Spring
Daffodil's P.O.V.
It was a beautiful morning to start with. I get up early and immediately fix myself a cup of coffee. The sun is still taking its time to rise in the eastern part of the horizon.
Spring season is now arriving, and that is more than enough reason for me to feel alive and excited. Finally, the long winter nights are over, and I can now enjoy the comforting warmth of the sun.
The lively chirping of the birds and the rustling sounds of the trees filled my ears. My attention was captured by the dandelions on the ground. It was scattered all over the ground giving off a serene vibe to the place. I am standing on my small terrace while waiting for the beautiful morning sun to rise in the sky. In my hand is a delicious cup of roasted coffee. Life is indeed beautiful. Especially when you are living your dream life. My wolf will surely love to play and run in the woods this early.
Unconsciously, my hand reaches the silver pendant on my chest. It is a beautiful half-moon necklace. It was given to me as a gift on my 13th birthday.
"You're up early today. That's a surprise!" My eyes turn toward my favourite human or probably werewolf of all time. He is my best friend, slash enemy Sam.
"Good morning to you too, Sam." I sarcastically answered. "Coffee?" I offered, raising the cup a bit in the air.
He just smirks at my offer. "That would be perfect, but I'm in a rush. Alpha Alaric from the Red Valley pack is coming to visit." He declined politely.
My forehead creases at the news. Alpha Alaric?
"Why?" I asked in curiosity.
Alpha Alaric kinda got himself a reputation of a certified womanizer. He is quite famous among women for being a great lover and an ass. A man who's using his Alpha title to fuck and bitch out everywhere he goes. I met him in person once when I was thirteen on my birthday, and that's also the last time I saw him.
It's been ten years since then, and I can't even remember how he looks. I'm sure he is already a fully grown man by now. He was 20 at that time, and this time he is already in his thirties. I wonder why he hasn't met his mate yet.
"He must be looking for his mate and Luna. He hasn't found her yet, so I guess that's the main reason for his visit."
I can't help but grimace at Sam's horrendous conclusion. Werewolves cherish their mate and consider it as a gift from the moon goddess. I wonder if Alpha Alaric has the same beliefs in life.
"That's probably his karma." I commented. I already feel bad for his mate. She will spend the rest of her life dealing with her manwhore of a mate.
Amusement crossed Sam's eyes as he watches the displeasure in my face.
"Judging on the look on your face, it will be fun to watch if you turned up to be his mate." He said then let out an amused laugh.
My face contorted at his humorless joke. I am about to throw him my mug of coffee when I remember that's it is my favorite mug.
I take a deep breath and count one to ten to calm myself. Instead of throwing him my mug, I decided that raising my eyebrow would be a more appropriate response to him.
"If I were you, you should leave by now before I decided that ruining your face is more important than keeping my favorite coffee mug." I threatened.
Sam being Sam just laugh at me as he waves goodbye before turning to the direction of the packhouse.
I can't help but shake my head as my eyes follow him to the direction of the packhouse. Sam's mate would be so lucky to have him, it's really unfortunate that it couldn't be me. He was my long-time crush, I'm kinda hoping that once I turned 16 my wolf would recognize him as our mate but it didn't come.
I let out a sigh and decided to get inside the house. I live alone now since I moved out of my parent's house a year ago. My eyes roam around the minimalist design in my living room to the few patterns of gowns that were displayed on the wall. I work as a fashion designer. I graduated 2 years ago and I now owned a small boutique in a nearby mall where I am displaying all of my works. It is doing so well that I am already planning to open a new branch in the city next to ours.
I think that would be a great idea. My feet carried me to the small kitchen of the house where I can wash my coffee mug. I would love to work on my designs immediately but I think it will be much better if I let out my wolf first to have a run. My wolf loves to run in especially during this time of the year where it was not as humid as summer and not freezing cold like winter. Just a perfect temperature to enjoy the morning breeze and the refreshing scent of the nature around us.
