11 comments/ 4134 views/ 19 favorites Simply His Ch. 22-26 By: CalyPy Thank you all for your words on the latest chapters. I am happy you enjoy the story beyond the typos and grammar mistakes. That being said, I have a special combo of chapters for you this time. I have to the date 33 chapters written. And although I like posting chapters on a set of 3 each time, the next ones would be left you all wanting to kill me if I did it in this way, some things follow close on the chapters, so it was better for me to give you a little more, a gift from me to you for being so supportive. It really makes me happy to read all your comments, I love replying to you when you email me as well, if you have questions that need answers, don't hesitate to contact me. But if you do, leave me an email to reply! Last week someone wrote to me asking me questions about my previous story and I wasn't able to reply directly as it was sent as anonymous and with no contact, so I can't respond. If you want to know more about my previous story, just go to my profile and contact me through there and I will reply. Love your votes, but love your comments more, so keep them coming J C. --***-- Chapter 22 "Mingling" *Meadow* I wake up laughing as I feel Caleb's wolf tongue lap at my face repeatedly. I rub my face with a hand and try to push him apart. "I'm awake! I'm awake!" and start giggling loudly, he huffs and playfully nuzzles his wet nose on my neck. "Ewww Caleb!" I laugh and he walks back giving me room and time to sit. I stretch my arms and smile at him as I sit on the bed. "So are we mingling today?" I ask curious, he hasn't let me go too close of the other wolves and I feel like he is over protecting me. No one would harm me if they are all part of the pack, and he as their leader should show them he trusts in them as much. So I try to convince him every now and then. He huffs again and pulls my cover exposing my legs, he then moves his head pointing the door and I nod, getting up to follow him. We go to the kitchen and I find Cara giggling as she watches something on the TV. "Hey Cara, where is Alex?" I ask and she turns around to wave at me. "He is at the command center waiting on Caleb." She smiles at me and I nod, looking at Caleb as I shake my head at him. "So this is why you called her? so I wouldn't be alone?" He chuckles, I know he does, I can sense it deep below all that fur. He walks close to me and puts his head on my shoulder, I sigh and hug him tightly as he says goodbye in his own way. He told me once I accept his wolf too as mate, we will have a bond and will be able to communicate mentally, but until then I have to guess what he wants. I wait only a few minutes after he left then take an apple as breakfast. I look at Cara with a grin and she perks a brow. "Something tells me I won't like what you are about to propose." She says and I giggle. "Cara, I want to take a walk around the town, and ask you some questions that I haven't gotten the courage to ask Caleb, will you please?" I ask sweetly and she laughs. "You don't have to lie to me to convince me. I know you want to get around the place and I am ok with that. Caleb's words were to keep you company, so I am not disobeying him." She winked at me and I beamed of joy. After I finished my apple and took a glass of juice, I put on some comfortable shoes and we left Caleb's house and started walking around the town he has created; the rounded shape at first didn't look as well planned but I was wrong, it works perfectly. The houses are all the same shape and size, only different on style so each family would decide on the touches to make it theirs. Caleb's house was just the same as any other, he wanted it this way, so he would show his people he didn't think of himself as more worthy of luxury than them. His particular touches; he had it painted dark brown and fences were black, the modern style inside was simple yet comfortable, he had everything needed and then more. Living Room with a comfortable couch and flat screen tv, a fireplace that was lovely decorated on top with pictures of him and his parents. He had two bathrooms, a bedroom for guests, and his master bedroom was completely his. The bed was rounded and filled with cushions, silks and warmth. I asked him on my second day here how he managed to keep all of the electricity and technology inside this place and he told me the land is listed as a natural reserve with a part as research technology area, and his company took care of all expenses. The large forest surrounding the town served as mask for curious people, even though reaching inside was a real challenge. The people chose to walk everywhere they wanted or needed to go, cars only being used if they wanted to go out of the reserve. In the central conglomerate of buildings, there were two stores where anyone could come and ask what they needed, groceries were free, no one had to pay for anything, but everything was taken just in the amounts that were needed. Also everyone had a job as voluntary in something, either as nurse or doctor in the small town clinic on different shifts, as guard on one of the watch posts, teacher on the school, or a watcher of the small pups in the playfield. I was amazed on how they had organized and according to Cara, it has been like this for centuries, only improving on technology. "So I have to pick something to do, right? as a volunteer." I asked Cara as we walked past a couple who smiled and bowed their heads at me, I blushed and did the same. "Oh no, you are the Luna, your one and only role is to be with Caleb. No one here expects you to volunteer at anything." I frowned. "If he doesn't let me go with him to the command center, how am I supposed to be with him? Cara, I want to help with something, I might enjoy not doing much for a while but in time I will need something." She sighed. "Well, I don't see why not, he shouldn't be really against the idea. Maybe you and Gideon can work together creating something that you used to do at your job?" I blinked in surprise. "Cara, did someone explained all of this to Gideon? What is he doing?" "Yes, he was explained and introduced to the area and our daily tasks, he hasn't chose anything yet, we gave him time to adjust. He is living on a house over there. We don't force people so this is kind of a test for him. We keep eyes open just in case but he is free here, as you asked us to give him a chance." "Thank you, Cara." I smiled at her and she winked. "Now, to the other kind of questions you were wanting to ask. Come on, spill it out." She says as we walk near a group of pups playing together, four adults watching over them near and they bow their heads to us. "Ah, well. Hm... I don't know where to start." "I do, you want to know about the mating pull. You have been feeling it more now." I gasp and look at her surprised. "Does it show?" I ask worried and she laughs. "Oh no darling, I just know. You have been with Caleb intimately, right? No need for details, don't worry." I blush and nod at her. "You have mated only half way, we all have a human side and a more primal side, for us wolves, it is our primary animal. There are also shapeshifters who can change into several, but with that ability comes the limitations too, they can change in others but