Argent

Man, it's nice to run. Just run, wild and free and crazy, like we did when we were kids and shifted for the first time. Reckless. Abandoning all stress and worry. Just our paws clashing with the ground beneath us, our breathing coming in fast and hard and leaving even faster.

And now as I run, following my mate, her majestic snow-white fur glowing in the sinking sunlight, pieces of the ancient puzzle have fallen into place. I finally get that chapter of our pack's history, the one that we all share. Having a mate to run with truly makes it all worthwhile.

We run in unison. One compliments the other. Her pace and agility fit into place with my strides and elevation.

I couldn't love this more. I adore her. And it didn't even matter to me before that she couldn't shift; I loved her the minute I saw her. But this, having this link together? It's truly brought us closer.

I am one hundred percent in love with this girl. This wolf. With the feeling she gives me. In love with what we are together.

Fuck. I'm so whipped, and I really like it.

This is how it's supposed to be.

I snap out of my in-mind melodramatic love story and follow along with Aida. She's doing well. Tentative steps at first have now become more assured and explorative.

James and Jemma have retired for the day. We ran together as a pack, maybe for the first and last time, for a few hours, and then they decided to go back to the hotel and rest up for whatever lies ahead tomorrow.

Aida was enjoying the freedom on her first run too much, so we had made our way into the foothills surrounding Strand land, careful not to step over the line. We don't need that right now.

Aida slows her pace as we approach the cliff edge, and we come to a standstill together at the break off. We stay like this, side by side, silent and still. Taking in the view of the rocks and crevices below us.

She links to me, We could just climb down, stay like this, and escape the whole drama of our lives.

Don't tempt me, babe. I would if we could.

But—

I interrupt her and link back, We can't. The pack. Our pack. James. We're needed.

I know.

But maybe one day ... we could escape for a while.

I inwardly smile. I'd like that.

I would like anything if you were there with me.

A low growl leaves my lips. I love this side of her. She gives as well as she takes. It's incredibly sexy.

Aida links again, So, I guess we should head back. Or maybe you could tell me how to reverse this?

Oh yeah. But ...

But what? Are we stuck?

No, but we'll be naked.

I can almost feel her nerves. She links back, Shit. I didn't think about that.

Oh ... I did.

Argent!

What? I'm a guy. And a wolf. I'm an animal baby.

Ahh.

It's okay. I have a few things with me. We can share enough to be decent.

Okay.

Maybe we should run back towards the motel and then work on shifting.

Whatever you say ...pervert.

I follow her again as we make our way back towards the motel. I can feel the tension streaming from her, building as we get closer. She's worried.

As we make our way back through the woods and head into the flat lands surrounding the motel, we slow our pace and head for cover on the edge of the wooded area.

We come to a stop, and she turns to face me.

Okay, now what?

Now we get ready to shift.

How do I even start to do that? Please don't tell me you have to shock me again!

A long and low whine leaves her muzzle.

I really hope not.

Her wolf grunts, displeased. Well?

Okay, when I want to shift back, I relax my mind and let my heartrate slow. I let my mind wander and let my wolf start to relent to me. As soon as I feel the switch in control, internally, my body shifts.

That's great, Argent ... How?!

Relax your mind. Close your eyes. Think about running on your human feet, think about your human body, how it feels, how you move.

Ok ...

Relax, babe. Relax your breathing. I can hear your heart from here.

Hmm.

Relax. Deep, slow breaths.

Okay.

Babe? Are you okay?

Hmm.

And then it happens. Her fur slowly dissipates, and Aida is on the ground before me. She smiles up at me. Relief shines through her face but also something else. Pride.

"I did it!"

I shift back and stand just in time to catch her as she launches into my arms. It takes me all of five seconds to realise that we're touching ... everything is touching.

Her face turns a deep shade of pink, but she doesn't move. "Perve." She smiles at me and kisses my nose. The guy in me wants to have a sneaky feel, but I stop myself and just enjoy the close contact.

I reluctantly let her go a little and retrieve the small bag I had tied to my foot. I grab out a shirt and shorts for her and shorts and tank for myself.

She takes them but kisses me on the lips softly before she turns to put them on. I tap her quickly on her behind as she does and earn a quick slap on the shoulder followed by a wink.

"Down boy," Aida says with a giggle, turning back around all covered up.

I grin. "If we didn't have the biggest day of our lives tomorrow, you would still be completely naked, and we would not be going back to the motel for at least a few hours."

She snorts. "Somebody has tickets on themselves.

I raise my brows suggestively and take her hand. We head back to the roadside and cross to the motel parking lot.

Back towards reality.

We walk slowly back through the car park and head for our room. I put the key in the door to open it, but Aida comes in front of me, blocking the entrance.