After washing the mug and putting it back on the rack where it was supposed to be, I decided to have a small run on the vast forest inside the territory of my pack. I'm not sure if the Alpha will call out all of the unmated females later but I really have no interest in meeting Alpha Alaric. Besides if I am his mate, he should be able to recognize me at our first meeting even if I am not able to recognize the mate bond at that time yet.
With that thinking, I walk out of the house and follow the path towards the forest. For some reason, I can't help but feel excited as I get nearer and nearer to the trees. It is as if something good is going to happen today. I strip off my dress and shifted to my wolf. I have an auburn fur the same as my hair color that perfectly matches my brown wolfie eyes. My wolf is of average size, not as big as warriors but big enough for female wolves.
I took off on my paws and started running towards the direction of the lake in the midst of the forest. My wolf loves to play in the water, that's why it is like a tradition for both of us to play and visit the lake at least once a week.
The cool breeze that's softly caressing my fur feels so refreshing and relaxing at the same time. I dig my paws as fast as I can upon seeing my distance to the lake became closer and closer. The beautiful spring flower is starting to grow in some parts of the forest while the snow is starting to melts. Every time the spring starts in the midst of April, it is as if I am seeing it again for the first time. The beautiful greens and yellow is starting to bloom around while the snow on the ground creates a small river that flows down to the village. It is as if the winter itself gives way and welcome the spring with open arms. Spring for me is the perfect time to grow and bloom beautifully under the warmth of the rising sun.
I am already gasping for air the moment I reach the lake. I can see some thin ice floating in the water but that does not bother my wolf at all. She playfully hops in the cold water creating a splish splash around us. The cold temperature does not bother us, instead, it made me feel relax and happy. I keep on jumping carelessly in the water as I play the endless game of chase the tale.
My wolf stops playing when she starts to feel a bit of exhaustion from playing too much. I shake my fur to remove droplets of water from it then I decided to just sit in front of the lake while admiring the beautiful surroundings. Not far from me, I can see a host of golden daffodils softly dancing in the subtle hymn of the wind. This place is beyond perfect.
I am about to close my eyes to enjoy the serenity of the place when I feel a small movement behind me.
My left ear perks up as I became more observant of my surroundings. A snapping sound behind me made me aware of the newcomer's location.
Judging by its scent he is not a part of our pack. A musky scent of pines and woods invaded my nose, making me feel hazy and excited at the same time. Though this feeling is new to me, I am aware of what this means.
My mate!
I stand up and turn around to look where the scent is coming from. Only to be greeted with a black wolf almost twice as big as mine. Judging on his eyes and the authority he emits I can already tell that he is an alpha.
My eyes widen at my sudden realization. He is certainly not our alpha and at this moment there are only two alphas in this territory. That makes him- fuck!
I can't help but take a small step backward in fear. It couldn't be him! He can't be my mate!
The black wolf let out a warning growl not liking my reactions at all. He slowly advances towards me, his eyes not leaving my face. It is as if he seems to be very fascinated with my reaction. Both fear and excitement are enclosing me, I do not know what to do so I did the thing that I know I'll end up regretting later.
I took off on my paws and run towards the direction of my house. A loud growl filled the whole forest making me feel more scared of the wolf that's chasing me. His howl tugged my heart in pain making me want to stop to turn back to him but I am way to afraid of him to do it. He is probably taking my actions as a sign of rejection. Well, if running away from your mate is not enough sign of rejection then I do not know what is it.
I forced myself to run faster upon hearing his heavy paws from behind. A clear indication that he is gaining on me. This is hopeless! He is much faster and larger than me. He is a pure predator and in this case, I am his prey.
Just like what I expected, I stumbled on the top of the beautiful yellow flowers with his wolf on top of me. I immediately try to push him away but he is probably thrice as heavy as my wolf.
He snarled at me out of impatience and I immediately cower beneath him in response. He let out another snarl demanding me to shift. I shook my head in disapproval. If I shift, I will be naked. I don't want him to see me naked!
He let out a more powerful growl this time. Despite my objection, I still end up following his command. He is my mate, that makes him my new alpha. A wolf cannot deny an alpha's command. I immediately use my hand to cover my private parts the moment my whole body turns back to my human form. The side of my eyes is starting to water in combination of shame and fear towards him. I run away from him, that could result in a punishment of disobedience.
