The Chase

  ~*~*~

  Before opening my eyes, I savored the warmth I felt around me. Everything felt so right as I listened to the birds tweeting, felt a gentle breeze on my face, and something warm enveloping me in its embrace.

  When I finally decided the day had to start and the dream had to end sometime, I opened my eyes. Frowning in confusion, I realized I was in a forest. Examining my situation further, I realized I had no clothes on. I sat up and glanced around frantically. Meeting Christopher’s gaze, I gasped, quickly covering myself with my hands.

  “Good morning,” he greeted me, sounding tentative for the first time since I returned home.

  “We’re mates…” I breathed, remember the previous night’s events. I felt tears threaten to spill over.

  “We are,” he confirmed with a nod, keeping his eyes firmly planted on mine. “Are you… okay with that?”

  “I don’t really have much choice now, do I?” I asked, all emotion drained from my voice.

  “Tess…” he began, shaking his head, “I know you’re angry, but I didn’t plan this…”

  “I’m not angry,” I replied tonelessly.

  Christopher frowned, looking at me in confusion. “Then what’s wrong?”

  “Nothing,” I replied with a small shrug, “We’re mates now… that’s all that matters.”

  “No,” he stated firmly, “Tell me what’s wrong.”

  I winced at the authority in his voice, shying away from him.

  “I’m sorry, sweetheart,” he murmured, reaching out to caress my cheek, “Please tell me.”

  “It’s not important.”

  “Then maybe my Alpha voice is the way to go,” he sighed wearily, rubbing his temple, “I need you to tell me what’s wrong.”

  “I just… What do you want for me to do… my mate?” I asked, trying to sound submissive and respectful.

  “I want for you to tell me what’s bothering you,” he let out a groan, lying back against the grass again, “I’ve gathered it’s more related to being mated than me specifically… Especially judging by what you said day before yesterday. What about being mated bothers you so much? I know the process is crude, but…”

  “It’s not that,” I whispered, “It’s… what comes after.”

  “After?” he looked up at me again in confusion, “What…? Sex?”

  I shuddered and shook my head.

  “Then what?” he asked, sitting up and placing his hand gently on my cheek.

  “It doesn’t matter,” I stated as I got to my feet, doing my best to keep covered, “Can I go get my clothes now?”

  “Yeah,” he nodded as he rose as well, “The clearing is this way.”

  We walked side by side towards the clearing, not talking. I knew he wouldn’t let his question go, though. He sensed that I wasn’t happy about being mated. Males were persistent and I suspected he’d eventually figure it out… unless I left first.

  When we got to the clearing, we gathered clothes and dressed. The clothes I had been wearing were somewhere in the forest, but everyone brought spare clothes during a full moon, just in case.

  Once clothed, Christopher put his hand on my shoulder and turned me to face him.

  “What now, Alpha?” I asked softly, keeping my eyes on the ground.

  “My name is Christopher,” he replied gently, placing a finger beneath my chin and making me meet his eyes, “I’d appreciate it if you called me such.”

  “Yes, sir… Christopher,” I told him obediently.

  I would be obedient… I would be submissive… and then I would be gone.

  “Should we tell your parents the good news?” he asked, attempting to sound cheerful.

  “Alright. If that’s what you want to do,” I agreed with a nod.

  Christopher frowned and sighed heavily before taking my hand in his, and leading me out of the forest.