New Age Werewolf Series Book 2: Hunter's Daughter, Alpha's Mate

Part 34: Can't Hide

"Ready, Leilani?"

I was ready, and as always, excited, even after almost three weeks. When Asa, Scott and Logan went outside for free time by the water as agreed, I was to walk with Kyros. He usually had clothes delivered to me the night before. Sometimes we were on the beach, sometimes we were on paths in the woods. We basically talked about whatever. I felt sorry for him every time he mentioned his father, who was strict and stubborn, a terrible combination. 

"May I ask you something?"

"Sure, ask away," Kyros smiled.

"How is it you stayed so kind?" I asked. "You do realize you're kind-even a bit fair, don't you?"

He chuckled at that. "My mother was kind," Kyros nodded. "In fact, I was allowed to play with Asa when I was young. He was just a servant and companion then, but when he picked a human bride, my father--"

"Jailed him." I finished the statement sadly.

"Yes." he looked sad, too. "Asa was the best, you know? I mean, he taught me so much. He's alpha material."

"What happened to the bride?"

"She was banished," Kyros answered.

"You don't like it, do you?"

"Separating loved ones from each other is never right." He gave me a long look. "I'd like to show you something today. It's a longer walk. You game?"

I shrugged. "Sure."

We traveled further into the forest, and came upon a clearing.

"Whoa." I looked. "Is this some sort of...shrine?"

"A replica of one in Europe, yes," he replied. "The Goddess."

"Diana."

"Yes," he said. "there are others on the grounds." He stopped short of the steps. "I let you keep your father's books."

"Thanks for that."

"Did you read about Diana and the relation to wolves?"

"She is Goddess of the Moon," I breathed. "And you believe that she determines your mate, and to some degree your fate." I realized that he was staring at me, barely even blinked. "Kyros?"

"I have believed it for some time now," he said softly, taking my hand in his. "You're my mate, Lani."

I stood, almost forgetting to breathe. 

"Lani?" He looked down at our joined hands, and I did the same. "You feel something, don't you? Haven't you always?" When I didn't answer, he stepped closer and looked down at me, tilting my chin up. "The truth, Leilani." He whispered.

"Y-yes, I--" I was cut off my his mouth coming down on mine. He pulled me close, and the warmth of his embrace relaxed me against him.  He picked me up and kissed my ear, then dragged his lips down my cheek to my neck. I held onto him, feeling helpless and caught up in him. 

"Goddess, I want this..." He whispered, allowing me to slide down his body to the floor. "But I don't think you're ready." He looked conflicted, even frustrated.

"Kyros?" I licked my lips nervously.

"Yes?" He licked his own, watching me intently.

"Can I speak to your wolf?"

His expression turned to one of surprise. "Not a good idea, love."

"Why?"

"He is impatient and quite bluntly...wants you now, right now."

"Can I reason with him?"

"I don't know," he shook his head for emphasis. "and I wouldn't call this a good trial and error situation."

"Can you let him out a little?" Curiosity was getting the best of me. 

He closed his eyes briefly, and he looked at me. His eyes were red and rimmed with gold, and I backed a step. He grabbed me and just looked at me, his eyes rolling closed as he inhaled deeply. He backed me against a tree, and he nuzzled me. "Can't....get....away...." His voice was deeper, and his body seemed to swell as he smelled my neck. "Sweet..."

I looked up at him. "Kyros?" I popped his nose, and he blinked, shaking his head. "Kyros?"

He cleared his throat. "Sorry." I touched his face, and he caught my hand. "Sorry. Full moon coming. Harder to control when you're so close."

"How long have you been like this?"

"I've known of your presence since I was at the university," he admitted.

"This year--"

"No."

I looked at him puzzled.

"When I was about twenty, I went camping in the woods by your family's cabin with my father. I went crazy trying to find you. My father disappeared and came back looking like he'd been in the fight of his life." He took a deep breath. "I know now that he has known about us since then."

"I was in high school."

"Yes, but I was in college," He replied. "Imagine my surprise to find that same scent again at my alma mater years later this spring." He took my hands in his. "I believe we have been looking for each other, and now that we've found each other, we've got to figure this out."