74. Scent

Chapter time!

Theres a restricted portion of this chapter. Find the bold print that tells you to swap over to my other book if youd like to read it!

This is a filler chap.

Nova

As the sun beamed through my bedroom window, the refelction of the turquoise coloured curtains illuminating the walls in a hue similar to being underwater, i felt a certain peace settle inside me...

It was as if everything.. all the hurt.. all the chaos and constant heart ache was a distant memory with Zaryn..

He had made things significantly better last night.

But im no fool. I know that pain was there once upon a time and i will still make him prove to me that he can be my everything.  I know he is a good wolf and its not me just being a bitch as to why i wont just jump in this matebond with him head first..

Its my reluctance on getting hurt again.

Despite knowing he is a good wolf, when you are hurt the way i was hurt... it sticks with you. You are always thinking you arent good enough and i no longer think that way anymore...

But for my sanity's sake.. and my heart..

I need the time..

Stretching my arms and legs, i felt a smile creep on my face as the smell of bacon wafted upstairs, arousing my senses..

Mom.

Happily groaning, my hand sunk under the down duvet.. relishing in its warmth. I always did love my room really cold and my bed super warm. Part of me wanted to just lie here and be happy..

Maybe i should train...

"Sh!t !" I popped up out of bed, my eyes snapping wide open as my hand dropped to my stomach.. peering down with shock before worry crept back inside me and i remembered:

Im pregnant.

Worse timing.. i havent even been back with my mate very long and he knocks me up.

Sighing, i realise i cant prolong this any longer.. my mom will know eventually once my scent changes. My whole family will, as they are accustomed to my scent. Only Zaryn could have told me if i were pregnant off the bat because he is my mate and an Alpha.

Throwing the covers off my body, i wrapped my arms around myself, experiencing the chill from the cold room.. wearing tiny shorts and a flimsy tshirt to bed was not such a good idea anymore with the weather change being in constant disaray.. hot one day, cold the next.

Thank you human race for destroying our climate.

Walking to my ensuite, i quickly did my morning routine apart from showering.. i did that before bed last night.  I love showering in the mornings to invigorate myself.. but i also like night showers as well..

Who doesnt love feeling smooth and clean when they climb in fresh sheets?

Its a constant delimma.

Once my teeth were brushed, because yes i brush before and after breakfast.. im scared of my morning breath; i grabbed a silk knee length robe and tied it around me, throwing my hair up in a messy bun as i descended the stairs and inhaled the heavenly aroma of bacon sizzling close by.

I turned, expecting to see mom busying herself at the stove, but what I saw had my eyes bulging and my jaw dropping open.

"Good morning beautiful, how was your night." A deep melodious voice greeted me as I watched my very own mate ... slaving away over a hot stove in a black tshirt that exposed his muscles and dark jeans that gave me the perfect view of his ass.

What is my mate doing in my parents home cooking breakfast?

Sensing i wasn't going to reply to him, his 6'3 tall frame turned to face me as i gaped, his eyes darkening when he took in my appearance.. eyes falling over my body before landing on my face then down at my chest as he casually flipped off the gas stove, leaning against the counter .. pulling his bottom lip between his teeth.

All i could do was stare at those muscled arms, inked with tattoos. Veins prominent under his skin that begged for me to touch. Just looking at him should be a sin with hiw incredibly sexy he is. Its unreal. He has always been hot but... now hes sexy.

And he's mine.

He watched me ogle him while he bit his lip.. looking at me as if he could eat me. My eyes found his and i had to swallow the lump in my throat.

"Um.. morning?" It came out as more of a question.

His eyes kept falling to my chest. Feeling overexposed, i glanced down, seeing how hard my nipples were through the flimsy cotton and silk. I felt my cheeks heat, but not out of embarassment.  Out of something else entirely.

I wanted him and I was feeling this way without the mate bond forcing me to. Maybe it was the hormones of pregnancy? Or maybe i truly am severely attracted to my mate.

