Chapter 29

Hi,

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY :D Check out the awesome doodle by google. It's so adorable :P

HAPPY INTERNATIONAL YOGA DAY :D

Also a longest chapter (so far) on the longest day of the year. Happy summer solstice :D

Presenting chapter 29 and it is dedicated to @saiamrutha77 :D

Beautiful banner ^^^^ above done by @CharlesMegan :D

Enjoy!

***

"It doesn't have to be on Valentine's Day. It doesn't have to be by the time you turn eighteen or thirty-three or fifty-nine. It doesn't have to conform to whatever is usual. It doesn't have to be kismet at once, or rhapsody by the third date.

It just has to be. In time. In place. In spirit.

It just has to be."

―

DARYA P.O.V

The shrill of the alarm woke me up and I groaned as I heard it. Quillon switched it off and I was glad for it. But I was surprised when he woke up after gently moving my arms, which was wrapped around his waist.

God! It's six already? I feel like I have slept only for five minutes. With that thought, I fell asleep again.

"Darya" I could hear Quillon calling me after sometime, but I did not respond. "Darya" he called louder this time and shook me forcefully. My forehead crumpled and whining, I turned, so that my back was to him. Sleep.... Sleep!

"Darya, wake up" he snapped, when I kept ignoring him.

"Go away" I grumbled covering my face with a nearest pillow. Quillon snatched it and growling, I opened my eyes. "What's your problem?" I demanded drowsily. Is it six-thirty already?

"Get up. Take a shower. We are going out" I could hear Quillon telling me. But his voice was faint because I could already feel sleep welcoming me.

"This is the last time I am saying- Get up" he hissed while my head touched the mattress. "That's it doll-face" he snapped and the next thing I realize Quillon was carrying me in his arms.

My eyes flew open and I squeaked while he lowered me down to stand on my own feet, in the shower. "W-what?"

Quillon punched a button of the multi sprays and I yelped as needle-sharp sprays hit me. "Are you insane?" I screamed while he smirked cruelly, watching me jump in the spacious shower.

"Glad you are awake. Now take a shower" he ordered and walked out of the bathroom, while I began cursing at me.

I was definitely awake now!

But I didn't understand what Quillon's problem was. Why is he waking me up at so early? I wake up an hour later than him. Sighing, I began shedding my clothes.

Wrapped only in a towel, I entered our room and gasped out loud when I checked the time.

4:30 A.M?

Four-thirty? He woke me up so early? What the hell is wrong with him? Muttering a string of curses, I went to the closet and quickly put on a T-shirt and shorts.

"Quillon" I shouted the moment I came out of our room. Instead of using the stairs, I jumped through the railing to go downstairs.

"What?" he snapped coming out of the kitchen.

"Do you know what time it is?" I hissed glaring at him. "Who the hell wakes up so early and why did you—"

"Do you or do you not want to go to see the waterfalls?" Quillon cut me off, silencing me.

"Wa-Waterfalls?" I asked in surprise.

"Swift Falls. You wanted to go there... remember?" he pointed out and I nodded. I do remember. I wanted to go there, the moment Quillon had told me about it but he cut me off that day. However, the fact that he still remembered it meant a lot to me.

"Why so early?"

"It's a long journey" he replied with a shrug. "Go... change" Quillon said going back to kitchen.

"Okay" I said still in a daze and walked upstairs wondering why he suddenly wanted to take me there. Today was a Wednesday and I had college today, plus he had work but still... If Quillon wanted to go there, then I wouldn't refuse.

My wolf wagged her tail excitedly because she was very pleased that Quillon was taking us there.

Quickly, I changed into a denim shorts, maroon tank top and ankle boots. I also wore a striped cardigan over it and in my rucksack backpack, I kept my essentials. I left my hair loose since it was still slightly wet.

"Your breakfast" Quillon said the moment I walked into the kitchen. He looked really very good even though he was wearing a simple white t-shirt and denim.

While I was eating, I watched him write a note for Quinn and sticking it on the oven, inside which he also kept the breakfast. So very concerned about his brother...

"Meet me in the garage in five minutes" he commanded before going out.

"Yes sir" I said to his back but he ignored it.

As I entered the garage, I was surprised to see Quillon crouching next to his BMW Motorrad.

Oh My!

"Quillon... are we going in this?" I hesitantly pointed towards the bike. I did not want to keep my hopes up.

"Yes" he answered standing up and I squealed in delight.

"I so love riding motorbikes" I said clapping my hands.

"Yeah, well... I have no intention of letting you ride" Quillon said with a fake smile, and I scowled at him. "It's mine" he added with a glare, before I could protest.

"Fine" I said grinding my teeth together as he held the handle and wheeled the bike out of the garage.

One day, I will buy my own bike and I will not even let him look at it!

Putting on his brown leather biker jacket, Quillon sat on the bike and I inhaled sharply. He looked very sexy on a bike. I could stand there and stare at him all day, all night! "Put this on" he said thrusting the helmets into my hands, distracting me.

"Do you ride well?" I asked tightening the straps of the helmet. Even though his face was covered by the dark visor of his helmet I could still see the glare he shot me. "Kidding" I chuckled straddling the bike from behind.

