Page 22 of Alien Charming (Alien Wolf Tales #3)

CHAPTER 22

A long time later, Seren sighed and sat up.

“I suppose we should return to the enclave.”

Elli nodded, but he saw a flash of concern cross her face.

“You have nothing to worry about,” he said quickly. “Both Scarlett and Tessa have been accepted by the pack.”

“But neither of them is mated to the alpha.”

She had a point, but it made no difference to him.

“They will accept you,” he said firmly.

“And if they don’t?”

“Then I will give up my position.”

Her eyes widened. “You can’t do that. Not after all of your efforts to bring peace.”

He silenced her with a kiss. “I would give up everything for you, little one.”

After he helped her dress, he sat behind her on the mossy bank, gently removing the ribbon from her hair. It tumbled down her back in a riot of waves, and he combed his fingers through it, enjoying the feel of the silky strands. She leaned back against him, a soft, contented sigh escaping her lips.

“I wish we could stay here forever,” she murmured. “Just the two of us, away from the rest of the world.”

He kissed the top of her head. “We have the rest of our lives to spend in this forest,” he promised. “But for now, I want to introduce you to the pack.”

She nodded and took his hand, walking quietly beside him as they made their way back to the enclave, their hands clasped tightly together. A strange mixture of pride and apprehension filled him as they drew near. His pack would need to accept his choice, but he knew in his heart that she would win them over just as she had won him.

Despite that, his shoulders tensed as they approached and his beast prowled restlessly. His arm tightened protectively around her as the first structures came into view through the trees. The familiar scent of home—woodsmoke, pine, and the distinctive musk of his kind—filled his nostrils, but it was her sweet, clean scent that kept him grounded.

He glanced down at her, taking in her wide eyes and the slight tremble of her hand in his. Despite her nervousness, she walked with her head high.

“They will love you,” he murmured, though he knew the transition wouldn’t be that simple.

Several Vultor paused in their activities as they emerged from the forest path. Their eyes flashed with curiosity, then widened in understanding as they caught Elli’s scent mingled with his own.

Varro approached first, his massive frame blocking their path. His nostrils flared as he took in their combined scent.

“Alpha,” he acknowledged, his gaze lingering on Elli. Not hostile, but not welcoming either.

More of the pack gathered, drawn by the presence of a female at his side. He could hear her heartbeat quicken, though she showed remarkable composure, and he pulled her closer to his side. His beast growled protectively as he surveyed his pack.

“This is Elli,” he announced, his voice carrying across the clearing. “She is my mate.”

A murmur rippled through the gathered Vultor. Some looked surprised, others concerned, a few openly disapproving.

“Anyone who disrespects her,” he continued, his voice dropping to a dangerous rumble, “disrespects me. I will not tolerate it.”

The warning hung in the air, clear and unmistakable. His gaze swept across his pack, meeting each pair of eyes in turn, silently demanding acknowledgment of his declaration.

Nyra was the first to step forward. She inclined her head towards Elli.

“Welcome to our home,” she said politely, and Elli gave her a shy smile.

Not everyone greeted her, but those who did were respectful and he was content with that. For now. Nonetheless, it was a relief to lead her away from the curious eyes of his pack. The initial introduction had gone better than he’d feared, though he harbored no illusions about the challenges ahead. His fingers tightened around hers, drawing strength from her touch.

“Come,” he murmured, guiding her along a narrow path that wound deeper into the forest. “My den is not far.”

The trail curved through ancient evergreens and low flowering bushes, gradually ascending a gentle slope. He watched her face, delighting in the wonder that flickered across her features as she took in the wild beauty surrounding them. Here, away from the main enclave, the forest breathed with a primal energy that resonated with his Vultor nature.

“It’s beautiful,” she said breathlessly, pausing to admire a cluster of vibrant wildflowers.

“They grow only here,” he explained, feeling an unexpected surge of pride. “Something in the soil near my den.”

As they crested the hill, his cottage came into view. Built of stone and timber, it nestled against the hillside as if it had grown from the earth itself. Climbing vines embraced the walls, and smoke curled lazily from the stone chimney.

Her eyes widened. “This is where you live?”

He nodded, suddenly seeing his home through her eyes. It was modest compared to Mayor Jacobson’s house, but it was his sanctuary, built with his own hands over the years.

“It’s not much—” he began.

“It’s perfect,” she interrupted, squeezing his hand.

He led her up the stone path to the heavy wooden door, carved with the symbols of his lineage. Inside, the main room was warm and inviting, dominated by a large hearth. Bookshelves lined one wall, filled with volumes collected over the years. Simple but comfortable furniture created intimate spaces throughout the room.

He watched her explore, her delicate fingers tracing the carvings he’d spent countless winter evenings creating. Her presence transformed the space that had always felt like a refuge into something more—a home. The beast inside him purred with satisfaction seeing his mate in his den.

“You must be tired,” he said, noting the slight droop of her shoulders despite her excitement. “Let me prepare a bath for you.”

He led her to the back of the cottage where a large copper tub stood near a window overlooking a small private garden. The bathroom was one of his few indulgences—he’d spent months designing the system of pipes that brought hot water directly from the spring beneath the hill.

“This is wonderful,” she breathed, running her hand along the smooth edge of the tub.

