The Alpha's Daydream ✔️

Chapter 9

1668 words

Looking out the window, Ariella was surprised to find him climbing the tree.

"No, wait. I'm coming down," she whispered as she scrambled over the ledge and onto the branches. They dropped to the ground at the same time.

"My parents..." Ariella began and Mal nodded in understanding, his dark fringe falling over his brow and concealing his eyes.

Without saying a word, he held out his hand for Ariella to take, and she hesitated a moment.

Did she really want this? Did she really want to take this risk of going with her mate whom she knew nothing about? Remembering that she was giving him a chance to apologise, and wanting to know more about him, she slipped her fingers in his.

The sparks that jumped between their skin made her smile and a warmth filled her heart. As she followed him down the forest trail, not knowing where he was taking her, she couldn't seem to shake the conflict inside. It felt so wrong to be sneaking about with him. He was dark and dangerous, he'd shown her that much already.

But it also felt so right. He was her mate, and deep down she had the feeling he wouldn't hurt her. Perhaps he too was unsure of this bond between them, and didn't know how to proceed with their relationship. Maybe he too was scared of what it meant to now have found the other half of their souls.

The sounds of the forest echoed around them, and Ariella smiled at the way his fingers wrapped perfectly around her own. Though it was cold out, the simple touch was enough to warm her inside. The path was dark since the moon was hidden for the night, but his even darker shoulders and broad back were easy to keep her eyes on, leading her deeper and deeper into his territory. She felt when they crossed the border, and as they did a shiver of power ran from him to her. It made her wonder just what rank he held within his pack. Obviously he had enough authority to bring her here—whenever here was. Asking where they were going seemed out of place in the silent trust she'd given him, so Ariella was content to just follow.

The path inclined, and soon the bushes pressed in closer as it disappeared all together. Her feet almost tread on his as she trailed even closer behind, her nose once bumping into his back.

Then they stepped out into a clearing, and the light of the distant stars lit up the area. They were near a cliff, Ariella could tell by the black void that greeted them a few feet away. Hanging back near the safety of the trees, she studied her mate for a moment. His silhouette was illuminated by the starlight, and she watched with parted lips as something glowed on his back, taking shape and forming wings. Wings of pale white colour, so faint they might have only been made of pure energy. So delicate and fragile, yet when they unfurled and stretched out, the large feathery shapes exuded power and intensity.

Ariella's heart thudded with this new vision. So...he wasn't a demon, but an angel? Did they even exist? Had her imagination completely taken over her ability to reason?

When he turned to her, she swallowed uncomfortably.

"It's okay," he spoke softly, as if aware of her sudden fear. "This ledge is safe. I won't let you fall."

And she knew he wouldn't. Blinking, the wings disappeared from her sight and she reached for his outstretched hand once more. When they sank down to the rocky ground together, he wrapped an arm around her, making her feel more secure and safe than she had in a very long time.

"You're cold," he murmured, and she heard the regret in his voice.

"No, it's alright. I'm warm enough." She assured him while nestling closer into his side. His body heat and scent enveloped her, making her wish this moment would never end despite the thin layer of fears that crouched on the edge of her awareness. Pushing them back, she asked quietly, "So why did you push me away the other day? Did you not want to be seen with me? Do you not want a mate?" The questions tumbled out in one long sentence.