Tiny sparks of electricity sent tremors of excitement on my body while I placed my hands on Quillon's shoulders. I sensed him stiffen and then relaxing again. He was affected by it too.

"Ready?" Quillon asked looking at me through his shoulders and I nodded excitedly. Twisting the throttle, Quillon set off.

Quillon was a fast rider!

The engine made loud racket as we drove through the roads. As it was only five in the morning, there were no vehicles in the road. The weather was also very cold and I felt the cold gust of wind on my bare skin. I should have worn jeans...

"Cold?" he asked while I clutched his jacket tightly.

"I can manage" I replied and he nodded.

We rode on the open roads with green trees surrounding us. We rode past several towns plus a railway station. I kept staring at our surroundings, until Quillon spoke, "We are riding through the mountains... lean closer while into the turns" he said to me.

"Okay" I replied so that he could know I heard him.

The mountain road, as usual was meandering. Wrapping my arms around his waist, I leaned closer so that my body was tightly pressed against his. My wolf moaned in delight and biting my bottom lip and rested my head against his shoulder so that no sound escaped from my mouth.

When no sound came out, I slowly raised my head and looked at our surroundings. We were definitely travelling up the mountains because I could see clear green fields down below. Looking at it, I felt like I was at the top of the world!

The sun was slowly rising and yawning, I once again rested my head on Quillon's back and stared at the spectacular scenery.

Quillon brought the bike to a halt at a parking area for tourists. Getting off, I stretched my hands and legs, while staring at my surroundings. There was greenery everywhere and I absolutely loved it. The place was quiet and there were no vehicles in the parking area, other than our bike.

It was eight in the morning and the thick blanket of fog that earlier covered the roads had disappeared. I could already hear the sounds of water streaming and I couldn't wait to see it.

Taking off my helmet, I looked at my reflection and grimaced when I saw that it was a tangled mess. While I was smoothing my hair, a security guard came running towards us. Quillon pulled out a wad of notes from his wallet, handed it to the guy and then motioned for him to leave.

"Why did you pay him?" I demanded once the security guard was out of sight.

"He will let us go in the prohibited area."

"He knows about us?"

"His mate is from the pack" Quillon replied and I nodded in understanding. "This way" he said and I followed after him in a trail through the ferns and woods. The roar of water flow was pleasant to hear and between the trees, I could see the foam of the water.

"This leads to the foot of the falls. Want to go down?" Quillon asked pointing at a path of spiral stairs.

"No" I replied firmly. I will go down through my own way. "I want to go to the mouth" I said pointing upwards.

"Expected" Quillon muttered rolling his eyes heavenwards.

And I followed him, until finally the waterfall was in display. It was to my left and turning, I gasped in surprise as I saw the swift waterfalls. There was an artificial barrier at the edge and holding it, I watched the water running down in thick white sheets until it plunged into a wide pristine pool at the bottom. It was a vision, a gem!

An enthralling and an enticing place that I considered myself privileged enough to have seen. Closing my eyes, I took in a deep breath and smiled as I felt the breeze fan my skin. The place had lots of energy in it and in no time, I felt my body absorb it.

"Darya" Quillon called me and slowly, I opened my eyes to see Quillon, who was standing beside me and watching me curiously.

"This place... It's like Eden!" I finally found one word to describe the exquisiteness of this place.

"You are really happy" Quillon whispered having a surprised look in his face and I nodded with a smile facing the waterfalls. "Your wolf is too" Quillon muttered and I shot him a confused look. "Your eyes are red" he stated and I blinked. Is it?

"Oh?" I said. I did not even realize it!

Quillon furrowed his brows and studied me until I finally cleared my throat and walked past him to go to the mouth. The place where we were standing was one done to take pictures. I wanted to go to the top and see how everything looks from there.

"Coming?" I asked, turning my head to look at Quillon, who was still leaning against the railing and watching me, curiously. He blinked, shook his head and then answered a yes. As I walked ahead, I bit my bottom lip wondering why Quillon was staring at me like... like he was trying to figure me out!

It bothered my wolf too!

"We are here" Quillon said after five minutes, stopping atop of hill from where we could have a closer look at the mouth.

"What?" I frowned at him. "I want to be atop there" I said pointing to where exactly I wanted to go.

"No" Quillon said and shook his head. "The rocks are slippery and it's dangerous"

"Haww" I gasped. "It means you have been there" I said narrowing my eyes and his eyes widened as he realized his mistake.

"No. It's not safe" Quillon said and shrugging, I continued through the path. "Darya" His tone was a warning and huffing, I turned to face him.

"I am going" I said and he shook his head. "I want to go there... just look" I said softly, almost pleadingly and Quillon blinked and looked away. But I could clearly see the color marring his cheekbones.

All of a sudden, an idea struck. Maybe if I whine a little more....

"Please Quillon" I even pouted for the extra effect and Quillon seemed baffled. Haha... I can't believe he fell for it! "Please" Yeah! I overacted.

"Okay" Quillon said in a small voice, without looking at me and I beamed at him. Turning, I bit the insides of my cheeks to stop from laughing out loud.

I did not wait for him. Using my inhumane speed, I climbed and then stood atop the hill, through which the water was flowing.

"Oh! It's slippery alright!" I agreed when I almost lost balance. Crouching, I gently placed my hands on the flowing water and watched the trail. "It's so cold" I said standing up and decided to see the water plunging down from a height of four-hundred feet.

