Chapter 10: The Bonfire

Kate

I see Troy towards the huge pile of wood that is stacked in the center. He grabs one of the lit torches and addresses the crowd of people.

“Food is ready, let’s have some fun,” he says, throwing the touch into the pile of wood, which instantly goes up in flames.

“Did you enjoy your evening alone?” he asks, walking past me towards the tables lined with food and drinks.

I follow behind him as I reply. “Yes, actually, I had a really nice time, but I do have to ask you a favor,”

“Oh? What might that be?” he asks, piling food on his plate.

“I need some money. I got a camera from one of the shops, and he wouldn't let me pay. But I do not feel right taking something that he would have made money on selling. So I need to pay him for it, but I do not have any money. I don't have anything of my own now that I think about it. You took me away from my life, and everything I had is gone,” I say

He turns to me with a sigh, “Okay, I will make sure he is paid for the camera. If you would like, I will have Molly take you to town in the morning. You can buy anything you want, just put it on here,” he says, pulling a card from his wallet and handing it to me.

“Really?’ I ask, surprised.

“Yes, what is mine is not yours, Kate. You are my mate, and I will always make sure you are happy and taken care of. That I promise,” he says.

I take the card and put it in my pocket, then I grab a plate and start getting my food. I walk over to where Troy is sitting and take the seat next to him. Listening to the music play and watching the people laugh and dance around the fire brings a smile to my face. Maybe this place isn't too bad? Maybe I can learn to be happy here after all. Troy has been nothing but nice and patient with me thus far. As we finish eating, the music starts to slow down. Troy looks at me and offers his hand as if asking to dance. I take his hand and let him lead me to the dance floor. He moves my hands around his neck, then lets his fall to my waist. As we dance, I look into his eyes, and I see a sense of softness in them that I had not noticed before.

“Why are you so nice to me? After all, I have done nothing but try to run away from you,” I ask.

“It is a big adjustment. I don't expect you to just fall in line. You are not a prisoner here, and I don't want you to feel as such. I want you to be happy here and to want to stay with me because you want to, not because I make you,” he explains.

“I really am trying to understand all of this, but I don't know if I can do it,” I say.

“I know you can. I can sense that you are a true leader; you just have to learn to trust yourself,” he says.

“Really?” I ask.

“Yes,” he says, “I haven't told you this yet, but you are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen.”

“Yeah, right,” I say, rolling my eyes.

“It's true. From the second I found you, I haven't stopped thinking about you. Your beautiful red hair, face full of freckles, and those icy blue eyes take my breath away,” his voice softens.

“Thank you.” I blush.

He starts to lean in closer, stopping just before his lips touch mine. He looks at me as if asking permission, and I give a small nod. I have never kissed anyone before, so I just closed my eyes. I wait for the moment when his lips would touch mine, and for just a second, I feel his brush against mine. Then all of a sudden, he pulls away, and his whole demeanor changes. I open my eyes to look at him and notice he is not looking at me. I turn to see what has caught his attention, and see a group of men yelling and drunk. He starts walking over to them when one of the men shoves the other, and within a matter of seconds, punches are being thrown.

“Enough!” He growls in a deep voice, making my whole body go cold.

Everyone freezes in place instantly. The music stops, and no one speaks. The men look to Troy as if he is saying something, but he never speaks. A moment later, he turns away from them, walking back to me.

“What just happened? Why didn't you say anything?” I ask.

“You know men, tempers get high and with the mix of alcohol, a fight or two is normal. I didn't have to say anything; I am the Alpha, and my presence alone is enough to put them in their place.” He says.

“That was hot,” I say in my head.

“Oh yeah?” he says with a smile.

“Did I say that out loud?” I blush.

“Yes, you did,” he says, his eyes flashing from their normal icy blue to a golden yellow.

“What is wrong with your eyes?” I jump.

“That is my wolf. He likes you calling him hot.” He says, chuckling.

“Your wolf?” I question.

“Yes, the wolf is both part of us but also separate. We have the same body, but we have different thoughts. I can hear him in my mind. That is also how we communicate throughout the pack, even if we are far apart from each other. Our wolves can link with one another. It is hard to explain.” He explains.

“Can I see again?” I ask curiously.

“Of course,” he says, his eyes glowing again.

As I look into them, I can sense they are not his but someone else's. I lean in to get a better view and feel safe under his gaze. Troy slowly leans in as our lips touch for the first time. It sent fireworks shooting through my body. As I feel my temperature rising, my heart starts to race as my lips move against his, almost out of instinct.