Alpha Ian's The One and Only

Chapter 19

Ian's wolf nudges me slightly and sits down, allowing me to climb on his back. I wrap my arms around his neck and bury my face in his fur. I don't remember for how long we travelled or the direction we went all I remember is the warmth of his body, the movement of his muscles, his soft fur caressing my bare skin, and a sense of calm. I was unaware that my fingers were stroking his fur until I felt the vibration of his rumble. This moment was better than any meditation, yoga or therapy as he kept running deep into the forest. I wish I could tell him about my hesitance in accepting him, accepting us and my fears. But only I can overcome my fears, or maybe I have to take a leap of faith. Ian slows down to a walk and finally stops. I look up. We are standing in front of an abandoned rusty church surrounded by forests on all sides. The side walls is covered with creepers, most of the white paint had chipped off, and the two stairs leading up to the door were cracked and covered with moss. Once it must have been a beautiful building, but right now, it looked like it would crumble anytime.

"Umm, stupid question, but are you sure we are at the right place?"

Ian looks at me over his shoulder, and I swear his wolf raised his eyebrow. I climbed down. While Ian goes behind a tree to shift, I look around. The place is eerily quiet. Even the birds were not chirping. Suddenly rays of sunlight pierced through the thick foliage of trees giving the church a heavenly look. It was breathtaking. I stand there staring at the beauty nature has created. Two arms envelop me from behind. Ian rests his chin on my head, and we both stand there.

"Are you both going to stand there like you are in a romantic movie, or are you coming inside?"

A sudden interruption makes me jump, but Ian keeps me still. I look around but see no one. Am I hearing things now? Ian whispers in my ear, "Right window." I look in that direction and see a man standings there with crossed arms. I cannot make his features. "Ignore him. He will go away."

"Who is he?"

"No one important."

"Really. That's how you introduce your family to your mate?" says the man by the window.

I turn my head to look at Ian. The action causes my head to lean on his chest. "Family? Like not a pack member but actual family?"

Ian sighs. "Yes."

"Now, now, no need to get miffed," the man says, his voice sounding closer than earlier. Startled, I turn back to see him standing in front of us. He is nearly as tall as Ian and of the same build. That's where the resemblance ends. He is a redhead with a red beard, a moustache, and green eyes dancing with amusement. "Thaddeus Taggart. I am this baboon's elder cousin." He takes my hand resting on Ian's arm and kisses my knuckles. "You must be Natasha."

Ian's growl resonates through my back, making me shiver. "Kiss your mate, not mine," he says, pulling my hand away from Thaddeus and holding it in his. Thaddeus chuckles.

"Hi, it is a pleasure to meet you," I say, smiling.

"Did ye hear that? The lass is pleased to meet me," Thaddeus taunts Ian in a Scottish accent, which wasn't present earlier.

"Because she doesn't know what an overbearing oaf you are yet."

"Are you Scottish?"

Thaddeus smile. "Aye, lass. So, are you two ready to go inside, or do you want some more time to cuddle?"

I stop further banter by answering first. "We were admiring the beauty of this place. Even though it is old, the place is very alluring."

"That it is," he says, then offers me his arm. "Shall we?"

Ian shoves him forward and stands beside me. He places an arm around my waist and starts walking. Thaddeus chuckles and walks to my other side. The church is empty inside, with no pews, no altar, no light, just nothing except dust, dead leaves and a handful of birds. All the windows were shut and covered with vines. Ian leads us to the small side door on the far end to the left, which opens into a narrow corridor. Ian takes the lead, holding my hand in his, and Thaddeus follows at the end. He opens another door which looks more like a closet. Ian does something, but I cannot see anything except his broad shoulders. The fake wall opens, revealing stairs going downstairs.