"Woah! That's how far you are allowed to go doll-face" Quillon said holding my arm while I was about to go the edge of the cliff.

"But I want to go to the rim" I protested.

"No. It's dangerous" he said dragging me away.

"So? Nothing will happen to me if I fall down" I grinned proudly.

Quillon stopped, growled and then turned to face with me with eyes that were wide in shock, "Do not. I repeat, Do. Not. Even think about jumping from here" Quillon ground out glaring at me and I gulped as I saw his eyes turn dark.

"Is it dangerous?" I queried meekly. Even it was... it would be nothing to me.

"No. Wolves have jumped from here and have got some of their bones broken by the force in which they hit the base. Couldn't shift for weeks" Quillon said flatly.

"Who?" I asked curiously.

"Dad. Quinn, his friends, my friends..."

"Scott jumped from here?" I asked pointing to the edge. I am not surprised to hear about Quinn... but Scott? God! I would have given anything to watch that.

"Yes. After he got his wolf... wanted to show-off I guess. At least, that's what grandpa told me" Quillon muttered with a shrug and I chuckled.

Then something popped in my head. "Did you jump from here?"

Quillon's eyes flickered to me and stayed there before he answered a clear, "No."

Liar!

He jumped and I am pretty sure nothing happened to him. Now is the time for me to see if he is gifted or not...

"Oh... okay" I said in a low voice and then sat on a rock. "I am so tired" I lied and then pulled out the bottle from my rucksack and emptied it. My eyes scanned Quillon, who was sitting on the rock opposite mine and with his head bent backwards and eyes closed.

I have to disturb him...

Grinning to myself, I dug a camera from the bag and turning it on, I aimed it at the edge of the cliff. Quillon's eyes flew open when he heard the click. "Oh! I brought your camera" I smiled and then standing up, I took shots of almost everything. I just wanted to distract him.

Later, I focused the lens on Quillon and when I found him staring at the edge, I called him. The moment he looked, I took a shot.

"Wow! You are photogenic" I said totally impressed by how beautiful he looked in the picture. I recalled in a sudden dismay that I had no photos of Quillon. Pointing the lens in his direction, I began clicking.

I managed to take a handful of Quillon's shots. At first he was frowning and then he had an amused expression in his face before he looked away. "Nice" I said watching all the photos I have taken... Damn! He really is handsome and I would be lying if I say he is not.

As I heard the sound of water, I remembered that I had a plan to put into action.

I purposely focused the camera in the opposite direction and cursed. "What?" Quillon demanded.

"That bird... The moment I was about to take the picture, it flew" I lied and moved forward. "It was so beautiful, all blue and brown" I muttered and then squealed, "There it is." I faked being excited to see this non-existent bird. I directed the camera ahead and then taking a step forward, I pretended to lose balance and slip on my foot.

"Darya" Quillon was beside me the moment I fell on my bum. Ouch... that hurt! I guess my punishment for lying to him.

"I am fine" I said with a forced smile. "Just take the picture of that bird before it takes off."

When I handed the camera to Quillon, he looked bewildered. "What bird? Where is it?"

"There... just go a little ahead and point the camera to that tree, you can see it clearly on the screen.

Jumping through the stream of water, Quillon strode forward and pointed the camera at the tree, I told him to. I used that opportunity and in one swift movement, I was standing at the edge of the cliff.

"Quillon" I called softly. Quillon, who had his back to me, dropped his hands to his side and growled the moment he realized what I had done.

Slowly, he turned his head and I sucked in a breath, when I noticed that his eyes glittered like black diamonds.

"I will be fine" I smiled and then closing my eyes, I dived backwards prepared to land safely in the water, even though I was jumping from a height of four-hundred feet.

"DARYA" Quillon screamed from the top of his voice as I was floating in the air. I could already feel the gravitational pull of the earth.

My eyes flew open the moment I sensed strong arms wrapping around my waist and I gasped as Quillon twirled us, so that he could be the one taking the hit. Panic set through me and I wasted no time, in making the water-bed softer than his Egyptian cotton mattress.

Quillon's hold on me tightened while we prepared to take the fall.

The water splashed high above as we plunged into the deep end. Pulling away from Quillon's hold, I rose to the surface and he quickly followed.

"Are you hurt?" I asked breathlessly.

"Are you insane?" he shouted at me, once his breathing was normal, and I flinched.

"You must be hurt" Ignoring him; I tried to move past him to inspect his back.

Quillon caught my arm and pulled me against his chest, "I warned you" he breathed out curtly as I tried to breathe like a normal person.

"I did not think you would jump too" I cried.

"You did not... think?" he ground out through gritted teeth and I opened and closed my mouth when I had no reply. He would! He would definitely jump from the cliff for me. He would do anything to keep me safe, my wolf said proudly.

"I am sorry" I said shamefacedly and lowered my head. That was really stupid of me! "But is your back okay?" I asked slowly and Quillon furrowed his brows, turned his head to look at his back and then nodded.

Thank-God! It worked. I had to spread the stones and pebbles apart, to let him land softly on the water-bed.

