"I feel funny." I told Alexei's shadow. The words tasted weird on my tongue. He hadn't moved an inch from the doorway. He was so quiet, I wondered briefly if I was speaking to the silhouette of the tree outside the window because I could be dumb like that.

"Alexei?" I whispered, trying again. There was a warm sensation where my heart thrummed. It wasn't unpleasant. Just different. New.

Why was he being so quiet?

I heard his rough exhale of breath. It almost felt like the whole house rattled from it, growing still once more when the sound faded into a hush.

Then a low rumble sounded.

It was throaty and deep, something I never heard Alexei do before. I felt my wolf stir a little, as if waking from a long, tranquil slumber.

I straightened up, catching Alexei's intense dark golden-brown eyes locked on me from across the room.

They shimmered with shards of hunger, confusion and understanding.

The smell I inhaled, tantalised my senses. I wanted to imprint the fragrance on my skin and leave it there.

Alexei approached, step by step. His socked feet barely made any noise as he ate the gap between us until he was a scant metre away. My wolf fluttered, perking up in alarm. Something smelled delicious.

What was that? My wolf was practically purring.

"Penelope."

His voice was off.

Raspier than usual.

I took another inhale of the mysterious, delectable scent.

My wolf preened, shuddering with delight.

"Penelope."

I took another inhale, longer and deeper than the previous.

Amber, jasmine...and a hint of something woodsy.

I was still under a haze of confusion until Alexei was standing right in front of me, a look of utter shock engraved on his features. The alluring scent was now potent. It took me seconds to realise that it was Alexei. He was the source of that mesmerising smell.

It took another second to comprehend the gravity of the situation.

I wanted to deny it at first. It couldn't be but the rush of blood I felt echo in my ears said otherwise.

My throat bobbed, "It's you."

My soft claim shattered the silence.

His head jerked to resemble a nod.

It was the first time I'd ever seen Alexei speechless.

Something possessive overwhelmed his gaze as he studied me. I went still, letting his gaze search and linger. He swallowed hard and I was more than intrigued by the way his eyes darkened to midnight. "I need you to run." His voice scraped his throat as he watched me closely. "My wolf, he's trying to surface."

"My ankle..." I didn't even want to run. My fingers wanted to explore the skin of his locked jaw. It was something I had always wanted to do. I also wanted to touch his hair and comb my fingers through the dark, silky locks.

Would he let me?

He closed his eyes tightly. "I can't walk away from you. Not now. I don't want to scare you. You're shaking."

I glanced down at my hands, surprised. I hadn't even realised that tremors had gained control of my body. I wasn't scared and he thought I was.

Be brave.

The words resounded in my head loudly.

I squared my shoulders, willing him to open his eyes. Thoughts plagued my mind- doubts, confusion, and yearning. I wanted this. I wanted him. Alexei. I always wanted him despite everything else. "Give me your eyes Alexei." I said softly.

The man trembled but obeyed.

His eyes were like lava. Searing. Hot.

"You...you're my mate?" I whispered, astonished.

His brows crinkled. Befuddled. He must've misinterpreted the question because his jaw flexed. A vein throbbed at his temple. "You backing out on this?" He asked through his teeth.

This insufferable, behemoth.

He was purposely being obtuse.

"I didn't say that." I closed the distance between us, peering up at him. I stole another whiff of his scent. I just couldn't help myself. He returned my gaze steadily. "Stop putting words in my mouth."

His gaze dropped to said mouth. Lingering.

"Then what are you saying?"

"I'm saying that I want you." I confessed in a soft dispel of breath, "I want this." I didn't know where the bravery to say the words came from. They came easily. It scared me a little. I didn't even need to think about it.

My heart hammered against my chest as the words spilled from my lips. It was cathartic letting the words fall freely. The confession had stayed locked away in my heart for a long time, finding no voice or courage until now.

At some point, Alexei had gone so still, I wanted to retract the words almost immediately from the cold fear of being rejected but I didn't want to be a coward in this. If he didn't want me, somehow, I'd find a way to live with it. It would be difficult, but I would do it. I would do it for me and survive. However, this was me taking a leap and grasping something I wanted with two hands for the first time in my life.

Alexei didn't respond.

