Warning - some sexual content in this chaper...

Sophia's POV

That evening as Knox was finishing up some pack business, I decided to take a bath and get ready for bed. As I sat back in the warm water trying to relax I reminisced over the day's events.

Holy cow, what a day. Normally I would be freaking out at this point...

First the attack and me finally pulling up my big girl panties and not cowering in fear for once. I mean seriously where the hell did that come from?

Then standing up before most of the pack and simultaneously taking Craig down a peg or two and spilling my life story. Again, I hated to speak in front of anyone, let alone hundreds...maybe I need to have my head examined. Either that or I have had my body possessed by aliens.

When I first woke up in the hospital and after Jane explained this new world I was dropped into, I requested that those who knew my story, to keep it to themselves.

I was utterly ashamed and embarrassed of what I allowed to happen to me and Ella. I didn't want anyone else to know. I was tired of people looking at me with pity. There were only a few who understood my situation, those who assisted with picking me up and the hospital staff that helped me. So for my sake, Knox commanded them to keep any and all information pertaining to me and Ella to remain quiet.

I never really understood the ramifications of that silence. What a fool I have been. I really need to stop thinking all about me, and start focusing on how my mate is doing. How all this changed his life too.

Here was this great and powerful Alpha, who was a wonderful leader, loved by all his people; being brought into question all because we have not completely mated. His status as an Alpha seemed to be casted with a shadow of disgrace, and the virility of his manhood was found lacking. I mean really people don't you think you are overreacting just a bit?

From the outside looking in that one element would seem absurd, who in their right mind puts that much emphasis on sex? But once you start to understand the concept of pack life, that notion no longer seems as ludicrous.

The entire pack worked as a one unit. Everyone had their place and responsibilities that allowed the pack to function as a whole. The center of the unit was based on protecting the essence of it...family.

Mates were considered the most sacred and cherished of all other elements that made up a pack. Once the bond was formed, only death could break it. Most shifters waited until they found their mates to have sex. Especially females. Keeping yourself pure and only giving yourself to your mate was an unwritten rule.

During the many conversations that Jane and I have had, she always pointed out that this was the number one difference between humans and shifters. This belief of waiting for your soul mate was uncommon now a days in the human world, but was considered absolute in the shifter world. The churches would love these people. They took abstinence to the extreme.

It took me a while to wrap my head around that one. I have come from a world, my world, where the man I pledged my love and trust to destroyed me. Physically, emotionally and mentally. I almost lost my faith in love and was determined to never allow another man to get that close.

So this concept of your true soul mate; your true other half was a big pill to swallow.

At least that is what I originally thought. That was until I got to know Knox and other mated shifters. The bond was undeniable. Mated shifters seemed more happy...grounded...complete...whole...loved.

Even though I seemed to fight against it constantly, my bond with Knox was there. I couldn't ignore it no matter how much I wanted to. It was there in the way he treated me. The way he took care of me. Held me. Supported me. And dare I say the way he...loved me?

Sinking lower into the warm water my thoughts weighted heavily on my mind.

Did I believe Knox was my mate? Yes, I did.

Did I feel the same connection with him? Yes, when he touched me it was like fire consumed my body.

Could I see us mated, starting a family? Yes, I would love more children, especially his children.

Could I see us making love? Oh yeah...that one is definitely a yes.

Then what was really the bottom line as to why I was holding back? Why every time when Knox and I were cuddled up in bed, did I stop him?

I mean physically I was all healed. No more bandages or casts.

Mentally, well I have not forgotten my past, but I have accepted it and moved on. Being with Knox was a huge factor in dissolving the hold that my past had over me. I refused to be a victim any longer.

Knox was not Brian. He would never allow any type of harm to come my way.

Now emotionally, well hell. Who really ever understands a woman's emotions? Shit I can't even figure them out and they are mine.

God...I so fucked up, maybe I need a shrink. Do shifters even have shrinks?

What I know is that I feel safe and secure, something that was so foreign to me for so long. And the Knox is truly amazing and I find myself falling in love with him a little bit more each day. I couldn't picture my life without him at this point and I look forward to our future.

That what is the fucking problem! I pounded my fists into the water, trying to release some of my frustration.

"Hey beautiful, what has put that look on your gorgeous face?"

A small scream filled the room as my eyes shot to the door, where Knox casually leaned against the frame with his arms crossed over his chest. As a reflex, I scrambled to hide my body as much as possible.

Even though we share a bed every night, he has yet so see me naked. The farthest we have gotten is some under the shirt massaging of my breasts.

