The romantic dinner at the restaurant had washed away the cold war between Aldrich and Maggie, enveloping them in sweetness. Every glance and every subtle touch made their hearts race.
As they prepared to return to Barrett Manor, the figures outside the car window began to recede. Maggie didn’t want to go back so early; the lively nightlife was just beginning. She withdrew her hand from Aldrich’s.
“Aldrich, let’s take a walk by the beach.”
Aldrich held Maggie’s hand again. “Of course.”
By the beach, a gentle breeze rustled. Aldrich took off his coat and draped it over Maggie’s shoulders. They strolled leisurely on the soft sand, leaving a trail of footprints.
Maggie got tired and turned around, smiling as she pointed to the footprints. “Aldrich, you’re a genius. Every step looks like an inward-curving heart.”
Aldrich felt that Maggie looked especially beautiful tonight, and her smile was particularly charming. He felt more relaxed than before. He patiently explained to Maggie, “Because we’re close to the water, our footsteps naturally converge… You see, werewolves are afraid of water.”
“Oh… I didn’t notice.”
Aldrich ruffled Maggie’s hair. “Don’t worry; I’m a powerful Alpha. I’ve overcome the obvious weaknesses of werewolves since I was a child.”
“Have you learned to swim?”
“No, my father used to throw me and my brothers into deep water. We struggled, screaming in fear, but he just watched from the shore. When we finally reached the shore, he would pick us up and throw us back into the deep water. Making us constantly swallow water…”
“Aldrich, you must have suffered a lot.” Maggie’s eyes were full of sympathy.
“I didn’t find it difficult; enduring the fear and physical pain of swallowing water just made me stronger, with no weaknesses. I was willing to endure hardships every day, but later, I realized that many things can’t be solved by just enduring hardships. Usually, simple problems can be overcome.”
“What kind of challenges are hard to overcome?”
Aldrich fell silent, his eyes fixed on Maggie’s eyes. Maggie saw the pitch-black night sky, the beautiful waves, and the crystal-clear reflection in his eyes. Her face blushed involuntarily. “Never mind, forget I asked!”
Maggie pushed Aldrich forward, but he held onto her. “It’s you.”
“Me?”
“Yes, Maggie, you’re the most challenging puzzle for me.”
“Are you teasing me?” Maggie’s face darkened. “I’m not a complex person!”
“To me, you’re an irresistibly intriguing puzzle, drawing me closer…”
Maggie blushed even more. She heard passersby nearby admiring, “They look so sweet and happy, as if they were meant to be together.”
Aldrich wholeheartedly agreed, smiling and thanking them. But suddenly, Maggie snapped back to reality. Aldrich was destined for someone, but it wasn’t her. She felt lost, unsure of their relationship.
Back at Barrett Manor, after Maggie had freshened up, she continued her regular training. The capacity of the Energy bead had already exceeded half, and the absorption rate seemed to be increasing. Aldrich stayed by her side, absorbing a large amount of energy himself. He felt happy for Maggie, but at the same time, he had some concerns. Time had passed, and Charlie hadn’t found any additional Energy beads. Was this really the only one?
After completing her exercises, Maggie was ready to take a break. She sat in a comfortable corner, feeling the satisfying exhaustion that came from pushing her limits.
Aldrich’s silver wolf urged him to mark Maggie with his scent. “It’s time, Aldrich,” the wolf communicated through their unique connection. “Mark her scent again. Every time you mark, we grow stronger.”
Aldrich glanced at Maggie. “She’s really tired.”
“But your scent on Maggie is fading; don’t you feel any urgency?”
“Is that the reason you’ve been talking to me so frequently lately?”
“I’m just helping you face your true feelings, Aldrich. It’s your fear of losing Maggie deep inside.”
“I understand…”
With his primal instinct, Aldrich walked towards Maggie with a focused and determined expression. His keen nostrils detected the unique fragrance that defined her essence. He precisely applied his own unique scent, mixing it with hers, strengthening their bond.
“Aldrich?” Maggie realized the significance of the scent-marking, and her emotions surged.
“Maggie, there’s hardly any of my scent on you…” Aldrich looked at her, his gaze filled with intensity. “Are you okay?”
Maggie nodded slowly.
Their eyes met, and Aldrich seized Maggie, immediately kissing her.
“Sorry, I couldn’t control myself,” he said with a chuckle.
He gently nibbled Maggie’s lips and trailed his kisses down her neck. A wave of indescribable desire and longing swirled between them. Their connection grew stronger, like an invisible thread weaving their souls together. At that moment, they both knew that their love was unbreakable and could withstand any challenge fate threw at them.
Their lips met in a passionate embrace, the intoxicating kisses leaving them both breathless. But just as Aldrich seemed ready to take things further, Maggie hesitated. Her concern for their unborn pups led her to gently push him away.
“Aldrich, that’s enough. I’m covered in your scent now…”
“Your body’s reaction tells me you won’t reject my touch. In fact, Maggie, you’re trembling with excitement and eagerly anticipating more,” Aldrich panted, his voice husky and magnetic. He kissed Maggie’s earlobe, exuding irresistible temptation.
“No, we can’t…”
“Maggie, we can. Relax…”
Aldrich attempted to kiss and soothe Maggie again, but she held his head with her delicate arms, preventing him from taking any further action. She emphasized, “Aldrich, we can’t… it would harm the babies.”
Aldrich’s brows furrowed in confusion and desire. “Maggie, the doctor said gentle intimacy is safe,” he said, his voice filled with desire and frustration.
“I’m sorry, Aldrich, I don’t want to continue like this.”
Aldrich was somewhat puzzled. “Why? The conflicts and unpleasantness have disappeared, and we’re getting along well.”
“Because,” Maggie hesitated before continuing, “it might be too risky for the babies. I don’t want to endanger their health.”
Maggie took a deep breath, organized her thoughts, and continued, “Aldrich, we need to talk,” her voice was filled with vulnerability and determination. “First, we’re different from other couples. I’m human, and you’re a werewolf. Our lives are different. Second, I’m your contract partner. Once you find your true mate, I have to choose to leave. We can’t cross those boundaries we know we can’t overcome.”
Aldrich’s eyes shimmered, now bright and now dim. “So, just contract partners?”
“Yes.”
“Do you believe that we can’t be together in the end?”
“No, I believe we’ll protect the babies together until the end, but not in the way you’re thinking.”
“But, Maggie, you really have no interest in me?”
Aldrich’s words heightened the ambiguity between them, and Maggie’s inner desire surged. She struggled and met Aldrich’s gaze with determination. “Aldrich, we must keep our distance,” she said calmly. “If you insist on this, then I’ll go back to my room.”
Aldrich sighed, his face filled with disappointment and helplessness. He understood Maggie’s concerns, but he couldn’t ignore his desire for her. He reluctantly nodded. “Okay, Maggie,” he replied, his voice filled with disappointment. “I’ll respect your wishes. I’ll sleep alone tonight.”
As they settled into their respective bedrooms, an indescribable tension filled the air. Their desires were ignited, and they lay in their separate beds, thoughts swirling in their minds, hearts filled with unfulfilled longing. Sleep was approaching, but the dreams that followed were filled with bittersweet agony, desires unfulfilled. As the night enveloped them, they lay apart, their bodies craving the intimacy that fate denied them.