Chapter Five

Taliah’s POV

“So, you ready?” Anar questioned. We had finished everything I wanted to today, and he had been glued to my hip every step of the way. I saw no reason to keep him waiting any longer.

“Sure, where to? I replied, his smile grew wide, and I returned the same smile.

We walked to the border where his truck was. It was a military jeep like vehicle and there were a few scouts inspecting it curiously.

“Hey, hey. Off limits!” He called out jogging toward them. The scouts snapped their heads in his direction and growled. Anar didn’t stop his pace instead increased it, the scouts noticed me following him and their mood calmed. They bowed and resumed their patrol.

“What is wrong with you? Some might think it brave of you to pick a fight with wolves. I however find it incredibly stupid.” I said giggling at his boldness.

“We’re all the same against a bullet love.” He said winking. His logic made no sense at all but his confidence was cute.

I climbed into the vehicle, and he began to pull out. The whole territory was covered and protected by magical pressure created by my Aunty Seb and my Father Ethar. When we crossed the border, I felt a nasty shiver wash over me that disappeared as we continued.

“Is this your first time leaving the territory?” He questioned as he eyed me cautiously and I nodded.

“You feel it too?” I said curiously. “Every time. I am sort of use to it now.” He explained.

We drove about fifteen minutes from Blood Moon. We stopped at what looked like a pier. There were damaged boats that were covered in vegetation on the land and in the water. It was not big enough to be an ocean, but it was such a large body of water you couldn’t tell where it ended. There was a plethora of different types of plants leading up to a narrow broken wooden bridge. Near the bridge was a man-made fire pit. Around the pit laid fluffy blankets, and firewood. Two huge logs sat as seating around the pit. Anar grabbed a huge chest from the back of the truck, along with a huge duffle bag.

“Thank god for Royal. I had to ask her to change the ice twice.” He said as he walked toward the pit. I stood in place felling nothing but appreciation as he lit the fire and tossed a few pieces of wood in. I felt tears brimming at the sight, as he moved things around to make sure they were perfect.

“You, okay?” He questioned as he walked back toward me.

I nodded and wiped the tears away. “It’s beautiful.” I whispered. He snaked his fingers through mine and pulled my hand up to his lips. He kissed the back of my hand then led me to the fire pit.

“Sit, I know your hungry.” He said, and I did as he instructed. He pulled a few things from the ice chest, grapes, cheese, and wine. He pulled two chilled glasses and poured us both one.

I watched him pull a standing grill gate from the duffle bag, along with utensils. He pulled two stakes from the chest that looked like they had been soaking in seasoning all day.

“You cook?” I said as I took a sip of wine. “I do my best.” He said as he tossed the stakes over the fire. The sun was setting now and the aroma of the food, mixed with the feeling of the wine providing warmth made me not want to ever leave this place.

“I used to come here a lot before I built up the courage to actually approach you that night. Here I could be near you without actually being with you.” He said, as he snuggled beside me against the log.

“You? I thought you feared nothing.” I said teasing. “I usually don’t, first time for everything I guess.” He said chuckling.

“I know its not much, but for some reason I felt like you could appreciate the simplicity of it all. There aren’t many beautiful things left in this world. Besides you of course.” He spoke as we watched the sunset on the water.

I shifted in his arms to look up at him, I am not sure if it was the wine or the mate bond. Looking up at him now, my senses honed in on his heavenly features. Human or not he was the most handsome I had ever seen. I reached behind to the back of his head and my claw slice the hair tie that held up his long locks. They came falling around his shoulders and framed his face. He looked down at me and his eyes seemed to shine so brightly.

“Happy Birthday my sweet little wolf.” He said smiling.

My fingers tangled themselves through his hair, his eyes darted from my lips then back to my eyes. I instinctively pulled his lips to mine, and I didn’t stop him as he deepened the kiss. Warmth coursed through my body enticing a low moan to leave my lips against his. His lips tugged up into a smile against mine before he pulled back. The kiss was breath taking and it left me panting.

Anar’s POV

She bit her bottom lip so sensually, and I felt my thoughts running wild with all the things I wanted to do to her. For now, the kiss would suffice, she had her reservations about me. If she never accepted me at all, I would have this one beautiful, unforgettable moment with her burned into my memory for the rest of my life. Yet I hoped we had more moments such as this to come.

I sat up giddy with so many emotions coursing through me. I went to make her a plate, and as I handed it to her my phone had begun ringing.

“Nicholi speaking. Go ahead.” I greeted the caller and Taliah’s head snapped to my direction as she was taking a bite out of her steak. I chuckled at the site of her mouth full and her eyes wide with shock.

“Thank you, Jackson.” I said ending the call.

“Nicholi?” She said raising her eyebrow as she sipped her wine.

“My middle name. Anar Nicholi Vladimir.” I said confidently and she giggled.

“I know, I know I have three first names. What’s your whole name?” I questioned chuckling.

“Taliah Alya Natura.” She replied teasingly. “Who was that?” She added.

“My Lieutenant Jackson. They got a beat on the name you gave me.” I explained and her eyes shot up.

“We can go tomorrow if you want. It could be nothing though Liah, and it could be something. I would say prepare yourself for either outcome.” I told her and she nodded and pondered her thoughts for a moment.

“Thank you Anar!” She exclaimed as she threw her arms around my neck, with such force we both fell back. I was looking up at her as she sat up straddling me. We both burst out in laughter that I hoped wouldn’t end. This night was perfect. If only life could stay just like this.