Chapter 11: Ajax

11

AJAX

T he moment I stepped out of the precinct, a knot tightened in my gut—a mix of anger and icy dread that wouldn't thaw. The town had never felt welcoming. Umbra's didn't mix with humans; we never had. However, some shifters skirted the edge of being revealed by living and coexisting in towns and cities worldwide. I didn't understand it, but I respected their right to live however they wished.

Knowing that there were some shifters on the force, I immediately went to them with the threatening text messages Mazie had received. I don't know what I'd been expecting, but I hadn't anticipated their grim faces as they recounted some of the recent homicides in the area—every victim had been a shifter of some kind.

"Be careful, Ajax," Ryan had warned, his golden eyes severe. "We're hearing whispers—shifters are being hunted."

Hunted. The word echoed in my skull like a death knell as I drove back to our pack lands, my umbra instincts raging beneath the surface. I could handle threats to myself; it was the thought of Mazie in danger that sent a jolt of terror straight to my bones. My Mazie, whose laughter was like sunlight piercing through the thickest canopy of trees, who could be as fierce as she was soft, who deserved a damn sight better than to be someone's prey.

Our bond was so new and precious and needed tending to flourish. I was thankful that the female umbra's had taken Mazie under their wing. Despite my desire to have her with me at all times, I'd taken a step back and let her make connections with the women. However, my umbra demanded that we spend time together, and I couldn't have been happier to agree. I needed to show her—not just tell her—that she meant more to me than my next breath. Mazie Green, the woman who'd stumbled into my life and filled spaces I didn't know were empty.

Grinning like a love-sick fool, I hatched a plan. I rummaged through the cupboards, hunting for her favorite treats, picturing her eyes lighting up with delight. These recent events had taken their toll on her; I saw it in the slight furrow of her brow, the way her radiant smile didn't quite reach her eyes like it used to. She needed this—a day away from worry, a reminder that there was still beauty to be found, even when darkness loomed.

"Something sweet, something savory..." I muttered to myself, laying out the ingredients. It looked like a jumble of randomness that had me wincing. I grabbed my phone and dialed Eva's number.

With everything gathered, I waited until the afternoon to surprise her.

"What is this?" Mazie asked as I folded her into my arms for a big hug.

"I have a surprise for you," I said, kissing her temple. "But you have to close your eyes and hold still."

She grinned up at me. "Okay!"

I loved how trusting she was. It made me feel ten feet tall. I grabbed the blindfold and looped the soft fabric around her eyes, tying it gently at the back of her head. "Trust me," I murmured, feeling the thrum of anticipation that raced through my veins. Mazie's hand found mine; her grip on my heart was tighter than the small hand enveloped in mine.

"Where are we going?" Her voice was a mix of curiosity and excitement.

"Somewhere special," I promised. Then, I picked up the large basket with my other hand and led her out of the cabin and into the woods. I told her funny little stories about when I was just a cub. We spoke about my parents and how difficult it had been to lose them in a plane crash. It had been a freak accident that I rarely talked about. But with Mazie, somehow, the words flowed freely.

Finally, we reached the spot I had prepared. The waterfall's roar was a veil of privacy, the mist dancing in the air like spirits of the forest. With a deep breath, I turned her to face the falls, untied the blindfold, and watched her drink in sight before her.

"Open your eyes."

The picnic area seemed like something out of a magazine—a plush blanket layout surrounded by an army of cushions. I knew I'd owe a massive favor to Eva for making this so incredible. The spread of Mazie's favorite foods—strawberry tarts, sandwiches with the crusts cut off, and a bowl of fresh salad—gave off a fragrance that mingled with nature's scent.

"Wow..." Mazie breathed, and I couldn't help but feel a swell of pride.

"Did you do this all by yourself?" she asked, turning towards me, a playful skepticism in her gaze.

"It was my idea," I admitted, my cheeks warming under her scrutiny. "Eva might have helped with the food."

Mazie's laughter was the melody I craved more than any other, and when she threw her arms around me, I caught her against my chest and held her close. She smelled of jasmine and sunshine. I savored the warmth that filled me because I had made her happy, even for a moment.

"Thank you, Ajax," she whispered against my chest, her words etching into my soul. "This means everything."

As I held her tight, the worries of hunters and threats faded into the background. All that mattered was this moment, this connection, this undeniable proof that we were meant to be.

I cleared my throat. "Let's get comfortable on the blanket, and I'll pour you some champagne."

With a delicate step, Mazie lowered herself onto the blanket beside me, her eyes dancing with contagious excitement. She reached out to touch the soft fabric of the cushions, her fingers tracing patterns as if committing the texture to memory.

"Ajax, this is incredible," she said, turning those hazel eyes toward me, brimming with unspoken words. "I can't believe you did all this... for me."

