A Taste Of Love

chapter twenty two ---> flowers on the side

A/N: Okay so please check out Hooha84 her book Speak Now and please please vote and read... it's entered in the Watty Awards and it seriously deserves to win. The book is so sweet and amazing, so please read it. Thank you :D

Ryan's POV;

Panic set through me as I woke up, it was just a dream. I hadn't found her! Jumping up from the bed I went to put my shoes on but frowned, this wasn't my bed. And this wasn't my room. Listening out I heard the sounds of rummaging in a little door off to the other side of the room.

Cautiously walking over to it I gently pressed the door knob before walking in. I let out a breathe I air as I saw Lexi sitting on the floor blowing bubbles. She didn't notice me as I closed the door behind me, she was too busy giggling at the bubbles.

It wasn't a dream. I had found my baby. I laughed as she blew a bubble, crinkling her nose up as it popped in her face. Her head snapped towards mine and she blushed. Walking over I plopped down on the floor with her,

"do you want a turn? Lindsey let me play with them" she turned to me smiling.

I loved it when she smiled, it was like she lit up the room. She was so beautiful, and she was mine. Nodding my head I took the bubbles from her, my hands gently brushing hers causing the sparks to flow.

She stared at me as I began to blow through the bubble wand, we both stared at the bubble as it continued to grow. I smiled as it began to float in the air, making Lexi watch it in fascination.

I hated her father for this. She lost out on a childhood, she missed out on so much and was forced to go through so much pain for nearly ten years. I wanted to kill him but I knew that would hurt Lexi, I knew she still loved him and hoped he would change. I just didn't know how to break it down that he would never change.

When you lost your mate you would lose a piece of you forever, life would feel pointless. Most committed suicide after their mates died, just to be with them again. Hopefully, no I would never lose Lexi. She was my life and nothing and no one would hurt her!

We spent the next twenty minutes blowing bubbles; well me blowing them and Lexi popping them. It was worth it just to see the beautiful smile on her face and the giggles that escaped her lips.

She jumped as a knock on the door came,

"come in" I called out placing the bubbles next to me.

I watched as Lindsey poked her head around the door, she smiled as she noticed some of the bubbles in the air and a smiling Lexi.

"Morning, I was wondering if you guys wanted any breakfast?"

"Sure, we'll be down in a minute"

She nodded before leaving the bathroom and soon the room. Turning to face Lexi she was now washing her hands, well attempting to. They had one of those automatic hand gel things; where you placed your hands underneath and the gel squirted out.

Standing to my feet I walked up behind Lexi and placed my hands around her waist and towards her hands. I gently guided it under the hand washer and smiled as she giggled at the hand wash dropping down.

Moving our hands away I began to gently wash the soap into her hands for her, resting my head on her shoulder. I let the cool water wipe away the soap suds before grabbing a white towel and drying her hands softly. Once I was satisfied I looked her in the eyes.

I felt myself getting lost in her eyes, like I usually did. They were so beautiful and mesmerising I felt entranced. My eyes tore away from her eyes to gaze on her lips. Quickly bending down I pressed my lips to hers for a few seconds before pulling back.

She blushed and I held my hand out for her, grinning as she slipped her tiny hand into my larger one. I wrapped her into my side as we walked out of the bathroom and the room.

I followed the sound of voices down the stairs until we wound up in the kitchen. Dad was seated at the table with Luna Lindsey and Alpha Tom eating breakfast. Taking a seat next to dad I made Lexi sit next to me, my arm wrapped securely around her waist. I didn't want her out of my sight or touch anymore.

Using my free hand I began to feed myself, Lexi doing the same. Once I finished I turned to face Lexi still eating her pancakes. Gently removing my hands from her waist I took the fork and knife from her hand and began to cut the pancakes into smaller chunks. Piercing the fork into a chunk of pancake I held it up to Lexi.

"Open baby" I said softly,

I bit back a groan as she parted her luscious lips and guided the food into her mouth. Watching her chew it I placed another piece on the fork and continued feeding her the food, both of us oblivious to the rest of the world.

"Thank you" the words falling softly from her lips.