Usually once a couple is mated, they can't keep their hands off each other. It goes like this: you meet. The male takes you somewhere private and marks you immediately and sometimes the female marks as well but usually they wait until they consummate the bond. But after the male marks his mate, then they go somehwere and do the deed. Then the female marks her male. Once they are fully bonded, thats when the 'dating ' happens. They introduce their wolves who mark each other and they are in the bedroom constantly for the first few months.. never able to get enough.

We did things backwards but im starting to feel those urges of wanting to be with him more. For him to be in me..

Sensing my hunger for him via the mate bond, he pushed off the counter, gliding toward me as i watched him with wide eyes.  Suddenly my mouth began working again as he approached. "What are you doing here? Where are my parents?" I rose a brow.

He came to stand in front of me, hands resting on my hips before sliding around to my lower back, pulling me into his body, nose going straight to my neck.. inhaling as i closed my eyes. His lips mumbled against my skin, electric currents shuddering my body.

"They went out for breakfast. I was going to make you breakfast in bed but.. i should've known youd wake up to the smell of bacon." He chuckled.

He is so incredibly.... amazing.  He smelled so good.. all i wanted to do was feel his skin on mine.. my wolf, the traitor she is, was pushing those images into Zaryn's mind. Images of what i wanted to do to him.

I felt him growl low, his mouth pressing kisses to my mate mark before his tongue came out, licking the mark.. teeth grazing it slightly. I shivered in his arms as a low soft moan came from my lips.

I needed to get myself in check. I can't act like a female in heat all the time around him..

Moving back slightly, just enough to look up at him, I examined his face. .. his lips always so inviting.. and that scar.. "did my parents just let you in?" Trying and failing miserably at keeping my voice level, it came out all breathy and seductive - it made me cringe inwardly. I didnt want to seduce him because we are supposed to take this slow.

He nodded with hooded eyes and my expression turned to one of surprise.

Odd.

My dad always acts like he only tolerates Zaryn but i know better. I know he likes him, but letting him in the house while they arent around? I didn't see that one coming.

He chewed his lip, hands still around me.. rubbing my lower back. I couldn't stop staring at that scar. I had to voice it,

"Did you have a lip piercing?" My brows furrowed.

He moved away from me, smirking as he shook his head. "I was wondering if you'd notice. I did. when i needed the pain. Only wore it for a week or two.. realised i only got it to hurt and took it out. Leave it to you to notice." He chuckled lightly as he grabbed two plates out of the cabinet and began loading food onto them, forgetting the moment we almost just had.. one that would have ended up with him hauling me upstairs to my bed...

Setting our plates on the island, he slid out my barstool and helped me up into it while he took the one next to me.. his bright blue eyes never leaving the side of my face.

Feeling self conscious, i started glancing over at him.. my brows raising. "What. Is something on my face?"

He shook his head.. his orbs dancing with amusement.

"Can i feel him?" He asked suddenly.

Not really knowing what to actually say, i just nod my head and a smile broke free onto his face as hands reached for me... one resting on my lower back, the other on my flat toned belly.

I dont know why he did this.. you cant tell yet! But id be lying if i said i didnt think it was cute.

The smile on his lips never once faded.. it only seemed to become brighter as he held his palm against my stomach, taking up nearly the entire front. His eyes met mine.. so much adoration in them. "I love you, Nov." My lips parted as little butterflies beat their wings in my belly. Not the butterflies with wings of razor and steel that i once housed.. no. These butterflies had wings of soft goose down that tickled and made me feel .. wanted. Excited.

I didn't know how to respond.. i love him, yes. But i didnt want to just bound into our mateship without first taking baby steps, pun intended.

He leaned over, kissing me before i could reply and moved his hands away, eyes never leaving me. "You don't need to say anything. Just.. be here with me." He gave me a reassuring smile as he took my fork, cutting a piece off my omelet and put it to my lips. I peered up at him and his eyes were alight with excitement.. waiting for me to take it.