"You are fine" I whispered and rested my head on his shoulder. I was so scared he might get hurt. Even though, I earlier thought he jumped safely, I was shit scared for him when I realized he jumped to save me.

I wanted to see if he was gifted and he is, but not like me. His gift might be extreme physical strength just like Cortez. However, I suspect, Quillon is stronger when compared because both his parents are Alpha bloods.

When I felt calm, I opened my eyes and realized that we were in the water, hugging each other. Pulling away, I looked at Quillon and breathed in deep when I saw that his eyes were still black.

"I am so very sorry" I said timidly, hoping it would calm him down.

"You are never going to pull that stunt again" Quillon growled.

"Neither are you" I retorted and growling, he knotted long fingers into the wet locks of my hair and after wiping the lip gloss, he crushed my mouth under his. I moaned as his tongue delved deep into my mouth, tantalizing me. My knees gave away and I had to hold Quillon's shoulders to support myself.

We were so into the kiss that Quillon lost balance and once again we dived into the water in a splash.

__

"It needs at least an hour to dry" Quillon sighed placing his t-shirt on the rock, while I shamelessly stared at his abs. I couldn't help myself. He looked spectacular as droplets of water clung to his skin. As he turned, I sighed when I noticed that there was no bruise marks on his back.

After placing my cardigan on a rock, I debated on taking of my top. But when I noticed Quillon only in his shorts, swimming in the pool, I removed my own clothes. My heart thudded in my chest as I joined Quillon in the pool.

When Quillon sensed me stepping into the water, he turned and did not look away. Unable to hold his gaze any longer, I lowered my head as a blush crept up on my cheeks as I felt self-conscious in my black bikini. My wolf wagged her tail in excitement and I slowly slid under the surface of the water.

The water was clean and cool, but it did nothing to soothe my overheated skin. The water wasn't very deep and hence I couldn't swim under the surface for long. As I rose above, I brushed the damp hair from my face and looked at Quillon, who was poised against a rock and watching me curiously.

"What?" I demanded when once again, I felt my cheeks coloring.

"You were below the surface for ten minutes" he stated and I tensed. That's right... others cannot stay underwater for so long.

"So?" I asked. "I have been trained to stay underwater for longer" I said nonchalantly.

"Trained?" he asked surprised.

"The Alphas' thought Konrad might try to drown me" I muttered rolling my eyes. That was before they came to know I control water.

"When did Konrad first attack you?" Quillon asked, his eyes slowly turning dark.

"You might be surprised to hear this... but it was I who made the first attack" I grinned cheekily and Quillon frowned. "He was attacking Malory— Cortez's mate— that day and I defended her."

"How old were you?"

"Thirteen"

"You defended her?" he asked in disbelief.

"That's the third question" I pointed out and Quillon blinked. "And, it's not about being young or old, it's about the competence. Malory knows to fight, but she is no match to Konrad. Whereas I can bury that bastard six feet under the ground" I said smugly.

"And why didn't you?" Quillon asked amused.

"Never got the chance because he leaves the scene, before the fight gets nasty" I said through gritted teeth.

"What does he do to you?" Quillon asked knitting his brows together.

"Just some stupid illusion. One time the bastard made me think I was in between a film shoot" I growled. "He always comes, irritates me for half-an-hour and then leaves."

"Next time he will not be leaving" Quillon stated through gritted teeth and I raised my lashes to look at him.

There will not be a next time. Konrad and Quillon will never come face-to-face again. I will never let that happen. My wolf totally agreed with me on that score.

I shook my head and decided to change the topic. "Okay, my turn to ask questions and I get four chances." Quillon rolled his eyes while I grinned proudly.

"How old were you when you jumped from the cliff for the first time?" I asked and Quillon raised an eyebrow. "I know you jumped before" I said before he could protest.

"Fifteen"

"Fifteen. And you were unhurt?"

"No. Other than the red marks on my skin, I was fine. But today, I felt no pain" when he made that last statement, his eyes clashed with mine and I blinked but kept my face devoid of any expression. Quillon waited for a reaction, but I gave him none.

"That's good. Okay, second ques—"

"Third"

"No. It's second. The other one does not count."

"Third"

"Fine. Third" I hissed. I thought about it and then asked, "Why do you always worry about Quinton?" I had to know why he always kept Quinn out of danger.

Quillon seemed surprised by my question. He blinked and then with a strange expression, answered, "He is my brother."

"I know that. But you are fiercely protective about him. The way the five Alphas' are about me" I observed. I know why the Alphas' are that way.... But I do not understand why Quillon is always worried about Quinn. He does not let people say one word against Quinn.

"Maybe because I was brought up that way" Quillon murmured unsurely and I furrowed my brows. "He was a sickly baby" Quillon stated and my lips parted in surprise. "Had undergone lots of treatments and mom and dad were always fretting about him... I was told to take care of him too and guess, that's when it started" Quillon sighed and I nodded in understanding. "He grew up, but he is still childlike because he was always treated like one. And my dad suddenly expects him to be like me..."

"It's not possible" I broke in, shaking my head and Quillon nodded.

"Dad used to snap at Quinn for every little thing. I got tired of their fights and took him out of that house" Quillon said. "Dad wants him to be responsible and he will learn, just needs the right motivation."

"Yeah.... life is a breeze for him now" I said with a chuckle.

