Chapter 4

4

INTO THE WOODS

Octavia

As dawn breaks, the room is flooded with soft golden light, casting gentle shadows on the walls. I stir, feeling the warmth of Wyatt beside me. He’s still asleep, a peaceful expression on his face that makes my heart flutter.

I take a moment to admire him, the way his dark hair falls across his forehead and the way his lips curl slightly as he dreams. I can’t help but reach out, brushing a finger against his cheek. He stirs at my touch, his eyes fluttering open to meet mine.

“Good morning, Gorgeous,” he murmurs, his voice still heavy with sleep.

“Morning, Alpha” I reply, a smile spreading across my face.

He stretches, pulling me closer, and I melt against his chest, the warmth of his body enveloping me. “What’s on the agenda for today, baby?” he asks, his voice still laced with sleepiness. “Anything you want.”

I chuckle softly. “Well, we have to finish unpacking my things, and then I was thinking maybe we could go for a hike. It’s a beautiful day outside. I can hear the birds.”

Wyatt grins, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. “A hike sounds perfect. Let’s get moving; I want to show you my favorite spot.”

I nod, my heart racing at the thought of spending another day with him, exploring the beauty of the pack lands around us. As we get out of bed, I can’t help but feel a sense of excitement bubbling within me. This is just the beginning of our journey together.

After breakfast, we lace up our hiking boots and step outside, the crisp morning air filling our lungs. The sun is shining, casting a warm glow over the landscape, and the world feels alive with possibilities.

“Are you ready for an adventure?” Wyatt asks, his excitement infectious.

“Always with you,” I reply, grinning up at him.

We set off down the trail, the sounds of nature surrounding us — the rustle of leaves, the chirping of birds, and the distant sound of a flowing stream. I walk beside him, our hands occasionally brushing against each other, sending sparks of electricity through me.

As we hike deeper into the woods, I feel a sense of freedom. The worries of the world fade away, replaced with the beauty of nature and the warmth of Wyatt’s presence. I catch glimpses of him stealing peeks at me, and every time, my heart skips a beat.

“Here it is,” he says, and suddenly the trees part to reveal a breathtaking view.

Before us lies a small clearing, a serene lake reflecting the blue sky and surrounded by tall evergreen trees. The sunlight dances on the water’s surface, creating a mesmerizing sight. I gasp, stepping closer to the edge.

“It’s beautiful,” I breathe, taking in the scene before me.

“I thought you’d like it,” Wyatt says, pride evident in his voice. “This is my favorite spot to come and think.”

I turn to him, my heart swelling with affection. “I love it! Thank you for sharing it with me.”

He steps closer, wrapping his arms around my waist from behind, and I lean back against him, feeling safe and cherished, for once in a very long time. “I want to share everything with you,” he whispers against my ear.

In this moment, I know that this is just the beginning. Our journey together is unfolding like the petals of a flower, each day bringing new adventures, new memories, and a deepening bond that ties us together.

The forest is alive around me, a pulsing heart of green and brown that thrums beneath my feet. I can feel the familiar tingling beneath my skin, the raw energy of my wolf rising, clawing at the surface as I prepare to shift. It’s always a little painful, this transformation, but it’s a pain I’ve learned to embrace — a necessary passage to freedom.

I step out of Wyatt’s arms and I close my eyes, breathing in the scent of pine and earth. The sounds of the forest — chirping birds, rustling leaves — fade as my focus sharpens. I can feel my bones shifting, stretching as my wolf surges to the forefront of my mind. It happens quickly, almost violently, and the discomfort flares within me for a fleeting moment before it melts away like snow under the sun.

With a final jolt, I open my eyes — my vision sharper, colors more vivid. My world has transformed. I shake out my fur, feeling the rush of wind against my coat, the way the world now feels beneath my paws. I stretch, enjoying the power coursing through me, the freedom I’ve longed for since the first time I shifted.

And then, there’s Wyatt.

He stands across the clearing, his midnight black coat gleaming under the dappled sunlight filtering through the canopy. I watch him as he prepares to shift, muscles rippling under his skin. Wyatt Saltman, the Alpha of the Waterton Pack. He’s a force of nature, towering above me even in human form, but now, in his wolf form, he’s magnificent. He’s larger than life — almost two heads taller than my own small grey wolf.

My heart races as I watch him. There’s something intoxicating about being in his presence, something primal that calls to my own wolf. I can’t help but let out a soft whine, a sound that echoes my excitement and affection for him.