Hence, I was startled when his big palms settled behind my thighs, hoisting me up until the hard counter met my butt. He'd done it so swiftly, I hadn't even taken note how he managed to do it until his hands cupped my knees, parting them so he could press himself closer.

His head lowered, his soft exhale like a gentle caress of a feather against my lips. "You want me."

I held onto his shoulders, feeling the bunched tension there. He was so close; his hair tickled the curve of my cheeks as his nose grazed mine twice. If I tilted my head an inch upwards, I would know how his lips felt but I hesitated.

It felt too easy.

Things didn't come easy for me. The thought kept me from doing anything else like grabbing the back of his neck and claiming that cupid's bow in a smoking hot kiss I'd only ever imagined in my dreams. His closeness was enough for now. It kept me grounded and calm.

Alexei's warmth felt like a soothing balm on my nerves.

I flinched from the shock of hot skin when Alexei rested the pad of his index finger against the fluttering pulse in my neck, "What is it?" He asked, stroking over the irregular beat under my skin in circles.

"I-I think I'm going into shock." I whispered as I glanced at my hands quivering over his thin shirt. "And my wolf-" She wanted to surface. Now. The sudden urge shook me until my limbs trembled with the need to succumb to my wolf's desire to float to the surface.

The sensation of the shift rolled through me; I was shocked when I felt the change spread along my limbs. I was distantly aware that Alexei had moved back, keeping space so I could comfortably shift.

Once the shift ceased, I found myself watching Alexei though my wolf's eyes.

***

He stared at the beautiful creature prowling along the counter, watching him with feline interest in those clear brown eyes that she only wore in her wolf form.

"Long time no see." He greeted the gold and white wolf with pure male appreciation.

The wolf gracefully leaped off the counter but landed awkwardly because of the injured ankle. Alexei moved to help but the wolf stood, growling low. He froze when she hobbled towards him. His heart shook as her furry head brushed along his calves, sniffing. He read her body language, wary but in awe of the changeling. She didn't look like she'd bite his fingers if he combed them through her thick coat.

The last time he'd seen Penelope's wolf, he hadn't dared to touch her. He was content with just watching her. Now, his fingers itched to stroke the fur he knew would feel like smooth silk beneath his fingers. He would bet his favourite combat boots on it.

Steadily, he lowered to one knee. The wolf paused, craning her neck so she had clear vision to his face and hands. He lifted his palms in an open gesture and held them near her snout, waiting patiently for the approval he needed.

He could barely sense Penelope, but he knew she was there. He could feel the wild wolf more clearly and for some reason, understood it more now that there was a connection there. It didn't matter how new or untried it was. He felt her a little more than before and that was something he marvelled at.

She felt wild.

But also fierce, vulnerable and loyal.

This beautiful wolf was his mate.

He was certain she would at least let him touch her ear if she was warming up to the bond that was forming its roots between them. It was fragile but pulsing with potential.

She bared her teeth.

Alexei kept his hands extended.

He was willing to let his fingers suffer if it meant that she would trust him enough to stay close.

He waited; breath held as her snout grazed his fingertips cautiously.

"Easy. You know I won't hurt you."

Her teeth nipped his pinkie finger. It didn't hurt. In fact, it felt suspiciously playful.

"Are you playing with me?"

The wolf nipped his index finger again, jerking her head to the door that led outside to the open fields and rolling hills.

Something like excitement gathered in his chest.

"You want to run? Then let's run."

He unlocked the bolts in the door and swung the door open.

Penelope's wolf scurried from behind him, limping to the edge of the threshold. She paused. The fur of her coat flickered from the night wind. She hesitated, her gaze darting to her injured leg then back at him.

"Running can wait. You need to rest. Let your wolf heal for you Penelope."

Her wolf whined in protest. His heart squeezed. Reluctantly, the wolf laid on her paws. He sighed in relief and came to sit beside her as they listened to the wind sing.

Hours passed when Penelope abruptly sat up, rolling her back leg. Alexei examined it, noting it was better when she assessed it by walking circles around him. However, there was still a tiny, barely noticeable hitch in her step. He wanted to let her rest, but the wolf refused, already prepared to enjoy the fields with, or without him.

"Stubborn thing you are." He whispered as she leaped off the stairs. She landed awkwardly again but it looked like she was in less pain than before.