can't hold too long on one, they also don't have a half animal that becomes part of them. Our animals are our soul. Just as that, our animals are always with us. When we are human we are what you see of us, when we are wolf, we are 'them'." "So you mean it is like having two different personalities?" "Yes and no. It is like having two personalities but really it is just a part of us. Our wolves have specific abilities and we either let them take over when we shift, or we merge with them and become one. Haven't you sometimes argued with yourself?" "I guess I have, more than a couple of times." "Well there you go, to us that other half argues back, and sometimes has other priorities. Caleb's wolf is ferocious and feared, he is legendary amongst many other packs throughout the continent, it is a part of him that he is controlling now." "But I've met his wolf." I ask really confused. "You've met Caleb as a wolf, but he is holding -the- wolf part of him because he is afraid of your safety." "Do you mean his wolf might harm me?" I am confused and shocked. "No, not harm you, but... well... you see, Caleb craves you, just like you crave him. This comes in more than one level, and now specially physically. You both had been together intimately as humans, but his wolf hasn't mated you yet. Our wolves are like spoiled children, when it comes to this, they want what they want and will do what it takes to get it. His wolf wants you badly, and he fights him in order to control him and not scare you." She says in a calm tone, yet I am anything but calm at her revelations. She sees my nervousness and puts her arm around me with a smile. "He isn't going to force you, he is afraid to lose you. He is always arguing with himself, with his wolf, to calm him down and focus. But sooner or later you both need to talk about this. We need Caleb in his full force if Cornelius decides to attack directly." "So you are saying... I have to mate with him as wolf?" I ask and a shiver runs through my body; my heart beating fast and although my mind was rejecting the idea, my body felt a shiver of lust. "It is the only way to make the mating complete, and for you to get his mark." She says softly as her hand brushes over my arm. I feel tingles over my body as if it is telling me Cara is right. I shake my head feeling scared but my body tells me something else. I start to gather what she means by internal struggle. "What is the mark you are talking about?" "When you are making love, he will bite you at your neck or shoulder, and with this he seals the bond that the Goddess has created for both of you." "It is kind of pointless to deny something I haven't chosen yet feel so strongly obliged to." I say with a sigh, I don't plan to deny Caleb I knew something like this was coming before we took the first step I just did not realize it was this big. Cara shakes her head and we take a seat on a bench close to the park where there is a large number of teens playing different sports. "Humans several times have said that natural selection works, right?" She asks me and I nod. "Well, look at it as the Goddess being the one in charge of the natural selection. She looks for each person and wolf and sees their likes, dislikes, tastes, everything, and she takes the time to find the right partner for them, the one who will give them balance and who will be their fair match. She never took away your freedom to chose, she hasn't forced you to take someone you don't like. She has picked 'the' one for you. Haven't you noticed how you and him almost never argue? you both understand each other and have similar or complementing tastes. The Goddess has made things easier for you. Not so for him." "What do you mean?" "Well, we usually find our mates at a similar age, around 21 or so. Caleb has been without one for centuries, searching and trying not to go out of his mind while he does. We are not made to be lonely, and he has been... for so long. During this time, he has seen so much pain and sorrow, his sanity barely holding thanks to the beauty and joy he saw as well. Each internal fight he has with his wolf when it wants to break free ends up when he reminds it how life was without you." I blushed and my heart felt heavy with the pain and loneliness he must had been through, I wanted to run to him and squeeze him tight, make all his waiting worth it. I sighed and gave her a nod, I knew I will have a different approach and understanding with him after this. "Cara... who are Cornelius and Agape?" I ask and watch her froze. She blinks a couple of times and tries to hide the pain I already saw flash in her eyes. "The most vicious rogues in our history." She says in a cold angry voice. "I could understand that much from what the drows said. I understand if you don't want to talk about this Cara, really." I offer her a chance and she shakes her head. "Cornelius is angry at the world and wants to take over everything, he is smart and heartless, a senseless killer. And the Goddess made a damn good job pairing him with Agape, the crazy psycho. She is simply insane. She loves going into battle and rips their enemies apart herself, she loves the taste of blood all over her. She really is out of the world, she is a sadist bitch and her mate too, they together are a mighty force." "Rogues are...?" "Those who don't feel like wanting to follow an alpha's orders leave the pack and go alone on their own. To be rogue is to go against the treaties with other packs, to do what you want, kill what you want. Ironically enough, rogues made their own pack and move under the lead of those two killing, bloodthirsty machines." Cara said looking afar. I sighed and pondered all her information. "When I met Caleb, he had an injury, it came from a fight with them?" Cara nodded. She was about to say something then went silent. "It was where your son died. I never had the chance to say I am sorry for your lost, Cara, but I guess you have had many of those too." I quietly told her. She sighed and looked down. "It was a casualty of war for them, but I know Agape did it on purpose, she was cruel and insane. She wasn't happy with just killing him, she..." her voice broke off and I put a hand on her back. "You don't have to tell me." She took a deep breath but continued. "She dismembered him and then waited to see our reactions before she ran back to Cornelius. What kind of person does that?" She sobbed and I felt I was about to cry. "I don't know what to say, humans are hard to understand, werewolves are completely a new thing for me. But I think the Goddess is smart enough to have her own revenge at her. She probably has something she craves but can't have..." I pondered and Cara looked at me nodding. "She can't have children, she is infertile." I shuddered at her words. "Cara... she envies you, she wanted to cause you pain because you had what she wants so desperately. She wants a family, her own pups. An insane, twisted family that would turn up, but a family nonetheless. She probably expected you and Alex to break apart and cry alone, but you didn't. You stood together and have survived. I know you miss your son greatly, no one can replace him, but you still have a chance in life she never had. That is why she killed your son." Cara looked down quietly, she wasn't