Deep sleep

I fight against every instinct in my body as my paws hit the ground, propelling me away from my mate. Each step is a struggle, every cell screaming for me to turn back and surrender to the primal urge that burns within us both. But I won't give in, not like this. Mating in wolf form isn't what I desire; I want our union to be a conscious choice, not driven solely by our animal instincts.

The forest thins, and soon the main building looms before me, its structure a beacon of solace amidst the chaos of my thoughts. I make my way up the stairs, my claws scratching at the door outside our room. Within moments, Nate opens it, his expression a mix of curiosity and concern.

Once inside, I shift back to my human form, my red hair tumbling in damp waves around my shoulders. Nate's eyes immediately lock onto my wet hair, his fingers gently tugging at the unruly strands. "Oh dear, your hair is damp. Where did you go?" he asks, his voice laced with worry.

"I went to play," I reply evasively, avoiding his gaze as I search for a towel to dry myself off. The events of the night are still fresh in my mind, a whirlwind of emotions that I can barely process.

Nate raises an eyebrow, clearly not buying my vague answer. "Play, right," he says, his tone both skeptical and amused as he watches me.

Ignoring his knowing look, I quickly dry off and slip into a shirt, the soft fabric a comforting contrast to the intensity of the night. I climb into bed, feeling the exhaustion of the day's events settle over me.

Nate follows, snuggling into my chest with a contented sigh. I giggle at his familiar touch, a warmth spreading through me. As my best friend and soulmate, Nate's affection is a constant source of comfort, but I can't help but wonder how Kellan will react to our close bond.

My inner wolf whines softly, missing our mate, but she's also content. The connection with Kellan has filled a void I didn't even know existed. For the first time in a long while, I feel safe, a deep sense of security wrapping around me like a warm blanket.

As I lay there, Nate's steady breathing a soothing rhythm against my skin, I think about the future. The journey ahead with Kellan will undoubtedly be challenging, but it's a path I feel ready to walk. With a sense of peace settling over me, I slip into a deep, restful slumber, the promise of tomorrow lingering like a soft whisper in the night.

*

In my dream, I find myself chasing a three-colored rabbit through a vivid, sunlit meadow. The world around me is bright and vibrant, the colors almost too intense. I'm focused entirely on the rabbit, determined to catch it. Suddenly, I hear a distant rumbling. I glance up briefly but dismiss it, my eyes fixed on the elusive rabbit. The rumbling grows louder, more insistent, but I stubbornly ignore it, pushing forward in my pursuit.

Just as I think I'm about to catch the rabbit, it vanishes. Frustration bubbles up inside me, and I halt, scanning the meadow for any sign of the creature. The rumbling crescendos, breaking my concentration. My eyes snap open, and the bright morning light sears into them, making me squint.

"Because of you, I lost my rabbit," I mumble angrily, still groggy from sleep.

The rumbling continues, and I turn my head to find its source. There, standing by the bed, is Kellan. His golden eyes are alight with amusement as he watches me. The sight of him, with that knowing smirk, brings me fully awake. Nate murmurs something incoherent beside me, snuggling deeper into my chest, seeking warmth and comfort in his sleep.

I instinctively reach out, my fingers threading through Nate's hair in a soothing gesture. Despite my initial irritation, the simple act of comforting my best friend calms me. My eyes, however, narrow as they lock onto Kellan's amused gaze. The events of the night before flood back to me—the chase, the shift, the almost overwhelming desire.

Kellan's presence fills the room, a palpable force that stirs something deep within me. I feel the tug of our bond, the magnetic pull that seems to draw us together even when I try to resist. His eyes, still glimmering with amusement, don't waver from mine, and I can tell he's enjoying my flustered state.

"What do you want?" I finally manage to ask, my voice sharper than intended.

Kellan chuckles at my question, his laughter a rich, velvety sound that would normally send sparks of desire down my spine if I weren't so grumpy from being woken up.

"Little flame, I apologize for chasing away the rabbit," he says, settling on the side of the bed. His hand reaches out, and he gently places his palm on my forehead, brushing away a few stray strands of hair from my face. I glare at him, the annoyance still fresh.

"I'm sorry, but the doctor says you should get up now. You've been asleep for two days," Kellan continues, his voice tinged with concern and affection.

"Two days?" I echo, incredulity coloring my tone.

I sigh, running a hand through Nate's hair, my fingers gently combing through the soft strands. The simple act grounds me, offering a semblance of normalcy amidst the confusion.

Kellan watches us, his eyes never leaving my face. There's a softness in his gaze, a vulnerability that catches me off guard.

"Yeah, I was worried—neither you nor this fluffy ball could wake up, no matter what we tried," Kellan says, motioning to Nate still cradled in my arms.

"What? Why?" I ask, my voice laced with confusion and concern.

"The doctor said it was extreme exhaustion, both mental and physical. You really needed some deep rest, apparently," Kellan explains, his eyes softening as he looks at me. "I was afraid I'd lost you before I even got the chance to be with you. I was so terrified."

His voice is thick with emotion, and I can see the genuine fear that had gripped him. The thought of Kellan, the powerful Alpha Prime, being scared for me sends a strange mix of warmth and guilt through my chest.

"I'm sorry," I whisper, my own voice trembling.

"It's okay," Kellan replies, a reassuring smile breaking through his worry. "I'm just glad you're awake and here with me."

I take a deep breath, trying to shake off the lingering drowsiness. "If it comforts you, I feel better now. Probably the best I've felt in a long time, just starving."

Kellan's smile widens, a hint of relief in his eyes. "That's good to hear. Let's get you something to eat."