5. Danger And Desire
1325 Words
Ara's POV
The waterfall cascaded around me, moonlight shattering through the veil of rushing water like strands of liquid silver.
I dipped beneath the surface once more, letting the cool embrace soothe the ache coiled deep in my muscles.
One month.
It had been exactly one month since I joined this pack.
One month of relentless, soul-scorching training under Kade’s ruthless command.
That man… gods, he was a demon disguised in a warrior’s skin—unyielding, sharp-eyed, and always watching. He didn’t let a single second go to waste. Every bruise on my body bore his name. Every sore muscle hummed with his challenge.
But I didn’t hate it. In some strange way, I needed it.
These stolen midnight swims had become my only solace. A reward I carved out for myself in secret.
I found this hidden waterfall in the heart of the woods two weeks ago. Remote and untouched. At this hour—past midnight—the entire forest held its breath, silent and dark, while the moon spilled her light only for me.
I broke the surface again, catching my breath as rivulets of water slid down my face and shoulders.
One month in this pack, and already, I felt different.
Harder. Stronger. Sharper.
And thanks to Lina’s potions, my body had stopped rebelling against itself. No more blood in my mouth. No more crimson-streaked handkerchiefs.
I was healing.
I surfaced, gasping softly, slick hair clinging to my face as I pushed it back. The secluded pool—my secret sanctuary—shimmered under the moon’s silvery gaze. My clothes lay in a careless heap on the riverbank, the thin fabric of my undergarments plastered to my skin like a second layer as I dove deeper again, weightless and free.
But then—something shifted.
A chill slithered down my spine.
My body went rigid.
Someone was here.
Why hadn’t I sensed him?
Panic bloomed, sharp and sudden. Then it hit me—he was masking his scent.
Before I could twist around, a shadow detached itself from the dense treeline like it had been born from the night itself.
Tall. Broad. Dangerous.
Predatory stillness clung to him as he stepped into the moonlight, and my breath snagged in my throat.
Gods.
Dark hair tumbled in careless waves over a face that looked carved by divine hands—sharp jaw, sculpted cheekbones, lips curved in a half-smirk that screamed danger.
But it was his eyes that rooted me to the spot.
Storm-gray. Cold. Intense.
They raked over me slowly, unapologetically, dragging like a touch I could feel on my bare skin.
Who was he? And why did something in me whisper that this wasn’t our first meeting… even if I couldn’t remember it?
"You shouldn't be here," he rumbled. The voice rolled over me like thunder— deep, velvety, and laced with amusement. "Bathing at this hour.
Every nerve in my body sparked to life.
"I could say the same to you," I shot back, my voice steady despite my racing heart. The water lapped at my chest, but suddenly it wasn't enough coverage.
Not with the way he was looking at me-like he wanted to devour me whole,
"Rogues were spotted nearby,"' he added, taking a step closer.
Focus, Ara! This man was a danger! He was looking for rogues!
I had to get away! I had to inform everyone.
Before I could bolt, he moved. One moment he was on the bank, the next, the water rippled around his waist as he closed the distance between us. My pulse hammered wildly as he stopped only inches away, his minty breath ghosting over my lips.
Goddess, he was tall.
He loomed over me, his torso was a landscape of hard muscles. My traitorous gaze dropped to his mouth, that smirking full lips with dimples that had no business of being so distracting. Heat pooled low in my belly. My every cell screamed at me to close the distance and kiss him for no reason!
"You don't smell like a rogue," he murmured, tilting his head. Moonlight caught those sinful dimples that appeared with his smirk, "why are you here little wolf?”
Little wolf. The words sent an unexpected thrill down my spine.
Ara, he's dangerous. I reminded myself.
I didn't answer. Instead, my leg shot out, water spraying as I reached for the dagger strapped to my thigh. In one fluid motion, I had the blade at his throat.
“One move," I warned, pressing the silver-edged dagger against his skin, "and you're done.”
He didn't flinch. Didn't even blink. Those stormy eyes just darkened with something that made my stomach flip.
“Wolfsbane on silver," he noted, tongue darting out to wet his lips. "Not bad.”
“Who are you?" I demanded, pressing harder. A bead of blood welled, stark red against his golden skin. "What do you want?
He should be in pain. It was poison to wolves. How was he still standing there without even flinching?
Instead of answering, his gaze dropped to where the water lapped at my chest. "You don't have a wolf, do you?"
The words hit like a physical blow. How did he!
His hand moved faster than I could track. One second the dagger was at his throat, the next it was sinking into the riverbed, and I was being yanked flush against him.
"This little toy can't harm me. Maybe you can," he purred.
Every inch of me collided with hard, unyielding muscle. A gasp tore from my lips as electric sparks raced through my veins where our skin touched. His free hand splayed across the small of my back, pressing me even closer until I could feel the hammering of his heart against my chest. His embrace was surprisingly comforting and warm.
Somehow, I wanted to stay there. I wanted to ran my finger along his chiseled muscles. I wanted to touch his jawline and... if I kiss him, will he push away?
I must be crazy to have such thoughts at this moment!
This isn’t right, Ara! I snapped at myself.
"Let go—" I struggled to get free. Did I really even try? Kade’s schedules didn't teach me how to deal with a tall, hot alpha when my body was betraying.
"Make me," he challenged, his breath hot against my ear, as he licked the shell of my ear.
Fire exploded down my spine. My knees nearly buckled, saved only by his iron grip. Some rational part of my brain screamed that this was dangerous, that I should fight, flee, or do something.
The rest of me?
The rest of me wanted to lick his toned muscles, kiss his lips and…. Oh goddess!
"You—" I barely recognized my own voice. Was it a protest or a moan, I couldn’t tell.
His chuckle vibrated through me. "all your bravery is gone, little wolf?"
That snapped me out of it.
With a gasp, I braced my hands on his shoulders, using his own strength against him. In one fluid motion, I vaulted out of the water, twisting his arm behind his back just long enough to break free.
"f**k!" he growled as I sprinted for the shore,
I didn't look back. Didn't dare. My bare feet pounded the earth as I snatched my clothes and ran deeper into the woods. Toward the secondary entrance only the scouts used.
His laughter followed me, dark and promising.
"Run, little wolf!" he called. "I love to chase.”
The words sent another illicit thrill through me even as my mind screamed danger.
Because one thing was certain, he wasn't just any wolf.
I had to warn the pack, the luna. And Kade! He would eat me alive for sneaking out this late! Goddess help me!
Yet, a part of me wanted to stay back, in the arms of that devastatingly handsome wolf who I may never meet.
- Writer
