Chapter 6

• ALIYAH’S POV
• The weight of Reid's stare at me doubled the intensity of the heat that slowly ate me whole. Lowering my head, I gasped at the strange amount of desire that I couldn't control.
• This was the first time I ever felt such a desire... a pull that made me so needy, all because of one simple touch. It was as if it had awakened something within me.
• All it made me feel was hunger.
• "What’s happening to me?" I asked in my faint voice.
• "Are you alright?" His deep voice asked as he walked towards me.
• "D—Don’t get any closer, please." Panic went through me. I took an involuntary step back, scared that I’d do something I'd regret.
• With these emotions engulfing my body, my heart raced so fast that it hurt my limbs. A soft whimper escaped my mouth. When I looked up, I found Reid’s eyes pinned on me. They grew darker... and for a split second, I saw the same flare behind his eyes.
• I took a deep breath and shook my head, looking away as his stare sent shivers down my spine.
• "What exactly do you feel?" Reid asked again, and I caught my breath.
• "It’s nothing…" I blustered, my cheeks flushing in shame.
• I'd rather die than tell him I had a strong desire for him, a pull that made me strangely hungry and eager to be touched...and delve even deeper.
• I looked him in the eye. He blinked, and the flare I had seen in them vanished. He then sighed and pressed his lips together.
• "Are you sure you’re alright?" It was a low growl. I noticed how his jaw clenched and the way he swallowed hard made me feel his concern.
• "I… I don’t know, Reid," I replied, trying to stay focused and fighting this forbidden urge that put me in a shameful situation.
• I hope Reid didn’t notice... I hope he didn’t feel that... I’d be embarrassed for the rest of my life if he figured out that I desired him... I wasn’t even sure how and why I felt this strong emotion towards him.
• "Your body is still recovering. It is normal to feel pain during the process, but you will get over it soon. Trust me," he said.
• His voice was so deep and soothing, and somehow it made me believe that the reason why I had this sudden feeling was because of the trauma in my body.
• I sucked in a breath. When our gazes locked, I felt hot tears forming on both sides of my eyes. It was the first time I had seen sincerity in a person who stared at me. I didn’t know why, but that, above all, gave me the comfort that I needed.
• "I bet you’re tired already. Let’s go to your room. I’ll place this near your bed," he said, referring to the camellia flowers.
• I nodded and offered him one tiny smile. I wasn’t sure if it was the spark that I’d seen in his eyes just now, as it went away in a matter of seconds, and all I did was toss the idea aside.
• "After you..." he stated before he jerked his head.
• I swallowed hard, and slowly spun around. Biting my lip, I walked out of his room while still controlling this forbidden desire within me.
• I hope my body recovers soon. Otherwise, I don’t know how I could face him without wanting him, I said in my mind.
• Reid followed me as I went inside of the bedroom where I initially woke up. I watched how he walked near the window and placed the flowers there.
• He then put his hands inside his pockets and turned to me.
• "Do you think it’s nice to put it here?" he asked, as if my opinion mattered to him.
• I slowly nodded."It’s perfect, Reid. Thank you."
• He offered me a smile, and that made my heart pound faster.
• ***
• REID’S POV
• You can't touch her, I thought darkly.
• It surprised me more than anything when I figured out that my mate felt the same spark that went through me when our fingers touched. The way her heartbeat thumped so fast and how she struggled to catch her breath clearly told me that she was trying to fight it, and I hated the fact that I couldn’t do anything to sate her need... yet.
• Even though my animalistic mind wanted me to press myself against her thin body, crush her lips with mine, and mark her to satisfy myself, I couldn’t feel the rightness if I did that to her right now. Not in her current state.
• I watched her fall asleep in the bed. Her heartbeat became normal and the heat of her body finally subsided. I still had a hard time contacting her wolf, and until I was successful in doing so, that was the only time I’d tell her that we were fated mates.
• I leaned down until my face was only a few inches away from hers, then I tucked the strands of her hair behind her ear.
• "You’re mine," I whispered. My lips curled up into a smile. She was sleeping soundly, as if this was the only time she got free from her worries.
• Inhaling sharply, I finally stood up and gave her one last glance before I left her room.
• While she was taking a rest, I used it as an opportunity to gather every member of my small pack in the ma, which was a secured field within our territory. I planned to tell them that I had finally found my mate, ensuring no one would be suspicious of her given that she came from the neighboring pack.
• "Today, I gathered everyone here so I could formally inform you about one great news," I started while standing up in the center platform, gazing at my own people who were paying attention to me. "I found my mate."
• Many gasps and whispers could be heard in the area after the announcement I made. Most of them were astounded and happy, given that another leader had finally come who would eventually lead the female members of the pack.
• Klaus, Sage, and their mates were all smirking in the corner, seemingly enjoying the scene happening before their eyes.
• "The future Luna of this pack is already living under my roof, and until she gets ready to show herself to everyone, she will remain out of sight temporarily," I added. "A new announcement will be made once we're ready with the proclamation, and the only thing I ask of you all is to be patient. May this serve as a new hope, and a promise for the betterment of our pack…"
• "Why can't she show herself right now, Alpha?" One of the female werewolves asked, which caused more whispers in the crowd.
• My eyes narrowed. I could hear even the tiniest questions they had in mind. All of a sudden, the place smelled of doubt and confusion.
• "She went through something difficult—a traumatic past that I want her to heal from," I replied, clenching my jaw. "Her safety is my top priority, and I don't want to do anything that will frighten her. She's still fragile, and she needs to learn so many things about our pack. Now isn't the right time."
• "She didn't come from the rival pack, did she?"
• I glanced at the man who was questioning me. Rage filled me as his question added to the doubt of my own people.
• "How dare you throw me such a malicious question?!" I growled in front of them until they shuddered.
• "I… I apologize, Alpha Reid. Please don't take my innocence against me…"
• I inhaled sharply and fought the urge to punish him. Instead, I glanced at the crowd and said my final words, "I assure you all that my mate is harmless. You have to respect her, the same way you respect me for being your leader."