"He is just seventeen" Quillon defended and I laughed. Told ya! Quillon does not let others say one word against Quinn.

"Alright... last question" I said and took a deep breath before I asked this one. This is just something I have to know and even though I hated her, I wanted to know the details of this particular person.

"Tell me about Leah" I said faking a smile.

"Leah?" Quillon could not even hide his stunned expression.

"Yes. Why is Leah so after you? Can't she accept the fact that you are not hers? She has a mate out there, why can't she wait for him?" I could not even hide my resentment while I spoke about Leah and Quillon noticed it because his eyes gleamed in amusement, which made me clench my fists.

"Meow" Quillon taunted and I glared at him, while my wolf bristled. This only made him laugh out loud as I growled in exasperation.

"Shut up" I hissed as my cheeks reddened in embarrassment. God! Why did I have to ask that question? He will never let me forget this! I just knew it.

"What do you want to know?" Quillon asked with a teasing smile after some time and my breath got caught in my throat as I watched that smile.

"Why is she so annoying?" I said through gritted teeth.

"Meow"

"Fuck off" I snapped splashing water at him and Quillon laughed some more.

"I never took you as a jealous kind" he mocked. Clearly, he was finding this all very funny... which it was not!

"Just answer the question" I growled impatiently while he chuckled.

"The day she was born, Leah was told she is going to be the future Luna of this pack" Quillon sighed and I compressed my lips.

"By her parents?"

Quillon bobbed his head once as a reply. "Her mother was obsessed with the idea of becoming Luna. When she couldn't be one, she wanted her daughter to be one."

"That's why her mom used to spread all those—" I stopped talking the moment Quillon's eyes hardened as a growl erupted from his chest. "I heard the rumors" I said slowly.

"She did that. After my birth, mom went into depression and Ruby used that opportunity to spread spiteful rumors about mom. Pack wolves believed her and regarded her in a higher position than mom." I frowned after hearing his words. That must have been really sad for Grace!

"Didn't your dad do anything?"

"Dad was worried about mom's health and by the time he realized, too much damage was done. He threatened them to keep quiet but even for years after that, Ruby would keep taunting mom about it... especially in public places" Quillon growled and I winced, wondering how it must have been for Grace. I got so angry after Leah's one stunt last night and if it went this far, then I would have lost complete control to my wolf. "Dad wanted to banish Ruby but he spared her for Maxwell and their family. So, he ripped off her title" he said and my eyes rounded. "She wasn't given any respect as the Beta female of the pack."

"I never liked that woman" he added through gritted teeth and I could see the hatred he had for Leah's mom. "She was all sugary with me, but I knew what her real motive was. When Leah turned sixteen they lied that I was her mate."

"What?" I said in horror and Quillon firmed his jaws and nodded grudgingly.

"They said since my wolf was a pup, I could not recognize her" Quillon scoffed. "I knew Leah was not my mate because my wolf did not like to be with her either and after I turned sixteen, I proved that they were liars. That's when pack wolves too recognized their mistakes."

"Grace must have been relieved" I mused.

"Mom threw a party after I told her Leah wasn't my mate" Quillon said with a smooth grin.

"But that did not stop Leah, did it?" I asked.

"No, it didn't. Ruby still wanted me to accept Leah. I never protested against Leah's lame attempts because I thought she was being pressurized at home, by her parents. But when Leah continued coming on to me even after Ruby's death, I realized how wrong I was" Quillon said shaking his head with an annoyed expression.

He then went under the surface of the water and swam around while I grinned softly, totally relieved that there were no feelings whatever from Quillon's side for Leah.

__

QUILLON P.O.V

Leaning against a rock, I watched Darya as she swam across the water in the pool. She was like a mermaid in the water and absolutely invisible when she swims under the water. Rising above the surface, she swam towards the plunging water. Her face lit up in excitement as she caught a fistful of water.

I furrowed my brows wondering why she wasn't flinching from the force of the water. There was something odd happening in and around the place since morning. Some difference which I couldn't exactly point at.

I had been here before with my friends and had been the only person who had dived safely into the water. But even then, when I hit the bottom with sheer force, I felt like I was being whipped. But today... no such thing happened.

Instead, I felt like I hit an airbag. Not a single muscle in my body was hurt. I just couldn't understand what happened but my instinct was telling me it was because Darya is with me.

Darya's squeal brought me out of my thoughts and I found her falling flat on the water. She stood up and then craned her head back to look at the mouth. She was behaving like an excited kid since she came here.

I brought her here because of what Leah and her friends had said to her last night. Even though I had seen it with my own eyes, I still could not believe Darya was silently swallowing whatever crap they were throwing at her. It shocked me to the bone that the extremely spirited Darya who shouts at me even before I open my mouth, was refusing to fight her own corner with Leah. The very least she could do was snub them all and walk away with her head held high, but instead, she was letting them bully her.

Darya is not like that.

When I heard her wolf howl in anguish, I realized that her wolf was being hurt by Leah and her words. Her wolf did not feel confident enough and I grasped that some of it might be my fault. Even though, I had said something seriously offensive on the first day I met her, I had no intention of going through with it.

I wouldn't have been able to look at myself in the mirror, if I had treated my own mate like that. Darya did not deserve to be treated like that.