sobbing yet she remained sad; I left her alone for a time until she looked at me with a small smile. "Alexei is my rock, we had a rough time but we are together." I nodded at her. "Alex... he and Caleb went to help an allied pack that was under their attack. Their alpha is young, he is only about 35 years old, yet he looks like 24. His father was murdered by Cornelius and he was forced to step in and take his place; he hasn't had the time nor experience to know what to do and how to do it but he has the courage to try. Cornelius took advantage and struck again, the young Alpha was injured and that is why Alex was sent again while Caleb was trying to court you. Then another allied pack joined, and they were ambushed. That is why Caleb had to go there. They never give up, their bloodlust and insane killing is taking it stroll on nature itself. Unbalancing it." She frowned and I gathered they were actually considering the possibility of Cornelius pack striking them here. Suddenly she smiled and looked at me. "Caleb wants me to take you to him at the command center, he is not mad for you taking a walk, but he is not happy we did it without consulting him first. Silly wolf, doesn't know his mate likes more freedom." She chuckled and shook her head. I laughed and stood up, ready to return to his arms. --***-- Chapter 23 "Protected" *Meadow* I find shelter in Caleb's arms as I enter the command center and he pulls me to him. Cara brought me here after he mentally reached out to her and called for us. "We've made a good borderline protection with the drows. Isilwen has personally made sure the barriers are uncomfortable enough for them to slow down and throw up before they know what is happening, which will send an immediate alert to us and will give us time to prepare. I am pulling resources and making use of advance security technology to set up some traps with wolfsbane, it is what set them back last time." Caleb said proudly, he was running his hands soothingly up and down my back as I took in his warmth. "Alpha, Craig has some reports. They are not good." Alex said and Caleb tensed, seconds after, Craig entered the room as a wolf, he huffed and growled, visibly angry at what he had to report. I turned around and Caleb held a firm grip around me, not letting me go. I sighed and rested my back against his chest as a silent conversation was being held. Caleb growled lowly and I pressed my hand over his, smiling inward as he relaxed at my touch. Cara noticed my inquisitive look and quickly filled me. "Craig says a few of Cornelius and Agape's pack members that were scouting, ambushed an allie pack while they were returning to their land. Demark is the alpha and he was hurt during the fight. It was just a scout group but they killed three and hurt the others badly." Caleb took a deep breath and I could sense a million thoughts invade him. I caressed his arm again and he laid his chin on top of my head, relaxing a bit. "They are damn good on sneak attacks. How is that idiot of an alpha?" "He is finally in his land and being attended by his healers, as are the rest of his people. Should I go? What should we do?" Craig asked as he finally shifted, Caleb instinctively pulling my face up and I was caught by his deep gaze. "Get some clothes on first." He said and I blushed; I wasn't even thinking of Craig being nude, I was actually starting to not care of anyone's nudity in here, and yet Caleb was being the prudish one. I chuckled and he kissed me, taking away my will to tease him at all. After a few seconds, Craig cleared his throat. Caleb released me and I blushed more as I actually stared at Craig's six pack. He had an amazingly well built body and Caleb growled as he caught me staring. Cara laughed and Alex frowned at her. She raised her both hands and giggled more. "I can't help it, this is seriously entertaining." He walked to her with a serious to death stare and I started to laugh as Cara bit her lips and put both hands down together. Alex reached her face and cupped her chin up only a few inches and she melted right there. "Who are you looking at... lubov...?" "Only and forever you, lubov..." Cara whispered and blushed, then he took her lips right there, claiming her mouth. Craig was nervous and snatched a military jacket from the hanger. Caleb shook his head and sighed. "Craig doesn't do it on purpose, but he has an ability to drive women crazy, it actually is strong enough to unfocus even mated ones." He finally explained to me and I found myself ashamed, not even wanting to find his gaze. "Thank you for your report Craig. I am considering a few possibilities. To be honest, I don't think we should be sending small groups for aid. We are falling on repetitive actions and reactions. I will give Demark a call myself, going to tell him to hold on place, we made sure to leave enough security on Smithson's area, and at his land Demark can hold it too. I am going to think of something but for now, we should not be spreading any more." Craig nodded and with a small gesture he was dismissed; he bowed his head towards me and left quietly while Cara and Alex's heated session almost led them to a mating in front of us. I loved how shy Cara would become when Alex would corner her and dare her, as she was the sassy smartass almost all the time. They were just so perfect complements of each other. Simply His Ch. 22-26 "Ready to go home? I need to clear my thoughts and I could use some change of scenery." Caleb whispered into my ear and I smiled at him. "Lead and I follow, Alpha." I said and he chuckled. After a quick lunch, he took a shower and I laid on bed comfortably still processing Cara's words during our walk in the morning. I still had goosebumps when I thought about meeting Caleb's wolf, the real wolf, and the thought of bedding him was scary and attractive at the same time. I closed my eyes and sighed, then felt his wet arms wrap around me; he laid naked next to me and I giggled at the contact of his warm and steamy body against mine. "Where is your mind?" he whispered. "What do you mean?" I asked tilting my head to look at him; he loves keeping me spooned, but I managed to turn around and face up to see him better. "I asked you for a towel and you didn't reply. Is there something troubling you?" He asked, not really concerned but curious. I felt his gaze melting me slowly, and I closed my eyes trying to find the words to approach the subject. Yes, no matter how much I trusted him, talking about having sex with an animal was still a strong taboo in my head and for the sake of anything holly I was entitled to doubt and question my sanity. "I am a bit afraid..." I finally confessed, and opened my eyes to find his own ones widen with surprise. "What are you afraid of? I am not letting Cornelius or Agape's pack near you... ever..." He started and I shook my head. "...of your wolf..." I half whispered and he stiffened. "Why... what are you afraid of?" I sighed and took a deep breath. "I know I have to meet your real wolf and be with him in order to close the circle, to make the mating complete..." "Meadow... I am not pushing you nor rushing you into anything, please don't be afraid... I am giving you all the time in the world... I can't lose you, I just can't." He looked at me with haunted