The Burning of the Heart (bxb)

Chapter 5

Ryder
The last thing I remembered was the smell of vanilla spice, and soothingly warm hands on me. It was different than what I was used to, they actually brought comfort. I felt the warmth behind me, and a soft heartbeat. Then I fell asleep.
What the actual fuck? I had never done that before. I would never fall asleep that easily, I have had insomnia all my life.
I just know, when I woke up this morning, I felt peaceful and relaxed. I felt warm and safe, a feeling I wasn't used to. The soft breathing and heartbeat behind me made me realize I was still in Cadens arms, sitting on the floor. I shifted around, twisting my body so I could see his face.
He was beautiful, his features smoothed out when he was asleep. His full lips were slightly parted, and his head was tilted up, revealing his sharp jawline and smooth neck.
I have never been turned on by someone before.
But here I was, with a growing problem in my pants, staring at an amazingly hot man, that also happened to be my mate. He also still had one hand in my waist, the grip strong despite him being asleep.
Deciding to take the risk, I reached up and touched his face, running my fingers softly along his jawline, then to trace his cheekbones and lips.
I was startled when I saw beautiful golden eyes open slightly, and I realized he had been awake the entire time. Jerking my hand away, I struggled to get up and away from him. As soon as I stood up, I fell back down, my vision nearly blacking out. Curse iron deficiencies.
"Woah there, you ok?" I heard Caden say, his voice husky from sleep.
"Y-yeah. I'm fine. " I said, and stood up again, slower.
When I turned around to look at him, he looked kind of concerned .
"I'm fine. I have an iron deficiency." I said, looking down. It was nothing to be embarrassed about, but for some reason I was getting nervous and blushing.
" No, I'm not worried about that. I mean I am, but right now, I'm worried about my pack. " I looked up, confused.
"You are my mate, but you still put the pack in danger... I don't know if they will like you very much." He said, and it was his turn to look away from me.
I cringed, thinking about what had happened yesterday.
Staying silent, I crouched down, a couple feet from my mate.
"Wait, so you aren't going to reject me?" I said, letting a little to much emotion lace my voice.
he looked startled, peering into my eyes.
" of course not, why would I do that? "
"Because I'm a rogue. I've burned down packs before, if I hadn't been caught last night, I would have burned yours. I'm a monster."
His gaze softened, and he scooted over to me.
"We are all monsters, what's in the past, happened. Dont do it again." He whispered, and pulled me into a hug.
I flinched and tried to move at first, but I quickly melted into his hug. It was warm, comforting. The smell of vanilla spice was intoxicating, and I loved it.

Caden
As I hugged him, the smell of wood smoke flooded my senses. It was his smell, and it matched him. Finally, I let go, to look into his eyes. He looked calm, but also easily startled. He looked as he had gone through hell and back, and brought some of the fire with him. He still smelled like me, lightly, from when we fell asleep together. I smirked, and leaned my face closer to his.
His eyes widened, and he pulled out of my grip.
"I barely know you, no kissing yet. "
"Yet..." I snickered at his remark.
He blushed and turned away.
"D-do you have anything smaller for me to wear? And do I have to wear the rope still?" He asked, changing the subject.
" I can find you some smaller clothes, and we will see about the rope. I don't know if I can trust you yet. " he nodded wordless, and walked over to one of the windows. It was bright out, and sunshine shown through the glass. The forest stretched out for miles in front of us.
"Can I go outside?" He said mindlessly. I sighed, I don't know if I can fully trust him to not run yet.
" as long as you stay with me, no running. " I said warily.
"And the ropes are on out there. " he groaned at that, his head went limp.
I snorted. "You chose to do this." he whipped his head around and glared at me, but didn't say anything.
" Anyway, you want food? I'm starving. " I said.
He nodded, a glint of annoyance in his eye.

As we walked down the hallway, a few werewolves glared at Ryder. He kept his head down, but his eyes were practically glowing. From hate or fear, I couldn't say.
I few gave me questioning stares, but I ignored them. I kept my head up, looking confident and powerful. As an alpha should look.
We finally made it to the elevator, and we stepped inside.
"Wait! I'm coming!" Cora said, sprinting down the hallway. She practically flew in, gasping for air.
" the cooks are about to run out of cinnamon rolls, I need to get there before Jackson. " she explained, panting. She looked up, and saw Ryder. She immediately straightened up, and stared at him, glaring. He looked up as well, and stared right back. I was taken aback, he would challenge my future beta?
His eyes glowed a soft red, a challenge. Cora growled lowly, and I saw her fangs extend slightly.
"Cora." I said softly, trying to not provoke her. She looked at me, her eyes narrowed.
" Why the hell is he here? "
"Cora, he is my mate. Don't attack him." I said calmly.
her eyes widened, and she took a step back. I saw Ryder smirk slightly out of the corner of my eye, but I didn't pay attention.
"Good luck with that." She said, and the elevator dinged, the doors opening. She sprinted towards the kitchen, telling something about cinnamon rolls and Jackson. Jackson was a younger werewolf, and Cora and Jackson were always fighting. Like, always.
I stepped out, and Ryder followed me closely. As soon as we made it to the kitchen, I froze, sensing someone there.
"So this is the pyromaniac. " my father said, stepping away from the wall he was leaning against.

A/n- well, what's gonna happen? What do you think? Do you all think Cora will warm up to Ryder? Will any of the pack ever? We will see...