Chapter Four

Uncontrolled Yearning for Her

~Orion~

Four days ago, impatience consumed me as I realized the drunk maiden had vanished in the middle of the night. There was a sinking feeling that I might never lay eyes on her again. But that wouldn't deter me—I was determined to find her. Our night together had been something special, a spark ignited by a one-night stand, a night of unbridled passion.

To my surprise, I discovered that she was a virgin. Knowing this, I felt a sense of relief and security. Unlike many of the promiscuous maidens that surrounded us, she was pure and untainted. But with her extraordinary beauty, a flicker of jealousy crept into my thoughts—other men would surely covet her, and I couldn't bear the thought of losing her to another.

It was the heartbeat my father spoke of, the one that resonated deep within me. From the moment Freya spoke, to the moment we danced, and finally, when we made love—each passing second intensified the rhythm of my heart.

I dispatched some of my men to search for this mysterious lady, providing them with a detailed description. However, despite their efforts, they returned empty-handed for two long days, bringing back countless women who bore no resemblance to Freya.

Amid my frustration, Gabriel offered his assistance, knowing I had other pressing matters to attend to. One such matter was an important meeting with the council of elders regarding the escalating war between our town and Wolfshade. Kane, a thorn in my side, was silently invading my territory, destroying anything that belonged to me. Although we had managed to capture and eliminate his men on several occasions, a direct confrontation with Kane seemed inevitable, with the outcome likely to be fatal for one of us.

Luck finally smiled upon us when Gabriel stumbled upon Emelda on his way to the town square. Instantly recognizing her, he wasted no time in inquiring about Freya's whereabouts, and just like that, we discovered where she resided.

My certainty grew stronger—Freya was undoubtedly the woman I had been searching for all my life. I had patiently waited for this moment, for the fear and respect I commanded were not enough; I longed for an heir to solidify my reign. Yet, it had to be with a woman I shared a deep emotional connection with. I refused to rush into taking a mate, waiting until the age of thirty to consider starting a family. For now, my mother was the only family I had.

Today, as I appeared unexpectedly in Freya's house, her shock was palpable. The expression on her face—priceless. I couldn't help but smile.

Where did she think she could escape to? Liam stood in her path, preventing her from fleeing.

According to her family, she had been sent on an errand. I refrained from revealing my true intentions to them, relishing the speechless and amazed looks they wore upon seeing me in their humble abode.

I was resolved to wait. I wasted no time in stating my desires to her family. There was no need for needless formalities—I preferred honesty. While her father appeared agreeable to whatever I proposed, it was ultimately Freya's choice to make.

Like a civilized man, I asked, without imposing myself upon their home and forcibly taking Freya away. I may have had a ruthless nature, but I was no caveman.

To my astonishment, Freya did not protest; she agreed without hesitation. Did she feel the same inexplicable connection that I did? Did she sense the overwhelming emotions that coursed through us that unforgettable night?

Happiness enveloped me, but a cloud loomed when a woman introduced herself as Freya's mother. Her words threatened to dampen my joy—Freya had never transformed into her wolf form. It was a pitiful revelation.

The woman I intended to take as my mate, who would become Luna, had never experienced the transformative power bestowed upon our kind. I fell into a thoughtful silence, contemplating the weight of this revelation.

However, I reached a resolute conclusion within myself. "Well, that's unfortunate. But it doesn't bother me, nor does it diminish my intentions. I will marry Freya just as she is. She's the one I want."

Their stunned expressions mirrored my own surprise. Even Freya, whose countenance had faded after her mother's revelation, regained her glow.

This unexpected turn of events surprised us all. I surprised myself, daring to defy convention and consequences. Freya's lack of transformation was not reason enough for me to reject her, not after the profound connection we shared. We would find a way to overcome this predicament. Just because she had never transformed before did not mean she would never.

Expressing gratitude for their hospitality, I bid Freya's family farewell, instructing them to prepare for the upcoming wedding ceremony in a week. As I left, I made sure to share a knowing wink with my beloved, causing her eyes to widen in awe.

"Well, that went well," I murmured aloud.

I and my three loyal men mounted our horses, riding back to the fort.

****

"What! How can you possibly marry a woman who has never transformed? This defies our customs," one of the elders exclaimed, annoyance evident in his voice.

"She is not blessed by the wolf goddess. She cannot be Luna. Look for another suitable mate," another elder interjected.

"Isn't this an ominous sign?" someone else remarked.

"She's not the only maiden... There are other candidates..."

"Enough!" I bellowed. I refused to entertain the noise they created.

"I am telling all of you that I have found the woman I want as my mate. I am not seeking your permission. The purpose of this urgent meeting is not to debate her eligibility as Luna and my mate. I called you all here to inform you that we have a wedding to prepare for in five days."

"But, Alpha, you must reconsider your decision."

"This meeting is adjourned. Thank you," I declared, cutting off any further objections. I would not let anyone dictate what was good or bad for me.

The only person I would heed would be my mother, and I had already discussed this with her. She gave me her blessings and encouraged me to follow my heart.