It's a beautiful day

Emily’s POV

One month has passed, and I finally got into a routine, not with Hunter but with the work and chores.

Hunter looks at me like I am the only girl in this broken world. I am so in love with him, and sometimes I feel scared to be happy. I wondered how my life was before, but the memories are gone, lost behind a wall I can't climb. All I have are nightmares. Every time I close my eyes, I see flashes, a dark, ragged forest, the heavy breath of a man chasing me, branches tearing at my skin as I run. I tumbled down a steep mountain, fear clawing at my insides, his voice echoing behind me. I never remember his face, just that sense of terror and falling. I wake up shaking, trapped between my old life and this uncertain peace.

Hunter said that sometimes a scent or a keyword might bring back memories. Today I’m standing in the grain field, picking some red poppy flowers. I placed one behind my ear. I walked almost to the end, and I heard voices arguing. I ducked on the ground and crawled to get closer.

Kaden said, "He will, just do as I ask, and I will reward you."

How? a woman’s voice said teasingly

Woman, how much cock can you get? " That was Kaden’s voice.

The woman laughed, "I don’t know, try me."

Then someone called my name. It was Hunter.

“Go now. I don’t want him to see you," Kaden told her. I hear the shuffle of the grains as he runs past me.

I stayed low for a while, then I saw Hunter, and I broke into a run. Where have you been?

Hiding, I whispered.

Why? He furrows his brow.

Because Kaden was meeting with someone, and I overheard their conversation, he spooked me.

What was it about?

They were lovers, I said, she wanted…

"Hmmm, and he didn’t? Kaden? That is interesting," Hunter replied. He looks at my bouquet of red poppies. Come on, let’s eat.

No common, let’s walk more. It's a beautiful day…Then I dropped the bouquet, bolted, and he chased after me.

I drop to the floor, and I roll on top of him. He kissed me desperately, as his hand went under the dress. Took off the panties, flipped me on my back, released his beast, and slammed inside me. Then stopped.

No, I said, breathless, don’t stop… please.

He picked up the pace with a strong thrust, making me lose my breath. He moved the strap lower on my shoulder to release my breasts, as he cupped it, playing with the nipple.

Hunter lifted my leg and pushed deeper, hitting that spot, and I saw little gold speckles as waves of pleasure were hitting my body. I screamed his name, and he growled so loud that the birds nearby startled and flew.

He moved over, and we laughed, looking at the sky. "Outdoor… hmm," he said, kissing my chest. "I like this."

Hunter, I love you, I said, touching his face.

He stared at me, and for a second, I saw fear in his eyes. Then he smiled and kissed my lips. I’m not big on words, but you know how I feel about you.

I do, just wanted to tell you how I feel, that’s all. Come on, let’s eat. I knew he was alpha, and I also knew I was human. Between humans and alphas, a line is drawn that no one dares to cross. Alphas are forbidden from choosing a human mate, something about the blood, the legacy, the expectations of the pack. Even if our hearts wanted it, the rules and traditions kept us in separate worlds. We had no future together. But for now, I am happy.

Kaden’s eyes were on me the whole meal. I was feeling uncomfortable. I looked at Hunter, and he was lost in thought.

Hey, Alpha, a pack member said, " When are you going to take a real Luna?

He dropped his spoon and looked at the man. Do I ask your opinion, Lionel?

"She is human," another pack member said. I watched Kaden, and he was smiling. I knew he did this. There was a glint in his eyes, calculating and cold, like he was already planning his next move. Hunter, I think he was oblivious to how dark his brother is, how much jealousy and bitterness he hides. Kaden wants his place; I had no doubt. And I couldn’t shake the feeling that the woman he met had something to do with it, that he’d go further than anyone expected to get the power he craves.

He slammed his hand on the table, then growled. Are you challenging me?

No alpha, of course not, but it's time you took a Luna. She can stay and breed with you. We have no problem with that.

Really? Now, are you going to choose a luna for me? He was getting angry…

I would never; that would be your choice. Forgive me, Alpha.

Kaden stood up. You said it to yourself the other day, brother, I heard you. We are wolves.

He slapped him hard. Are they challenging me?

Kaden backed up, scared. No, of course not.

Then stay the fuck out of my business. He turned and left. I stood up, and Kaden cut my path.

Watch it, Emily. Your time here is over. Then leaned in, just like my brother’s. I ran to our room. Hunter paced, lost in thought. Pressure built, the stares, Kaden’s threats, the pack's judgments. I saw Hunter’s strain. If I stayed, they'd keep tearing us apart. For his sake, I decided: I will leave.

Emily, I’m sorry, he said, taking me in his arms. Don’t listen to them. My heart belongs to you; no one else can take it. That is my promise.

I believe you, Hunter. Then I changed into a shirt and got into bed.

Now he said before we sleep, promise me you’ll never leave me.

"Hunter, listen to me..." He covered my mouth.

I promise, Hunter, I will always be near you. I closed my eyes, and tears fell. It's almost like he knew I was going to leave.

Is he my whole world? Still, a part of me aches with fear at the thought of losing him, and wonders if someday happiness will last for us. I wish I could hold onto this moment forever, but deep inside, hope and dread twist together as I picture what the future might bring.