The wolf let out another snarl of irritation upon seeing that I am hiding my body from him. I flinch and bow down at his action. He let out a huff upon seeing my teary eyes and scared expression. The next thing I know, the wolf on top of me transformed into a naked and handsome man.
Despite of my fear, I forced myself to look up to him. My brown eyes meet his. I expected a livid expression on his face but instead a playful smile is written on it as he looks at me with admiration and love. Love?
"I-I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to run away. I am just too scared that -." My incoherent mumbling stopped when I felt his forefinger touches my lips.
"Moon goddess you are so beautiful..." He whispered more to himself. His lips went down on mine, capturing my lips in a soft and spine-tingling kiss.
Strong arms encircled my waist, pulling me closer to his body. This place is very sacred for me and if I am in the right senses at the moment I am certainly not going to enjoy the soft electric currents that his soft kiss is creating in my skin. I can't help but let out a moan the moment his lips reach my neck. His lips stayed too long in the spot where he is bound to mark me, to make me his completely.
Then I feel his lips went down on my chest area, leaving wet open kisses on my skin. "I would love to take you right now seeing that you are very much willing but I don't want to risk anyone seeing you naked." He whispered near my ear. I can feel my body slightly shiver upon feeling his warm breath in my sensitive skin. "This beauty is for my eyes only."
My eyes open wide in shock. I can feel my cheeks heat up in embarrassment. Gosh! Few hours ago I am not so thrilled about the idea of being Alaric's mate, and one kiss from him I am already more than willing to open up my legs. I unconsciously bit my lower lip to stop myself from crying right there and then. I'm pretty sure my face is all red and pink at the moment.
My eyes followed him when he stands up from me and takes clothing few meters away from us.
He handed me a soft cotton dress that I gratefully accepted. After making sure that I look decent enough, I turn back to look at him. He is already wearing a v neck white shirt and a pair of denim pants.
He takes my hands and pulled me to the direction of my house. My forehead crease in confusion. "You know where I lived?" I can't help but ask.
Alaric stops walking and turns back to face me. "I do."
I felt so confused, he knows where I live? It's been more than a year since I left my parent's house and I don't think he can get the details of where I live this fast. I mean, he just learned today that I am his mate, right? Right?
My eyes turn to his hand that's holding mine in a possessive manner. I can feel soft tingles in my skin as his skin touches mine, I wonder if he can feel it too.
A blurry image of a younger him suddenly enters my mind as my eyes focus on our intertwined hands. My eyes narrowed as I try to remember that faint memory that is long forgotten.
A younger image of him while smiling in front of me keeps on replaying in my head. His arms encircled my neck as the cold metal that he is holding touches my skin in a delicate yet intimate way.
′Keep this necklace with you always. I'll take you back once you are ready to have me in your life.′ That was his words.
I stop walking. He stops pulling me too and look at me with a frown on his forehead. "Somethings wrong?" He asked.
I look up to him, my eyes are full of questions. "You knew..." My voice came out as whispered. "You knew that I am your mate since that day?"
His hand tightens on mine upon hearing my question. My eyes focus on his face, the guilty look on his eyes confirmed everything. "W-why?" I asked. Why he didn't tell me about it sooner. Why now? Did he do it for him to enjoy his fair share of women first? My heart clenched in pain at the thought.
Isn't mate supposed to cherish and care with each other the most? Ten years, ten fucking years and he didn't even visit me and look for me? To think that I am saving myself for him! Oh mood goddess this man is a total bastard.
In just a second I'm already inside his warm embrace. My heart never stops aching at the thought that he knew that I am his mate but he chooses to ignore my existence and bedded a lot of women anyway. I didn't even notice that I am crying until his warm hand caress my cheeks and wipe my tears.
"Hush, there Daff. Don't cry please?" He whispered in an attempt to ease my pain. His strong body protectively covered mine. My tears seem to fall from my eyes endlessly. "You might be thinking that I have ignored and forsaken you in that past ten years. Trust me I didn't."