eyes and I rushed to hold his face in my hands and kiss his lips softly. "That is what is scaring me..." He pulled back, shock and confusion written in his face just as I predicted it. "Caleb... what scares me is, even though I am afraid, I can't deny there is a part of me, a really big one, that wants to meet your wolf and let him touch me." I shivered and closed my eyes as I said it, the way I felt was now undeniable. "I am terrified of how I feel about this, because I want to meet your wolf and finish the process. I want you, all of you Caleb. And it is so scary I am afraid I am going crazy just thinking about it." I sighed and felt a tear slowly sliding down, and he caught it with his thumb. "My princess..." he whispered and crushed his lips on mine, making me gasp in surprise. I replied the kiss with passion and need, our tongues desperately seeking each other. After he broke apart I felt myself panting and trying to catch my breath. He stood up in all his naked mighty glory and looked directly into my eyes. "He has been waiting for you so long... but we will go slow, ok?" He said and I nodded. "Do you want to start now?" I nodded again, unable to speak, afraid to go back on my words. "Don't panic... I will let him out now but we will go slowly, day by day... so you can get used to his presence and touch before we try anything more..." He waited for my reply and I felt myself shiver. "Ok..." I whispered, almost as if my body was taking over and deciding before my mind could say no. He was offering me the chance to slowly, daily, meet his wolf and get used to him. He smiled, a smile that made everything worth it. He dropped down to his knees and shifted effortlessly, I found myself caught by the beauty of his transformation. He was much larger than the other werewolves and Cara said it was the alpha bloodline running through his veins. There was a sense of royalty and elegance in the way he moved and each part of his grey fur shined. And there he stood at the edge of the bed and he huffed a few times, his paw scratching his maw. I slowly crawled towards him and reached to scratch him with a smile. I knew this was a trick to present himself less scary to me and I appreciated the gesture. He licked my hand and I took a deep breath. "It's ok Caleb, let him out." I said and he gave a step back and lowered his head. I held quiet and still, then I saw as he slightly flinched and his body's posture changed. He now stood up straight and his look was defiant as he looked around and finally howled out. I covered my ears as the sound was loud enough to leave me deaf. He then focused on me, I was scared to death yet I held my place still, lowering my head. He paced side to side and sniffed me and howled a bit more quietly this time. He gave a step closer and buried his wet nose on my neck, which made me shiver. A small whimper came from him and I knew he was just trying to get my scent as much as he could. All this time Caleb was holding him in and driving him crazy, afraid he would hurt me. But even though he was more dominant and frankly, scarier; I knew it was part of Caleb and he only wanted me to accept him. I slid a hand around his neck and caressed his soft fur. He licked my neck and I felt myself quiver, half closing my eyes and digging my fingers into his skin. Finally he pulled back and licked my face, making me giggle. He seemed to enjoy my reaction. "Hi there..." I finally told him, he moved his head up and down as if acknowledging me. "I wanted to say this in person... I am sorry." I said softly and he tilted his head confused, I saw him majestically sit on his back legs in front of me. "I know Caleb has been keeping you on a leash in the sake of my well being." He huffed and I almost laughed, he probably felt more like caged rather than leashed, but he understood my point. "I also understand you only let him hold you because you were afraid of losing me too, right?" I asked and he slowly broke his proud pose to nod and lower his head to level it to me. "I wanted you to know it was worth it. I don't know how things would have turned out if either he or you rushed things, I might have freaked out to be honest." I said almost in a whisper and he yelped, licking my face again and making me laugh. "I just wanted to let you know your efforts were worth it... and I am really glad to finally meet you." I said and he pressed his maw against my mouth making me freeze on the spot, then I realized he was trying to kiss me and I blushed when I simply closed my eyes. It only lasted a few seconds, then he parted away. I smiled as I felt tingles where his maw was seconds ago. I started to feel more relaxed near him, the feared deadly wolf warrior was just as Caleb only a bit more primal and proud. As I was sitting on the bed, it was easier for me to laid on the side. He followed me, laying himself on the floor next to me. I reached out to caress him and he closed his eyes. All this time I saw him take deep breaths and fill his lungs with my scent. I was so happy. "Thank you..." I whispered to him and his eyes opened to focus on me; we stared at each other and a great sense of comfort took over me. "Maybe tomorrow we can go for a walk you and me, I think we both need to be set free a bit more." I giggled and he made a funny sound as if he was laughing too, I felt like we both would get along just perfectly. --***-- Chapter 24 "The Mark - Part 1" *Caleb* I can finally breath, relieved that she is no longer afraid of me... all of me. Last couple of days I could just enjoy relaxing and letting my wolf enjoy some time with her, and at last my wolf has stopped holding a grudge on me. Damn it is hard to live with your beast. Today we are having some time alone at the woods, and I am going to talk to her about the things that still trouble her. Last night she asked me for answers, and I begged for time to put my thoughts in order. I can't postpone this any longer, and I had being avoiding discussing the subject to her. I need to reward Cara for having a talk with her. I sigh and take a deep breath, I am too rusty for these things, I've let myself go on other subjects and just assumed things will get in her system without explaining. Stupid of me, but I am planning to fix this. After I made sure everything was in order, I took her with me to the forest towards the stream. I already made sure no one would come near us so she can feel comfortable. Tho I have to admit, she has been walking and talking around my people and fitted in perfectly. She has a charm, just simple and easy going, they like her. When we reach the clearing she sighs, looking around the scenery. It is one of my favorite parts of my territory, the place I used to come to think. The waterfall and stream add to the magic. "I really love this place." She says after a few seconds of silence. "I love you in it." I reply and she blushes letting me hold her. I will never get tired of seeing her blush, I hope I never stop making her. