Chapter 18

The forest is very much alive today. The summer breeze is swaying the fresh emerald summer trees and whispering softly in my ears. The trees bring a certain authenticity. They are all ancient, almost timeless. They all stand strong and full of life. All the mossy and earthy scents are carried in the breeze and filling my nose, bringing a sort of peace and tranquility. The sun is high in the sky and beaming soft green lights through the leaves. In the distance you can hear the trickling of the river and chattering squirrels up in the trees. Making the forest look and sound like a fairytale.
“This forest is amazing. You can almost feel a connection to the goddess here.” Silas says with wonder.
“This is called the Forest of Artemis for a reason. You can almost feel her presence here. In the earth, trees, the animals. It’s magnificent.” I say and smile.
“You know since I’ve laid eyes on you, I can sense something different about you. You are stronger than most.” He asks.
“That’s because I’m the White Wolf. Every 500-1000 years the White Wolf surfaces on earth and is said to be the most powerful. My purpose is supposed to be the Goddesses sword and shield.”
“Wow, didn’t expect that.” He says with wide eyes.
“Didn’t expect what? That I’m powerful?” I giggle.
“I didn’t expect my mate to be such a hot badass.” He chuckles. Hot badass huh? If anything, that was unexpected. We continue to walk deeper into the forest and the trees are getting thicker.
“When I was a kid, I spent so much time here. Aiden, Celeste, Atlas, and I always used to run around here climbing trees, playing tag, doing what kids do. It was almost as if the forest and its life played with us.” I find one of our favorite spots. It’s surrounded with oddly shaped trees and served as our tree climbing area. “Follow me.” I grin. Let’s see if he can keep up. I break into a run and kick off the earth with amazing force and grab a branch and swing onto a lower strong limb. I continue to get higher and higher in the trees to get to my favorite spot in the whole world. I look behind me and see he is not having any trouble keeping up. The breeze blows in my face and the fresh green leaves are my wings. This is what freedom feels like. Endless adventure and never-ending happiness.
Finally, I reach the tree that looks over the beautiful crystal-clear river. The stream wound its way through the forest and is as calm as a dove. Like blue little gems the water glistens as the summer sun shines down on it. In the distance you can hear the soft sounds of trickles of the water gently flowing off of rocks and continuing on its endless path. This body of water is the life force and heart of the forest and mountain.
This is always the place I come to think and clear my mind. The sense of peace and tranquility the river and forest brings is soothing to the body and soul.
“This is where I always come to be alone. Whenever I have a bad day, the tranquility of nature makes it so much better.” I sigh and look down on the sparkling river.
“I’ve never seen any scenery like this.” He says awestruck. He sits next to me and takes in every bit of it.
“The pack found out we are mates.” I tell him and don’t take my eyes off the water. I hear him take in a sharp breath and he tenses up next to me.
“I think I can imagine how they reacted.” He says.
“They feel I shouldn’t have the chance to become Alpha anymore. Since I’m mated to a Lunar wolf, they don’t trust me. Even before there are many who feel a female shouldn’t lead the pack. This is just ammunition to make sure I don’t.” I wish it wasn’t true. These people knew me since I was born. It’s amazing they lost all trust so quickly.
“They just don’t know how powerful you really are. Many packs are not ready to face the concept that women are strong and worthy of leadership. Its surprising humans grasped that idea before us.” He chuckles sarcastically. It’s true. We are supposed to be evolved from humans but in political terms they are way ahead of us. “If you decide to step down from Alpha of this pack you still have full right to become Luna of my pack. Whatever you decide I will support you.” He smiles down at me. So far, he is everything I dreamed of in a mate. He is strong, kind, and protective. I giggle and he gives me an amused look.
“What’s so funny?” He raises his eyebrow.
“Just thinking how not long ago my best friend and I talked about what we wish our mate would be like. So far, your everything I dreamed of.” I giggle and I gaze at him adoringly. He chuckles at my statement.
“Even though I’m a Lunar wolf?” He sighs and looks back at the water.