After realizing my mistake, I have been trying to make it up to her... in my own way, which obviously Darya hasn't been able to figure out. My wolf sulked inside me and I gritted my teeth because he blames me for everything that goes wrong with Darya.

The part of me making it up to her included, taking her away from all of them and especially to prove to them I liked being with Darya. So I decided to take her to an excursion.

She was different.

Someone who liked to go toe-to-toe with me and fight. I had never met people like that. Everyone, even my parents are scared to offend me because of the power I exclude. But this Blondie laughs at my face and does not hesitate to tell me off. I appreciated that even though I do not like it all the time!

I wanted to get to know Darya. Know what she likes and dislikes because even though it has been a month, she still keeps herself guarded from me, from all of us. I suspect that just like me, she was brought up to keep her real identity a secret.

My dad was always fearful that people would come for me, because of what I am capable of and hence I was never allowed to show what I could do. Except for my family, no one knows that I have some rare, bloodcurdling gifts.

I wanted to tell Darya of what I can do. But I also fear that she might be scared to be with me. She might also think that I might have been manipulating her feelings.

But I did not.

I do not do it because I had sworn not to try my gifts on my family after the one time I did it on my mom. I deeply regretted what I had done to my mom to stop her from crying over her former pack. She did stop crying that day, but I felt horribly guilty for doing that to her. I never knew them, but I had no right to suppress my mom's feelings for her brother's pack.

That's when I decided not to implement my gifts on my parents and even Quinn, who I would do it just for fun. However, I never once tried it on Darya, because whatever she feels for me, I wanted it to be natural. Be it lust, anger, hatred or even... attachment.

Manipulating one's feelings and emotions are part of what I can do. And if Darya does not like it, then she will not like the lethal part either.

"I want to take a picture" Darya said and I blinked. "But the camera is up" she mused pinching her lips together.

"I will get it once my clothes are dry" I said.

"The towel is also inside the bag. Plus, I brought a Cadbury bar and..." I zoned out the moment my shimmering gaze wandered at a lazy pace over Darya's spectacular curves. The black bikini that she had worn molded her beautiful body and accentuated the length of her slender legs and her small waist. The glorious fall of her golden hair clung to her damp, creamy skin. My wolf purred like a big, hungry cat and I inhaled deeply as disturbingly clear images of what I wanted to do to her filled my head.

When water got splashed on my face, I blinked and saw Darya, who was staring at me with flushed cheeks. "Did you hear a word of what I said?" she demanded.

"No" I said with a lazy smirk and she opened and closed her mouth in disbelief.

Darya gulped when once again, my gaze lingered over her beautiful face, where tiny beads of water clung to her lips and her spiky lashes above her sultry grey eyes.

"Whatever" she said and turned away, which made me grin.

Just then I stiffened when I heard sounds of footsteps. "Shit" I cursed and Darya frowned. "Tourists" I said and in one quick movement, we were out of water and getting dressed.

"We have to go up. The bag and camera is there" she reminded putting on her cardigan.

"This way" I said sprinting to my right, but Darya did not hear me. Instead, she started climbing the rocks where the water was flowing. Standing on the ground, I craned my neck and watched with amazement as she climbed those huge rocks with inhumane speed. She looked like a spider crawling on a wall and I narrowed my eyes marveling how she was able to climb those rocks so quickly.

The way I had been about to suggest was through a fern draped trail where we had to run to reach the top, but Darya had chosen a short cut. Even if I wanted to, I couldn't go through her way because I could not climb the rocks the way she did without any support.

Sighing, I ran through the trail and reached the top, where Darya was already waiting for me. "Where did you go?" she questioned.

"Climbing those rocks is not possible without support. How did you manage that?" I demanded and she gulped.

"I climbed with support. I held the rocks" she replied and I furrowed my brows. Something was really off!

"Did anyone see us?"

"No" I said and she let out a breath.

"Do you think they might come here?" she asked me removing her boots.

"I doubt. Even if they choose to, it might take an hour or two to reach this far" I replied while she dried her hair with a towel.

__

"Seriously?" Darya snapped as I rode past another fast-food centre.

"The food is not good" I replied to her. I could sense it just by looking at the place and the old building.

"But I am hungry" she grumbled near my ear.

"You should have eaten that chocolate" I said.

"I was eating until you took it from me" she said slapping my shoulders.

"You should have eaten it like a normal person"

"I was" she protested and I smirked. Maybe she was but my wolf could only see was the way she was licking the melted chocolate from her lips. Without any hesitation, I threw the chocolate away and kept kissing her until her mouth was all pink and swollen.

"How far is the restaurant you mentioned?" she demanded resting her chin on my shoulders.

"Ten minutes" I lied.

An hour later, I brought the Motorrad to a stop at the parking lot of the expensive rooftop restaurant near a place called South-end which was in the outskirts of my pack.

South-end had a university nearby and hence was thronged with humans. Other than that, Czar Pack wolves too were here because this place was a lot closer to them than for us. A deal had been formed years ago between mine and Vincent's father, in which it was agreed that Czar Pack wolves were allowed to come to South-end because some wolves attended the university. The land actually belonged to Serene but barely ten of my pack wolves stayed here.

