Page 24 of Wolf's Whisper

Chapter 7. The Cave

Darren had been right about the cave. About a mile ahead, we found the rather well-hidden entrance to what looked like a deserted cave. At least, I hoped it was empty. Even surrounded by the pack, I still didn't feel like intruding on a Black Bear's home.

"Tadaa," Darren proudly grinned, happily tapping the rocky wall. "Home sweet home?"

Danny groaned and I knew why. A dry cave was definitely much preferred over the unprotected spot I had chosen as my campsite.

"Looks great, love..." she sighed, kissing Darren softly as he seemed rather pleased with himself for discovering the cave. To be fair, I probably wouldn't have found it if I hadn't him to guide me.

"We are spending the next nights here. We should gather more firewood, snow and edibles before the storm traps us," Regan grimly said, his hand above his eyes as he peered up into the grey sky.

I followed his gaze and nodded my head as I saw the dark clouds gathering above our heads. As usual, he was probably right.

Beside me, Aspen nodded. “You’re right. Let's get it done before the moon appears. Regan, firewood. JP, food. Anything you can find. Ash, you’re in charge of snow. Darren and Danny, you two set up camp inside. I'll join Regan and Akira, you can join JP or Ash, whatever suits you the best," he spoke, quickly and efficiently organising all of us. The group collectively nodded, scattering at the entrance of the cave to get all the tasks done before the night took over. As childish and immature they all liked to behave at times, when it came down to it, they were all far more responsible and well organised than I was.

I looked between JP and Ashleigh, contemplating which one I should join, but the thought hadn't even grown cold as I felt my legs automatically run towards my mate. I grinned. Why was I still pretending I could stay away from her?

Finally, we'd have some alone time.

Mine. My wolf happily yipped, as Ashleigh's smirk told me she knew I wouldn't have been able to resist joining her.

With Ashleigh's pinky finger brushing totally accidental not accidental over the back of my hand, we strutted into the forest, for the first time, leaving the rest of the group behind us.

The first snow of the day had already started falling and as it did it muffled most of the world's noise. It was almost if the forest had silenced everything for me except for the beautiful woman walking next to me.

I glanced beside me and studied her features. Her raven-dark hair in stark contrast with her pale complexion. The slight crease on her forehead made her look like she was always deep in thought, but the way her lips curled up, made you wonder what kind of thoughts she had exactly. She had a light scar on the right side of her face, one that barely missed her eyelid. Her arm was lightly flexed as she carried the largest cauldron and I couldn't help but admire how toned she was. Another scar decorated her bicep, but this one looked more like a bite. I wondered which animal could've gotten close enough to my mate. I should ask her about that one as well. And about the one on her face. I made a note to inquire about all of it later. I wanted to know everything about Ashleigh. Everything and anything there was to know.

That sounded slightly stalky. But I didn't care. This was my mate. I had a whole lifetime ahead to get to know her. Anything and everyone else disappeared into the background when I was around her.

So this was what everyone was always talking about. This was how it felt to be completely enchanted by your mate.

"You coming or want to daydream some more?"

A crystal voice pulled me out of my thoughts. I felt the smog lift from my brain and as the world opened, I was greeted with the sight of Ashleigh. Stray flakes of snow gently falling to the earth around us, but when it came to her, it looked like they almost weaved themselves around her. Like the snow somehow gave way for Ashleigh. Surreal. Totally a surreal sight. She was nothing less than out of this world beautiful.

"Akira?"

I loved how she said my name. She was the only one who rolled the "R" in my name and somehow, it made it sound more breathy. Like she was purring out my name. I could only imagine how she sounded when she was actually purring.

"Just one moment," I smiled, taking a mental picture of her in the snow. I didn't know why, but it suddenly seemed like a big moment. Something I would remember forever. I wasn't sure yet why, but I just knew.

This was how I always wanted to remember her. Untouched by time, unyielding against the cold, untainted as she was almost one with nature. Breathtaking.

And as I burned that image in my head, I shook the thin layer of snow from my shoulders and ran after her. Ran after her like I knew I always would.

"You seemed deep in thought?"

I flashed her a smile. "Just thinking."

"About?"

I curled my pinky finger around hers as I pressed myself softly against her side. "Nothing important," I lied, earning myself a knowing grin from my mate.

"If you say so," she chuckled, her pinky curling around mine as our arms intertwined.

It was damn good to be alone with her. I hadn't realised how much I had been restraining myself from actually paying attention to Ashleigh. As if part of me instinctively knew that letting my guard down around her, would result in me jumping her.

"Ashleigh?" I breathed out a cloudling, as I broke the winter's silence once more.

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