Cara’s POV
Brian led me through the thick woods, his large hand wrapped around mine, guiding me silently. My heart still raced from our heated, passionate moment in the cabin, and I couldn’t help but wonder where he was taking me. He had just said follow me, and here we are trudging through the woods.
The forest seemed endless, but I trusted him, even though he hadn’t spoken much since we left the cabin. His grip was firm yet gentle, and despite the uncertainty and everything, I felt safe with him.
“Where are we going?” I finally asked, breaking the silence. I was eager and nervous at the same time with all the mystery.
He didn’t answer immediately but gave me a quick, mischievous smile before turning his gaze back to the path ahead. I felt a flutter in my chest at that smile. It was beautiful and full of mystery. Having nothing else to do. I admired his back sight, which was amazing on itself. I thought of running my hands down his broad back that was the size my own times three, i droled seeing his sweat drip down from his back to his powerful arms that help my hands. It glistened under the moonlight.
My eyes can’t help trail down to his ass, that was packed under his Jean, I savored at the prospect of trailing my my hands on it…
“Cara get a grip” I told myself, stopping myself in time from being aroused.
After what felt like hours but was probably only minutes, we stepped out of the dense trees.
“We are hear” Brian announced. and my breath caught in my throat.
A lake.
But it wasn’t just any lake. The water was crystal clear, reflecting the pale moonlight and the first hints of dawn in the sky. Soft mist floated across the surface, making everything look magical, especially under the moonlight. The trees surrounding the lake bent gracefully toward the water as if bowing to it. The scene was enchanting, almost surreal, and something out of a fantasy.
“It’s beautiful,” I whispered, entranced by the sight.
“Yes it is” Brian said with a proud expression, observing my reaction, as I took in the beautiful sight before me.
“This is where I come when I need to think or when I’m… confused or when the elders are at my neck,” Brian said quietly, his deep voice breaking the stillness of the moment. He stood beside me, his eyes scanning the lake with a faraway look. “It helps clear my mind.”
I glanced at him, understanding the weight behind his words. This was where he found peace, his escape from everything. My heart ached at the thought of him coming here alone, battling his inner demons.
“Is this where you went… when you ran away from me in the cabin?” I asked softly, recalling that moment when he had left me suddenly during our intimate moments.
Brian nodded, his expression darkening for a brief second before softening again. “Yeah. I came here to… cool down.”
I felt a pang of guilt at the memory of him leaving so abruptly. But before I could say anything, Brian’s strong arms wrapped around me from behind, pulling me into his chest. His warmth enveloped me, and I relaxed, leaning into him.
“Hey,” I said softly, turning in his embrace to look up at him. “I’m here now.”
His eyes softened as they met mine, and for a moment, I thought he might kiss me again. But then, without warning, his mischievous grin returned. My alarm bells rang in high alarm, but it was already late.
Before I could react, he lifted me effortlessly and tossed me into the lake!
I hit the water with a splash, the coldness shocking me as it soaked through my clothes. I surfaced, gasping, my heart pounding both from the cold and the unexpectedness of it all.
“Brian!” I shouted, half laughing, half scolding. “What the hell?!”
He stood on the shore shamless at what he had done, laughing, his arms crossed over his chest. “You looked like you needed to cool off,” he teased, his eyes sparkling with amusement, with something else in his eyes.
I blushed profusely, shocked that he knew all this while. he had noticed me checking him out.
I glared at him but couldn’t help the smile tugging at my lips. “You’re gonna pay for that!” I warned, swimming back to the edge of the lake. But before I could climb out, i slipped and fell inside the water. The force of fall splashed water everywhere as I struggled not to drown. Calling out his name in horror.
Immediately, Brian jumped inside the lake, coming to where I was struggling to stay afloat. ” Cara! Cara! ” Are you okay” he shouted.
“Gotcha” I shouted, suddenly bursting out in laughter. I had tricked him.
“That’s payback for throwing me” I told him, laughing at his expression at being fooled.
“How dare you” he growled playfully, chasing me around as I ran for my dare life.
We spent what felt like hours in the water, splashing each other, laughing, and simply enjoying each other’s company. The tension that had built up between us earlier was gone, replaced by lighthearted fun. The coolness of the water contrasted perfectly with the heat of our earlier moments, and for the first time in a while, I felt completely at ease.
As the first rays of sunlight began to peek over the horizon, Brian swam closer to me, his wet hair plastered against his forehead, his intense brown eyes locked on mine. At that moment, I felt happy.
“Let me see your wolf,” he suddenly said, his voice low but commanding.
I froze, blinking at him. “What?”
“Your wolf,” he repeated, his tone more insistent. “I’ve never seen her, Cara. I want to see her.”
I hesitated, feeling a wave of shyness wash over me. No one had ever asked to see my wolf like that. Sure, I shifted when I was told to in Alexander’s pack during the bonfire but that was because others were shifting and I was pushed by the sisters, but the idea of showing Brian felt… intimate, kinda vulnerable.
“I-I don’t know,” I stammered. “It’s not that special.”
Brian’s eyes narrowed slightly, but there was a playful glint in them. “Not special? Cara, everything about you is special, i could get lost in listing how special you are. Now come on, show me. Or are you too shy?” He smirked, knowing exactly how to get under my skin.
I rolled my eyes but felt my heart racing. “Fine,” I muttered, stepping out of the water and onto the soft grass by the lake. I glanced back at Brian, who was in the lake, watching me with a mix of curiosity and excitement.
Taking a deep breath, I closed my eyes and let the shift take over. My bones stretched and rearranged, my muscles rippling under my skin as I transformed into my wolf. It was always a strange yet familiar feeling, like a second skin I only wore sometimes.
When I opened my eyes again, I was on all fours, my paws sinking into the soft wet earth. My senses heightened more, and the world felt sharper, clearer in this form. The wind carried scents I wouldn’t have noticed before, and the sound of the lake lapping against the shore was like music to my ears. It took me a moment to get over the new changes from the last I had shifted. Maybe it was because of my pure bloodline.
I glanced at Brian, who was silent. He had not spoken a word nor has he moved from his position, his intense gaze threatened to eat me whole. I suddenly became self councious of my wolf size.
I was nervous about his reaction. And what he will say, probably he won’t like how small my wolf is, or how instead of a fierce wolf ia m like an adorable puppy.
But when I saw the look on his face, I froze.
He was stunned, his mouth slightly open, his eyes wide as they took me in. “Cara…” he breathed, his voice filled with awe. “You’re… beautiful.”
I shifted slightly, unsure how to respond. No one had ever called my wolf beautiful before. Sure, people from Alexander’s pack had said my wolf was adorable and had no problem with it, but that could have just been a common courtesy to make me feel welcomed.
But hearing it from Brian, from my mate seeing the way he looked at me, it made me feel powerful in a way I hadn’t expected.
Brian took a step closer, his eyes never leaving mine. He reached out a hand, and I moved forward, allowing him to run his fingers through my fur. The touch was gentle, almost like he was careressing it.
“I didn’t think…” he started, his voice trailing off as he crouched down to meet my gaze. “I didn’t think you could be more perfect, but here you are.”
I lowered my head, feeling warmth spread through me. my wolf, she lept in joy from brian connecting with us. She was finally happy that her mate values her.
I couldn’t help the howl that escaped my lips, the forest carrying the echoes of my howl as my wolf howled in happiness.