Chapter 10: Dante's POV

"What do we do, Dante?" Kai asked in frustration. "Our mate is still pure. We can't take her if Kira is unconscious, that's not right…right?"

Damn it. What kind of foolish mistake did I just try to make?

We need fresh air.

"...We want all of you" I managed to say, my voice thick with barely restrained hunger. I saw how she stared at me but this was for the best. Not just for me but for her.

I wouldn't be able to face Kira if she found out I had taken her pride while she was unconscious. What would she think of me?

Her scent flooded my nose as if trying its best to seduce me into....

No. I can't.

But… a little kiss won't hurt right? I asked myself as I went straight for her navel but instead of planting a kiss like I intended I ended up sucking it, hard.

Damn it. No.

I quickly pulled away and stood up forcing myself to move toward the door trying my hardest not to turn around and see her because if I did there would be no stopping me—or Kai

I'm sorry, my mate. But this is for the best

I ran off into the night like a drunk beast letting Kai take control. My body burned like a beast in heat.

I was a drunk Lycan after all.

I was drunk on my mate's intoxicating scent.

Drunk on the feel of her soft, supple skin.

Drunk on the memory of her breathy moans and how she trembled under my touch.

A deep, growl tore from my chest as I purred and panted into the night. Then, unable to contain the frustration clawing at my insides, I tilted my head back and howled toward the moon.

This was agony.

I had finally seen my mate, yet–

"Arghhh! this is so frustrating.” I snarled.

I didn't expect the bond to happen so fast, and I couldn't bring myself to take her despite the sweet temptations like how sweet her lips tasted and how she squirmed under my touch....

"Ugh, snap out of it" I growled at myself, shaking my head.

I can't touch her body, without her permission.

If I do what would she take me for

"Damnit"

A slow exhale left my lips as I clenched my fists and forced the raging need within me to settle. "I can't do it" I calmly said "I can't take her. Not yet"

"Well, that must be hard for you,” a familiar voice teased, “especially since there are no women around to lay with."

I turned my head toward Viktor, my beta. I shot him a glare, irritated by his sudden presence

"What's it to you? And why are you even here?" I asked coldly.

Viktor let out a soft chuckle before tossing a bottle in my direction. "Take this first. You're gonna need it. And is it now a crime to care about my best friend? Oh, how the mighty have fallen."

He smirked.

"My best friend has finally found his mate. So does this mean no more drunk nights and strippers"

I stared at him again, my jaw clenched as I drank from the bottle, trying to ignore him, only this time Kai was ready to leap at him and give him the beating of his life.

Viktor knew damn well that Kai can't lay with another woman that's not his mate.

"Woah I know that look. Easy Kai" Viktor said as he immediately became serious " I heard you growl, when you left your tent, so I thought it wise to follow you before you did something crazy"

I forced a stiff smile at him. "It's nothing to worry about. I just had some thinking to do... So I came out for some fresh air"

"And the girl? I mean…your woman?" Viktor said as he made himself comfortable on the grass. "It's almost Dawn, wouldn't she get scared if she doesn't see you when she wakes up?"

I sighed, rubbing my temples. "She'll be fine. The gifts we are taking to Blackthorn… are there any clothes?" I asked, trying my best to divert my mind from my raging hard on.

Viktor arched his brow. "Clothes?”

I exhaled sharply. "Clothes that would look good on her, I mean.”

For a moment, Viktor simply stared at me before bursting into another fit of laughter.

"I understood what you meant, but no. We only brought jewelry. She can wear your clothes, can’t she?”

I ignored his teasing tone and rubbed the back of my neck."Do you think she might like me… If she finds out I'm her mate?" I spoke as I let the cool breeze gush over me.

Viktor's laughter died immediately. His eyes widened.

“She doesn't know yet?”

I shrugged. “I don't know if she recalls, she keeps drifting in and out of consciousness. I don't think she's synced with her Lycan wolf yet.

"Hmm, I have no idea. I mean, you? She might be able to handle. But Kai?” He shook his head That's a whole different ball game"

He sighed. "I'm sure she'll understand both of you sooner or later."

Silence filled the air as I calmly thought of ways to break the news to her that I was her...

"What was she doing all alone in this parts of the forest anyway? And what happened to her? Were you able to ask her?" Viktor asked, curious to know just like I was.

'What happened to her?, who had given her those bruises?'

"She is still weak." I said shortly.

Viktor nodded in agreement. "What's the plan for our travels?"

"Ready the Coach for her" I ordered.

"And the gifts in the coach?" He asked

I stared in the direction of my tent. "Throw them away, dispose of them into a stream. I don't care."

***

I quickly woke up and peeped at her sleeping frame, she looked so beautiful while she slept and I was once again tempted to touch her. Memories of last night kept playing in my head.

The person I had been seeking for years was right next to me.

My mate. Kai growled possessively.

Mine.

She must be hungry, I thought to myself as I forced myself to tear my gaze away.

I quietly made my way outside the tent.

We had a lot of preparation to make ahead of our journey and I didn't want to stress my little mate.

"What do you think Kai? Should we get her fruits and vegetables… or beef stew?"

I got no response.

Argh… not again.

"I'm sorry for putting you through such an ordeal last night, but I believe it was for the best, don't you agree?"

Silence was what I got in return.

Kai was still pissed.

I hated it when he was angry at me and goes mute, but this time, I didn't regret my actions.

Viktor walked up to me smirking. "Trouble in Paradise again? You guys will fix it, you always do. Now come and address us, we await your instructions regarding our guest."

I nodded and calmly walked over to where my men were seated.

"We'll move at her pace, I wouldn't want her collapsing half way through due to stress or it's like." I declared to my men and Viktor nodded offering me a light smirk

"And I want you all to protect her as you would protect me" I added.

"And the betrothal ceremony?" Viktor sighed.

I scoffed. "That prideful moron knows better than to start the ceremony without the guest of honor. Only a fool would do such." I coldly replied.

My gaze darkened.

And only a bigger fool would dare compete with me.