The howl of my heart

Chapter 38

Elena perched atop a sturdy tree, feeling that it provided the best vantage point. From there, she had a clear view of everything while keeping her distance. She knew that if she needed to, she could jump from tree to tree to make her escape. Her heart was pounding in her chest as the first group of women, who appeared to be well-trained, arrived beneath her tree. They quickly spread out around the base of the tree as if to protect it. Shortly after, the second group of females arrived, and a fight broke out. The women attacked each other fiercely, some even taking on their wolf form. Both groups of women gave Elena menacing glares from below. Some tried to jump up to Elena, but were quickly thwarted by others in their group. As the ladies from the second group began using magic against those from the first, the scene grew increasingly violent and horrific, with many women sustaining injuries.

After a while, Elena grew restless and decided to make a break for it by jumping from tree to tree, attempting to flee the scene. However, the fighting females below noticed her movements and began to chase after her. Elena's heart raced with fear, realising that they might be pursuing her instead of resolving their own conflict. In her panicked state, she didn't pay enough attention to her surroundings and slipped, falling to the ground with a loud thud. Elena lost consciousness briefly, and when she came to, she found herself being dragged away by one of the women.

***

Joseph followed the trail of the mesmerising scent up the hill and was greeted with a chaotic scene that was unexpected for the mating games. Nearly two dozen women were engaged in a fierce brawl, and it was evident that they weren't fighting over a mate since Joseph was the first one to arrive. He was momentarily distracted by the spectacle in front of him, but his attention was quickly drawn to a lone figure being dragged away by another woman at the far end of the clearing. Joseph's wolf instincts kicked in, and he immediately recognised that the girl being taken away was his mate.

"Oh no, not this time! This time I will finally get to meet you!" Joseph shouted as he rushed after the two females."

***

Ariana quickly reached Elena's side when she fell to the ground. It was fortunate that Elena was unconscious, as it made it easier for Ariana to pick her up without resistance. The skilled fighter effortlessly lifted Elena off the ground and began to carry her away from the ongoing battle in the background. Ariana was determined to make her Alpha proud and keep her promise to him.

***

As Elena's eyes fluttered open, she was greeted by the most enchanting scent she had ever experienced. She knew it was close and she had to find its source. With renewed strength, she began to struggle against the woman who was dragging her away. Startled, the woman released her grip, causing Elena to fall to the ground once again. As she lay there, catching her breath, the woman spoke reassuringly.

"I'm here to help you. The other women were sent to kidnap you. I'll take you to a safer place."

Elena looked up at her in astonishment as the skilled fighter extended a hand to help her up.

But before they could move any further, Joseph's voice boomed through the clearing, "Stop right there!" Both women turned to face him, startled.

Both Joseph and Elena spoke at the same time

"Mate" frozen looking at each other as if the time had stopped.

In that moment Lisa ran out of the woods towards Joseph, he saw her coming and quickly dodged, causing her to kiss the ground and become covered in mud. Tears streamed down her face as she looked up in shock. Unaware of the man arriving behind her, she felt his arm wrap around her and lift her off the ground effortlessly. Suddenly, Lisa was hit with an overwhelming feeling of tingles coursing through her body as she pressed against him and was enveloped in his scent. Her knees went weak and she felt lightheaded, but when she finally saw his face, they both exclaimed "Mate!" simultaneously.

Elena and Joseph didn't noticed any of that as they were very busy just standing in one spot frozen in time and space. It was as if the world had stopped moving just for the two of them.

The bustling sounds of the forest and the whispers of the wind faded into the background as their eyes locked for the first time. In that moment, everything else ceased to exist.

Elena's heart skipped a beat as she gazed into Joseph's piercing eyes, the colour of a stormy sea. There was a depth in his gaze that stirred something within her, an unspoken connection that transcended words. She felt a magnetic pull, as if the universe itself was urging them closer together. His scent was overwhelming, making her feel like she was home, and she couldn't resist the urge to move closer to him. She couldn't believe that she had finally found her mate.

Joseph was just as captivated by Elena, her dark hair and green eyes reminding him of a forest at night. Joseph's breath caught in his chest as he met Elena's gaze. It was as if time had slowed down, giving him the chance to appreciate every delicate feature of her face. Her eyes sparkled with a mixture of curiosity and vulnerability, drawing him in like a moth to a flame. In that instant, he knew he had found something truly extraordinary. He felt a deep connection to her that he had never experienced before, and his wolf was howling with joy.

Their surroundings faded away, and the world seemed to shrink to just the two of them. In the silence of the moment, a soft breeze brushed against their skin, as if nature itself was whispering its approval. Elena felt a rush of warmth flood her being, and she couldn't help but smile, her heart fluttering like the wings of a butterfly.

Joseph took a tentative step forward, his hand reaching out as if to touch the ethereal beauty standing before him. Elena mirrored his movement, her hand trembling slightly as it moved closer to his. Their fingertips met, and a jolt of electricity surged through their bodies, igniting a fire within their souls.

As they stood there, the world began to fade away and all they could see was each other. Elena's hand found its way to Joseph's chest, feeling his heartbeat under her fingertips. He leaned down to brush his lips against her forehead, sending shivers down her spine.

In that moment, they both knew that they were meant to be together. They could feel it in their bones and their souls. Elena wrapped her arms around Joseph's neck, pulling him closer, and he responded by holding her tightly against him.

Time resumed its normal pace, but for Elena and Joseph, it seemed to stretch out into eternity. They stood there, caught in an unspoken embrace, their hearts dancing to the same rhythm. In that timeless moment, they both knew that they had found something rare and precious—a love that defied logic and explanation.

As their eyes continued to speak volumes, they whispered in unison, "I've found you," their voices barely audible, but their emotions resonating deeply. And in that shared confession, their love story began, a tale written in the stars, bound to last for all eternity.