A Howling Heart
Chapter twenty-one

"You know, Matias, if you want to reduce temptation, maybe it's best we didn't leave opportunities for us to be alone," I admit as the electricity of our attraction fills the room potently. I shift in my seat, crossing my legs on and off to try and get comfortable, and ignore how he's looking at me as he prepares my plate.

I clear my throat. "Because it's like the longer we are left alone, the stronger it becomes..., the harder it is to resist." A small moan leaves my mouth when he licks his lips like he's tasting a prize he's only dreamt of.

"Fae..." That warning tone again, the one filled with thick desire, doesn't deter my thoughts; it only fuels them, and I find your mind filled with images of him ravishing me the way he promises he will when the time is right.

My heart hammers wildly in my chest. I flex both fingers, realizing my palms are becoming sweaty. Heat sweeps across my cheeks.

See? I'm not going crazy. You can feel it, too, right? I feel myself losing control.

He groans and slams his fist on the counter. "It's the bond," he rasps.

I know I've been terribly indecisive when it comes to wanting him, but the innate need is beginning to take over. It easily twists my thoughts and feelings until I am more desire than rational thought. "Matias," I moan, standing on wobbly legs, prepared to throw myself at him.

He drops the plate in his hand. A loud crash echoes as it hits the floor. His gaze darkens.

"I'm going to step outside quickly," he grumbles and disappears before I can cross the room to him.

I fall back into my seat defeatedly. The longer he spends away from me, the more the bond dies down, and I feel normal thoughts and feelings revive within me.

Was I really about to let him have his way with me on the kitchen counter or floor?

I groan and bury my face in my hands. Without my mother's coaching, I am being led by animal-like needs. This isn't going to be easy.

Nothing but a dog in heat...

The thought is mortifying.

Matias returns after what feels like an eternity. Part of the hair around his face is wet as if he had splashed it with water to calm himself down. Lord knows we both need a cold shower and some distance. Is it this hard for all fated pairs?

What happens if you give in before the blue moon?

"As far as I know, if you give into your desires before the blue moon, you have to wait another year before mating, only for an Alpha pair. I don't have that kind of time, and enemies surround us." "Enemies?"

"Yes. You think there aren't other packs that want to rule this town? People have trouble being satisfied with the territory of their birthrights."

His jaw ticks.

I want to pry more. I can't help it. It's not just animal issues but real territory politics.

"Listen, Fae, the only things you need to know are that I will give my life to keep you safe and that I won't allow anyone to take over this town, anyone or anything."

"Anything?" I swallow nervously. "How many more creatures are there?"

He snickers, but no amusement reaches his eyes. "That's a topic for another day, I'm afraid."

My appetite has returned, threatened only by the uneasiness of his words. The one for food, anyway.

He lets out a deep breath and begins cleaning up his mess. "I've heard about the bond, but never experienced it the way I am with you so close to me. With you in a different state, it wasn't as strong, but even then it was pretty influential." He remakes me a plate and sets it down in front of me.

I thank him and avoid eye contact.

The first bite is heavenly. The second is just as satisfying. I devour the plate in five bites.

Leveling my eyes at Matias, I realize he's impressed and satisfied by my appetite.

"Good." He takes the plate from me. "I need you to take care of yourself. You can't help your mom if you don't help yourself first."

Guilt fills me because he's right. I've always prioritized her, but there have been occasions where my lack of self-awareness has jeopardized my ability to help her.

The sound of someone calling my name in the distance interrupts my shame.

My mom!

"Fae!" Her voice is cracked and shrill, but it's a relief to finally hear her.

My eyes widen and I stand up. "It's my mother. She's awake."

He nods and offers me his hand. "Let me take you to her."

I look down at his hand; a part of me wants to accept it, but being relaxed with him physically while in front of her gives me another dose of anxiety.

"I have to go to her quickly," I say and turn, hoping my rejection doesn't create another awkward situation. I hurry back out toward the living room, feeling Matias moving behind me.

My mother is standing, her gaze relaxing when she sees me.

I wrap my arms around her waist when I get to her, hugging her hard. This is the woman who raised me. The only stable parent I've ever had-stable anything. Even her sister, my aunt, the only one rumored left of our family, was distant.

I longed for the family I would see other kids blessed with in our old town, but at the end of the day, my mother is enough. She has been all I ever needed. The thought of anything happening to her is too much to bear. "I'm so glad you're okay, Mom." I squeeze her again.

"Where are we?" Her voice is weaker now, and fear slithers back into her tone.

I sniffle, holding back tears when I pull back from her.

"I panicked. I didn't know what to do. I thought you were dead. I was sure of it, and then he-"

I choke on the words that retell how I found her.

"I don't remember much. Just pain, then waking up here...I feel.... Oddly refreshed. It's a miracle. I thought I was going to die." "Yes, about that...".

I step back from her when she releases me fully from a hug. Her eyes move to Matias.

She screams.