Alpha Caelan moved so quickly that I didn’t even see him. He caught me just before I slammed into the slippery rocks, pulling me firmly against his chest.
I gasped at the shock of his touch, overwhelmed by its sudden intensity.
His breathing was heavy, and he squeezed me tighter, almost as though he were afraid that I would disappear if he let me go.
“Thank you,” I whispered, unsure of myself.
Something about being in his arms felt right. It felt like somewhere I belonged. I was surprised by how much I liked being there.
I pulled away, reminding myself what was at stake. He didn’t fight me, but I thought I heard him sigh as I stepped back.
“It’s just over here,” he said, carefully navigating around the rocks.
I followed him up the river for another minute or two before we came to a large open cavern in the side of the mountain.
“I figured you might be more comfortable if we got away from the others for a bit while we got to know each other,” he remarked as we reached the entrance. “It doesn’t seem like you’re a real fan of crowds.”
“How did you know?” I asked.
“I’ve noticed you clenching and unclenching your fists when you’re around a big group. Your shoulders tense, and your eyes dart around like you’re looking for a way out,” he observed. “Just doesn’t seem like you’re able to relax.”
I nodded in surprise. Not many were aware of my issue with large crowds. He’d been paying a lot more attention to me than I would have suspected.
I gasped as we entered the cavern.
Massive stalactites dripped down from overhead, reaching for their counterparts as water gently trickled down their surfacesand fell into the small pools below. It made the whole place shimmer as the dim light danced off the ripples.
On one side of the cave, carefully carved out by time, sat a window into the mountainside. Water flowed in tiny streams across its opening, falling like rain from the sky.
“It’s beautiful,” I sighed, forgetting I wasn’t alone for a moment.
“It is,” he agreed, his hand brushing against mine.
He took it, leading me along the river’s edge as we wandered farther into the cave. He guided me up a gentle slope to a drier spot.
“I wanted this to be something special,” he explained with another dazzling smile. “Sorry it isn’t much. I had wanted to do a candlelight lunch or something, but with this being a group thing, I didn’t get the chance. I promise to do better on our next date.”
Next date? He wants to go out with me again? Like just me?
Sensing my surprise, he chuckled. “You’re not used to this kind of thing, are you?”
Despite myself a small, unexpected smile formed on my lips. I liked the sound of his laugh. It made me feel…content.
Wait. That can’t be right. Is that how I’m feeling right now?“Uh, no,” I replied, honestly. “I’m not allowed to date, you know, as an omega and pack warrior. My responsibilities are supposed to come first.”
“That’s ridiculous,” he scoffed. “Everyone should be allowed a little time for themselves. What about when you find your mate?”
I shrugged, trying to avoid the conversation. What was I supposed to say? I couldn’t reveal that I couldn’t have amate because I was cursed, even though he probably already suspected as much after he saw my eyes.
We stood there silently for a few moments, taking in the sights and sounds.
“I’ve always liked this place,” he said softly, finally breaking the silence. “Like it’s never quite done growing, constantly reshaping itself into something new as time marches on.”
I turned to him as he sighed happily.
“I’ve always thought of the stalactites and stalagmites like two lovers,” he continued. “Forever reaching out for each other.”
I stared at the pair to our left, mere inches separating them from becoming one.Never quite able to touch no matter how hard they try. No matter how desperately they yearn for one another.