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*- *Meadow* I think I've forgotten how many days I had been here, it just feels as if every day is perfect. I have to remind myself later to talk to Carter soon, and catch up on how things are going back at the office. I am thankful that Caleb gives me plenty of time to work on my project at the command center while he deals with his everyday routine, he added a desk for me right next to his. At first, it took time for me to concentrate as I was fascinated by his daily tasks; I honestly wasn't aware how much paper work would go by him, his security business, the town and the expenses, even calling other alphas to work on treaties and solve disputes. Luckily in the end I got my mind focused into my own work, and every afternoon we would go out on a walk. Much of each walk was with his wolf. I was happy when he said he would take the day off and spend it with me completely, no work distractions. And now I find myself mesmerized by the beauty of his land under daylight. The last time I had a chance to see this area I was caught up in wisps magic and lost consciousness before I could enjoy it completely. "Where is your mind wandering?" He asks me, and I turn around to see him lay a blanket in the grass and some comfortable pillows. I sigh and join him before he starts to take out food and drinks. "Hold on for a minute, let's enjoy this view." I tell him and he chuckles, pulling me in his arms as he rests sideways and I lay against his stomach almost sitting so I can get a view of his eyes. "You have a place that came out of dreams here, inside an already fantastic world." I say as he puts his arm around mine and brushes it slowly up and down caressing me. "It is only magical to me because you are in it." He whispers as he leans to kiss my other arm. We sit here in silence, and even though we are calm and enjoying the moment, I can sense there is something that has been troubling him for a while. I am not sure how long I will be holding quiet about this before I ask him what is wrong. Then he clears his throat and brings my attention to him. "Meadow... I have been failing you on something that should have been of great importance... and that is, communication. I owe you some explanations and answers I guess... so please ask away, I really want to take a chance now and mend this with you." He surprises me and I am caught a little off guard for a while. He waits for me patiently until I gather my thoughts and look at him. "I guess, I had been learning a little from here and there..." I start, a little nervous, then he shakes his head. "It should have been me. I should be the one explaining things to you, but I had forgotten over time how to deal with this. I didn't have anyone human I cared about enough to take the time to explain how things work. I am sorry again." I smiled and caressed the side of his face as I looked in his eyes. "You are doing well now, so stop apologizing." He nodded with a new childish smile on his face, and I couldn't help but to chuckle. "What did Cara told you about the mark?" He startled me again with his question, I take a deep breath before answering. "She said you would bite me in either my neck or my shoulder, while we are... making love... I mean, while I am making love to you as a wolf. And this will complete the circle." I trailed off and he nodded, then he looked far into the woods while he replied. "The mark can be before, during, or after... but most do it during, because it creates a connection between both subjects that enhances the experience, reaching higher peaks of pleasurable sensations." I tilted my head looking at him, a little shocked; he continued. "It makes the orgasm stronger, it makes the feeling on your skin more alive. The connection is so strong." I nodded slowly, pondering his words, and he was patient with me, holding silent. After a while, I looked into his mellow eyes and felt fear; not from me but from him. "Sometimes I feel this... strange impulses, is the mating pull which affects me?" He chuckled and I felt a bit at ease, if he was chuckling then it meant it wasn't that bad. "You are handling this better than anyone I've ever known, my princess..." he whispered and I shivered. "What...?" He nodded again. "The mating pull is a strong physical bond that pulls both mates to join in body and soul, like a cosmic event in their lives." I swallowed hard, I wasn't going crazy after all. "So... after you and I complete this... mating process, I am going to stop feeling like I can't breath unless you are close?" He smiled and squeezed me tightly to him. "Well, it will make me a bit sad you won't crave me like that anymore I guess, but yeah, you won't feel like you are losing your will to live if we are a bit apart." He chuckled a little after seen me blush, I don't know why but I just said the first thing that came to my head and I wasn't really thinking what it was until they left my lips. "I am sorry, but it has been awhile since I felt so out of control. I am not used to it." "Princess... do you regret it?" He, again, shocked me with his question. "What? Caleb, I haven't felt as alive as I do now since... I don't even remember since when. I am aware much of this is dreamy and insane at the same time, but I know that even like this, it is me the one who has chosen and is still choosing to follow my instincts and feel I must do what I crave." He released a breath I never noticed he was holding; he laid on the blanket and looked up to the sky. "Sometimes I feel like I am not worth it. Like any moment you will tell me you had enough and you are tired of trying... I struggle thinking I might be pushing you too much or not giving you enough space. I guess, deep down inside, I am still more human than I want to admit." He closed his eyes and I felt a different connection growing between us, one that it was likely to pull us closer. "I am glad you feel like that..." I said as he opened his eyes to look at me with some fear. "Because I feel the same... I am afraid of not being worth it, of making you bored or tired of waiting for me. I fear I am pushing you, or not giving you enough of what you want, all at the same time. I am human, so knowing you have similar fears only makes me understand US better." I sighed and he smiled, his fingers caressing my back gently. "So what if I want you to mark me now...?" I asked and I couldn't believe I said it out loud. He blinked twice and looked at me serious. "Do you really want to, or are you trying to please me?" He asked and I felt a sense of relief when he said that. He was still giving me chances to back away, after all we have gone through and all our talks, he still was worried about me. This only confirmed my wishes, I want to be his in deeper ways. I wasn't sure if I could go all the way until I actually felt this mystic connection everyone talked about. I tilted my head slightly and pulled my short hair aside, exposing him my shoulder and neck. I closed my eyes just as I felt him tense. "I love you Caleb, and I want to take the next step." I said with trembling lips. He growled lowly and I felt his hands take a firm grip on me. He kissed me with passion, trapping my lips and soul in the process. I felt his arms wrap viciously tight around me and my heart almost jumped out of my chest. I moaned as he kissed my cheeks, my eyes and my forehead. He reached my neck and sucked the skin gently, kissing me there lovingly. Then he reached that spot, the one that drives me to my limits; I felt his tongue caress me and I moaned loudly, not caring how