The Wolf Within (Book 1 of Wolf Within Series)

She Smells Good

** Lia's POV **

Yes, this woman was definitely the source of that wonderful scent. She looked so beautiful as the moonlight hit her. Her short hair blew slightly in the breeze as the wind allowed me to catch another good inhale of that sweet aroma.

I dared not move and didn't know what to do since the woman before me had not shifted into her wolf. Mated wolves normally see their wolf counterpart first before they shift and, well, mate. However, here she was, not showing me her wolf: just looking frightened, concerned and confused.

For a moment, I saw happiness and excitement creep across her face and I felt my tail wag slightly in response. She must recognize me as her mate!

She leaned closer and looked me over, her feet remained firmly planted where she stood. It felt like she was scrutinizing every inch of me which she could see. Worry crept through me as she looked from my ears to my paws. She isn't happy with my wolf? I thought, and just then, she stood up tall and spread her arms out wide and made to take a step forward before she said, "SHOO!"

I stepped backwards and tilted my head to the side, not sure what was happening. She looked like she was trying to be a bear or something as she said it. Is she rejecting me? If she was, she would have to do it formally, tell me her name and pack and say "I reject you" for it to work. Yet, here we are and she's just....

Wait...

Is she trying to scare me away?

What is this?

Again, she yelled "SHOO!" and this time jumped off the ground a little bit as she puffed out her chest and tried to make herself bigger.

I looked her in the eyes and let out a small howl, in an attempt to call to her wolf, and begged it to come out. I could feel my call resonate with her deeply, yet, her wolf made no appearance, not even in sound. All I could feel was the smallest tug on a small spiritual line we just made. 

I turned and let out a small whimper as I trotted back into the forest. I went slowly so I could hear when she began to walk away.

As she left, I stopped my slow walk and turned around to watch her. As she made her way farther through the prairie, I couldn't help asking questions. Why hadn't she returned my call? Why didn't she shift? She certainly was a wolf, was she a rogue?

But the most important question was: What is her name?

I stayed until I saw her enter a small little cabin at the other end of the prairie. Then I turned and made my way toward the main house, anxious to hear what Al would have to say about the situation.

Even still, I found myself smiling the whole way home; as ridiculous and strange as tonight had been... as she had been, I'd found her.

***

As I approached the main house, I got a glimpse of a few newfound lovers chatting on the porch, one younger couple was all hands. I cleared my throat to catch their attention.

"Hello Alpha!" One of them said, surprised.

"Hello, it seems you two were successful tonight." I couldn't help but smile at their blushing faces. "Maybe it's best if you two went to a more private space." I cautioned as I walked into the main house.

"Yes Alpha!" They both said and immediately ran into the house.

The mate bond was a powerful thing, and many pairs would be acting on that intensity tonight. I was lucky enough to have found my mate, however, I would be doing something different with my blissful evening.