"Finally" Darya breathed out whipping off her helmet and looking at the restaurant that was called Devour. "The food better be good" she muttered passing the helmet.

"It is" I said while we strode towards the entrance of the building.

Like expected there were many Czar Wolves in the restaurant and as we entered, the place grew quiet. The Czar Pack wolves knew who I was and also knew to mind their own business.

"Hi" Darya waved at a group of Czar Wolves and I furrowed my brows.

"How do you know them?"

"Senior's in boarding school" she mumbled opening the menu. When I turned my head, I frowned when I saw the Czar wolves staring at us as if we were aliens. A low growl of warning from me was enough to make all their wolves cower from me and look away.

After placing the order, she looked at the surroundings, "What's that hill?"

"The border of Serene. The land after that hill belongs to Czar" I replied.

"It's very far?"

"About thirty minutes"

"Cool. Then we will go there" she declared cheerfully and I sighed.

__

"So Duncan thought you to ride bikes?" I demanded while I was taking a sip of my soup.

"Yep and Cortez thought me to drive cars. Apparently, Malory is a terrible driver and so he insisted on teaching me the 'right' way to drive because he believed others wouldn't" she replied with a chuckle. "He was a torture in the name of a teacher but thanks to him, I drive carefully now" she said with a warm smile. "Sadly, I am not talking to him now" she sighed.

"Why not?"

"He knew I would bring Grace and so he..." Darya paused as I knotted my brows. "I mean, the day Grace and I went to Elegance, he went away before meeting us... me" she said and then took a sip of her soup.

"So?"

"I wanted to talk to him. But he left and even when I asked him to stop, he didn't stop and I got angry. He called after he came to know about the marking, but he was the only one who spoke" she laughed softly.

"What did he say?"

"Nothing much... except that he hoped I knew what I am doing" she said rolling her eyes and I cocked an eyebrow.

"And, do you?" I asked with a smirk.

Darya dropped the spoon and slowly raised her head to look at me directly in the eyes. "Yes. I know what I am doing. I trust you and that's why I am here... with you" she said softly. Her words caused my wolf to howl happily as my heart accelerated inside my chest.

"And I have one not-so-tiny secret, which I am going to tell you only after you tell me the truth about yourself" she added and I tensed.

"Truth about myself?"

"How can you dominate other pack wolves? I saw what you did to them" she said nodding her head in the direction of Czar Wolves.

Sighing, I set my own spoon down and answered, "I don't know. It's always been there. The first time I experienced it was when the rogues attacked me and my friends."

"When you were fourteen?" Darya broke in and I narrowed my eyes suspiciously. "Your mom told me" she answered before I could ask.

"Yes. Before that, I was only accustomed to my pack wolves and whenever they used to bow at me, I didn't find anything odd. But when the rogues did, I got suspicious. I tried it on others... specially Emperor Wolves" I smirked and she gave me a flat look. "They bowed and I realized I could make any wolves to submit to me" I shrugged.

"You don't know why you can do that?"

"No."

I don't know why I could do that as well as the other things either. There are many such unanswered questions in my life and I have stopped searching for answers too.

"I like to think it's because both my parents are Alpha bloods."

"Sel's parents are Alpha bloods too" Darya said.

"I have met her. She is dominating"

"Yes. But she cannot make other pack wolves to submit to her" Darya argued and I shrugged uninterestedly. "But you... you can actually dominate wolves. Also, you are stronger, faster than the other wolves" she mused and I hid a smile.

Darya is suspicious of my abilities but no matter what she does, she will not be able to figure out my gifts until I chose to tell her. Except for Quinn, no one had been able to figure out my gifts and they cannot too.

Quinn could, because his gift is sensing others gift. Exactly put— their strengths and weaknesses!

Quinn has given a name for me. He calls me- An Apex Predator. My dad agrees with it too and says that Paulo, a soothsayer who belonged to Elegance, had said something on the similar lines before my birth. I don't agree with it. An Apex Predator is one who is an Alpha of the Alphas' and I am not one. I am the Alpha of my own pack.

"I am not just stronger, faster, doll-face" I said with a lazy smirk, leaning back in my seat and Darya looked at me with wide, confused dark grey eyes. "I excel in every field I step into."

I was not boasting either because it was true. Whatever field I choose, I always thrive in it.

Darya blinked, but there was still this pretty, confused expression on her face. "What other field?"

"Sports, academics, management, monetary, investment—"

"Cooking, dancing, kissing and even in looks department" Darya grumbled and I took a deep breath to calm my raging pulse, while my wolf wagged his tail, pleased to hear his mate's words.

"You think I look good?" I grinned, cocking an eyebrow.

"I did not say that" Darya mumbled, shaking her head and I laughed as she turned scarlet to the roots of her sun-kissed golden hair. "Naaa... "she protested cupping her flaming cheeks, "I said arrogance department."

"Liar Liar" I teased, which caused her to growl lowly.

__

"I LOVE THIS PLACE" Darya screamed at the top of her voice, while I stared at her like she has gone crazy. She might have...

We were atop that hill, which separated Serene and Czar. I could already see the Czar wolves guarding their territories like hawks. They were eagerly waiting for us to accidently cross and enter their territory. As if... I don't want to waste a wonderful day chatting with Vincent.