I watched as she turned away from me and looked around her room, her cheeks slowly growing a darker shade of pink as she noticed the others in the room.

"Awww" Lindsey cooed, a bright smile on her face as she broke the silence that hung in the air.

My dad coughed awkwardly before standing up,

"Thank you Alpha Tom and Luna Lindsey for your hospitality but we really have to be getting back"

"Very well and feel free to call us if you need anything" Alpha Tom smiled at us all before excusing himself.

Turning to Lexi I swallowed my hand in hers before leading us over to my dad. I felt her tense as we reached my father; she was obviously still uncomfortable with him.

"Bye hunny! Please feel free to come over anytime" Luna Lindsey grinned before pulling Lexi into her arms.

I could help the small growl that escaped my lips, Lexi turned to look at me shocked whereas Lindsey had a small smile on her face. Grabbing Lexi's hand I pulled her gently to my side, nuzzling my face into her neck.

Pulling away after a few minutes I bade goodbye to Lindsey before following my dad and exiting the house, Lexi at my side. We paused at the beginning of the forest.

"We'll shift then run back to the pack house" my dad stated before walking off behind a tree and shifting.

Walking Lexi over to a cluster of trees I spoke,

"Lexi we have to shift into our wolves okay?"

I watched as she nodded her beautiful head. Smiling I turned around as I waited for her to shift. I glanced down as idler something brush against my leg, or should I say someone. Smiling I quickly changed out of my clothes and shifted into my wolf behind a tree.
 
Scampering out I quickly nudged her side as we followed dad.

'I'm going to run ahead, let you two have some time alone' my father mumbled before running off faster towards our pack house. I slowed my running to a walk, as did Lexi and we quietly walked back home.

Glancing out of the corner of my eye I couldn't help but look at Lexi's wolf. She was beautiful. Her fur looked so soft to touch, her eyes shining brightly like bright stars at night. Suddenly I longed to touch her. To hold her in my arms and never let go.

She was mine now, she always would be. She was my angel and no one else's. No one would hurt her, or touch her apart from me. My kisses would be the ones that she loved, my hugs would be the ones she craved. Mine.

I shook my head trying to get rid of these thoughts, man I was acting like a possessive control freak. I knew she wouldn't leave me, hopefully. I loved her, a lot. But she couldn't know that yet. She wasn't ready. She was still new to this life because of that prick.

One thing that played on my mind was how her mother died. She never explained how or why she was always blamed. It bugged me like an itch that wouldn't go but I controlled it. Like they say, curiosity killed the cat. Well in this case it would be wolf. She would tell me when she's ready.

I glanced to the side as I felt her stop, she was bent down sniffing the floor; she looked so cute. I cocked my head to the side as she rolled over onto her back, wiggling across the mud. What the hell was she doing?

My ears perked up as I heard her whine softly, still rolling around on the floor. Padding over to her I Gently licked her cheek trying to work out what was wrong with my angel. She turned to her side and began to rub her back along my leg, I let out a chuckle; well more of a messed up bark as I worked out what was wrong. She had an itchy back.

I trailed my paw gently across her back, my wolf purring along side Lexi's as our skin made contact. I groaned as she moved up and snuggled into my side, this was getting harder and harder not to just mark her. I wanted to be able to make her mine, show others that she was my baby.

We laid there for a few more minutes, our heads nuzzled together until I motioned her to leave. She nipped on my heel before running off, a game we've once before.

***

Panting we paused at the door of the pack house,

'Matt open the door please' I sent the mind link through.

I couldn't wait until I could mind link with Lexi, then I would be able to talk to her anywhere I was. I would know she was safe when she wasn't at my side, I would just have to wait.

I nodded my head at my brother as he opened the door, quickly leading Lexi up to our room. I watched as she ran into the bathroom shutting it behind her as I padded over to my closet. I nipped my teeth on some of my shorts and tugged them off the hanger, quickly shifting back and changing. Walking over to the bed I fell back on it, staring up at the ceiling as I heard the sound of running water.

It felt great to have Lexi back with me. After she ran off I wanted to go after her but Dawn showed up. I swear that girl was a leech! It took twenty minutes before I managed to dump her on Drew; schools basketball player.

