The Imprinted Maiden (18+)

Chapter Thirty-One

Despite the cool air feeling comforting and cozy, I felt uneasy as Connor slung a sack over his shoulder. He was wearing his leather boots, and bore a black sweatshirt and brown pants that would keep him warm; I had personally made them myself a week before.

When Connor kissed my head and prepared to speak, I all but clung to him as I hugged him. "Please come back safe," I pleaded, rubbing my cheek against his.

He smiled a little, kissing my lips gently before murmuring, "I will. As soon as possible."

I smiled, forcing myself not to cry as he joined Justin and several others who were heavily armed. Justin nodded to me before shifting. The others followed suit, and before they took off, the small band collectively howled before taking off.

The small crowd that was there made a few howls and hollers in return before eventually leaving the area.

I, however, didn't feel like moving. I couldn't look away from the gate that was slowly closing. I was itching to run to Connor, to find him and pull him back, only for Xain to gently kiss my shoulder. "I know you want to," he spoke quietly, "but he has to do this. It's all for the safety of the pack. I would've gone, but they needed me here."

I turned to Xain, happy despite my eyes watering. "I know. I'm glad you're here. It just almost feels incomplete without him."

Xain smiled, rubbing my back. "It does, doesn't it?" He nuzzled my forehead before grabbing my hand gently. "Come on, let's go back home for now. I'm off duty for now."

I nodded, wiping my eyes as I followed him. Gently, he raised my hand, kissing my knuckles.

"You're so adorable. Even when you cry."

I couldn't help but smile at him, walking next to him as close as I possibly could. Xain glanced at me before suddenly pinning me up against a large tree. My cheeks lit up as I asked, "Xain? Are you okay?"

He smirked, tucking a hair behind my ear. "Why is it Connor can get away with making you moan and yet I have to abide by the rules?"

I blushed furiously. "Um.. Well..." Xain kissed my shoulder, shaking his head a little. "That idiot," he all but growled, chuckling in the process. "Of course, I don't expect him to follow rules." He looked up at me, amused. I visibly relaxed, relieved to know that Xain wasn't mad.

"It's... I just... It's hard to say no to him." Xain smirked, kissing my nose. "Well guess what, love? For now, I get to break the rules."

I shivered, watching him as his eyes wandered from my eyes to the rest of my body. I instinctively clenched my thighs together. He grinned. "You know," he said in a husky tone, "we can always tell when you're affected by us. The way your body tenses and moves. The way you smell."

I blushed furiously, unable to avoid his eyes. Xain leaned down, nipping my neck gently and earning a moan from me. "Xain.." Already my voice was breaking, wavering.