Ronan’s POV
I stood in the training area with the sounds of swords clashing and people working hard all around me. As the Beta of the Bloodhound Pack, my job of training our new members was important, especially with the rogue king still a threat. But I couldn’t stop thinking about one recruit-Dale.
Dressed as a man, she moved with a strength and style that caught everyone’s attention. Something was fascinating about her-something deeper than just talent.
Even before I found out the truth, I could not ignore how beautiful her gentle face was. When she finally told me-Dale was a girl, my mate-I felt like I had lost my balance.
I tried to push away the feelings that made it hard to focus on my duties, but they stuck around, impossible to ignore.
“Pay attention soldiers!” I shouted, bringing my focus back to the training. Sweat shined on their foreheads as they worked hard on the drills.
Yet my eyes kept drifting to Dale, her skill with the sword worsening my longing. Every time her eyes found mine, I quickly looked away, scared that her gaze would set me on fire.
“Beta Ronan!” one of the leaders yelled, pulling me out of my daydream. “You are losing the recruits’ attention. We need that advantage against Augustus.”
“Got it!” I said, pushing aside my distractions. I faced the pack trying to sound in charge again. “Keep going! Each swing and each step could change whether we win or lose.”
As the sun set in the sky, marking the end of our time together, I couldn’t stop thinking about when Dale would take off her helmet.
I counted the seconds like I was waiting for something special, and at last, she lifted it, letting her hair fall like shining gold in the dim light.
My heart raced, and my wolf woke up inside me, sensing the bond we shared-wanting her near.
I looked away, trying to stay calm. “Good work today everyone. You’re all free to go!” I said, but my attention was still on Dale.
When the soldiers went away, she came over to me, her hair flowing in the wind, showing a confidence that drew me in. “Hey, Ronan,” she said, her voice playful and gentle, easing the tension around us.
“Dale,” I said, my heart racing. A mix of relief and confusion swirled inside me, fighting for control. How could I feel like this with so much weighing on us? My wolf laughed gently, encouraging me to accept these feelings. I clenched my fists and scolded myself. Stop it.
“Great job leading today,” she said, her smile making her face shine. “You kept everyone together.”
“Thanks,” I said, trying to sound casual but not succeeding at all. My heart was racing ready to run away. “I just want us to be prepared for whatever happens next.”
“Okay.” She moved closer, and I struggled with the tension in the air. “We need to chat. About all of this.”
“Uh yeah. Okay,” I said nervously, trying to find the right words. “Where do you want-”
“The gardens,” she said, looking at me closely. “I believe we’ll find it quieter there.”
I nodded and signaled for her to go ahead. We walked quietly, each absorbed in our thoughts, the tension between us cracking like dry grass. I blamed myself for not being able to talk. I was a fighter-a protector-but now I was having trouble speaking in front of her.
“Ronan,” she said, her voice gentle, “Do you believe we can beat Augustus?”
I looked at her, trying to understand how she felt. “We’re stronger when we work together. We have our mates. We will not give up on our pack.” I wanted to sound confident but fear crept into my voice. The rogue king’s threat felt very real.
Dale nodded, but then paused, turning to look at me closely, her eyes searching for something more. “I hope we can discuss… this,” she pointed between us, “the mate bond. It’s a lot to think about, right?”
My heart raced as her words hit me hard like a big wave. “You knew about-”
“Sure. I knew it right when we met,” she cut in. “And then when I shared my true self…”
My breath caught in my throat, flooded with a wave of weakness. “Dale, I-”
“Just call me Adeline,” she said suddenly, a playful look in her eyes. “That’s my real name and I like it more.”
A feeling of shock rushed through me. “Can you talk to me in your mind?” I asked, amazed by our connection. It was more than just being destined mates. It felt stronger, sparking warmth inside me.
“Looks that way,” she said with a smile. “But I want you to understand that my inner wolf wants to bond with yours too. So please, let’s stop being awkward, all right? We have to work together.”
I felt a warm feeling in my chest when I looked at her. “You’re right. It’s just… all of this is new to me, Adeline.”
“Let’s go at a slower pace,” she suggested, her lovely smile brightening the whole space. “How does that sound?”
Before I could say anything, she came closer and surprised me with a quick but gentle kiss. It felt amazing, igniting the connection I had felt but never fully acknowledged. I automatically leaned in, my heart beating, but just like that, the kiss was over, leaving me in stunned surprise.
“Did you-” I started trying to find the right words.
Adeline smiled, spreading the warmth that surrounded me. “I just wanted you to see the real me,” she said, her voice full of love.
The kiss stayed in my mind, exciting and enchanting. “I was not aware that you-”
“I told you,” she said quietly in my head like we had a secret. “I want this connection, Ronan.”
I could barely take in how her words spun around in my mind, sending exciting thrills through me. “You feel it too?” I asked, my heart racing. “We’re mates?”
“Didn’t I just say that?” she joked playfully.
Her fun attitude made me feel more determined. There was a lively connection between us buzzing with unshared hopes. Just as I moved closer, that moment broke apart.
“Ronan! Get to the clinic now!” Adams’s voice rang in my head loud and urgent, breaking the spell of our moment…