desperate I sounded. "Meadow... please be mine..." I heard him ask me in a whisper and it shocked me the sincerity of his plea. "Yours... I am all yours... mark me Caleb..." I barely finished whispering his name when I felt his sharp fangs break the thin fabric of my skin. There was a shot of pain and pleasure mixed in ways I never felt before; electricity ran thru my body and I felt myself burn with the most intense and pleasurable fire. I felt myself float; all the while his teeth remained right where I wanted them. Suddenly I felt my heart pace faster and quicker, yet I was calm. It wasn't until I started to focus that I realized I was feeling Caleb's heart as if it was my own. His teeth retracted from my body and I gasped, sensing his body heat also as if it was my own. I breathed hard and heavy, so many new emotions and sensations rushing through me; I was hearing crickets around us, birds flying, the wind blowing between the trees. I felt the grass below us over the fabric, the tiny drops of water splashing from the stream at our side. I was thrilled with everything coming in waves, nothing like I've imagined. 'Meadow... can you hear me?' Caleb's voice echoed all around me. It wasn't until he shook me gently and I started giggling with tingles all around me that I heard him louder inside my head. 'Meadow... Princess... can you hear me?' 'Of course I can hear you, you talk too loud...' I was thinking about it yet I heard him chuckle. 'Open your eyes...' I heard him again, and so I did. An explosion of brightness made me shut them tight again. I felt Caleb's arms shift to adjust around me, and he lifted me up enough so I could feel his warmth close to me. I started to open my eyes slightly and got used to the light, it was the same yet different, like ten thousand shades more of white. Then I found his worried eyes and I smiled at him, he sighed relaxed. 'I was worried...' I heard him but his lips never moved. I blinked a few times to look at him and he caressed my cheek. 'Yes... now you can hear my thoughts... and I hear yours...' he whispered inside my head and I gasped, sitting straight. 'You... can hear me?' I thought while looking at him and he nodded with a smile. 'One of the Goddess many gifts...' he whispered in my mind again and I jumped to his arms, kissing him with passion. I felt his heart beat fast like my own; I felt his blood rush every part of his body. I felt him, in every single way. --***-- Chapter 25 "The Mark - Part 2" *Caleb* She moans as I lick her neck and I feel her quiver; the sensations run through my skin as well. I think, no one ever prepared me for what it would be like. I growl lowly and contain myself from taking her as she grinds against me and we kiss passionately. She feels like she is on drugs; all the different enhancements that come with the marking were rushing within her; making her ready to explode. I need to be careful with her, I never expected she would awake all the bondings together and so quickly. She nibbles my lower lip and I lose control briefly, sinking my teeth on her lips and making her whimper. "I am sorry." I whisper to her but she already moved on to my neck. "I am not." She replied and I closed my eyes, letting her explore anything and everything she wanted. Simply His Ch. 22-26 I growl louder as I feel her kissing my chest and removing my shirt in the process; she grasps her teeth on my skin and I feel myself on the edge. "I think I have found my new addiction..." she says almost breathlessly and I close my hands in tight fists while I lay on the grass, the blanket wrinkles and moves aside. I hear her giggle as she passes her tongue on my belly and I arch, almost howling. I can't help the overwhelming explosion of feelings, mine and hers combined. She is experiencing them as well and that is what drives her past her limits. I love this new side of her. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*- *Meadow* There is a new kind of desire pooling between my thighs as I hear him growl while I reach his belly, I tease the waistline of his pants and he takes a fist of my hair and pulls me away. I know he wants me to go further, I feel him now. I also feel his hesitation. If I wanted him badly before, now my need for him is unbearable, and crosses over any limits. "Wait... take it slowly... don't burn yourself out..." He breathes heavily as he talks. I decide to go over the edge and jump, literally. I kneel next to him and start removing my shirt slowly. His eyes widen and he reads my thoughts and intentions, so much for the surprise effect. 'What are you doing, Meadow?' He asks and I bite my lower lip while I remove my long skirt and underwear. What has taken over me I still don't know, but I feel the urge to complete our circle now more than ever. 'Take me...' I whisper into his mind and I feel the effects of those simple words as he tenses and looks at me like he can't believe my words, but I know how much he wants me too. I close my eyes and let the last pieces of my clothes go, then lay on the grass. I am in a wolf's most submissive position; on my back with belly exposed and wait for him. I sense movement around me, and suddenly I can't feel him anymore. I tense, missing our connection already, and when I am about to open my eyes I hear him. "Relax..." I take a deep breath and nod, while he moves around me closely. It took him some time, too many seconds to my taste, but he reached me and I noticed something was different. 'Trust... me...' I heard him whisper in my mind and I relaxed as much as I could. Then the rush all over again, it was like a door opening to him and I felt all his emotions and excitement reaching me like a tide. I was laying naked in the grass for him, craving him in ways I never thought possible, vulnerable and exposed, and he was taking his time to enjoy it. I quivered, a wet tongue brushed between my sensitive folds and I spread my legs wider, my pelvis lifting to him. 'Stay... still...' he ordered me and I swallowed hard, remaining motionless while I felt his firm rough tongue lap again at my intimate lips. My breathing running wild as I shuddered and felt my lust build up, just like my need. I felt him blow hotly and I almost whimpered, I was shivering and at his mercy. One more lap of his tongue and I groaned, the pain of not having more of him was painful. I could only hold a bit longer as my own desired became clouded with his. 'Take me... I want you inside me...' I begged him and he growled in lust. 'Open your eyes... look at me...' He said again and I gasped as soon as I did. Between my legs it laid Caleb in his wolf form, he was huge as he remained down there between my thighs. I focused in his eyes and felt his emotions overlapping one another. 'Do you still want me to take you...?' He asked me almost fearing my answer. It took me fractions of a second to realize I wanted him, no matter what form. If I was going to belong to him, I needed to belong in every possible way. To my surprise, I felt like there were no limits to my love for him, and I nodded at him with the biggest smiled I was able to form. 