11. To the Meadow

Max

I wantedto tell Demi how I felt.

I loved her.

Since the moment we met, I had been enchanted by the beautiful beta, but we had only been sleeping together for a few days. It would be madness for me to profess such deep feelings after such a short time. I had to wait for the right moment.

Even if it killed me.

"Where are we going?" Demi asked, slipping her hand in mine.

I walked a little slower, taking note of her small satin shoes. They weren't the best for walking across uneven terrain. "There's a meadow near the east border wall. It's secluded, but it's a bit of a walk."

Demi's nose scrunched with displeasure, and I instantly pulled her to a stop.

"How about a ride?" I asked and my wolf yipped excitedly.

"Ride?" Demi tilted her head.

I released her hand, removing my shirt and slacks. Her lust filled gaze fell to my limp cock, and her tongue slipped over her bottom lip. "Calm down, beta," I said, handing her my clothes. "I want you to see this meadow first."

"First?" Demi smirked, excitement building in her pretty eyes. "And what happens after we see the meadow?"

I smiled at her playful tone, taking a careful step back. Then I released control of my body to my wolf, allowing him to consume me. He rushed into place, too excited to transition slowly. Bones slid and popped as white fur rippled across my skin.

My beast gave a good stretch, then I wagged my tail as I stepped up next to my beta.

Demi stared at my wolf-form, channeling her fingers through the fur around my ears. It felt good. "You're so beautiful," she said, brushing her thumb over the scar along my snout.

Excited to get her to the meadow, I circled her, then bent my heavy head between her legs. Demi let out an excited squeal as I forced her onto my back.

"Not too fast." She giggled, placing my clothes on her lap, then she curled her fingers into my scruff.

I let out a happy snort, then padded off, enjoying the feel of her slight body on mine. Betas were small compared to alphas, but Demi was tiny for her kind. She was only an inch or so taller than Calia.

The meadow quickly came into view, and Demi gasped.

The tall green grass was dotted with brightly colored wildflowers—lavender poppies, orange lilies, and white daisies. They swayed and rippled with the breeze, filling the air with their sweet perfume.

I trotted to a large oak tree in the center, then I lowered my body, letting Demi slip off my back. The second her feet touched the ground, I was back up, nuzzling her middle. She was all smiles, scratching the fur around my neck.

Feeling a little wild, I pushed my heavy head under the hem of her pretty blue dress, searching out her delicate scent. She smelled so fresh and clean, with a hint of sweetness.

"Your nose is cold," Demi laughed, pushing my head away from her inner thighs.

My wolf whined, then huffed, allowing me to push forward. He always disliked relinquishing control back to me, but today he hated it. He wanted to run with Demi's wolf, but it simply wasn't possible. The full Moon wasn't for a few more days, and even then Demi had no interest. I tried not to let it bother me, but my wolf was deeply upset, finding her refusal cutting.

"This place is lovely." Demi handed me my clothes. I pulled on my slacks, not wanting to make any assumptions, but I still noticed the way the beta frowned as I secured my belt. "It almost looks untouched." She caressed the petals of a stray tulip.

"Not many come out here." I sat down, leaning my back against the tree. "Most of the pack stays within the center of the village."

"Why would no one want to come out here?" Demi snuggled against my side.

I had to remind myself that the beta had only lived here for a few months now. She wasn't used to the violent way of life that Casin normally endured. Since she arrived, we had only suffered through two attacks. I would even call it peaceful.

"I think most of the pack are still worried about orcs along our southern border," I said honestly. "Davon has worked hard to keep the peace we've been enjoying, but the villagers are still nervous. I understand their worry."

Demi"s eyes drifted over my chest, thinking. "Casin is definitely not what I had pictured when I left Hala."

"What did you picture?" I twirled a strand of her silky blonde hair through my fingers.

"I don't know," she said, tracing an especially thick scar across my pec. "I mostly envisioned a village of mighty alphas, parading about a bustling city. I didn't expect omegas and pups to be hidden. Even betas don't venture out after dark." Her vibrant eyes dimmed, clearly disappointed. Maybe even frustrated.

