I told her.

She seemed relieved and started to relax. She was probably under the assumption that I'll force her into mating on the first night. I may be possessive, cold and controlling, but I wasn't one to commit defilement. I'll wait until she was ready before I made any advances on her. Hopefully she'll accept us sooner than later. I was willing to wait, but Drake mightn't feel the same way.