By the time I had run after her she was gone, plus the rain didn't help by covering up her scent. I had half the pack looking for her, when dad received the call from Alpha Tom I felt relief washed over me. I never wanted to lose her again, that feeling was horrible!

I glanced up as I saw Lexi walk out of the bathroom. A white towel wrapped around her wet body, her wet hair hanging down her shoulders. My eyes followed a bead of water as it dropped from her hair and began to roll down her face.

'Mine! Mine!'

I ignored my wolf and tried to bite back the lust rushing through my body, I just wanted to pull her into my arms and make love to her. To show her how much I loved and cared for her. But not yet. I forced myself to smile but I probably looked constipated!

I turned my head to the side as I tried to control my wolf, it was an internal battle with myself. Half of me wanted to mark her and show everyone she's mine; my wolf included and then the other half wanted to wait to make it special.

"Ryan?"

I groaned as her voice came out as a small, sexy whisper. I longed to jump off the bed and wrap her into my arms. I kept my mouth clamped shut, afraid of what I would do of I replied.

"Are you okay?" I heard her footsteps across the carpet as she said it. Soon followed by a dip in the bed.

I bit my lip as she placed her hand on my arm, the familiar sensation of sparks travelling up my arms.

'Mine!' my wolf chanted over in my head whilst purring slightly.

"S-stop" I breathed out, my jaw clenched tightly.

"Stop what?" The hurt in her voice was evident and my wolf howled in pain.

"I won't be able to control my wolf. Please I don't want to scare you" I whispered opening my eyes and found myself getting lost in her eyes.

Her blue eyes were as bright as the sky, her pink soft lips that looked so juicy. Could I kiss her? Bringing my gaze up I noticed she was staring at my lips. Maybe one kiss?

Before I knew it I stopped resisting the pull and let myself inch closer towards her. Bringing my hand up I gently laid my palm against her soft cheek as I gently lowered my lips to meet hers.

I gently brushed my lips against hers before pulling back and staring into her eyes, there was an emotion in her eyes that I couldn't understand. Did she regret me kissing her? Was it a bad kiss? She was the only girl I had ever kissed, I had no clue if I was doing it right.

I gasped slightly and snapped out of my thoughts as I felt her soft, sweet lips against mine. Bringing my free hand up I held her closer to me as I gently traced her bottom lip with my tongue. I tried again as she remained still, crap she doesn't know what to do. I opened my mouth to say something but I felt her sweet tongue against mine.

It felt like fireworks were exploding in my mouth, as corny as it sounds it was true. Our tongues danced together as explored her mouth; wanting to taste every part of her. I groaned as I heard her small moan. I needed to stop before I lost control.

Pulling back I rested my head against her forehead, staring into her eyes. I looked for any sign of anger towards me but nothing. Did she like the kiss?

My smile slipped from my face as I noticed her shiver slightly. Sitting up I wrapped the blanket around her as I scooped her up in my arms. She laughed as I carried her over to the closet. I watched her face heat up as I placed a pair of pink tigger girl boxers on her lap with a matching bra, walking over to the closet I let my eyes skim over the clothes.

I pulled out a light pink shirt and jeans before walking her back over to the bed. Placing her down gently I kissed her forehead, my lips lingering for a few minutes before pulling back.

"I'll just leave you to get changed" I mumbled before walking out of the room; not looking back incase I did something I would regret.

Walking down the stairs I headed out the front door, quickly jumping into my car and peeling out of the drive way. My eyes glared at the traffic lights as they seemed to all go red just as I drove by.

Finally pulling up outside the shop I hopped out of the car and locked it. Looking both ways I quickly crossed the road and walked into the shop, a little bell singing as I stepped through the door; alerting the shopkeeper of my presence.

Travelling down the aisle's my eyes scanned over the various beautiful flowers planted everywhere.

"May I help you?"

Glancing up I noticed a young woman with bright red hair.

"I'm trying to find flowers for my girlfriend. But I have no clue" I mumbled as I rubbed the back of my neck nervously.

I should have asked Lexi what get favourite flowers were. God I was so stupid! How was I supposed to know what to get her?