She stands on her toes and kisses me, with everything she has, right there on the front doorstep. Just as I slide my hands around her waist and pull her in impossibly closer, she stops. She pulls away and I stay where I am, stunned. Wow. I mean ... wow.

I clear my throat and ask, "What was that for? Not that I'm complaining. Well ... I'm complaining that it had to end."

She smiles and steps back in, close to my face. "That was a thank you. For today. It was one of the most amazing days of my life." Before I can reply, she adds, "And tonight, we can try to top it."

Well, if I wasn't floored by that kiss, I most certainly am now. I'm speechless. Visions of her body from a little while ago flash through my mind, and I have to place my hands on the door to make sure I don't fall over.

She smiles, satisfied, and takes the key from me, opening the door and stepping into . I shake off my daydream and follow her in.

I next grab my phone off the bedside and text James.

He must have been holding his phone because he literally texts straight back.

Shall we go next door and get the plan?"

"Do you mind if I hang out here and shower? I don't want to listen to how my brother plans to fight a psycho." Her face is immediately forlorn, and I pull her into a hug.

I reply, "I get it. I won't be long. We'll just decide when we're leaving, nut out all the 'how's' and 'when's' and I'll be straight back." She nods into my chest and turns away towards the bathroom. I stop her, grabbing her arm. "And babe, about tonight, we don't have to ... We can have another night together soon ..."

A small frown creases her eyebrows together. "You don't want to?"

I flush. "Oh, I want to. I just thought that maybe with all that tomorrow has going on that you might have changed your mind."

A small smile tugs at the sides of her lips. "Well, I was actually thinking that we could use something to take our minds off it. But if you can't compartmentalise, I get it." She heads off for the bathroom, taking off her clothes as she goes. She gets to the door, sans all items now, and turns to face me.

My jaw just about hits the floor. "Give me literally twenty minutes, babe." I fly towards the door as she giggles and heads into the bathroom. "And babe ..."

"Yes?" she calls out from the shower.

"Don't put anything back on."

I hear her laughing as the water turns on, and I sprint out the door and over a few rooms to James and Jemma's room. I knock so hard on the door that he answers with an almost angry look before it falls from his face and is replaced by a puzzled one instead.

"Dude, what's with all the banging?"

"Ah, sorry. Just anxious to get the plan and head in for an early night," I say with an awkward smile. He doesn't need to know why. He would most likely feel awkward and then punch me.

We edge over to the small two-person table and sit down. Jemma lounges on the bed watching some crappy soap show, not really listening to us. I suspect that they've gone over and over this today.

"Right. So, we will leave just before 5 a.m. We'll go the same way we went today and shift and head in from the hills. We've already let Kane know. He'll meet us at the gate." He continues with more sadness in his voice, "Your father will meet us at six, and he is coming with some of our leaders just in case this doesn't go the way we plan. He wants to be there to help." He must see the confused look on my face because he quickly adds, "He tried to call you before, but your phone was off."

I nod. "Sure, sure. I'll call him later." Frowning, I ask, "So, are you worried?"

He looks at the stained tabletop and flips his phone over and over in his hands. "Not about the fight. Not really."

I know this guy. He has skills unparalleled in combat. He is amazing. His reflexes are super-fast and he is a confident fighter. It's not that on his mind. It's something else.

"James? What is it?" I press, anxiously waiting for his response.

"If I win, when I win, we won't be pack mates anymore. I won't be your Beta."

I look at his face. He seems so concerned by this. Always others before himself. Fuck, I'm going to miss him. "James, maybe you were never meant to be a Beta. You're too good to be a second to anyone. I can't wait to be Alphas together, allied. Making our packs stronger than ever."

His face lifts at this. I swear he has a tear in his eye, but he puts his head in his hands, so I can't be sure. I place my hand on his head and shake it hard.

"Ouch!" he exclaims, his head flying back up in shock. "You jerk. I won't miss that shit." We laugh and continue our planning talk. Jemma has fallen asleep and snores quietly on the bed.

After a half hour, I get up to leave and walk over the door. "See you in a few hours," I tell James with my hand on the knob.

"Arge?" he asks.

"Yeah?"

"You really are like a brother to me."

I grin. "You too."

I shut the door behind me and almost get lost in the emotion of it all until I realise what is awaiting me down the hall ... I run the last few steps and let myself in. My game must be off because I feel stupidly nervous.

This is the first time I get to really be with my mate. It's a big deal. It's a huge deal. Fuck. I'm nervous!

I shake it off and turn from the door to face into room.

Aida has made the room dark. Only a small light in the bathroom is on, but I can still make out her beautiful naked form on the bed. My eyes go wide, and my breathing speeds up, matching my heartrate.

I make my way over to her and bend down, sitting on the edge of the bed. I plant a kiss on her head.

She sits up and places her hands on my face. "Argent Lake, I love you."

Best night ever already