As I remembered him, I couldn't help but growl. I hate the fact that he has this unrequited crush on Darya. Good thing, she doesn't know about it!

When I heard sounds of clicking, I looked at Darya, who was taking pictures of the scenery. It was four in the afternoon and even though it was winter, it felt like summer because of the hot rays of the sun.

I sat down on the green pastures of grass, while Darya continued clicking shots of everything and anything.

When she was done, she slumped beside me with the camera resting on her tummy. "I am so tired" she groused and I scowled at her.

"I am the one who has been driving since morning" I said incredulously.

"Doing nothing can also be tiresome" she mumbled sleepily and I frowned at her. How is that possible?

While I was about to reply, I noticed that she was already asleep. Sighing, I pulled out my phone and checked my messages to see that I had some from Quinn and my friends. I had blocked my mind-link from everyone and hence they texted me.

Most of the messages were with them asking me, at what time we would return. While I was replying to the last message, Darya groaned from beside me and I turned my head to look at her.

The sun rays were directly on her face and she was frowning in her sleep. Slowly, she raised her hand and covered her eyes. At the same time, dark clouds appeared and draped themselves all over the sky.

Dropping her hands, Darya sighed in her sleep and I furrowed my brows.

I stared at the sky and then back at Darya, who was sleeping peacefully. Why is my instinct telling me that the dark clouds appeared while Darya raised her hand?

Is that even possible?

Her gift is sky. So...? But it's thunder and lightning. Okay! Maybe she can even do this? The fuck... I shook my head when I realized that I sounded stupid even to myself.

But...

My wolf started pacing inside me as I recalled the events that have been happening since morning. First at the waterfalls.... The way Darya jumped from the cliff and the way she was climbed those rocks to reach the top again. Both the times she looked like she had no fear of falling down. The way she was standing under the powerful force of the water. Her eyes were gleaming crimson when she was staring at the waterfall. And now... the sun got covered by the clouds just to block the harsh rays of the sun from hitting her.

Am I just imagining these stuff or is it normal?

Everything can be normal for me, except for the way she climbed those rocks. I had tried before and I couldn't. But Darya went over it so quickly. How is that even possible?

All the kids who could control other elements were killed. Only Darya survived and she controls sky... doesn't she?

I have one not-so-tiny secret.

Just what exactly is this not-so-tiny secret?

I had a faint suspicion on what it could be, but I find it hard to believe. How is that possible?

__

"You should have woken me up sooner" Darya said while we were walking towards the Motorrad. It was five-thirty in the afternoon and our little excursion was coming to an end.

"I did. It took you fifteen minutes to sit up" I answered with a shrug.

Suddenly, she stopped in her tracks and stared at the hill. "This place is beautiful. So much greenery around... just what I love" Darya sighed with a smile and then took one last shot in the camera.

As I watched her, I couldn't help but notice the way her dark grey eyes started turning red. After taking a deep breath, she looked at me, "You know... I never really said Thank-you to you?" she said in a soft voice.

"For what?"

"For bringing me here as well as the falls. You might not know this, but this is exactly the kind of places I love. It makes me happy and now... I am happy, because of you" she said looking me in the eye as a serene smile curved her cheeks. That radiant smile had my wolf howling and jumping in delight.

My heart accelerated in my chest and I gulped while Darya stared at her own feet, to hide her blush.

I did not know how to react because I have never, ever, taken a girl out. I didn't have to because I had no intention of making any girl happy too. Only woman whose happiness mattered to me was my mother.

But Darya... I wanted her to be happy. With me. Obviously!

And after hearing her sweet words, I felt happy. Proud of myself too.

"Usually, after saying Thank-you, girls kiss the guys at the end of the date" I said leaning against the motorbike.

"A date?" Darya squeaked and looked at me with wide grey eyes.

Yes. That's exactly what today was. Even though I tried to deny it by calling it excursion!

"What else?" I said nonchalantly, while she stared at me with dropped jaws. As I flicked her chin, she closed her mouth but continued staring at me with those innocent grey eyes.

My wolf scratched inside me when she nervously bit and then licked her bottom lip. "Come here" I husked and slowly, Darya took a step ahead. Anchoring an arm around her waist, I drew her slender frame closer to me as she sucked in a breath.

A split second later, I leaned in and claimed her mouth.

It was like jumping into an electrified crater that had my whole body humming in a desire that I had never known before. Her sweet flowery scent filled my senses and blocked out everything else. Sliding my tongue into her mouth, I deepened the kiss and parted her lips. Her soft gasps and moans had tiny darts of desire fizzing through my thick blood.

Later, we were panting for air.

Darya let out a low chuckle as I kissed the tip of her nose. "Want to ride my bike?" I asked. My question had my wolf rolling on his back in ecstasy.

I suppose he was pleased to hear what I said.

"Seriously?" Darya whispered hesitantly, but already her face lit up with that radiant smile. I shrugged as a reply and squealing, Darya jumped and wrapped her arms around my shoulders, while repeatedly screaming Thank-you next to my ears.

"I swear I will not only let you look, but even ride my bike" she said happily, while I straddled the bike from behind.

"What?" I asked perplexed, as she twisted the throttle and set off.

****

I really, really, really hope you guys liked writing this chapter. It took me ten days to write this!!

Next update on 30th June :)

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