And there it was—the flutter in my chest, that feeling of rightness I always felt when I made her smile. "Only the best for my baby girl," I murmured, watching the way the sunlight played off her curly hair like it, too, wanted to be close to her.

She giggled. "You're the best daddy a girl could ask for." Her voice had a teasing lilt, but underneath it, I could hear the question, the hope for a place where she truly belonged.

"Always." It was a promise I intended to keep with every fiber of my being.

We settled into the picnic, and I leaned in closer as I handed her a strawberry tart. "How are things with the females?" I asked, genuinely curious about her thoughts. "Everybody treating you well?"

Maybe it was my imagination, but it seemed like worry clouded her face for an instant. However, I must have been mistaken. The next second, she took a bite of a chocolate-covered strawberry and moaned as the juices squirted out and spotted her chin. I'd never wanted to be a piece of fruit so severely in my life.

She licked her fingers, and I changed my mind. I wanted her tongue sucking on every inch of me.

Unbeknownst to her, she prattled on about the girls and how funny they were. I knew I should be listening, but I couldn't help it. Everything she put in her mouth was an erotic masterpiece. The woman fascinated me.

"Yes, I think I've decided to shave my head and only eat pink peppercorn from now on."

Wait. What?

"I beg your pardon?" I managed to sputter as she broke into fits of laughter.

"You weren't listening to me," she chided gently.

I felt my face heat. "I was trying to. But everything you put in your mouth made me go to places that distracted me. I'm sorry. What were you saying?"

"That I care about you, Ajax. You make me feel like I'm a part of this pack. It means the world to me." Her voice was soft but sure, filled with an emotion that resonated deep within me.

I reached out and tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear. "You are a part of something bigger, Mazie. It's not just the pack. Our bond ties our souls together forever. You are my family now, just as much as anyone else. You mean the world to me. And you," I paused, choosing my words carefully, "you've brought something special to us all."

"Really?" The vulnerability flickered across her face like shadows in the forest.

"Absolutely," I whispered, assuring her. "You've brought laughter and kindness into my life. I know you've given up a lot to be here. I want you to know you don't have to give up being an influencer. As long as you're careful and don't reveal where you are or what you are, you can still have any dream you've ever wanted. I never want to hold you back."

Mazie set down her chocolate-covered strawberry and looked at me, those beautiful eyes searching mine. "Thank you, Ajax. You don't know how much that means to me," she hesitated, biting her lip in thought. "I would never expose the pack or your location to anyone. I know how important it is to keep your secrets."

"I know you will," I said without hesitation. "I was going to tell you this when we got home. But, Mazie," I began, my voice barely above the falls' gentle roar. "There's something you need to know."

She tilted her head, concerned, knitting her brows together as she reached for my hand. "What is it, Ajax? You can tell me anything. "

I took a deep breath, the weight of leadership pressing down on me like the mountains that loomed over our valley. "I met with the local police today—the Lycan detectives. There are rumors, dangerous ones, that human hunters are targeting shifters. They're getting bolder. I'm worried for you, for all of us. Those texts could mean a whole lot more than we first thought. It would help if you stayed close to the pack. I would glue you to my side if I had my way."

Mazie's grip on my hand tightened, her fear tangible. But she surprised me with the strength in her voice. "As uncomfortable as that sounds, I understand the sentiment. It's okay, Ajax. We can face this together. I know you're used to shouldering the pack's problems alone. But I am here now; I can take some of the load."

Her words, meant to comfort, only highlighted the isolation of my role: to protect, serve, and lead. It was a burden no man should carry alone, yet it was mine, and mine alone. The silence stretched between us, filled only by nature's symphony and the raw honesty hanging in the air.

I needed to learn to let her in. Wasn't that part of having a mate? Sharing each other's burdens? Yet the thought of Mazie ever being hurt or worse terrified me. It was better for me to shoulder the responsibilities myself. However, I couldn't let her feel the gesture wasn't greatly appreciated.

"Thank you, Mazie," I whispered. "Your faith in me... It means more than you know."

She leaned forward then, closing the distance between us. Her lips met mine in a soft and sweet kiss, a balm to the deep weariness in my soul. At that moment, her love was a beacon, guiding me through the darkness of my fears.

"Come with me," she said suddenly, her hazel eyes reflecting the dappled sunlight. Without waiting for a response, she stood and unbuttoned her blouse with a mischievous smirk.

Hell, yes, I liked where this was heading. "Baby girl, are you teasing your daddy?" I asked, my heart pounding as my mouth went dry, just watching her impromptu strip tease.

"Swimming," she replied with a smirk, letting the last of her clothes fall to the forest floor. Her hips were round and begging for my hands. Those heavy tits had hardened nipples that I longed to nip with my teeth. She was a goddess in her own right, and I wanted to worship every last inch of her.

"Join me," she beckoned, her voice carrying over the water splashing against the rocks.

