Chapter 7: Shall we try again?

Gwendolyn shut her eyes as the creature lunged at her.

But a pair of strong arms enclosed her suddenly and pulled her out of the way. She fell over something warm and solid, but didn't have the time to wonder what it was.

She opened her eyes in time to see the creature crash into the tree. It rose to its feet, eyes glowing an eerie yellow.

As it crouched low to the ground and prepared to lunge again, a spear lanced through the air and struck it. It roared in pain and crashed to the ground. Dead.

Gwendolyn let out the breath she had been holding, and that was when she noticed the arms wrapped around her waist.

She looked down, right into Kieran's compelling eyes. He was looking right at her, an odd look on his face.

For a moment, they stayed in that position, with Gwendolyn above him. Everything faded. The forest, the Wildings, Julian. Everything. It was just the two of them.

Kieran slowly raised his hand and touched the curly lock of hair that dangled close to her cheek. He wrapped it around his finger, then slowly cupped her face.

Gwendolyn watched him as if in a trance. It felt so right, like she was meant to be in his arms. She could feel the steady beat of his heart, and when he touched her face, she shut her eyes.

The moment lasted for a few seconds, but it seemed like hours.

Until Kane ruined it.

He cleared his throat loudly, and that broke the trance clouding their minds.

Gwendolyn snapped back to the present and her eyes widened. She realized her position and her face twisted into a frown.

"What are you doing?" She snapped.

"You're the one on top of me, princess." Kieran replied, and she could see a strange gleam in his eyes.

She rolled off his body instantly and she immediately felt the absence of his heat. What the hell was wrong with her?

"The fact that we're mates doesn't mean you get to touch me however you want." She continued angrily. "I never agreed to this bond."

"Save your breath." Kieran retorted. "I saved you. Pulled you out of the way while you stood there like a scared little bunny."

Gwendolyn's anger mounted. "I didn't ask for your help!" She shot back. "Maybe it would have been better if the creature killed me. Then I wouldn't have to be mated to you!"

Kieran frowned suddenly. He moved swiftly towards her and grabbed her waist.

"Let me go!" She yelled, trying to push him away, but he was stronger. He grabbed both her hands and pinned them behind her, then used his free hand to grip her jaw.

Kane and the others watched silently, without bothering to interfere.

When Gwendolyn realized she wouldn't be able to free herself, she stopped struggling. Her chest heaved as she glared hatefully at him.

"Tired?" He asked mockingly.

"I swear I hate you." She snarled.

"I'm well aware of that, princess. With the number of times you've repeated it, my ears should be bleeding. But it doesn't change a thing. You're still my prisoner."

Then he did something that shocked her immensely. He turned her head to the side and nuzzled her neck.

She shut her eyes, biting her lips hard to stifle the moan threatening to slip out.

"You smell like heaven." He whispered, his voice sounding frustrated. "Curse this bond. As much as I hate you, I can't keep my distance."

"Fucking pervert." She whispered.

But Kieran didn't get offended. He smiled smugly, showing the tips of his fangs.

"Tell me, Gwendolyn." He began, using her name for the first time.

The way he said it caused a flurry of butterflies in her stomach. He said it like he owned it, like it belonged to him. It didn't help with how husky his voice was.

"Tell me." He continued. "Did you get mad because I touched you? Or because your body betrayed you and responded against your wish?"

Her heart was beating wildly now, and she knew Kieran could hear it. Hell, he could feel it with how close they were.

He moved closer until his lips hovered over hers. She could smell the musky tang of his breath.

"You're so full of yourself." She snarled.

He chuckled again, the sound rich and deep.

"Maybe I am." He murmured. "But you didn't answer my question. Shall we try again?"

Before she understood what he meant, he released her face and cupped the swell of her breast.

Lust slammed into her, making her push out her chest unknowingly. She saw his eyes flicker, and his smile widened when he got the reaction he was looking for.

With a muttered curse, she mustered all her strength and wrenched her hands from his grip. She shoved him away, and before she could put a leash on her anger, she slapped him.

The harsh sound echoed through the forest.

Kieran's face jerked to the side, and for a moment, a murderous look flashed across his eyes.

Kane started to walk towards them, but he stopped when Kieran held a hand up.

He turned back to Gwendolyn who was glaring at him, breathing heavily.

"I should punish you for your insolence." He muttered. "But your reaction gave me the answer to my question."

Gwendolyn stepped back as he turned and walked away. She leaned down, rested her palms on her knees and tried to calm her racing heart.

Kane glared at her for a moment longer, then he turned away and went after Kieran.

Her gaze shifted to Julian who was staring at her, and he mouthed, 'Are you okay?'

She shook her head and turned away, wondering what she had gotten herself into.

...

The day dragged on, and Gwendolyn used that opportunity to take a nap.

Hours later, she awakened to the smell of roasted meat and the crackle of camp fire. Night had fallen, and there was a crescent moon in the sky.

The Wildings had gutted the mountain lion and was now roasting it over the open fire.

She looked around for Kieran, but couldn't find him. Then she spotted Julian. He was still tied to the tree, but he was eating, tearing into the piece of meat Kane handed him.

She got off the makeshift bed and walked slowly towards Julian.

But halfway there, Dom stepped in front of her.

"What are you doing?" She frowned.

"Alpha Kieran ordered that you stay away from the lycan." Dom explained.

"What? Where is he?"

"He will be back soon, but I'm sorry. You can't speak to the lycan."

Gwendolyn's temper surged. Who the hell did Kieran think he was, leaving orders for her like she was his subject?

She whirled around and disappeared into the forest. His scent was everywhere, so it was easy to find him.

As she trudged deeper into the forest, she heard the rush of flowing water. She slowed her steps, taking cover behind a large tree.

Then she saw him.

He was taking a bath beneath a waterfall, his head thrown back as the water cascaded onto his face and down his body.

Fortunately, only his shirt was off. He still had his trousers on, and the lower part of his body was hidden beneath the flowing river.

She watched him, unable to look away. He looked like he had been carved from gold. His torso gleamed, all muscles and ripples.

He ran a hand through his hair and flicked it away from his face, his movements smooth and fluid. How a man could be so perfect was beyond her.

He stepped away from the waterfall and made his way out of the river. Suddenly he looked up, and his gaze landed on her.

She gasped, dodging behind the tree quickly. But it was too late. He already saw her.

She started to run back to camp, but he moved suddenly, his figure blurring out completely.

He tackled her to the ground and they rolled over each other.

"Get off me!" She yelled, trying to fight him off.

"Stop it." Kieran snapped. When she kept struggling, he got annoyed.

"Stop struggling or I swear, I will bend you over my knee and smack you!"