9. Werewolf

"Stop the car, Eden." Marley shouted, her panic rising with every breath.

Eden's grip tightened on the steering wheel when he listened her scared voice, and for a moment he thought over his intentions. Was it right to do it like this? He was scaring her, and it was the last thing he wanted to do. But he knew it had to be done and if he waited any longer it wouldn't end well for either of them. Eden really wanted to take it slow but his wolf was restless and craved for his mate's affection. It had to be done. With that on his mind, he paddled the accelerator.

Marley saw a firm determination in Eden's eyes and right then she knew her pleadings and shoutings were falling on deaf ears. She decided to keep her mouth shut as she focused on her breathing to calm down. Nothing good will come with panicking, she needed to think rationally and get herself out of this menacing situation.

She turned towards the windows hoping to find any other car running on the street but instead her eyes widened with horror when she saw that the road led into the woods. No other vehicle was in sight. This was enough to let her mind run free to think about all the horrible things that could be done to her there. She shook those thoughts away and fumbled through her mind for an escape plan.

"Eden, why are we here? Please just take me home..." She continued pleading and rambling with a scared voice which came naturally. She didn't hope for him to answer. Meanwhile, her hands discreetly reached for her phone in her pocket.

She was about to dial the emergency number but she couldn't bring herself to do so. It didn't feel right, just seemed bit extreme. Instead, she searched for Mrs. Sherman's number in her contact list. All the while, she kept looking at Eden from the corner of her eyes. She continued with her pleadings to avert any suspicions.

"Almost forgot, thanks for reminding. Don't want you taking photos." He said nonchalantly, his eyes still on the road. Suddenly, he snatched her cellphone out of her hand and shoved it into his jeans' pocket. "I'll return it. Marley don't worry, I'm not going to hurt you. Just trust me." He finally looked at her, his eyes held sincerity and pleaded her to believe him.

She took a deep breath and nodded reluctantly. Somehow, his words have managed to calm her and tranced her into believing him. But she didn't allow herself to let her guard down.

Soon, the car stopped and Eden unlocked the doors. For a second, Marley was tempted to burst open the door and run into the woods as far as her legs could take her but she didn't. She stayed glued to her seat. As crazy as it may sound, she trusted her captor and mentally cursed herself for her naive thinking.

"You okay?" Finally, the silence between them ceased. Eden locked his brown eyes with hers.

She quickly looked away. She masked her face with anger, not wanting to give him the satisfaction to be aware that she indeed was getting *okay*.

He let out a long sigh and continued. "Let's walk. I promise everything's going to be fine." He got out and walked over to her side and opened the door. She reluctantly followed.

Eden held her hand allowing familiar tingles to flow through their bodies. She struggled for a moment to get out of his hold but gave in as she felt calmness descending upon her due to their touch. Eden barely held back a grin, knowing that his mate was unconsciously strengthening their bond. He led her into the deeper parts of the woods. Throughout their little journey, he kept talking to her trying to ease her but she remained mute. They stopped at the small clearing. Marley's eyes moved around taking in the large trees surrounding them and finding the area strangely breathtaking.

"It can be a great picnic spot," Eden commented when he saw her looking around. When Marley didn't reply, he sighed at her stubborness.

"Marley..." he started again, this time his voice shaky, catching Marley's attention. "I... uh... do you believe.... I am a werewolf." He shouted the last part out of frustration.

"Huh?"

He let out a frustrated growl and said again. "I am a werewolf."

Marley looked at him accusingly. "So you dragged me here... into the middle of woods to play a prank on me." Her brows knitted in anger. She expected his friends to come out any second out of their hidings and laugh at her.

"I know you won't believe me if I just told you. It was just a heads up," he said it as if he had stated a fact. "But whatever happens just trust me I won't hurt you." With that, he started taking off his shirt.

"What are you doing? Stop that." She shouted. She was too flustered to take a note of his naked torso.

When he started unbuttoning his jeans, she turned around. A small chuckle escaped from Eden's mouth at her reaction. "No need to shy away baby. Soon, you are going to see all of this a lot. " He teased her.

"Shut up and put on your-". Suddenly, she heard a snapping sound. More alike sounds followed after that.

She turned around, her eyes widened with horror and her mouth flew open. Right in front of her stood a wolf. A ginormous brown-colored wolf. She stood there frozen, taking in his appearance. She knew that it wasn't any wild animal, its size left no possibility for that.

The wolf slowly took a step toward her and when she didn't move, it continued. Marley caught those familiar chocolate brown eyes, and she knew who it was.

"E-Eden?" She gulped. She was shocked but not afraid.

The wolf moved its head up and down as if nodding. It stalked closer and sat down on his belly, gesturing her to caress him. When she didn't move, he softly tucked his nose under her small palm.

"Oh my gosh.." It seemed like Marley wasn't in control of her actions anymore.