"Uhh-uhh baby. There is no need to hide. I have been standing here for several minutes watching you already, so I have had the pleasure of taking all of you in."

My body seemed to heat up and it wasn't from the warm water. Oh my, how embarrassing. I closed my eyes trying to hide my mortification. Did he find me repulsive? Were my breasts to small? My hips and ass to curvy? At least that is what Brian always thought.

Wait...but Knox isn't Brian. Dammit Sophia, you need to remember that.

A hand cupped my face, rubbing a small circle on my cheek. Opening my eyes, Knox knelt by the tub.

"Baby, there is no reason to EVER be embarrassed in front of me. I LOVE your body. Every single detail. I cannot wait until you give me the green light to go exploring because...oh yeah baby, I am going to need hours discovering all your curves and sensitive spots."

Oh boy. The look on his face was pure sexual hunger. Leaning forward his lips closed over mine, encompassing them in warmth as he explored my mouth with his tongue. I was unable to hold back the moan as he deepened, taking more from me.

My body heated up so much it was amazing that the water didn't start to boil. I mean this man could kiss. He kissed like his life depended on it, like I was the air and he was starving to breathe.

His hand began to travel down my neck and across my shoulder, bringing my skin alive under his touch. His hand made its way down to my chest that was partially under the water, circling around my breast, bringing forth another moan as he squeezed gently, slowly adding more pressure.

Oh god that felt good. His hand seemed to swallow my entire mound. Breaking away from his mouth, I tilted my head back to suck in some much needed air. Giving Knox the opportunity to trail kisses down the side of my neck to my shoulder.

BAM! As his lips connected with a space where my neck and shoulder met it was like lightening had struck. Pure pleasure coursed through every fiber of my body as I moaned out his name. Knox...Knox...

"Feel that baby...this is where my mark will be...kiss...exactly...kiss...right...kiss...here...kiss."

HOLY SHIT! My body tensed, coiling tighter and tighter the more he kissed and licked that spot. How the hell have I made it this far in my life with no one every discovering this one spot. It was the most wonderful, pleasurable feeling I have ever experiences...and all from a kiss.

I don't know if that is completely pathetic or not, but right now I don't give a damn on debating as long as he didn't stop.

If I could bottle this up, I could make millions. Lonely women everywhere would empty out their bank accounts just for this.

My body was humming with excitement as his lips continued to dance along my skin. His fingers teased my nipple as he leisurely drew stimulating circles around it. The peak began to tighten and elongate. Pressure began to build, making my breasts feel heavier, fuller.

Taking the peak in between his finger and thumb he started to rub the hardening peak back and forth. Creating just enough friction to bring me closer to the edge...

Oh No, no, no... It was an edge that I would never be able to go over. Shit...shit...how the hell did I forget about my little problem. I have tried for years to overcome it, with no success. I had to let him know before we went any further. I didn't want him to think that this had anything to do with him.

Pulling back, I put some space between us.

"Knox you need to stop...please."

Letting his head fall further, he closed his eyes for a few minutes. "I am so sorry baby. I just got carried away, I didn't mean to take it too far, I know you are not ready..."

"Knox it's not that I am just not ready...I have something to tell you, but let me get out of the tub first."

Nodding he stood up and reached for the counter to grab the towel I had sitting there. I knew that he expected me to just stand up, but really...how about giving a girl a little privacy. But the look on his face was one of challenge. He didn't think I had the guts. He was waiting for me to ask him to leave. Oh the arrogant man.

Shooting him a sly smile, I stood up allowing the water to cascade down my skin briefly before stepping out of the tub. His breath caught and his mouth dropped open in shock. Seductively I walked until I stood in front of him, lifting my finger, I closed his mouth.

"Wolf go your tongue, Mr. Alpha..." Take that mister, pshh...challenge me...

Shaking his head, Knox laughed as he wrapped me up in a towel and began to dry me off. Who ever thought such a simple act was so down right erotic.

Dammit Sophia - focus! What the hell is the matter with me?

"Alright my little minx, you proved your point, now come on I believe you wanted to tell me something."

Oh right, hell I had the attention span of a four year old. Get it together woman. Knox shocked me by reaching down and picking me up carrying me over to the bed. Setting me down; he reached into the dresser nearby and grabbed one of his shirts which he pulled over my head.

His smell surrounded me, instantly relaxing my nerves. Oh how I love the smell of pine and cedar. A weird combination but it worked wonders on my senses.

Pulling the chair up in front of me, he took a seat waiting for me to begin.

Well, I guess it is now or never...