Tentatively, i took the bite.. all the while, some new kind of desire rolled through me for him. He was being so paternal about our newly conceived pup and looking after me..that my wolf was wanting him for herself. To have time with him alone in my skin since she cant shift into her fur.

I moaned lightly as i closed my eyes, chewing. I liked this side of Zaryn...

This is how a mate is supposed to be.

I guess he wasnt lying when he said he wanted to create new memories with me.

"Eat up." He breathed in my ear. "Feed my pup because if i keep feeding you... this is only going to get harder." He pulled away, smirking at my confused expression before taking my hand and placing it on the front of his pants where I could feel how hard he was.

My mouth formed an "oh" shape, in understanding. I bit my lip mischeviously and gave him a slight squeeze.. earning a low growl, his eyes flashing. I watched him with amusement along with something else that turned my insides into hot liquid. I hadnt wanted to tease him but i dont know what had come over me. My wolf was pushing me to act out..

He groaned then leaned into my side to whisper,  "Keep tempting me and I'll have to take you upstairs, bend you over and punish you." His whispered promise hung thick and heavy.. I found myself clenching my thighs together at the thought of things he would do.

Shaking myself out of the haze, I began eating.. ignoring his smirking handsome face. "Good girl."

Best not play with fire and all that..

We ate, talking a little about the fact my parents act like two love sick pups.. then he told me his mom had come to see him.. how she wants him to get to know his little brother and she misses him but he cant seem to forgive her although he knows he should. I felt horrible for him.. finding out how his mom really was.. when everyone always thought she was the sweetest most caring Luna.

"Conrad and Maxims pack will both be at the mating picnic. They arrive today." He announced, studying my expression.

I already knew this.

Glancing at him, his eyes scanning my body, "Aren't you worried about Conrad going after Blake? I mean.. he did sort of lock his daughter in a cabin a mile away...." i trailed off, gazing at him longingly.

His sharp features were so alluring...

His lips lifted at one corner in a smirk, watching me watch him. "No. Not worried. Blake wont be around and Conrad will be a guest on my land. He knows im the Alpha now. If he gets out of line, then he will reap the consequences." He shrugged, seeming non chalante about three packs mingling together on his land. Three Alphas. That would make any Alpha uneasy.. but he and Maxim have sort of a bond now.. Conrad however, isnt his favorite person since he was the one who helped me leave in the first place.

I wondered if he would try anything with him...

No. No thats silly. This is just for the wolves to find their mates. That's all. Despite his feelings, Zaryn would never cancel something like that over how he feels about the Alpha. Mates are important to him. To all wolves.

I breifly wondered if I should tell him about Conrad...

How he kissed me. The kiss i didnt return.. it would only make him mad- and then he would seek vengeance on Conrad.

I decided it wasn't worth the bloodshed.

But apart of me felt guilty.. i should tell my mate everything.

Peering up through my lashes at him, I chewed my lip nervously. "Um.. "

No. No i cant tell him yet. I will... after everyone leaves back to their own packs. But not yet. I dont want drama.

"Yes?" He rose a brow, swiveling his chair so his body faced me.

Think think...

I felt my lips pull in a soft smile and put my arm on the bar, my fingertips tracing little scars on his hand as I peered back up at him feeling suddenly shy. "Thank you for coming to cook for me Zaryn." I felt my cheeks heat. "It was... really sweet." My smile broadened into a grin.

He let out a breath of air through his nose in laughter, shaking his head as he grabbed both my hands in his.. gazing at me with so much love... and.. desire. "I would do anything for you, love. Remember that. We can take things as slow as you like, but in the end.. its me and you." His eyes smiled at me, glancing down at my stomach, "and our little pup."

I leaned in, unable to help myself, and pressed a kiss into his soft lips. His lips were about the only thing on him.. aside from the skin that encased his...

Damnit!