"Well we had a new batch of flowers come in an hour ago if you would like to see them?" She smiled at me.

Nodding I followed her as she led me through the aisles towards a door behind the counter. She pushed it open and my eyes bugged as we stepped through. There were hundreds of flowers placed everywhere, ranging from yellow to purple.

My eyes tried to take in all the flowers I could see as I followed the lady. But none seemed to suit Lexi. I stared at the flowers in front of me as we stopped walking.

In front of me was a bunch of purple/blue flowers.

"What are they?" I asked pointing to the flowers.

"They're blue Dendrobium Orchids"

They were perfect, they reminded me of Lexi's eyes; the blue colour of course.

"I'll take them" I smiled at the lady.

I stayed quiet as we walked back through the door to the counter. After watching her wrap them up and I paid I quickly walked to the shop next door. I picked up some skittles, mentos, a two litre bottle of coke and a box of chocolates before driving back to the pack house.

Walking up to her room I ran a hand through my hair nervously before knocking lightly on the door. I smiled as she opened the door, she looked beautiful. I engulfed her in my arms, my wolf calming down now we were back with our mate.

She giggled as she hugged me back, pulling away I gently pressed my lips to her head before leading her out of the room.

"Where are we going?" She asked as I laced our fingers together. The bags were back in the car.

"Surprise" I grinned holding the door open for her.

"Thank you" she smiled at me.

I took her hand again as I led her to the car, holding the door open for her as she climbed in. Leaning over I gently buckled her in before closing the door and climbing in my side. I laced one hand with hers as I drove towards our destination.

"Are we there yet?"

"Nope" I smile popping the 'p'.

She asked the same question every five minutes until we actually got there. Taking her small hand in mine I pulled her close to my body as I leant over in the back seat. I grabbed the bags from my hand and led her down a small path.

People lined the streets as we walked, I led her over to a small patch in the middle of the field, not far from our real destination. Pulling her down gently so she sat next to me I pulled the flowers out of the bag, I had bought a small batch of four so she wouldn't have many to carry around with us.

"They're so pretty" she gasped softly, stroking the petals of the flowers. I smiled as I watched her, she truly was beautiful.

She was still stroking them when I pulled out the contents of the bag.

"I thought we could have some fun before I take you there" I smiled softly at her as her eyes wandered over the items, absorbing them in.

I picked up the box of chocolates and placed them on her lap, watching as her face lit up. She gently pulled the case off, her eyes scanning the different chocolates ravishingly. She picked one up and gently bit into it, I groaned as I heard her moan quietly.

I lent forward as she held out the half eaten chocolate for me. I stated into her bright blue as I gently bit the chocolate from her fingers. She smiled shyly at me as she blushed, why would anyone ever want to hurt her?

Seeing the time on my watch I hastily sped things up. I fed the chocolates to her and we were now sharing a pack of skittles. Pulling the mentos and coke towards me I grinned at Lexi.

"You might wanna stand back" I smiled at her as I began to uncap the bottle.

She stepped back a few feet from me as I held the bottle in my hand ad ripped off the wrapper of the mentos. Quickly throwing some of them inside the coke bottle I quickly shut the lid and shook the bottle. Placing it on the ground I stepped back and took off towards Lexi stood.

Both of us stayed silent as I watched the bottle began to shake, she was going to love this; hopefully. She giggled as the cap exploded of the bottle and it shot around like a rocket.

She was so sweet, I laced our fingers together as I led her down the pathway towards our date plan. I popped a skittle into my mouth as we walked, hopefully she would like it.

I stared at her as we joined the line, her eyes were twinkling and a small smile was etched onto her face. I glanced up at the big, brown letters above us spelling out 'zoo'.

Quickly paying the entrance fee I kept Lexi close to my side as we move through the throng of people finally entering inside.

"Where do you want to go first?" I asked holding the map out in front of us.

There were small pictures of each animal, my wolf howled happily as Lexi raked her eyes over the different animals.

"Can we go there?" she said shyly as she pointed over to the monkey section.

I nodded and took her hand as she began to pull me along, following the big signs hanging above us. After watching the monkeys hanging off the trees, sleeping and playing around we walked towards the aquarium section.

