Axel's Flower (Discontinued)

Chapter Seven

For the' first time, I wake up before Axel does. I sleepily observe his sleep-ruffled hair and five-o'clock shadow. His dark hair flops messily over his forehead and his thick brows pucker in his sleep. He looks so innocent and vulnerable, his scars look so misplaced as if they don't belong on such a beautiful person. I can't help myself and reach out and place my hand on the scratchy hair covering his cheeks. His eyes flutter open softly and his hand covers mine.

"Good morning," He whispers huskily.

"Good morning," I whisper back.

"Would it ruin the mood if I told you we have to get up early today for pack business?" He asks.

"Yes, I think that would do it," I say jokingly.

"Well, we have to leave today and go visit another pack. I need to discuss that alliance I mentioned yesterday," He reminded me.

"Awesome," I deadpan.

"Get up and get dresses, lazy," Axel tells me before rising up. I bask in the warmth of the covers, putting off facing the cruel world. I get up when Axel threatens to pour water on me, realizing that I'm becoming more like Elliot every day. I do my morning routine while Axel shaves. I deliberate on an outfit before deciding on ripped jeans, a worn flannel, and converse. I smoothe back my curls and secure them with a hair tie, which annoyingly breaks on the first try.

Axel rushes us during breakfast and out the door. It is just starting to warm up but the cold still clings to the air. Men linger around, waiting for Axel's orders, presumably pack warriors because of how to fit they are. Faye and I are the only girls and Elliot was forced to stay here, to which he begrudgingly agreed.

"Why are we the only chicks?"I ask Faye. I would much rather be in bed than out here at this ungodly hour.

"It's respectful for the Alpha and Beta to bring their mates, though I'm not the one they want to see. Axel is a very private man and people are curious about him. The rumor got out that he found his mate and people are interested - especially Alpha Ashton," Fiona fills me in.

"Who is Alpha Ashton," I ask. Before she can answer Axel's voice booms out.

"We're heading west, straight to Ashton's territory. There we will discuss the details of an alliance. Follow me and Lee's lead," When Axel is don addressing the men he comes over to me.

"We're going in wolf form to save time so you'll have to ride on my back. Clutch on to my fur and wrap your arms around my neck," He hands me a leather pouch and continues. "Tie this tp my hind leg. it has a change of clothes in it."

He backs away and for the first time, I see his wolf. It happens so fast that the only thing I register is the sound of bones cracking. I expected his wolf to be black like Lee's, but it is a pure snow white. His fur looks soft to the touch. I thought Lee's wolf was big but Axel's is bigger, his black eyes the same level as mine.

"Axel," I breath and reach out to touch his soft fur and he burrows into my touch. It's so weird to stare into the same deep eyes as Axel but as a wolf. He bows his front legs and I realize he wants me to get on. I tie the leather pouch to his hind leg and climb onto his back. When he gets up I lean forward and circle my arms around my neck and grab two hand fulls of fur. Dozens of them change into wolves and It's amazing to see all those beautiful creatures all in the same area. Next to me, Faye is perched on Lee's wolf.

"You ready," Faye asks me.

"As I'll ever be," I say nervously.

Axel moves west toward the forest lining, then takes off. He goes faster and the trees blur as we pass them. I've never done anything so exhilarating. The wind rushes past me at light speed and I clutch onto Axel harder. I can hear Axel's heavy breath come out as pants as his paws hit the ground lightning fast. I can hear the other wolves treading behind us and I can see Faye clutching onto Lee beside me.