His hand wrapped in my hair and i was being lifted out of my seat and onto his lap, legs straddling him, dangling on his sides. I gasped when he lifted me which promoted his tongue to enter my mouth.. exploring me.. his tongue sliding deliciously against mine. His hands held me firm against him as they covered my ass, pressing me into his body so I could feel how much i excited him. He was so hard beneth my core.

I melted into him and his kiss.. my hands roving over his muscled arms and shoulders, allowing him to touch my where he wanted. One hand stayed on my ass, pushing and pressing my hips into him while the other snaked up my back and into my hair... gripping it. Gasping once more as my head was pulled back by my hair.. he held me still and began kissing down my neck.. open mouth kisses.. tongue licking and tasting as he applied suction on each kiss trailing to my ear.

I whimpered, grinding myself into him.  This was unlike anything. It felt so different being a mated female.. the sensations he could make me feel were so strong.

His lips came to my ear as mt hands gripped his shoulders. "Fuck Nova, you smell so good.. taste so good. Im trying to be a good boy but you make me want to be bad... you make me want to do bad things to you." A shiver ran up my body and my eyes closed on their own accord.. my core dripping with liquid desire.

I know he smelled my arrousal. He made a show of inhaling deeply.. mouth sucking down my neck as i moaned. I couldn't stop him. Didn't want to stop him.

He released my hair and brought his hand over, pulling my robe away from my shoulder. The thin white tshirt i wore was nearly seethrough and he used that to his advantage.. kissing down my collar bone as he leaned me backwards in his other arm. I felt heady watching his lust filled eyes on mine as he kissed down to my heaving chest.. my breasts on full display for him beneath the flimsy thin layer of cotton which left nothing to the imagination.

His mouth closed around a peaked bud, eyes closing as he suckled me. I moaned out loud, closing my eyes at the feeling.. pressing into his hardness .. grinding against him as much as I could.

A low growl vibrated against my breast.. his hand raising the hem of my shirt upwards.. rolling it over to reveal my chest to him. He glared at the shirt.. as if it had done him wrong and soon that shirt was ripped away from my body.. my eyes going wide as i gasped in surprise.

A mischievous glint in his eyes, he leaned down.. kissing up my breast bone. "Mmmm. Much better." His wet lips mumbled against my skin.

I was getting hot. Really hot. If he didnt stop now, i wouldnt be able to stop at all and i would wind up taking him upstairs..

"Zaryn." A breathless whisper of his name.

His eyes found mine as he continued his kissing around my breast... tongue lapping at my peaked bud causing me to gyrate my hips into his.

Lifting his mouth, he looked at me. "Do you want me to stop?" His brow rose.

Biting my bottom lip, i thought. No i dont want him to stop.  But do i need him to? Yes.

"No" i breathed, my eyes going wide when i realised my wolf was taking away my words from me.. he smiled deviously, his mouth continuing its assult on my breast as his hand cupped it underneath, squeezing it slightly.  A keening moan left my lips.

"Okay stop." I breathed again. His eyes snapped to mine.. my chest heaving. "We need to stop.. or i might not be able to and.. baby steps." I explained with fumbled words.. nearly incoherent.

He understood perfectly and smiled gently at me.. lifting me so i sat up right in his lap. "I wondered where your breaking point would be." He smirked with hooded lids. "I'll remember that you really love your breasts to be kissed .. sucked.. and licked..." his lips pressed into mine, hands cupping each breast as my arms wrapped around his neck... hugging him to me.

I felt so safe with him.. despite wanting to take it slow and being afraid... he made me feel so safe with him.

His rough hands left my soft flesh in order to wrap around my back.. holding me to him as he kissed me sweetly. With one last peck, he pressed his forehead to mine. "You drive me wild, Nova. In a good way. But its killing me not being able to have you, woman. Dont forget our date this weekend." He kissed the tip of my nose.

Giggling, i rubbed my nose against his.. "i wont forget. Thank you for breakfast... and for getting me all hot and bothered knowing I cant do anything about it." I pouted playfully.