'My Alpha...Take me...' I whispered one last time and he crawled over my body, his warmth covering me in softness and fur. His lower legs slid under my legs while his front ones did under my arms, I felt his breath in my neck and I tilted my head to give him more access. He licked the spot where he had no long ago marked me, and I moaned, my body reacting as I arched to him. And just then, I felt him. Oh god and goddess... I felt him inside. His hard and rigid shaft entered me slowly, all the while his tongue licked my mark. My body twisted under his, my desire grew wider, I moaned loudly as he sank deeply into my core. He paused there for some time, feeling me spasm around him, adjusting to his huge size; and then, when I started to relax, he started to thrust like his life depended on it. I pressed into him, my arms wrapped around his furry body as I felt each single muscle in him tensed. He took me to the limits and beyond, I cried as I felt him open that door to his feelings and emotions again, I could see and sense every fear and every passion he held for me. I sank my fingers in his fur covered skin and screamed as he thrusted deeper and harder, I felt as if I was about to break in half, then he licked gently my mark and once again I abandoned myself to him; I felt every fiber of his body merge with mine as he howled with one last deep thrust and I shattered into billions of pieces, every single one of them made of pure bliss. I have no idea how long I fainted, but when I awakened, Caleb was still in a wolf form and he was attached to me. 'Relax... go back to sleep..." he whispered to me, already reading my exhaustion. I had pushed my own physical and mental limits and now I felt as if I had no mass, bones, hairs or breath. He was still inside me, I felt him as I tried to move and a small pain made me gasp. I didn't have energies to do more, I was drained, and he nuzzled my neck softly. I gave in and felt asleep completely. When I woke up again it was night, I had a blanket covering me while I watched Caleb near me, taking a bath in the stream. I smiled at him and as I tried to move, that sharp pain hit my lower core and I whimpered. That brought his attention and he walked to me. "It will hurt a little for now, don't move too much and let me take care of you love." He said with a tender and loving tone; the way he referred to me didn't pass unnoticed. He kneeled and picked me up in his arms, unwrapping me from the blanket and walking back to the stream. I giggled as the cold water brushed me and when he slid deep enough to have us both covered up to the neck, I closed my eyes and sighed with relief at the wonderful sensation of the cold against my burned intimacy. Something changed, though. I felt different. I was calm, relaxed, I was satisfied. I felt like I was in a new different body with a more sensitive skin. He gently helped me stand and I turned around to hold him, he wrapped his arms around me. "Can you feel it?" He whispered while brushing his lips on top of my head. I had my face pressed on his chest and didn't want to move, yet. "Feel what?" I asked half dreamingly. "You are changing, faster than I thought it possible... but you are changing, and now we completed the mating..." He squeezed me tighter and I nodded. "I feel different, but the same. I don't know yet how..." I admitted. 'I feel you and am so happy you are well, that you embraced the matting and accepted me... I am so proud of you my love...' his words brushed me mentally and I sighed with a smile. 'I think I get it... what is different...' I said while waiting for him to ask. 'And what is... different?' He replied calmly. 'I feel like a new better version of myself... now, I am complete.' --***-- Chapter 26 "Adjustments" *Caleb* I watch her sleep while I carry her back to the house. It is the middle of the night and she is completely drained, and yet she shivers when I brush my lips on her forehead. I am proud of how she handled everything, my wolf lays relaxed with his eyes closed for the first time after who knows how long, the whole experience has taken us by surprise. I see Cara approaching. She walks right up to our house entry and she smiles looking at Meadow. "So you finally mated... I am happy for you, Alpha." I smiled at her and nodded. "She was brave, so incredibly brave. Thank you so much for explaining things to her when I lacked the guts to do it myself." "It was my duty to our future Luna, and my pleasure as well. She is your perfect match." She said with a smile. "You did good, Cara, and I won't forget it. You can start making the preparations for our ceremony after you talk to her tomorrow." I replied before dismissing her. As I lay Meadow on our bed, she half opens her eyes and smiles at me. "Hello my love." I whisper to her and she parts her lips but can't manage to form a word. 'Hi... what time is... it?' she asks through our mind link. 'It is too early, about 2 in the morning... go back to sleep, you will be better in the morning...' I whisper to her mind and she nods closing her eyes. 'I love you...' she says right before drifting to sleep, and my heart swells in the meaning of her words. I kiss her head softly then remove my shoes to lay next to her. "I love you, too." I whisper and join her into dreamland. I must have been very tired too because when I woke up I saw her missing. I look around and tense as I start feeling her close and agitated. I jump out of bed and start looking for her, then I find her in the floor of the shower curled in a ball. My heart nearly stops as I run to her and turn off the water, pulling her up into my arms. "Love, what happened? Are you ok?" I ask worried. She half opens her eyes and shivers, I pull a towel from the hanger and cover her quickly. "I... heard so many things inside my head... at first they were only yours... then people walking near the house... how do you turn this off? I can't take so many voices inside me..." she said sobbing, my arms tightening around her. "Shhh... relax... I am sorry, I should've warned you about the hyper sensitivity you might feel after our mating... close your eyes... let me help you..." I whisper to her and she nods, closing her eyes as another shiver runs through her body. I wasn't sure what to do, but I knew how the mating bond should work. I closed my eyes and rested my forehead against hers, feeling her troubled emotions as if they were my own. I created a mental passage through our bond, I could feel the invisible lines coming from me and now back from her as well, expanding like a web that continued to grow. I searched for the core, the center of her design, and found her beautiful soul entangled as if caught within her own creation. 