Chapter 6 THE ALPHA'S PULL

Trina's POV

I floated suspended, embraced by crisp currents. Until sudden movement on the bank jerked me upright with a gasp - Daelan stood arrogantly before me in all his naked glory, skin gilded bronze where dappled sunlight struck smooth flesh tainted with ink. We locked stares as he casually shed boots and light shirt. Alarm spiked my pulse realizing his clear intent to join me.

"What are you doing here?" I forced out through frozen lungs, clutching protective arms across my nearly exposed chest. Amusement crinkled the corners of Daelan's eyes, his carved mouth curling sly.

"I quite enjoy bathing here after training. By all means, join me if you wish."

And with that he shed the last scrap of cloth and dove seamlessly into the stream. I squeezed my eyes tightly shut against temptation's sight as Daelan surfaced - water sluicing down each cut hard plane and angle of his warrior's body. So close his skin blazed fever-hot, lapping against my own kindling sparks of unwanted fire low and heavy beneath my belly. Our wolves slammed wildly inside, the traitorous beasts begging for forbidden contact scant distances away.

With an inward cry I tamped down the rising wanton ache, refusing my she-wolf's treacherous call. I could not move on from Victor so swiftly, no matter if another now shared his furs and seed. I yet clung stubbornly to the tattered dream of reclaimed affections, my faithful heart battered but unbroken.

Gentle splashing warned of Daelan's stealthy approach. I scrambled back, desperate and trembling with refusal on my lips - but quick as lightning his large hand clamped on my wrist, pinning me in place as his solemn eyes captured and held mine tight.

"Don't fight this fire smoldering to life between us, Trina. Our wolves have already recognized their perfect mate in the other." His rich voice compelled me motionless while bold fingers trailed delicate patterns against my hammering pulse. "The mating bond between us is awakens whether you wish it or not. Cease denying what your beautiful scent makes plain as day. We both want each other."

Pressure built behind my eyes, hot tears gathering at the truth of his words. Since our first searing exchange something intangible yet profound sparked there - a fundamental connection growing steadily stronger between us like metal fused beneath flame. A bond once forged beyond all sundering. But how could I abandon dignity or propriety so swiftly after Victor's razor dismissal?

As if reading the conflicted tangle of my thoughts, Daelan gentled his hold on my wrist, his free hand lifting to tilt my chin tenderly upward.

"The loyal heart knows swiftly what the mind refuses to accept. Your former mate was never deserving of such true affections freely given. It is past time to stop punishing yourself for the failings of an unworthy male, Trina mine." Unfathomable emotion smoldered in his volcanic eyes. "Open your eyes to the fresh possibility so long denied. Fate has steers our course now beyond all mortal interference."

My lungs tightened almost beyond breathing at the raw passion lacing each fervent word. Perhaps he spoke wisdom - what cause remained anymore to keep resisting this pull growing stronger by the hour? My love now nestled comfortably in another's arms, obstinate faith at last stretched too thin to deny what my thundering pulse made plain.

Victor's handsome visage wavered uncertainly in my mind's eye - and was suddenly crushed beneath the burning promise in Daelan's wolf stare. Heart lurching into my throat, something inside me softened and surrendered fully to the moment. I leaned slowly forward into smoldering heat, morals crumbling swift as river stone before the Alpha's irresistible tide.

Daelan's breath caught harshly in his broad chest, arms snaking round to support my pliant body as I molded willingly against hard muscle and inked skin. Our wolves sang exultant and wild within our merging auras, reveled in sweet victory denied them far too long. For here at last in Alpha Daelan's arms we had found true sanctuary, our spirits finally returned home after weary ages of searching.

When Daelan's seeking mouth claimed mine I yielded up sweet nectar from within, tasting his tongue's exotic spice mingled with bright conquest. He broke the searing kiss on a rough groan.

"You are well and truly mine now, little she-wolf. No other shall ever lay claim or know your tender secrets while I draw breath." His words seared with raw possession, his heated stare did make me believe him more . I could but not help but nod fervently and give my approval under such delicious assault, my wolf utterly and consummately his.

With a throaty rumble of pleasure Daelan gathered me up and carried me from the chill stream to a grassy bank nearby, each step charged with violent promise. I clung fast to feverish bronzed skin, scarcely breathing beneath pounding anticipation. Was this really happening at last?

My prince laid me gently atop the yielding green bed, shadows playing delightfully over his harsh features. Eyes suddenly soft as new leaves smoked with open hunger roving my bared form. We both recognized primal dance's next unstoppable steps - my wolf lunged joyfully and impatient toward her true mate so near to claiming us fully.

But a flicker of uncertainty must have crossed my face then, for Daelan stilled above my prone figure, thumb tracing tenderly along my jawline in askance.

"I would bond us together in flesh and spirit, beloved. But only if freely given without reservation or remorse. I'll not take anything less than wholehearted consent between us. You have but to say it, my Trina, and I am ever yours." His solemn vow shivered delicious promise down my spine.

Overfull with surging emotion I drew his dark head down to mine. "Yes, oh yes my Alpha. Make us truly one beyond all severing. I freely offer all that I am."

A snarl tore from Daelan's chest as restraint vanished. He claimed my gasping mouth with savage intensity, lethal teeth swiftly breaking tender skin at the crux of neck and shoulder to mark me as his eternal bride. Bright pleasure-agony exploded instantly into delirious rapture.

And as Daelan sealed our sacred bond in the most primal dance of all, howling triumph to the approving mountain spirits while I clung fast and welcomed our blissful joining, all lingering doubts burned away like morning mist - scattered by the magnificent rising sun that was Daelan's ruthless passion set finally free. No longer a tragic stray discarded by cruel whims of fate. I now stood cherished equal to a formidable Lycan king, bound by eternal vows woven unbreakable.