Lexi gawped at all the exotic fishes as they swam past through the see through tank. We were walking down a small tunnel, fishes swimming above us. We stopped by the dolphin show; Marley the dolphin performed flips and balancing a ball on his nose.

"Here, there's somewhere I wanna show you" I smiled taking her hand in mine as I led her towards the destination.

Colourful butterflies instantly surrounded us as we walked in, a small group of people already in the room. A family of three, two other couples and us. Lexi giggled as a blue butterfly landed on her nose, I watched as she stared at it; her eyes scrunched up and a small smile on her face. She was really beautiful, I was lucky to have her.

***

"Thank you" Lexi smiled as I walked us back to the car, a large gift bag in my hand and the flowers and a large monkey teddy in her arms.

"It was my pleasure. We can go somewhere again next friday if you like" turning my head to the side I stared at her nervously. I think today was a success, please say yes.

She nodded her head shyly before turning to look away. Picking her hand into mine I sent her a smile as we walked up to my car. Opening the door for her I kissed her head before placing her many gifts in the back seat, followed by jumping back into the car.

I laced my free hand with hers as I drove with the other on the steering wheel back to the pack house. I had the night planned out for us, I would stay with her tonight. That way I know she's safe in my arms. It was a risk taking her to the zoo today but she needed a break.

So much had happened these last few months, she wasn't ready for this. She was strong, beautiful and caring; the perfect traits for a Luna. I glanced across her and out of the window, barely making out the shape of the wolf as he ran through the bushes; hidden from humans.

I had brought Tom as a guard for us incase of attack. During school hours on Monday I would have one wolf tailing her wherever she was, we had few classes together but a quick word with the head could get that changed. She would be safe all the time, nothing could hurt her.

Switching the engine off I quickly exited the car, rushing to her side to open it for her a sleek smile on my face. Taking her many gifts in my hand I led her through the pack house and up to her room.

I laid back on her bed as I watched her walk out of her bathroom with a case full of water, she placed the flowers in before settling the case down next to the window. She empties the contents of the gift bag onto the bed; a mood ring, a large monkey teddy, a dolphin photo frame, a fish key ring and a butterfly necklace. I watched as she pulled out a shoe box, wrapping the gifts; all except the monkey, in tissue before settling them in the shoe box.

I remained silent as I watched her do this, she was so graceful in her movements. Everything about her was elegant and graceful but with a hint of innocence. She didn't understand how incredible she was, I would show her one day.

I smiled as she walked over to me, sitting on the edge of the bed, taking her by the waist I gently bought her closer to me making her giggle. I stared down at my hands on her waist and back at her as she wiggled in my arms.

"Are you ticklish?" I grinned as I poked her side making her squirm.

I jumped up as she ran across the room, hiding behind her draws. Advancing towards her she let out a little squeal before running behind the bed.

"Lexi" I teased as I made my way towards her, I was being lenient.

I used my wolf speed as she tried to run off, wrapping my arms around her waist I picked her up,

"Let me go" she breathed out as she wriggled in my arms.

I groaned and gently placed her on the bed, straddling her as I began to tickle her.

"Please...n-no... R-Ryan" she giggled making me laugh.

"Say I'm the best in the whole wide world" I grinned as I stopped tickling her.

Her face became serious and I began to worry, had I said something wrong?

"You're the best in the whole wide world" her voice was a barely a whisper but it sounded like music.

Leaning down I placed a small kiss on her lips, pulling back before I lost control. Everyday was a challenge itself, I longed for the day I could make her mine forever. I lay back against the pillows as Lexi lay across my chest.

"Thanks for making this the best day ever" she said softly as she glanced up at me.

"My pleasure" I whispered back.

I stroked my hands into her hair as we lay there, eventually her falling asleep. I would wake her in a few hours for dinner, she still was too thin for my liking. Kissing the top of her head I let my eyes shut as I replied the whole day once over in my head.

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Updated 15th June 2012 .. hopefully this is longer than others .. don't know when I will next upload.. want to thank everyone for all the votes and comments you're all totally amazing :D anyways enjoy :p