"You have a lot of time to inform me that we are mated but you didn't!" Pain is evident in my voice as I speak. "You choose to be with other women instead of your mate!" I hissed.
My irritation starts to rise when I heard him let out a small laugh at my word. I take a small step backward to create a space between us and punch him in the chest.
"You are jealous." He stated. Amusement is visible in his eyes.
"You are not funny, Alaric!" I remove his arms that is in my waist and walk towards the direction of my house alone.
"You told me that you wanted to be a famous designer that time. You told me that wanted to enter a good university and finish your degree."
His words stop me from walking away. That's when I remember that scene as if someone plays a camera roll in front of me. Reminding me of the first time we met, the first time we talk. He was so handsome in a black tuxedo that night and he immediately caught my attention. I was so young at that time and I can't help myself but talk to him about everything, including my dreams and goals in life. My hands formed into a fist as I keep reminding myself not to look at him even if I hear his footstep coming towards me.
"I just receive the title of an Alpha at that time, I am more than ready to move forward and face the new phase of adulthood but you are not. You were too young and too innocent to be picked. Like a newly grown sprout, I know how much you wanted to grow and I don't have the heart to snatch that away from you." Then his footsteps stop. I can feel his presence only a meter away from me.
"When you told me about who you wanted to be when you grow up I saw your eyes glow in pure happiness and hope. And I do not wish to take away that glow from you. I do not want you to be torn between your obligations to me as my mate, my luna, and your dreams to conquer the world. I want you to enjoy your teenage days to the fullest and fly freely even if that means I am not with you in every step." For some reason, tears start streaming down to my cheeks at his words. "I know you must have heard a lot of unpleasant news about me. I am not even gonna defend myself for that, you needed time to grow and I need to turn my attention away from you. I needed a distraction to stop myself from suddenly breaking my promise and take you with me."
I swallowed a big lump in my throat as I slowly turn around to face him. My eyes are probably red and puffy from crying but I don't care. I run towards him and encircled my arms in his nape. I don't care anymore if he is a manwhore. Damn it, I don't even care if he has S.T.D. from bedding a lot of women. Just kidding, werewolves have very strong genetics that we rarely or even not get sick in a whole lifetime at all.
He welcomed me with an open arms as I pull him for a kiss. The moment his lips reach mine, it's like fireworks of strong currents erupted throughout my body. His tongue seeks entrance and I didn't deny him. I allow his hand to explore my body as I playfully tease his tongue with mine. He groaned. Our kiss became deeper and deeper that I am already starting to get drown in the intensity of the sweet flesh pleasure.
We are both gasping for air the moment he let go of my lips. I slowly open my eyes to meet his, my vision is still a little bit blurry to that toe-curling kiss.
"I would love to continue this but I wanted to take you the first time in a cosy bed, not in the middle of the forest." Lust is staining his voice so are his eyes. Despite the raging heat between us, I can't help myself but let out a small laugh. He looks as if he is in great pain.
"Thank you..." I muttered. I lean down to his chest, listening to the steady and calming sound of his heartbeat. "Thank you for loving me in the most selfless way a man could love a woman."
His arms encircled my waist. "You are my mate, you deserve to be loved the best way a woman can be loved." I look up to him with a smile on my lips, I tiptoe a bit to reach his lips for a peck.
We walk back together to the house that became my home for more than a year. I'm pretty sure I'll be packing my stuff soon to move into his house, to his pack. The wind is softly playing my hair as the blinding light of the sun reflects on it. Maybe this is the main reason why I love spring, for it symbolizes not only new beginnings but also growth. In this weather, nature gets a chance to bloom and enjoy the beautiful life under the warmth of the sun and the breeze of the cold winter wind. That grateful feeling of being alive is mostly overpowering during this season.
As we walk the path that leads to a better future, I can't help but look at our hands that are intertwined with each other. I don't know what I did in the past to deserve him in this lifetime, whatever it is, I will be forever grateful to the moon goddess for giving Alaric to me. He was a treasure that I intend to keep beside me. Forever...
💐💐💐