He got up out of his chair and i clung to him, wrapping my arms and legs around him tightly.. afraid to fall as he smirked down at me before walking me up the stairs.  "A guy has to try." He winked. "And who said you couldn't do anything about it? I know many things you could do about it." His deep voice became husky as he stepped inside my room, shutting the door behind him... falling onto the bed with me... his back lying against the bed with me straddled on top of him. I sat up, about to remove myself when his hands shot out and held my hips, not letting me go.. he reached up, jerking the robe off my body, leaving me in only a pair of shorts as i sat astride him.

My panties were ruined with how excited he made me.. and he himself was still excited as well... i was sure once i removed myself from his lap that there would be a wet spot on his jeans.

Good thing they are dark.

Suddenly he flipped me so i was on my back and he was between my legs.. his strong arms holding himself off my body as he smiled down at me lazily. "Dont take a shower." He began kissing my neck again, driving me wild once he came to my mark. I loved his hands caressing my thighs with a gentleness. His lips kissed down my body.. over my breast bone and to my stomach as i panted.

"Why?" I croaked.

I felt him kissing my stomach over and over.. growling into my skin as he slid a finger down my cotton covered core..

Yep. I had soaked through.

He placed his face between my legs.. kissing over my core and i moaned loudly before he came back to lean over me.. a devious smirk on those glistening lips.

Then his face became serious.. eyes gazing into mine.  "I need you to smell like me. My wolf needs you to as well. Both packs will be here in a few hours and since you arent living with me, I really need you to smell like me and visa versa."

Realisation hit me and i narrowed my eyes. "You purposely tried to arouse me so you could put my scent on your body didnt you!"

Guilt crept through the bond but i knew he needed this.. my being pregnant marked and mated just would never be enough for his wolf.  He needed to mark his territory.  "Is that why you made me breakfast? So youd have a reason to come over?" I rose my brow, giving him a hard time.

He cupped my cheek, licking his lips. "No. No Nova i did that because i want to take care of you. But.. i do need you to press my scent into you. Im asking you to please understand that and allow it. I wont try to seduce you. I just... i just need this." His strong features seemed torn.. his expression desperate.

Sighing, i rolled my eyes. "Fine."

A grin broke out onto his face and he kissed me one last time before removing his shirt and pants.. taking his boxers along with them as i watched in fascination at how beautifully sculpted and perfect his body was..

He wanted to press his scent into me.. which meant he would rub himself all over me.. mark me with scraping teeth.. give me a few more bites into my skin and this was what he needed.. more Alphas would be here and i had a feeling that Conrad coming here was what made his wolf feel so territorial.

I could be a good mate and grant him this..

I could ease his worries and let him do this.

Afterall.. it wouldn't go too far.

I wont let it.

Please swap to the Restricted chapter book and find this chapter if you would like to read the events that transpired between them!

-----------------

Pick up reading here once you have read the private chapter.

Lying in bed, Zaryn had just left and i felt on top of the world. He had departed with a deep lingering kiss, thanking me for letting him press his scent into me. I knew it meant a lot to him. It would to any male mate.. but it meant more to an Alpha.. they are very territorial and protective.

I sighed, unable to move as i lay naked in the sheets. We didn't go too far.. he kept his promise and just pressed his scent into mine. However i did get a little something out of it.. he insisted on putting his mouth on me...

I didn't protest to that.

I smiled to myself as i lifted the sheets, seeing red lines from his teeth all over my body.. deep red hickies along my inner thighs along with a bite mark on either side of my inner thighs, so close to my core.

I shook my head, this wolf...

He asked me not to shower.. and i wouldn't.

Im just thankful he decided not to press the scent of his arrousal on my skin. That would be too embarassing for me to be around my family if he had...

Getting up, i went to my drawers and pulled out a fresh pair of panties, slipping them on before dragging on a pair of dark jeans and a black fitted tshirt and slipped on some socks with my black converse. I took my hair out of the messy bun, letting the loose waves fall down to the bottom of my ribs. Rummaging through my closet for a light jacket in case it got chilly tonight, my eyes landed on the box of memories at the top of my closet.