'Relax... I am just going to help you...' I whispered to her as she looked at me with scared eyes. This was the foundation of everything that held us together; the web of emotions and connections that were born from our mating, now growing large and limitless. When she finishes adjusting to her change, she will become a powerful Luna, I could see this by the way her net lines were forged; so firm and unbreakable. I felt her relax in my arms, a long deep sigh as I slowly retracted myself from her inside world, still a little surprised by how well it worked. I have always known the mating bond would be of great significance, but I was never taught about how it worked and what would it be able to do. I just followed my instinct, and I am incredibly satisfied on how it has worked out for the both of us. "How do you feel?" I asked her and she opened her eyes, revealing a calmer state. "Better... thank you..." she whispered and tried to get up but I didn't let her. I lifted her in my arms, still wrapped in the towel, and took her to bed, where we both laid one next to the other. "How... how do you manage to control it?" she asked while I chuckled, pulling her closer, her face inches away from mine. "I was born with it, unfair I know. It takes a long time and a lot of willpower. You will learn slowly, and I will be right here with you during the process. I am so proud of you, so... so proud... thank you for trusting me." I whispered to her as I caressed her back gently. She smiled and closed her eyes. "So... what happens now? When and how do I shift into a wolf like you?" I chuckled as she said it with a giggle. "Will that terrify you?" I replied. She opened her eyes and shook her head. "No, it wouldn't, I just want to understand how it will happen." "You have options, she will always be inside of you dormant. If you chose to, we would take the proper procedure to awaken her. If you chose to keep her dormant, you can continue to be mostly human. You will have new and different traits, it will take you weeks, even months to finish the adjustment. Your vision enhanced, as well as your hearing. You will be able to control your mental links to the pack easier. Your body will adjust as well, you will be stronger, healthier. I am willing to bet you won't suffer from migraines ever again." I saw her grin wide at my explanations. "I would really like that." she replied. We held silent for a few more minutes until she looked into my eyes and asked me more. "What will happen with my animal side? You know... if I leave her dormant..." She hesitated and I smiled; I wanted her to take the initiative on the subject, it was a good sign. "She is a part of you just as your arm or your leg, tho she has her own consciousness. I can't force you to wake her, but once you do, you won't be able to lock her away. She will become part of you, and together you will be fierce." I grinned and she giggled, I felt her excitement and joy, she was going to be ok. "Let's just take one step at a time, I think I would really like to see her wake up, and see her be just another side of you." She nodded and I smiled, she would never be able to hold her feral side forever, sooner or later there would be a part of her screaming to get out, the fact she wanted it meant our bond was stronger than ever, and my wolf's gene merged with hers. My Wolf pranced around ecstatic with anticipation. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*- *Meadow* I am so excited: it has been a week since we mated and completed the circle and I had finally learned to turn down or off the voices and thoughts of the pack members. Tonight, the pack is holding an official ceremonial for me, and I am kind of nervous, but Cara assures me it will only be words and celebration, so I shouldn't worry. Caleb and I had been talking about our next steps, we are planning to go back to the city tomorrow and pay a visit to my mother, a week late, but that didn't worried me anymore. I made him promise we would go see her often, and he made a vow to take me to her once a month. Three more weeks, I am keeping a count. Just 21 more days and I can attempt my first shift. I can already feel her waking up, like a ghost inside me that is looking closely, watching everything I do. She is quiet and observant, she needs time. Caleb said it was normal. I like saying to her good morning and goodnight, just in case she hears me; I would've like it if it were me. I finish my last file with everything ready for the implementation of my plan once my wolf and I are back to work; I talked to Carter about changing my job and he wasn't very happy about it. We would have to talk in person. I guess, before this, before the mating concluded, I was reluctant to leave that life and be here, I didn't have much to do, I felt like I wasn't part of them, like there was always something missing. Now things are so much different; I am one of the pack, they treat me with respect, even more, they really do respect me, and it feels great. My new *me* can't go back to that life. It is late at night when Caleb and I approach the gathering area and I let myself open to feel of the pack; they are excited, and so am I. I feel each of them in a separate way. I can almost see a translucent rope that ties me to each of them, a connection of some sort that brings me closer to them. When I asked Caleb about this he said it was a unique gift for only Alphas and Lunas, the web of connection is what made us able to lead our people. While I wait for the pack to finish gathering, Gideon walks to me and gives me a hug. "Congratulations, again." He says and for the first time in I don't know how long, I see him smile. "Thank you Gideon. How are you?" I ask him and he shrugs, still smiling. "I am ok, I volunteered at the clinic, I am assisting with the paperwork and helping the pack healers. They get a bit stressed sometimes when some stubborn warriors don't want to be touched. I help how I can." I grinned and gave him another hug, I was so happy for him. "I am so proud of you. I am happy you made a place here without much help." He shook his head. "You helped me." I chuckled. "I gave you a chance, you did the rest." He remained quiet for a few seconds, pondering my words, then he nodded and smiled. "Thank you." He whispered just as Caleb's arm wrapped around my waist. They greeted each other politely, Caleb wasn't holding any grudges on Gideon since he saw he invested himself into finding something to do and helping out; to him, that earned him a place as one of the pack's own. Caleb kissed the top of my head and asked me "Are you ready to begin?" and I nodded. Then we walked right to the center of the gathering and everyone quiet down. Caleb was beaming a wide smile as he raised a cup and offered me another. I took it from him and waited for his words. "My pack, my family. Tonight... is a night of celebration. You had been with me through my long journey of difficult times, you have witnessed my own struggles, and you had stood there at my side. Tonight I present you the one who has made it all worthwhile for me, the one who not only was chosen to be my mate, but the one I grew to love and respect. Each day I spent with her only proved how wise our Goddess is. So tonight, we celebrate our pack has found our Luna, that which unites us and makes us stronger. Go wild, go free!" He drank from his coup and then howled, everyone cheering and celebrating as well. The energy vibrating from them was so intense, I felt it in my skin. They were welcoming me in every single way. "Drink, and then lets dance." He whispered in my ear as he nibbled my earlobe. I quivered and released a moan, he chuckled and pulled me tight in his arms as I struggled to drink the delicious beverage made of fruits. Tonight they are not the only ones celebrating, tonight I am the one raising my cup up as well. I mentally smile to my ghostly wolf, who I felt was slowly coming out of her shelter, and I whispered '...and My drink is to you... I can't wait to finally meet you...'