Page 212 of A Female Alpha for the Lycan Prince

*CELINE*

I watch the scenery pass us by as we head up the mountain for our weekend away. Summer is ending, and while it’s getting colder, we were driving for quite a while before seeing any snow. Elias is used to the cold and snow, so he easily maneuvers our jeep up the icy mountain. I’m not sure what Marius has planned or why we are heading up this mountain, but I’m ready to be pleasantly surprised. Eventually, we arrive at a small bed & breakfast, where Elias parks the car. “We can’t go any further by car,” he tells us.

Garret nods. “Elias and I will stay here and guard the area.” He looks nervous. Ever since Marius and I marked each other, he’s taken his role as gamma even more seriously. He doesn’t like that we are going on without him.

“Garret,” Marius grins. “If someone manages to get past you to attack us up there, they will have my respect.”

“Not funny,” Garret mutters.

“No, seriously,” I say. “Marius is right. There is no way someone can get past here unless they have serious witchcraft abilities.”

“Besides,” Marius adds, wrapping his arm around my waist, his hand dipping slightly lower than is considered decent, not that I mind. “I have my Alpha to protect me.” He smirks. “Not that I want us to get interrupted. I have plans, and they don’t include us wearing a lot of clothes.”

Garret grimaces. “Things I never wanted to know.” He rolls his eyes. “Now go, lovebirds.”

Marius winks at him. “Feel free to have a break occasionally too! I heard doing it outdoors gives sex a whole new kick.”

Garret rolls his eyes. “Yeah,” he says, patting Elias’ chest. “Someone here is going to be in working mode the whole time.”

Elias looks confusedly at Garret. “But you were the one who said we can’t have any fun here as long as the alpha couple are on their own.”

Garret glares at him. “Thank you for blowing my cover, my love.”

I chuckle, waving goodbye before Marius takes our two backpacks and leads me toward a small barn. As we enter, I see two fully saddled horses being tended by an old man. Going by his aura, I’d say he is an omega. He smiles, greeting us politely. From the look of the old man, this must be his place. I’m guessing he occasionally rents it out to guests. It’s been forever since I sat on the back of a horse, so I listen as he patiently explains what I should do. Fortunately, the horses are used to being around wolves, so my scent is not going to scare them away.

“The young master knows how to ride a horse,” he tells me and nods with a smile toward Marius.

That surprises me. “So many things I don’t know about you,” I consider while mounting my horse. The horse is a beautiful Norwegian Fjord Horse, Marius explains to me, and apparently, it’s a breed that’s perfectly suited to rough terrain and cold weather. The beginning of the trail is tough for me, but I follow Marius, who carefully and slowly guides me over the rugged terrain until I start to feel more confident.

“You’re a natural,” he says, impressed by my balance.

“Don’t look at me like that,” I chuckle. “I’m just riding.”

“It’s just… you, on a horse in this snowy scenery with your hair blowing in the wind. It’s such a beautiful sight.” He tilts his head, suddenly grinning wickedly at me. “Maybe when we arrive, you could ride something else?”

I narrow my eyes. “Oh, you don’t say. And here I thought you could go five minutes without making a dirty comment.”

“I can’t help myself,” he grins. “You are just too hot.”

I pretend to be annoyed, but in reality, I wish we’d arrive at our destination soon. He looks so rugged and manly riding in front of me, and I just want to jump his bones. I never thought he would be the type of guy to enjoy spending time in nature, but seeing him in his casual jeans and dark blue sweater, he looks so comfortable. Moon Blood is a relatively small pack that is surrounded by forest, and although Marius reassured me that he doesn’t miss living in a bigger, more urban pack, the message truly drives home now that I see how happy and relaxed he is out here.

“Alright,” I say, more to myself than to him.

He turns his head, looking at me curiously. “Is something wrong?”

“No,” I smirk. “But maybe we could pick up the pace so we can move on to our next activity. You said it’s two hours from here, right?”

He freezes before a look of determination crosses his eyes, turning them black as Cyrus comes to the surface. “We will make it in one!”

Oh, you’re good,Danica says, amused.Look at our men. We know how to motivate them.

I honestly doubt we could reach our destination in an hour, but I shouldn’t underestimate my mate’s newfound motivation because he suddenly picks up the pace and rushes us up the mountain path like there’s a hoard of rogues on our tail. The horses enjoy the run, as do I.

Marius leads us to a beautiful little cottage. It’s cozy, comfortable, and surprisingly well tended to. There’s a little hot spring outside and a barn for the horses. “How did you find this place?” I ask in surprise.

“From the guy who owns it. You met him at the bed & breakfast where we left Garret and Elias. I’ve known him for years. Whenever I needed some time to myself, I’d visit this place.” He chuckles as he helps me down from my horse, spinning me around like we’re in some cheesy Hollywood movie. It makes me laugh, and I cling to his neck. “You know,” he whispers into my ear. “How about I tend to the horses while you go inside and get naked?”

I laugh. “Can I shower?”