Water and bubbles

Hunter’s POV

She was dirty, smelly, and so beautiful. Mine. Finally, something only mine.

I was sick and tired of the endless parade of women, whether she-wolf or human, that kept coming to my bed. They were always there, looking for comfort, for something from me, but it never felt right. It was just bodies, hunger, and routine. I had only one child, a girl, and even with her, something felt missing. No one cared about connection, just survival and need. But with Emily, something shifted. She felt different from everyone else, untamed, mysterious; nothing about her seemed forced or desperate; she wasn’t here for what she could get. She was just herself. For the first time in a long while, I wanted more than someone to warm my bed. I wanted to understand her. I wanted her to want me too.

Emily smelled different. Untamed survived so long on her own; it's a mystery how she hasn’t been taken.

The pack watched me as I carried her inside my home. A human. They hated humans; they were only going along with it so we could breed. The pack is shrinking.

We are the last pack. Very long ago, packs used to fill these mountains and forests, but war with humans and sickness wiped most of us out. Now, we survive in hiding, cut off from others, clinging to what we have left. As far as we know, no other packs remain nearby. In some ways, it is better; there is no need to share our women. But it also means we are alone, fighting to keep our bloodline alive as we battle humans.

I won’t share Emily, ever. She's my special treasure. I laid her on the bed and closed the door behind me.

You got a human? My beta asks me. She looks young.

Jalen, yes, and she’s mine. Only mine.

I see, what else? You disappeared this morning, and we were worried.

How are the supplies for the sick going? Has the team returned?

Not yet. Also, your grandfather was not happy this morning when he caught your brother and…

We laughed. Kaden is immature; he is supposed to be up early, and he was given a mission. He probably forgot.

Now I need some clothes for her, and a guard at all times. As I said, she is only mine. We turned the corner to see my grandfather walking with his cane. His face lit up.

Hunter, I saw you got yourself a human, he chuckled.

Yeah, I found her in the abandoned farm miles from here. She is mine only, and I will announce her as my luna; this way, we will have no problem.

A human? My grandfather said.

Yes, now can I go and do my job? I said, patting him on the shoulder.

And get that lazy brother of yours to do something, he shouted as he shook his head.

 

Emily’s POV

I opened my eyes, and I thought this couldn’t be real. I was in a bed! A bed. Never been in a bed, mattress on the floor, I should say, a smelly mattress on the floor, was the best comfort I ever had.

I touched the clean sheets; they smelled fresh, and I smelled terrible. Maybe they have water, and I walked inside the bathroom to see a tub full of water. I let out a gasp. Touched it. Water.

I stripped and submerged. Through the ripples, I saw a face. I screamed and gulped water.

Hunter, I said, taking a breath, you scared me. He chuckled. I covered my breasts.

Calmly, he poured a liquid into the tub, and as he moved his hand through the water, the clear surface shimmered, white bubbles blooming outward on the surface. A clean, fresh scent filled the air, sweet with a light, floral note, and I reached out to touch the foam. The bubbles were soft and slippery between my fingers, popping gently, while the water itself felt warm and silky on my skin. I smiled. This was beyond fancy for me.

He took a bowl and knelt next to the tub. Deepened it, poured water on my head, then poured shampoo on it, and started washing my hair.

I can do this, really…

Emily, you’re my mate, I want to do it myself and take care of you.

But I know how…no one ever cared for me, it felt different and weird at the same time, I thought.

I closed my eyes and let him wash my hair. Then I scrubbed my body as he sat on the floor watching me.

Too creepy for you? he asked, smiling.

Hunter, I’ve been on my own for a long time, and no one ever really had good intentions.

It's a miracle you’re alive and unhurt, Emily. Goddess watching over you, and brought you to me.

I felt the heat going to my face. Can I have a towel, please?

He was holding it for me, and I got out. He wrapped me in it and held me close. I couldn’t look him in the eyes.

His lips touched my forehead. We will work on the trust part, but you have to meet me halfway. As for being my mate, we will take it easy, yes? For a moment, my heart pounded as a mix of fear and hope tangled up inside me. The idea of trust sounded impossible and comforting all at once, and I barely understood what I wanted. I felt like I was standing at the edge of something I could not yet see, unsure if I should run from it or fall into it.

I nodded. Good girl. Now let me dry you and brush your hair.

You smell delicious. He chuckled.

It's like you described a meal, I said, frustrated.

His eyes met mine, and I felt almost hypnotized by them. Felt weak, and I really didn’t care.

He undid the towel, wiped me slowly as my face burned red, then helped me dress in an old T-shirt and a pair of overwashed black jeans. We sat on the bed, and he untagged my hair as I was letting out small gasps from him pulling it.

I hope I will get better at this, Emily, because I feel bad hurting you right now.

When I turned and looked at him, he seemed sincere. He leaned a little and waited for me to see if I would meet him halfway. He was testing.

I leaned closer, and he kissed me, softly—my first kiss.