Keeping My Mate

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The air suddenly shifted around her, and a cold wind swept through the forest. His figure was tall, and the sun was filtering through the treetops, shining down on the earthy forest floor. The pitter patter of little footsteps edged towards the trees, as her scent wafted through the air without a care in the world. Slowly moving towards the clearing, her scent, a mixture of peonies and vanilla seemed to calm the creatures slowly making their way towards this beautiful dancing stranger. Once her eyes fluttered open, she slowly fell to her delicate knees welcoming the animals as her lovely laugh bounced across every tree, filling the entire forest.

Rising to her pointe once again, she continued her dance across the forest, entering deeper into the now lively forest. Her dark raven hair flowing behind her every move. The warm winds slowly spreading her scent across every leaf, rock and tree. Her feet carried her in all directions, twirling as her flowy dress spun with the melody of her laughter. Although she was young, her body held unique talent that not many werewolves held. The animals watched in awe, as the young girl bounced and twirled across their forest floor. They encircled her as she circled the sun that filtered through the treetops, her every move exact and skilled before she fell to the ground in a fit of laughter and giggles.

When she finally regained her composure, she realized that the animals were gone, and the sun had stopped shining. The once loving and welcoming animals had scattered away, and the sounds of the forest became quiet. Becoming aware of her surroundings, she realized that she was lost, surrounded by the unfamiliar trees that loomed over her.

"Hello?" the little dancer called out to the now empty forest. "Help me...please!"

Her dark brown eyes searched the forest for any hint of life, for anyone to help her. She could feel the tears sting her eyes, as she fell to the ground realizing it was hopeless.

She did not want to be here anymore. She wanted to go home.

The air suddenly shifted around her, and a cold wind swept through the forest. His figure was tall and lean as he stood in the clearing, leaning against a tall tree. Anyone could see that his chest was toned, and muscular. He looked mature but was still very young himself. His brown hair was messy as it sat on top of his head, but it looked perfect for him. His gold eyes were something the young girl would never forget.

"Are you lost, little one?" his booming voice asked, as she wiped a tear away from her cheek. She turned around quickly, trying to find the person who the voice belonged to. When their eyes met, the man froze, but his wolf was ecstatic causing his eyes to flash a darker shade and back again.

"Mine!" He growled, but low enough so he would not scare his little dancer.

"Yes... p... Please help me. I’m... lost," she sniffled, moving closer to the man. Although she was scared just a few moments ago, his presence made her feel safe, especially against the cold forest breeze that had now chilled her.

"What's your name, Princess?" he asked in a gentle tone, making her cheeks blush and a smile form on her lips.

"Charlie," she stuttered, as his inner wolf purred at the little girl who stood before him.

"Hello, Charlie, my name is Leo. Do not worry, little one. I'll help you get back home," the tall man spoke, offering his hand out for her to take.

She placed her hand in his, but a howl suddenly broke through the tree line. Leo immediately recognized the sound, and he grabbed hold of Charlie and sprang into action.

"We have to go, quickly," he said, picking the little dancer up and walking towards the edge of the forest. She quickly buried her face in Leo's chest, her hands tightening around him to protect herself from the trees that slapped against them. His wolf, Steel was ecstatic holding his little dancer so close. Her unique scent calmed him down, allowing Leo to stay in control even with the howls ringing through the trees.

"We're almost out of the forest, you'll be safe now," Leo said calmly, slowing his pace.

"Charlie?! Charlieeeee?!" The familiar voice called out for her, the tone sounding more scared with each passing second.

He gently let her down, just before the tree line cleared and she began to run to the direction of her scared mother. He gently grabbed her hand before she ran off too quickly.

"Leo, I need to go! My mother is calling me!" she said, trying to pull her hand away from his grip.

"I know, but before you leave, I have a gift for you," he said, almost shyly. He pulled out a small gold bracelet from his pocket. It had many different charms on it, and Charlie squealed at the present.

"We will meet again, my little Charlie. Promise me you won’t take this off," he said, placing the golden bracelet across her wrist. She gave him a small hug and nodded before running towards her frantic mothers’ calls.

"We will meet again, but for now we need to separate," he said to himself, watching as his mate vanished off into the distance. He fought off the instinct to chase after his little mate, but she was not ready.

"Although today was not our day, we will meet again my little dancer."

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Years had passed since their first meeting. The once little dancer now had had her 18th birthday and was starting her first year in college. Since the day in the woods, her talent of dance had increased, as did her skills in combat since the Alpha Blood ran through her veins.

Now she lays peacefully asleep in her bed. Her raven hair had grown to reach her waist, but the silky soft texture remained the same. Her features were soft as she relaxed, and there on her wrist was the golden bracelet with the five charms.

A wolf, a crown, a sapphire, a heart, and a castle.

She had kept her promise.

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