"Life here hasn't always been easy." I watched as her fingers fell to my abs. She circled and caressed the defined muscles. "But things have definitely gotten better since you arrived."

Demi's lashes lifted, and her eyes met mine. "Yeah?" She smiled.

I nodded. "Definitely."

"Tell me something." She rested her cheek on my shoulder, looking up at me with so much affection. "Do you ever think of leaving here?" Her question caught me off guard, and I couldn't help but laugh.

"Leave Casin?" I repeated, making sure I understood her.

"Yes." She touched the short hair around my ears, slipping her hand behind my neck. "Do you ever crave something different?"

"No," I said honestly. The sparkle in her eyes dimmed, making me tense. I simply didn"t understand what she was asking. I wanted to believe her look was simply curious, but it was impossible to pinpoint what she was thinking or feeling. "I did my time in the royal guard back when I was younger. But since I came home, I haven't had a desire to leave."

"Oh." Demi's voice was off, and her smile was strained. It immediately scared me, making my wolf snarl.

"Are you wanting to leave?" I leaned away from the tree, needing to understand exactly what she meant.

"A little bit." She pulled a face, clearly feeling bad for her confession. It made my stomach clench, but I ignored it, forcing a smile.

"I'm sure you've been to some amazing places." I circled my arm around her shoulders, pulling her back into my side. "Where was your favorite place to visit?"

Demi perked at the question, her pale green eyes bright with excitement. "My favorite?" she asked excitedly.

I nodded, grinning widely as she clasped her hands under her chin.

"Oh," she gasped. "I have so many!"

For the rest of the afternoon, my beautiful beta gushed, talking about all her wonderful adventures when she was young. She spoke of growing up near the beaches of Kutya, meeting the fae in Manarola, and even a rough few weeks in the Stone City where she learned how to sharpen daggers and take shots of straight whiskey. We even laughed over a shared hatred of elf-mulled wine.

But I couldn't help but notice how careful Demi was to not mention who she was with.

I wasn't a simpleton. I knew she traveled with past lovers, but I didn't mind.

Demi was a wild and free spirit, with a body and mind that she knew well. I liked that she was experienced, and I loved that she chose me to share those memories with.

"After that I traveled north to Hala, and…" Demi shrugged, trailing off.

"And?" I urged her to continue.

She shook her head as if there was nothing left to share, and my wolf snarled. He wanted to hear her voice.

"Is that when you met Alpha Sonis?" I asked, hoping she'd tell me more. "You lived with her pack for a while. Right?"

Demi's smile tightened, and she nodded. "Yes."

I couldn"t help but laugh at her tense reaction. "You don't have to hide anything, beta." I slipped my hand over hers, squeezing gently. "I know you settled in with Sonis after her mate died. It's okay."

Demi's eyes went wide with shock. "It doesn't…" She shook her head, obviously trying to find the right words. "It doesn't bother you? What I used to do for work?"

"No," I said simply, because it was the truth. But it was obvious from the way Demi stared at me that she didn't believe me.

"But how?" She ducked her head, hiding her pretty face. I could practically smell the blush sweeping across her cheeks. "You aren't troubled by my…old job?"

"I know that you were a companion." I placed my finger under her chin, forcing her to look up at me. "I know that you have loved and cared for many alphas in your life." Fear built in her pretty eyes, and my need to soothe her doubled. "But I'm not bothered in the least." I slipped my thumb over her soft bottom lip. "You are a very interesting beta, Demetria. And I want to hear about all the wonderful things you've done in your life."

"You cannot be serious." Her voice rose, exasperated, as she narrowed her eyes. "How can it not bother you?"

"Does my face bother you?" I cut back, and the confusion in Demi's eyes shifted to shock.

"What on earth does that mean?" she demanded.

I let out a deep chuckle, motioning to my wounded eye and the long scar across my cheek and nose. "This isn't exactly tempting the maidens of Casin," I said bluntly.

