Shadows in the Night

Mates

We sit in agonizing silence as my question settles between us. Nowan's molten gaze lingers on my face before jerking away.

"Ahem... um yes I do technically." He anxiously rubs the back of his neck before finding my questioning gaze. " Elowyn... there is something I must confess before we continue with any questions."

I find myself sitting straighter. My mind is cloudy thinking of what his mate must look like. Someone like Nowan must have a perfect mate. A mix of emotions swirl within me and I find myself slowly becoming... jealous? I slightly shake my head to clear away the fog. I have no reason to be upset by this realization. I barely know Nowan. I have no claim to him.

"Okay. What is it?" I find myself tugging at the ends of my braids. Anxiously waiting for what he said next.

Surprise flitters across Nowan's face before he leans in slightly. "Elowyn... you are my mate."

"Wha-WHAT?!?! My shock is palpable in my response, and I surge forward. I pace erratically between the bathroom and the window, my gaze finding Nowan's concerned eyes. His shoulders slump forward, and he solemnly examines the silver rings glittering across his fingers.

"I never wanted to tell you... my friends all begged me to admit what we were, but..." he looks into my eyes, and I can see the desperation in his honey stare. " Elowyn you aren't a wolf... you are human, and I wanted you to come to me willingly." His dark hair falls across his cheek before he tucks it away back into the low bun in his hair.

"I was so happy when you agreed to come to the birthday party this weekend, because for once I allowed myself to hope." He paused before his honey eyes simmered into a dark gold.

"I allowed myself to picture my life with my mate- with you."

I sucked in a sharp breath at his confession, but I found I couldn't speak. I didn't know what to say. The first time I ever met Nowan I was immediately drawn to him. I couldn't help but feel safe near him. I felt a fire burn within me, and I took a deep breath before responding.

"I'm not from your world. I don't understand what this all means- not to the degree that you do." My eyes followed along his throat as his jaw tensed. "But... I am willing to learn. I came here hoping to begin a new life. I just hope you understand that I am still... healing." I slowly trailed off with my own confession and my cheeks burned with embarrassment. Even now, thousands of miles away Tobias still controlled my life.

I hear a rustle near the bed and before I can react Nowan has crossed the room and towers over me. Tingles erupt across my cheek as his long fingers grip my jaw. Our breath mingles and I find his pepper and musk scent to be intoxicating. My brain muddles together and I find myself leaning further into to him as our noses brush. His fingers comb through my hair and we breath in each other's presence. My body is warm and tingles ripple across my body every time our skin touches.

"Do you feel it? The mate bond sings when we are together- the closer we are the more effected we are." He ducks his head, and his lips softly trace across my neck. I feel heavy all of a sudden and I find myself baring my neck further. He growls softy and the animalistic noise is a jolt to my system. I drearily blink my eyes open, and he reluctantly pulls away to once again lock gazes with me.

"You never have to say sorry for needing time to heal. I will support you in whatever you need." He pauses and his eyes darken the warm gold color dissolves into inky blackness. "You will never be harmed in my presence. You will never have to feel alone and scared again." His voice grows deeper with each word.

"And you will never have to worry about those scars ever again" he snarls between his teeth. I jerk my head up in fear. Fear that he knows what has happened to me even though I never said a word to him. He must see the desperation in my eyes because he gently brushes his fingers across my brow and tucks the hair behind my ear.

"I saw the scars. I am a trained Alpha. I know what battle scars look like." Battle scars. Thats how he saw me. As a fighter- a warrior. I find my nose begins to twitch and my eyes burn with unshed tears.

"You don't even know me." I throw back at him, but he only smiles and answers "but I can't wait for the day that I do."

*************************************************
Okie dokie another chapter done !! Hopefully one day I'll get like a legit uploading schedule. As always be gentle!

Love,

Muwolly