Page 15 of Wolf Proclaimed

We ran until our lungs burned, and the forest blurred into a medley of shadows and moonlight. When we finally stopped, I found myself in a clearing bathed in the moon's glow, a serene pool mirroring the celestial tapestry above us. Bastian padded over to me, our sides brushing against each other, a quiet testament to our shared connection.

His wolfish eyes met mine. A silent conversation passed between us. The world seemed to stand still around us. Every sound was muffled under the hypnotic pull of this moment. We were more than just pack mates under the moon's gaze; we were two souls, bared and vulnerable, yet standing stronger in each other's presence. The night whispered tales of ancient bonds, love, and trust spun under the moonlit sky, imprinting this moment into the sands of time.

A shared impulse passed between us, a calling to reclaim our human forms. In synchrony, we shifted. The shift was a natural ebb and flow, a transition as smooth as the passing of day into night. It was a quiet surrender, the letting go of our wildness, the re-emergence into the reality of our human flesh.

As we emerged, the cool night air kissed our bare skin, the soft whispers of the forest playing a symphony around us. The moonlight draped us in an shimmering glow, casting our forms into silhouettes. We stood before each other, our bodies bare, our souls laid open.

Without a word, we gravitated toward each other. Bastian's arms wound around me, pulling me into the warmth of his body. My hands found their way to his chest, fingers tracing the contours of his form, grounding myself in the reality of him.

The moment hung between us, dreamy and ethereal, the world hushed in anticipation. His lips descended onto mine; an exploration as tender as it was passionate. The taste of him, the feeling of his body pressed against mine, the mingling of our breaths—it was intoxicating, a heady wine that left me yearning for more.

The stars bore silent witness to our intimate dance, their twinkling lights winking down at us as if sharing in our joy. The night wrapped around us, cradling us in its tranquil lullaby. We shared a hushed whisper of our love in the silent symphony of the universe.

Under the moonlight, we made love, our bodies moving in harmony, our souls entwined. This moment was more than a fleeting whisper of passion—it was a testament of trust, a pledge of devotion. As we succumbed to the sweet call of the night, the world faded away, leaving only the two of us cocooned in our moonlit sanctuary.

As our breaths slowed, we lay entwined on a bed of leaves Bastian had prepared for us, a comfortable palette under the moonlit canopy and the serene night wrapped around us. The distant chirping of nocturnal creatures and the rustle of leaves in the wind were our only company.

"Bastian," I whispered, my fingers tracing idle patterns on his chest. His heartbeat was steady under my palm, a soothing rhythm in the still night.

"Mmm?" He hummed in response, his arm tightening around me, pulling me closer to him.

"I... I need to tell you something," I said, my voice barely above a whisper, hesitating. A part of me was scared, scared of opening up, scared of being vulnerable. But I knew I had to speak to him about the fear that gnawed at me.

He turned his head to meet my gaze, his eyes holding a gentleness that somehow calmed my racing heart. "Anything, Mira," he said, his voice soothing, promising understanding.

I took a deep breath, gathering my thoughts. "You remember how I was... how I reacted when I first came here?"

He nodded, a shadow of understanding flickering in his eyes.

"I wasn't just being difficult or stubborn. I... I've been hurt before. Hurt by someone I trusted—my father. It's made it hard for me... to trust again, to form attachments," I confessed, my words coming out in a rush. The fear of rejection pained my heart, but I forced myself to look into his eyes. To see his reaction.

Bastian was silent for a moment. His gaze was thoughtful and reflective. Then, he pulled me closer, enfolding me in his arms. "I can't imagine the pain you've gone through, Mira," he said softly. "But know this. I am not him. I would never intentionally hurt you. I care about you more than you might realize."

His words, his tone, they held sincerity. It wasn't just a promise. It was a vow. A vow that eased the knot of fear within me, bringing a sense of peace I hadn't felt in a long time.

"Thank you, Bastian," I said, my voice muffled against his chest. I let myself sink deeper into his arms, comforted by the strength of his embrace and his promise's warmth.

As we lay under the starlit sky, our shared silence was no longer heavy with unspoken words. Instead, it was filled with understanding, trust, and a sense of peace from baring our souls to each other. And somehow, I knew then that I was home despite my past and fears with Bastian.

We arose from our makeshift bed, still wrapped in the warmth of our shared confessions and comforted by the promise of a vibrant future. Remaining in our human forms, we wore not just our own skins but a renewed sense of connection, an unspoken understanding that linked our souls. Our hands naturally found each other, fingers entwining in a silent affirmation of our bond.

The journey back to the pack was a comfortable silence. The moon guided us through the thick forest, its silver beams dancing on the leaves, creating a pathway for us. I could feel Bastian's gentle, almost reverent look that made my heart flutter. We didn't need words; our hearts conversed in a language only we understood.

As the outlines of the pack dwellings came into view, Bastian paused, turning to me with a soft intensity in his eyes. "Mira," he began, his voice low, almost hesitant, “I, uh…will you be my mate?"

There was a weight to his words, a sincere promise of protection, love, and shared power. As an alpha, his mate would share in his responsibilities his authority. But more importantly, he offered his heart, trust, and a sacred bond beyond mere titles.

I looked at him, the man who had broken down my walls, had seen my fears and offered comfort, and had shown me that love wasn't a weakness but a strength. And at that moment, I knew my answer.

"Yes, Bastian," I said, a smile blooming on my lips, "I will be your mate."

His smile mirrored mine, relief and happiness washing over his features. He pulled me into his arms, a fervent kiss sealing our pact under the watchful eyes of the moon.

As we walked hand in hand into the heart of the pack, I realized I was no longer just a lone wolf; I was an alpha's mate. A newfound sense of power surged within me, replacing the old thirst with a satisfying feeling of belonging, of acceptance. And as I looked at the man beside me, the alpha who had become my mate, I knew I had made the right choice.

Still, the impending visit from my mother cast a shadow of unease, leaving me to ponder the unknown.

Chapter Eight

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