Chapter 2 Good Mutt

Taken aback, I stepped away, meeting the gaze of the young man lounging on a tree branch above. His intense stare sent shivers down my spine, and I realized I still didn't know his name.

"Are you a woods creature?" I questioned, my tone curious and confused.

"I have a villa in the city with an amazing view of the woods but no. I did have a feeling that you might come back." he responded, descending from the tree smoothly.

"I'm Trent Wade " he introduced himself, extending his hand. "Ashley Smith," I replied, accepting his hand.

Standing in front of me, his tall figure cast a shadow, evoking a mixture of emotions-fear, longing, and intense curiosity.

I looked up at him nervously. "What brought you here the other day?"

"The same reason as you." he responded, not breaking eye contact at all. "Fate led me here. And you?"

I paused, trying to find the right words. "I usually come here for some quiet time," I lied defensively, although the words rang hollow.

Trent shrugged and suggested, "You wanna grab a drink?"

Excitement welled up within me, and I found myself blurting out, "Yes, I'd love to." Heading to a nearby bar, we entered the dimly lit interior.

Taking a seat at a table, the anticipation for the evening's unfolding events lingered in the air. I resisted the urge to repeatedly check my watch, knowing my nerves were obvious.

"I'll be right back," Trent announced, walking toward the bar. He hadn't been gone for ten seconds when someone splashed beer on me from behind. I gasped and turned around in mortification.

"Are you going to apologize?" I hurriedly reached for tissues to dab my neck. The beer trailed down my back and I shivered in revulsion.

"Hey, sweetheart," The idiot had the nerve to smirk at me. "Wanna dance?"

"No," I was amazed at how idiotic he was being. "I want you to apologize for spilling beer on me."

"If you want me to apologize, you gotta dance with me." He raised his beer in a toast.

"I'm not going to dance with you." I snapped.

"Then I'm..." Thankfully, Trent chose that moment to come back.

"Apologize to the lady." Trent said in a voice that chilled me.

"What are you going to do, grey man?" The man taumted.

In a flash, he skillfully jerked the man up and aroind, causing the side of the intruder's face to collide with the table. The impact rattled glasses and utensils as Magnus held the man's face firmly in place, his elbow pinning him down.

"You've got ten seconds to apologize to the lady," Trent's voice was stern and unyielding. "Or you're going to see what I'm truly capable of."

Tense silence hung in the air for a few heart-pounding moments as everyone paused what they were doing to look at us. The stranger's eyes widened, registering shock and fear.

"I'm sorry." the stranger yelled, not meeting my eye.

"Good mutt," Trent uttered with a cold smile, easing the pressure on the man's face. released him, and the disgraced intruder practically running out of the bar.

Are you okay?"

"I'm ok."

"Let's go." I'm glad he knows I couldn't possibly have that drink anymore.

I observed him out of the corner of my eye as we walked, my eyes drifting to his bulging biceps. His expression gave nothing away.

"Thanks for standing up for me," I said as I reached my door, stepping onto the porch and facing him.

"It was nothing," he replied, his tone calm and collected.

I chewed my lips shyly, not meeting his eyes."I had fun tonight." I said.

"We didn't even get to have that drink," he teased.

"But I enjoyed your silent company." I shot back.

"Me, too. Let me see you go in." He said. What a gentleman! He didn't leave until I was upstairs and I got to see his back view as he walked away. I can't believe I miss him already. I couldn't stop thinking about Trent and the way he made me feel alive with his presence. It was all so new to me.

As if I conjured him up with my mind, he suddenly appeared by my window.

"Trent?" I whispered, not quite convinced that my mind was playing tricks.

"Can I come in?" Two minutes later, we were both in my room and I regarded him warily.

"I came back," he said. "I couldn't stay away."

"Why?" I managed to ask. He took a step closer, closing the distance between us. I couldn't think clearly, his presence muddling up my brain.

"I felt it, Ashley," he said, his voice a husky whisper. "The connection between us. I know you're my mate, but if you don't feel it too, I'll climb right out that window, and we'll never see each other again. So, did you feel it too?"

I could only nod. His lips crashed onto mine in a passionate, fiery kiss that made my body come alive. Heat surged through my body, and I felt my wolf, Zee, stirring.

"I need to hear you say it, darling!" He whispered against my lips.

"I feel it." I admitted,my heart pounding in my chest. I could no longer deny.

His eyes darkened with my admission and he effortlessly lifted me. I wrapped my legs around his waist, consumed by the intoxicating kiss. Trent broke the kiss only to undo my zip, letting my gown cascade to the floor. His hands cupped my breasts, and I gasped as he bit my lip.

Gently, he laid me in the center of the bed, his fingers skillfully teasing and exploring.

My body responded eagerly, and I moaned as he sent waves of pleasure coursing through me. The sensations were overwhelming, and I felt a newfound power within me.

Trent's kiss ignited a passion that urged me to delve into unexplored realms of desire. With a swift movement, he undid his pants, revealing his hard-on. I looked at him, a mixture of fear and eager anticipation in my gaze.

"That..." I began, but he chuckled, kneeling on the bed.

"It'll fit perfectly," he whispered, placing open-mouthed kisses on my neck and chin. "You're made to take me." He teased my entrance, slowly entering me. The pain mingled with pleasure, and I winced. Trent paused, his own desire evident in his eyes.

He bent down to take one of my breasts into his mouth, sending shivers down my spine. I moaned as he began moving, a slow and gentle rhythm that gradually increased in intensity.

In the heat of our passionate sounds echoing in the room, I realized this night was just the start of a journey filled with strong feelings, challenges, and a love that would test how much our hearts and souls could handle. Our deep connection left us both breathless, and with every breath we took and every kiss we shared, our bond grew stronger.

Trent's lips caressed my neck, and I anticipated what would happen next. He was about to leave a mark, to assert his ownership. I had yearned for this moment.

He stopped, his fangs lightly touching my skin, and I held my breath. I craved to feel his mark, his claim, to unite us permanently. Yet, he hesitated.