Anger made Demi's mouth pull tight, and she gripped my hand. "I like your face," she said forcefully, making my wolf purr. "Your marks are proof of the warrior you are and what you're willing to sacrifice." She cupped my cheek. "You look so fierce." She brushed her thumb over the deepest groove of my scar. "It's stunning."

"And so are you." I rested my forehead on her, looking deep into her eyes. "Your past and present. I like it all."

Demi's long lashes lifted and her pale green eyes met mine. "Alphas are possessive beasts," she said matter-of-factly, and I knew where she was going. "How are you not jealous or upset to know I've fucked others? Is this a trick?"

"Let me be clear, little beta." I held her chin with my thumb and forefinger, placing a soft kiss on the corner of her mouth. "I love the idea of other alphas out there fantasizing about you. Daydreaming about the moments they claimed your gorgeous body. I love that I get to touch and own what they want. But if any one of them were to place a single finger on your soft skin right now…" I let out a deep growl, loving the way Demi shivered in response. "You don't want to know what I'd do."

"Tell me." Her voice was breathy. Excited. And my cock twitched in response.

"You might have had past lovers," I brushed my lips over hers, inhaling her warm breath, "but right now, this pussy is mine." I pulled her into my lap, forcing her legs on either side of my hips.

"Max," Demi said, then moaned as I kissed the long column of her throat. She was so soft, the heat between her legs pressed tight against my hard cock. I instantly regretted putting my slacks back on.

"Lift this pretty dress." I pushed the fabric up her thighs, pleased when she quickly obeyed, exposing her bare pussy. The seam of her sex glistened, and my wolf growled. I loved that she didn't wear panties. "I'm going to fuck this little pussy until you beg me to stop."

"Yes." Demi moaned long and loud, rolling her hips forward. She pushed up against my thick cock, covering me in her sweet slick.

No,I silently corrected myself. Not slick. She isn't an omega.

"I need you inside me," Demi whispered, reaching between us. My member strained against the front of my pants, almost painful. I had never been this hard before. This tightly wound. "Give me that cock." She squeezed me through my pants, making me groan.

Urgency ripped through me, and I quickly tugged at my belt. My cock sprang free, slapping against my stomach. Demi's eyes went wide, her pupils dilated.

"Take what you want, beta." I settled against the tree, squeezing her smooth thighs. "Show me how pretty you are when you come."

Demi moved, positioning my cock at her entrance, then she slowly sunk down. Inch by inch. Until she was flush with my hips. Her back arched, and she threw her head back as she began to bounce.

"That pussy takes me so well," I growled soft and low. "I've never had someone take me as deep as you have." I purred as a hazy smile lifted her lips. My sweet girl, drunk on praise. "Show me those gorgeous tits." I pulled at the front of her dress, exposing the plush mounds.

I captured one rosy nipple in my mouth, and Demi's pussy tightened, then fluttered, already coming. She came and came, then began bouncing once again. I nuzzled her neck and kissed her lips as she took her pleasure from me.

All too soon, the afternoon drifted into evening as we talked and made love amongst the flowers. Soon I'd have to return to the packhouse to meet with Davon's council. I didn't want to leave my beautiful beta, but I had to. I had a duty to my pack.

Once the sun touched the mountains in the distance, I lifted Demi into my arms and carried her to her little cottage. I whispered soft words of praise while she mewled against my chest.

"Will I see you tonight?" Demi asked as I set her on the front porch of her cottage.

"Of course, my sweet beta." I kissed her nose, then I tore myself away from her. It was fucking agony, but I had a village to protect, and a Pack Alpha to obey. And for the first time in my life, I hated all my responsibilities.

I wanted to profess my love to my beautiful beta, then run away with her in my arms.

Determination ripped through me as I made up my mind. I had to tell her how I felt.

I didn't know when or where, but I couldn"t hold it in any longer. I adored everything about the beta—the way she spoke with such confidence and laughed so freely. Her addictive taste and sassy mouth. Even her tiny satin shoes made my heart race.

Demi needed to know how much I loved her.

I hoped she didn't reject me.