As if ascertaining his thoughts, the wolf cocked her neck and watched him over her fur coat.

Alexei swung over the banister, letting the shift roll through him. His body rippled from the effects as he landed beside the wolf, nuzzling her coat out of pure reflex. Her wolf called to him in a way he didn't think possible. He couldn't help it. He expected her to outright clamp her jaw over his head, but the wolf simply ambled into the gap of trees.

Alexei followed.

***

Some time in the early hours of the morning, I woke up feeling hot. I never could sleep with a heater on, but I didn't remember even owning one. My confusion gave way to wariness as I spied a heavy arm laid peacefully across my chest.

My very naked chest.

I blinked, skimming my hands down my hip, feeling nothing but bare skin.

It seemed like I was completely naked.

The arm shifted, sliding along my nipples, and sending tingles along my body.

I bit my lip, holding still. I had sensitive nipples. It didn't help that he was inadvertently touching them.

How did I end up like this in Alexei's arms, naked?

I rummaged my mind, pulling out snippets from last night.

Full Moon.

Mates.

Running free.

Soaring.

Soft whispers.

And Alexei.

Alexei brought me back.

I reviewed the other memories I had from last night.

My wolf had surfaced, and she hadn't hurt Alexei.

She even let him nuzzle her.

I was beyond bewildered.

Now that I was alert, I could feel the heat of his body covering my back as little puffs of air brushed along the sensitive nape of my neck. His hair tickled my cheeks and one of his legs were wedged between mine, making me feel oddly protected having this hunk of man wrapped around me like a shield.

I laid still for a few more seconds, confused as to why I wasn't jumping off the bed and freaking out.

I was calm.

And I liked the heat his body provided my own.

It felt nice. Comfortable.

"You're awake." His rough voice slid along my earlobe. He nuzzled into the tender spot of my neck, breathing deep, "You smell so good."

"We're naked." I stated the obvious.

His heated palm that had been resting on the curve of my hip shifted, splaying along my ribcage, just below the slope of my breast where his fingers lightly brushed. "Hmmm, I don't remember laying in this bed with you. Does this make you uncomfortable?" He asked behind my head, his breath blowing through my hair.

I knew if I said so, he'd immediately slide his arm away and give me space, but I was left wanting more of this man. My wolf didn't protest either. She was curious about the man and wolf. I couldn't clearly make out her thoughts, but she wanted to explore Alexei.

"No. You don't make me uncomfortable." I whispered.

His palm pressed against the middle of my belly, until I rolled onto my back. He remained on his side. I found it strange that I was noticing how nicely I fit against the curve of his body. Or how his bicep made a great pillow for the back of my head. His chin kissed my temple as the forearm connected to my bicep pillow perched slightly so his fingers danced along the skin of my bare shoulder.

I didn't miss the way the hand on my stomach hadn't moved. I made no move to shift it. I liked where it was.

The blanket that covered us felt infinitely smaller with our two bodies lying beneath it. Half of his left thigh was exposed to the air; I spotted a good length of golden skin from waist to knee. He didn't seem all that bothered by it since he made no move to seek cover.

I noticed the blanket had slithered down my chest, the edge of it barely covering my nipples from Alexei's sight. One little tug and he'd get an unobscured view of my perked nipples.

It was his fault since his arm had rubbed them without meaning to.

Now they were perked, waiting to be played with.

"What are you thinking?" He asked, stroking mindless circles on my shoulder. "Your smell changed."

I didn't need to ask what he meant by that. I was turned on by nothing but his voice and feather like caresses. I could also smell the change in him too. Heady. Rich. Lustful.

He wanted me and he wasn't denying it judging by the thickness I felt against my thigh.

I pressed my thighs together, squirming as Alexei cursed, changing positions so he was laying half on top of me. His bulge grazed my hip. He hovered over me, his hair falling over his eyes as he studied me.

I wanted him but I was wary.

Alexei seemed to pick up on my nerves since he only dipped his head and nuzzled my neck. "One thing you should know about me Penelope is my patience. I'll be waiting for you." He said against my hot skin before he rolled out of the bed, pulling a towel from the closet.

I slumped into the mattress, covering my eyes.

What was wrong with me?

I should've pulled him into a steamy make out session and called him daddy but it was too late for anything since he already left the room.