Wyatt’s gaze meets mine, and his eyes — those deep, vibrant greens — sparkle with mischief. In an instant, he lunges forward, shifting seamlessly into his wolf. I’m momentarily awed by the grace and power of his transformation. The forest seems to hold its breath as he stands before me, a creature of shadow and strength.

He approaches with an easy confidence, his massive form dwarfing mine. Wyatt’s wolf licks the side of my face, a playful gesture that sends a thrill through me. I respond instinctively, nipping playfully at his leg. The world around us erupts into motion, the thrill of the chase igniting something deep within my core.

And just like that, we’re off.

The underbrush rustles beneath our paws as we race through the forest, weaving between trees and leaping over roots. I can feel the adrenaline pumping through me, the exhilaration of the hunt, the joy of being alive. My wolf runs free, reveling in the wildness of the world. It’s exhilarating, this sense of unity — me and Wyatt, two wolves merging into one unstoppable force.

I glance back at him, our eyes locking for a brief moment, and I’m struck by the sheer power of our connection. There’s an understanding that flows between us, a bond that transcends words. It’s as if the forest itself recognizes our union, the leaves whispering secrets as we pass.

“Catch me if you can!” I mind link Wyatt, my voice a low growl that vibrates through the air.

Wyatt responds with a playful bark, his great paws pounding the ground as he accelerates. He’s fast — so much faster than I anticipated. I push myself harder, feeling the muscles in my legs tighten and stretch, my heart pounding in rhythm with our movement.

The world blurs around us — trees becoming a green haze, the sky a canopy of blue. I can feel the wind rushing past, filling my lungs with the sweet scent of freedom. This is what it means to be alive, to be wild. To be in this moment with Wyatt.

We weave through the forest, darting in and out of shadows, playfully challenging one another as we navigate the terrain. I can hear the laughter of the trees, the whispers of the leaves, urging us on. For a while, it feels like we’re the only two creatures in existence, lost in our own world.

We spend the rest of the day exploring the area, laughing and talking, our connection growing stronger with each passing moment. As the sun begins to set, casting a golden hue over the landscape, we find ourselves sitting on a large rock by the lake, our feet dangling above the water.

“Do you ever think about what our life will be like in a few years?” I ask, my voice soft against the backdrop of nature.

I whisper, my heart swelling with emotion. “You make me feel like anything is possible.”

Wyatt turns to me, his expression serious. “With you, I feel like I can conquer the world. My mate, my everything.”

I smile, feeling a sense of gratitude wash over me. “I feel the same way. You’ve brought so much happiness into my life in such a short amount of time.”

As the last of the sunlight dips below the horizon, we sit in comfortable silence, our hearts intertwining as we watch the stars begin to twinkle overhead. In this moment, I know we are exactly where we are meant to be — together, in love, and ready to face whatever the future holds.

As we make our way back to the house, hand in hand, I feel a sense of contentment enveloping me. This is my life now — filled with love, laughter, and a partner who sees me as I truly am. I glance up at Wyatt, catching his eye.

“Promise me something,” I say, my voice serious but filled with warmth.

“Anything,” he replies, stopping to face me.

“Promise me that we’ll always be open with each other, no matter what. That we’ll never let anything come between us.”

He nods, his expression unwavering. “I promise, baby girl. I’ll always be honest with you. You’re my mate, my forever, and nothing will change that.”

“Good,” I say, a smile breaking across my face. “Because I can’t imagine my life without you.”

As we reach the front door, he pauses, pulling me close. “And I can’t imagine mine without you. You’ve filled the empty spaces in my heart, Octavia.”

With those words, he leans down, capturing my lips in a kiss that sends sparks flying through me. It’s a promise sealed with love, a reminder that our journey has only just begun.

As the night deepens, I lean against Wyatt, feeling the warmth of his presence beside me. “What are you thinking about?” he asks, his voice low and comforting.

“Just how lucky I am,” I reply, looking up at the stars. “I never thought I’d find someone like you.”

He smiles, his gaze softening. “I feel the same way. You’ve changed my life, Octavia. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for us. I hope someday we could maybe have a little version of you running around after her brother, causing trouble.”

“Me too,” I breathe, feeling the weight of his love surround me.

In that moment, I know that no matter what life throws our way, we will face it together — bound by love, trust, and the promise of forever.

As the stars twinkle above us, I realize that we are just beginning to write our story — a tale of love, adventure, and the beautiful journey ahead. And with Wyatt by my side, I know that it will be the greatest adventure of all.

As I close my eyes, nestled against him, I feel a sense of peace wash over me. This is our time, our love, and I can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings. With every heartbeat, I know that we are destined for greatness together, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.