Moonstruck

Chapter Twenty-one

I trotted beside Zev as he led us further into the woods. It was the weekend and Zev had suggested going for a run as wolves, saying there was something he wanted me to see. Shifting this time hadn't been as painful, although I was still struggling not to completely lose myself as a wolf. I was curious about what he wanted to show me but I was also impatient to let loose, run and chase and play. How much further? I grumbled at the black wolf in front of me.

Zev glanced at me with a snort. As much patience as a pup...

I gave a growl. I'm not a pup! I whined.

Mmm-hmm....

I gave a huff and continued to follow him when a butterfly flew in front of me. Pretty! I pounced after it, my tail wagging.

Liana! Zev glanced back at me, amusement in his amber eyes. We're almost there... Suddenly he stopped. What do you hear?

I tilted my head and perked up my ears. I heard the birds and the small animals and... I gave a yip of excitement. Is that...? I burst ahead towards the sound and came across a beautiful waterfall. The water was sparkling and behind the fall was what looked like a cave. I love it!

I knew you would.... Zev looked smug as he watched me.

I splashed in the water, giving a yip of happiness when my mate joined me. We frolicked and splashed each other before making our way to the cave behind the falls. I crept in then turned my head. Zev? Where did he go?

A minute later, Zev returned with clothes in his mouth, dropping an over-sized t shirt in front of me while keeping a pair of shorts for himself. We shifted and put on the clothes, cuddling together behind the waterfall. I sighed and laid my head on Zev's shoulder. "This was a wonderful surprise. Thank you for bringing me here." I whispered.

Zev kissed the top of my head. "Anytime. I knew you would love it."

"I do. It's so pretty here," I sighed. I peeked up at him. "Sorry if I was bratty on the way up here." I said sheepishly.

"If?" Zev chuckled.

I laughed. "Okay, I was. Once I'm a wolf, it's like all I want to do is play, hunt and chase. Is that normal?"

"Of course," Zev said. "Especially as you are new to being a wolf. You're still learning control. It will get easier after we train."

"You're still going to train me?" I asked eagerly.

"Yes. It's for your safety to know how to defend yourself if needed," Zev said with a nod. "We'll start with some defense moves in our human form before training as wolves."

I nodded. "Good. I don't want to be weak anymore."

"Hey," Zev moved so we were facing each other. "You were never weak, Liana."

"I would trip, get tired out easily and bruised like a peach," I reminded him.

"You were never weak where it mattered," Zev amended with a grin. "I thought you were strong before finding out you were a wolf."

"Really?"

"Strong, smart, gorgeous, compassionate..." Zev gave me a tender kiss that had me sighing with delight into him. "I love you, Liana." He murmured.

My eyes teared up. "Oh, Zev. I love you too." I snuggled into him and he put his arms around me as we watched the waterfall, content just being with each other.

"Are we only together because of the mate thing?" I asked after awhile. "I mean, if I was just human..." I trailed off.

"I still planned to make you mine," Zev said seriously.