He turned the carved wooden handle, releasing steaming water into the tub. He added mountain herbs that filled the room with a soothing fragrance. When the tub was full, he turned to Elli, who stood watching him with wide, trusting eyes.

“May I?” he asked softly.

At her nod, he gently removed her clothing, his fingers lingering on her bare skin as he guided her into the warm water. She sank down with a sigh of pleasure, closing her eyes. He knelt beside the tub, content to simply watch her, his mate, in their home, but she smiled up at him.

“Will you join me?”

He quickly undressed and climbed into the tub behind her. The water lapped at his chest as he settled in, pulling her against him so her back pressed to his chest. Her sigh of contentment echoed his own feelings as he wrapped his arms around her.

They soaked in comfortable silence, enjoying the soothing warmth and closeness. He watched as she relaxed, her head lolling onto his shoulder, and felt a surge of love for this brave, resilient female who had captured his heart.

“I can’t believe that I spent so many years without this happiness,” he said quietly. “But now that I’ve found it, I’ll never let it go.”

She turned in his embrace, draping her arms around his neck and gazing up at him with those mesmerizing grey eyes. He leaned in and pressed a tender kiss to her temple.

“I love you, Elli.”

“And I love you, Seren.”

He kissed her, then picked up a soft cloth and washed her gently. His beast growled possessively at the sight of the marks he’d left on her pale skin in the forest, but there was one place still unmarked. He ran a careful finger down the curve of her neck, fighting an immediate rush of desire.

“When you are ready, I will bite you here.”

She shivered but he didn’t think it was from fear.

“Why?”

“To show the world that you are my mate.”

“All right,” she agreed, tilting her head to expose her neck. His fangs immediately lengthened but he shook his head.

“Not yet. This has been a day of firsts. I intend to take my time.”

She flushed prettily but nodded. He lifted her out of the tub and dried her carefully, then combed her hair until it was smooth and shining.

“No wonder your aunt made you keep your hair restrained,” he said as he ran his fingers through the silky strands. “It’s beautiful.”

Her dress was rather the worse for wear so he slipped one of his shirts over her head before he showed her the rest of his den. She was delighted with his somewhat limited garden, and he made a mental note to expand it and add a greenhouse for her experiments.

When they reached the bedroom, her steps slowed as she took in the massive bed that dominated the space. It was built to accommodate a Vultor and she looked tiny in comparison.

“Don’t worry,” he said, amused. “There are some advantages to this size.”

She gave him a puzzled frown. “Like what?”

“Like this.” He scooped her up, ignoring her squeal of protest, and bent her over the bed before moving between her legs. “You’re at the perfect height.”

She blushed as he pulled the shirt over her hips, exposing her pretty little ass. He inhaled her sweet scent, then ran his fingers across her soft folds, satisfied to find her already wet and ready for him. She squirmed beneath his touch.

“Are you still sore?” he asked as he stroked her gently.

“A little,” she admitted. “But I like it.”

He chuckled. “Then I shall take care to be gentle.”

With that he lowered his head between her legs. She gasped at the first touch of his tongue, her fingers clutching the sheets. He explored every inch of her, recommitting her taste and scent to memory. When she cried out his name, he couldn’t resist a satisfied growl.

He straightened and placed the head of his cock at her entrance. She wiggled back towards him, eagerly seeking his shaft.

“Tell me what you want, little one,” he said, his voice rough with need.

“You,” she cried. “Please, Seren.”

“As you wish.”

He held her steady as he pushed into her. Despite the slickness of her arousal, he had to fight his way into her tight little channel, her body resisting the stretch. He rocked his hips back and forth, working his way deeper with each slow thrust until he was buried to the root. Only then did he give himself permission to move.

Their mating in the forest had been explosive, but this time he intended to take his time. He savored the way she moved beneath him, the way her body gripped his, as if she never wanted to let him go. Her arousal grew, and she arched back against him.

He pulled her upright, wrapping his arms around her small body and supporting her weight. He kissed the soft skin of her neck, teasing her with his fangs, but he kept the promise he had made to himself and didn’t bite down. Instead, he brought his hand up to cup her breasts, playing with the soft, delicate mounds.

“You fit perfectly in my hand,” he growled, and she shivered, her body clenching down on him.

“Did you like the way my hand feels on you, little one?” he whispered in her ear as his thumb found her nipple. “Do you like the way I feel inside you?”

She nodded frantically, and he felt a rush of primal satisfaction at her response. He kept one hand on her breast, teasing and tugging the stiff peak of her nipple while his other hand slid lower, finding the swollen pearl of her pleasure.

Her whole body shuddered and she cried out his name, her body going rigid in his arms as her release swept over her. Her channel clenched down on his aching cock in helpless spasms, and he roared as his own climax overtook him. Once again his knot swelled, locking them together, and he held her close as she shook in his arms.

Finally, she went limp, her body completely relaxed against him. He turned them carefully, stretching out on his side with his mate clasped safely in his arms, his shaft still buried deep inside her. He pressed a kiss to her temple and she gave him a sleepy, contented smile.

“I love you,” he said, and her smile widened.

“I love you too.”

The last rays of the setting sun sent streaks of fire across her hair, and he stroked it gently. Her eyelids fluttered and closed, and her breathing slowed. Holding his mate in his arms, Seren finally allowed himself to relax. He had found his happiness, and he would do everything in his power to protect and nurture it.