My mind has been on this box all week...

I had evem had a dream about it last night.

I believe the moon was trying to tell me something...

Sighing, i relented, taking the box off the shelf and bringing it to my bed with me. I sat on my bed, one leg tucked under me with the other on the floor as i opened the lid, holding my breath as if something would jump out at me but no..

I was met with the same things i always see when I open it..

Zaryn's gift.. the carved wooden box with the necklace inside, sat on top of photos and letter.. trinkets i have saved .. memories.

Lifting the box out, i opened it.. smiling at the beautiful gold necklace inside. I think it's time to put this necklace in its rightful place..

Around my neck.

Taking the necklace out, i put it over my head.. stroking the locket with my thumb before letting it hang down my front. I loved the length of it.. he knew i would like this when he bought it. Smiling to myself, i shook my head at the thought of him picking it out himself..

I wonder how long it took him to decide...

I set the wooden box on the side of my bed and continued going through my box of memories..

The first thing was the photo of my family and Zaryn's all together.. me sitting next to Deacon on the ground.. we were sixteen. Nic and Zaryn were above us.. arms draped across the others shoulders with smirks on their faces.. Zaryn's eyes looking slightly down at me. He was twenty here. Our parents were smiling.. dad and Blake next to each other and mom and Penelope on the outter sides.

Even then, Zaryn felt the connection to me. I think he knew I would be his deep down.

I kept pulling out random things.. fortune cookie fortunes that Deacon and I always saved.. photos of he and i doing our usual things.. A photo of the time I got stuck in a tree and mom had snapped the camera as Deacon climbed up to save me.. bringing me down to safety.  He was always so caring about me..

I felt my eyes sting as i kept going..

A letter.. that was the next thing i came across..

The letter he wrote me when we were fifteen.  One for my birthday, that said he hoped neither of us found our mates so we could be best friends forever.. he always prayed we would never be mates but i found out later that that was for my benefit. He had wanted me the whole time.

I began pulling out momentums left and right.

His favorite leather bracelet he used to wear all the time. He never took that thing off but i made him when it started to smell funny. He told me to keep it.. and i did. I lifted the bracelet. . Sniffing it. It no longer had that smell to it after all these years but it did still smell like him. Deacon's scent. One of woodsy pine..

Scent is one of the most important things to a wolf.. and right now.. smelling his scent.. it felt like he was right here with me.

I pulled out more momentos.

A friendship bracelet he made me.. i had made him one too. We were ten. Then a pressed wild rose.. one he risked getting, sneaking into mrs. Fentons yard to pluck it because i thought they were so beautiful, only to be caught and flogged by her broom.

I laughed and suddenly felt something wet on my hands.. glancing down, i realised they were tears.

I was crying..

A sob escaped my lips as i hung my head.. letting the tears rush down my cheeks.

All these memories in my head.. they werent of the vicious murderer Deacon.. they were of sweet silent and spastic Deacon. My best friend. The one person that I could always count on .. the one person who always stuck by my side..

What happened to him to make him the way he turned out? I just dont understand??

I had a sudden urge..

One that was pulling me to go see him..

To see his grave. To talk to him. To talk to the moon and figure out where my brain was.

Sniffling, i wiped my face and began piling things back inside the box. Putting the lid on, i scooped it up under my arm... taking it with me as i left my room.

I needed this closure..

I needed to remember these things with Deacon by my side.. even if he wasnt there physically.  I just felt like i needed to talk to him.. to figure out how i felt..

To truly forgive him and get the thoughts of what he had done, out of my head.

Dun dun dun

Excuse the filler chap.

Has to b done.

Next chap is her at deacons grave AND the arrival of the packs.

Lord knows Zaryn is going to be all territorial but awe nova let him rub all over her how sweet lol