“Even though you’re a Lunar wolf.” I nod. “Where you come from doesn’t matter to me, it’s who you are that counts.” I sigh and suddenly giggle. “Even though you are quite cocky.”
“Cocky? How am I cocky?” He chuckles and raises his eyebrow in interest.
“Well for starters, when we first talked. You were quite full of yourself. Saying ‘you might as well enjoy the show’ like you are this sexy guy or something.” I laugh.
“Oh really? Don’t act like you didn’t enjoy it.” He chuckles seductively.
“I won’t admit to anything!” Laughing hysterically, I get up and climb higher into the tree.
“If you won’t, then I’ll make you.” He growls slightly and climbs after me. Running up and down limbs of trees, I laugh like a toddler. He starts to catch up to me, so I need to switch tactics. “There’s no use in running Angel. I’ll catch you sooner or later.” He yells at me and causes me to laugh more. I know he will. That’s what I want, but I’ll make him work for it. I focus on my powers of ice and slightly freeze the tree branch under me, so I can slide and gain more speed.
“Oh, so now you’re going to play dirty?” He growls playfully again. “Guess I’ll have to also play dirty.” How does he plan to do that? I continue to run, and I look over my shoulder. I didn’t see him behind me, and I become suspicious. I run and find a limb connected to a huge oak tree and I hide behind it hoping he doesn’t find me easily. Everything becomes suspiciously quiet. All animals that inhabit the forest have stopped moving and the wind has stopped blowing. All I can hear is the soft trickle of the river in the distance. Waiting long enough I decide to look around the tree to see if he is coming. Then I hear someone land on the tree limb behind me. I slowly turn around and find Silas grinning in victory. However, he is shirtless and these huge black wings with violet streaks are sticking out of his back. They are beautiful. They almost look like the galaxy. That’s not fair. I try to make a run for it, but he manages to grab me, and he throws me over his shoulder.
“I think it’s time you admit you liked what you saw.” He chuckles and begins to climb a branch that leads to a more open area.
“I’m not admitting to anything.” I giggle. What is he going to do about it? I laugh and slightly hit his back. “Let me go you big oaf!”
“Big oaf? You take that back.” He growls sportingly and lightly smacks my ass. He did not just do that. I shriek in surprise, and I find we are on a branch that is right above the water.
“Last chance love, or you’re going for a dip.” He snickers mischievously.
“You wouldn’t.” I scold.
“Oh, I would, and I will.” He says with amusement. He retracts his magnificent wings and prepares to jump. I don’t say a thing and before I know it, we are falling.
We hit the cool and clear water. My favorite blouse is now soaked, and he finally lets me go. I swim to the surface and once my head breaks through the water I take a deep breath. However, once I emerge a slash of water hits my face.
“Are you ready to admit it now?” His dark hair is soaked and hanging in front of his eyes. He does look sexy like this, but I can’t let him have the satisfaction of knowing.
“Nope.” I say cheekily and splash him right back. I use that as a distraction and dive under water to get away. I swim to a shallow area leading to land. I get out and my skinny jeans are clinging to my legs more than they were before and my blouse is also sticking to my body. Exposing every curve and every aspect of my body. I turn back and find Silas stand ankle deep in the river staring. Water drops are dripping down his body and over his sharp abs. His hair is a mess and covering the mark on his forehead, but a sexy kind of mess. In his eyes I can see his wolf trying to gain control and I also feel Blanche becoming frantic. She is urging me to go to him.
“Stop fighting it, Athena. I know deep down you want him just as much as I do.”
She pants. I roll my eyes. How subtle Blanche. I won’t hide that fact. Just like any she wolf in the presence of her mate of course I want him. But I hardly know him. Right now, I need to divert his attention so he can regain control.
“Silas, we should head back. Before our wolves drive us crazy.” I say. His eyes widen and he slightly shakes his head. The dark violet in his eyes return meaning he is in control.
“You looking like that drove him mad.” He hand combs back his hair and looks away. “Yea we should head back. Lead the way.”
The whole way back to the pack house we don’t say a single word to each other, and he stays a good distance behind me. Maybe Blanche is right. Maybe I should stop fighting it.