Damon's attention was on Talia, and he observed her intently as she moved through the forest. Her every move was graceful, leaving him in awe.
Did she know that she moved without disturbing the foliage she walked through? Even his top scouts would have a hard time if they compete against his kitten in trekking without leaving traces. And if she combines that with the mixture of herbs she used to take, she would be nearly invisible.
Talia was amazing, and the fact that she was clueless about it only made Damon love her more.
Damon smiled when the breeze wafted Talia's citrusy sweet scent of freesia toward him. He knew that taking those herbs to suppress her scent was important, yet she stopped taking them because he said that he loved her scent. The girl who was always hiding wanted him to find her. That warmed his heart.
Damon couldn't stop thinking about tonight and the fact that Talia would occasionally turn to give him a smile told him that she was thinking about it as well. Tonight, he and Talia will head to the cottage. Marking.
The list of remaining tasks was getting shorter, and they agreed that other than Caden and Maya, no one else will know where and why they are going. After settling this with the Shaman, the only pressing matter was for Marcy to wake up and they figure out how to persuade her to collaborate in the fastest way possible because he didn't want to waste time on her.
If Damon's calculations were correct, by afternoon they can set off, and reach the cabin by sunset.
A number of Omegas was already there to ventilate, put fresh bedsheets and towels, and stock up the fridge and pantry. He would love to stay there at least a week, but after hearing James' plan, Maya and Caden assured Damon that they have two or three days.
Damon sighed. Two or three days. It was too short, but if he thought about the danger from Alpha Edward and the Red Moon pack… it was the time they didn't have.
Damon pushed the negativity away.
Maya and Caden are capable, and his warriors are the best. In case of an emergency, Caden can contact Damon, so he can focus on claiming his mate.
Damon didn't want to delay the marking, not now when Talia gave him the green light. It will solidify the mate bond, making them inseparable, and if he was right, his DNA will give Talia a boost and maybe awaken her wolf completely. Maybe.
He heard stories of how the bond changes after marking, merging two into one, entangling their fates, and he couldn't wait to be forever entangled with Talia.
Damon was trembling with anticipation.
Gideon was combing Mindy's hair with his fingers, spreading it over his chest and enjoying the slight tickle it provided.
They were lying in the bed, completely spent, yet craving for more.
Mindy's hand was burrowed in her personal love blanket (aka Gideon's chest hair), and she took deep breaths, relishing the most delicious scent of lavender that was made only for her. She couldn't believe that they were going at it since yesterday afternoon, with only short breaks to eat and clean up a bit.
It was after midnight when Mindy remembered that she came here with Talia to fetch Gideon so that he can join the event, but by that time the event was already over, and the only thing Mindy could do was hope that Talia will forgive her and that nothing catastrophic happened.
They finished washing and went back to bed without bothering to cover up their naked bodies.
Gideon noticed that Mindy's mood dropped. "What's wrong, princess?"
"The party.", Mindy responded.
Gideon knew what party Mindy was talking about. It was the one he didn't want to go to. "What about it?"
"I came here with Talia to convince you to come."
Gideon's lips lifted into a smile. "But I came. Many times. Thanks to you."
Mindy rolled her eyes. "Be serious. You know what I'm talking about. My friend needed your help."
Gideon frowned. "Did you just roll your eyes at me?"
Mindy blinked, unsure how to cope with this sudden mood change. She could feel that he was pissed, and he wanted to teach her a lesson in obedience. Somehow, it turned her on.
She yelped when he tugged her arm and she found herself on the bed, with her face burrowed in the pillows. Before she could react, Gideon's body pressed on her back, pushing her deeper into the mattress.
"I won't tolerate lack of respect…", he rasped close to her ear. "Do you understand?"
Mindy closed her eyes and nodded while acknowledging the arousal that swelled within her.
"Say it.", he demanded.
"Yes."
"Yes, what?"
"Yes. I understand, daddy."
Gideon hummed in approval. He loved when she called him daddy. It was strange at first, but when he understood that was her sign of the need to be dominated, he approved.
His length moved between her but cheeks, spreading them slightly and reminding her of how much he wanted her.
"Now spread for me, and don't worry about the event because it ended without incidents. If that boy can't handle a few Elders, he wouldn't be an Alpha. And if he can't protect his mate, he wouldn't deserve her as his Luna."
Mindy bit her lower lip and spread her legs, allowing him to settle there.
Mindy was happy to hear how the event ended well. She was not sure how Gideon knew that, but as a Shaman, Gideon definitely had his ways. He managed to put her mind at ease, and it proved that he cares about her.
After one nudge from him, Mindy lifted her hips a bit, so he gets better access.
"Mmm…", Gideon mumbled. "Good girl." And then he buried himself deep inside her in one powerful thrust and Mindy gasped while clutching the bedsheets as another wild ride began.
Back to the present…
Gideon lifted his head and frowned.
"What's going on?", Mindy asked.
His frown deepened. "We have visitors."
"Now? Who?"
"Now.", he responded and kissed her forehead before scooting out of bed. "As for who, we will find out in a minute."
She watched him as he grabbed pants from the armoire, the muscles of his back rippling to create a hypnotic scene.
When he descended the stairs and was out of sight, Mindy scampered out of the bed. She was staring at him and completely forgot that she should also go and see who is there. After all, now she was Gideon's mate.
Problem. She didn't have anything to wear. Her clothes were still downstairs, since yesterday.
Mindy went to the armoire and helped herself with one of his shirts. It looked like a baggy minidress, so it will do. Actually, if the person coming is a woman with interest in Gideon, Mindy's attire will send a clear message that he is taken.
She raked her hair with her fingers to make it somewhat presentable and then dashed downstairs after Gideon.