I stood, fumbling with my shirt, suddenly clumsy in my desire. My clothes fell away, abandoned on the forest floor, as I followed her to the water's edge.

The cold shock of the waterfall's pool enveloped us both, but the chill was no match for the heat that flared within me as I became mesmerized by her floating breasts. Mazie's laughter bubbled up, mingling with the cascade, and I watched in awe as she embraced the natural world around us—a nymph of the forest, my mate.

"Isn't it breathtaking?" she gasped, her skin prickling with goosebumps as she turned to face me. With a wicked grin, she cupped both of her tits and pinched her nipples playfully. I felt it in my dick as she emitted a low moan.

"Nothing compared to you," I murmured, pulling her close against my chest, loving her wet nakedness rubbing against my skin. Her body responded instinctively, her arms wrapping around my neck as we moved together under the veil of the waterfall.

Water streamed down her back, carving rivulets along the curves of her spine as I traced the path with my fingers making her squeal when I caressed the crack of her ass. The world beyond our sanctuary beneath the waterfall had faded into insignificance. There were only the two of us, her bright eyes gazing back at me with trust and need.

I had to have her. Pulling her body against mine once again, I captured her lips in a kiss for the ages. Slowly, reverently, I explored her mouth with my tongue while my fingers explored the expanse of her skin, memorizing the way her body arched into my touch. I kissed her deeply, pouring into that kiss all the fears and hopes that knotted within me.

The cold water around us starkly contrasted with the heat that flared between our bodies. With every move and every touch, I sought to show her how much she meant to me. It wasn't just the physical pleasure I wanted to give her; I wanted her to know that I loved her. I hadn't shared the words, but she could feel my love with every last heartbeat.

Our moment of honesty evolved into something more primal, a dance as old as time. My desire for Mazie threatened to overwhelm me. I had a feeling it would always be this way. Our love was a force greater than any I'd ever known. As we moved together, kissing and caressing each other's bodies beneath the waterfall's veil, we lost sight of the worries surrounding us. All I knew was that she was my world, and I would never be the same without her.

"Mazie," I whispered against her mouth, my breath hitching in anticipation. Her arms tightened around me, drawing me closer still until there was no space left between us – only the intoxicating friction of our bodies rubbing against one another.

Her eyes crinkled in delight before she closed them tightly and tipped her head back to breathe, exposing her delicate neck to me. Encouraged by the want etched across her features, I kissed a path along her collarbone, savoring the taste of her damp skin beneath my tongue.

Lowering my hands, I worked her clit until she was bucking against my hand and begging for my cock. I had intended to worship every inch of her body, and I wouldn't stop. I moved her so that she could lower herself onto my cock. She began to rock back and forth, finding her rhythm until she started riding me earnestly. Her body grinding against mine, our shared moans swallowed by the thundering of the waterfall.

"Touch me, Daddy… please." Her whispered plea sent jolts of arousal coursing through me like electric currents.

Honoring her request, I slipped my hand between us, seeking out her clit amidst the swirling water. Fingers met warmth and wetness, and she arched towards me with a breathless cry that ricocheted off surrounding rocks. Our gazes locked as if magnetized, dark eyes filled with pleasure reflecting my own mirrored lust.

Her heartbeat thrummed against my chest as I drew lazy circles over that sensitive bud. The sensation of her bare skin rubbing against mine was a drug. I watched between us as my cock spread her wide, and my fingers urged her closer and closer to release.

With each thrust, I filled her deeper—her body matching my rhythm in our private dance. Her breath hitched as waves overtook her. I captured her cries of ecstasy with a feral kiss before letting myself be carried away by the same undertow of pleasure.

As we rode out the aftershocks together under the waterfall's spray, an unspoken promise hung between us—a promise of shared adventures and heated nights to come. At that moment, vows were silently made—bodies spoke louder than words could, professing their adoration in the most primal language.

Only then, when she lay spent and panting, her cheeks flushed with the afterglow of passion, did I allow myself to hope that maybe our most challenging days were behind us. I wanted to forget about the world and drown myself in her, even briefly.

We exited from under the waterfall and back to the warm blankets. Pulling one over us, I gathered her in my arms, kissing her temple and loving the feel of her body next to mine.

"Can we stay for a few more minutes?" she murmured sleepily.

"Of course," I promised, feeling the weight of my role as protector, pack leader, and now, partner.

"Thank you," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "Not just for this...but for everything."

"Thank you for seeing me," I replied just as softly. For a moment, I let her see my most vulnerable side. "Not just as the Umbra alpha or a shifter, but for seeing me as a man. It's humbling, and I'm thankful."

As we sat nestled against one another, the silence spoke volumes. It was punctuated only by the sweetest of gentle touches. I absentmindedly stroked my thumb across her palm. She leaned up and placed a soft kiss on my jawline. And in those quiet moments, wrapped in each other's warmth, I knew we had both found what I'd been looking for.