Chapter 26-In Love and War, Everything is Fair Selene's POV: Night had fallen, and the streets of the small town were nearly empty. I sprinted full speed, the world around me blurring past. The thrill of the chase set my pulse racing-especially knowing Aaron was right behind me. I was captivated by him; there was no need to deny it. Yet I refused to let that flame blindly guide me. You see, not every alpha enjoys a chase. Many are too lazy or complacent, preferring the female wolf to surrender without resistance. My future mate could never be like that. If he truly wanted me as his, he would have to prove it-not just with words, but through action, demonstrating his love and respect in this sacred ritual. I would not bow at his feet easily. I needed to know that his heart beat only for me. I burst into the woods and reached a clearing. Branches swayed, leaves whispered. I slowed, sniffing the air to gauge Aaron's distance, but his scent was absent. Had he fallen behind? My heart sank, though I quickly cast aside the disappointment, feeling an unexplainable trust in him. Perhaps I ran too fast, leaving him unable to keep up. I had no wolf form, but in human shape, I was faster than most shapeshifters. Keanu, for instance-I had outrun him before, though not easily. Fairly, Aaron was likely pursuing me in human form. Should I turn back to make it easier for him? I wondered. Not to let him catch me, not because I craved his claim as my mate-none of that. I merely didn't want him to lose his way in this vast forest. Moonlight filtered through the trees, casting ever-shifting patterns on the ground. I stretched my neck, scanning the shadows for his tall figure. Was it necessary to run so fast? Ugh! I stomped my foot in frustration, mostly at myself. A branch snapped behind me, and my world narrowed to a single, intoxicating scent-a scent I knew too well, craved desperately. Heady, addictive, like the sweetest opium. I felt as though I could survive on it alone. "Having fun, little Kitten?" His deep, husky voice stirred me to my core. I fought the impulse to melt against him. "You cheated," I retorted, striving for sternness, still facing away so he couldn't see the hidden joy lighting me from within. "You masked your scent. That's unfair." "In love and war, everything is fair," he said. Before I could respond, he lunged, spinning me around and pinning me against a tree. I was trapped between his arms. "I've caught you, Selene. This means you officially belong to me," he murmured, each word dripping with possessiveness. My inner defiance sparked. A mere trick and a few words? Not enough to make me surrender. I flashed him an innocent smile, holding it just long enough to persuade him. Before he could react, I 15:16 20.27% slipped beneath his arms, darting away, leaving him momentarily stunned. He let out a savage growl, more beast than man, and I shivered with delight. I hadn't gone far; his arms were already around my waist, pulling me close, erasing any space between us. "Naughty girl," he whispered in my ear. I couldn't help but giggle, the warmth of his breath tickling my neck, igniting a deep ache inside me. "Remind me-what did I say would happen if you ran again?" He pressed closer, his erection rubbing against my ass. I gasped, voice caught in my throat, as he yanked my shirt from my shoulders, buttons scattering like seeds. "Did I mention I'd make you lose consciousness, even out here?" One hand threaded through my hair, tilting my head. His lips burned my skin, leaving a trail of bites across my neck and shoulders before claiming my mouth with a wild, devouring kiss. I leaned into him, utterly powerless, yet exhilarated. His fingers tugged my bra aside, exposing my nipples fully. My tension mounted as he took his time, teasing, kneading, gripping roughly. My moans escaped uncontrollably. I longed for the strength to resist, yet my eyes blurred and my mind went blank. "I need to feel you, Selene," he moaned into my mouth. "All of you." He spun me to face him, yanked off my shirt, then stripped my bra and jeans. His ravenous gaze swept over me. "Beautiful. All mine!" he growled, my body humming with desire. My mind screamed at my insanity, exposing myself here in the wild, vulnerable to anyone who might come near. Footsteps echoed in the distance, yet compared to the fire within, they were nothing. I watched, hazy-eyed, as his eyes fixed on my neck, fangs bared. Was he about to mark me? To claim me utterly? Leave a comment 11516 20.27