I woke the next morning feeling fully refreshed and a little sore.

After round two of a wonderful 'mating', Asra carried me to the bathroom. There, he showered me with kisses and soap, clearing off all the bodily fluids from our night together. He even went as far as to wash and condition my hair before drying me. It was strange to be handled so delicately, to be cared for. I couldn't help but feel on edge, but the gentle kisses and sweet words Asra left on my skin had me melting into his touch.

He didn't push for another round after the shower. He and his beast side sated. Apparently the showering was his way of showing affection. He called it after care, and if it meant I didn't have to wash and scrub my hair so much, I was all for it.

So safe to say, I slept so well.

I'd say I slept like a baby, but they always wake up.

What a silly thing to compare a good sleep to. Now I think of it more.

Babies wake up all the damn time. Like every hour.

Whoever made this metaphor up must've had a really well-behaved baby.

Baby.

Shit... he finished inside of me. I have never had that happen before because of one valid reason.

I shot up in the bed with alarm, causing Asra to jump to his feet and growl. Even in his half-asleep state, his eyes were wide and teeth bared. I gasped in surprise and his eyes snapped to me.

"What? What is it?" His voice was heavy with sleep.

"Nothing, it's fine. Just had a... sudden thought."

He relaxed, sinking back into the bed. "Oh? What about?"

"We... we didn't use protection." I stammered. "It was so lust filled I didn't even think! I have never had a man finish inside of me before..."

His head cocked, his eyebrows furrowing. "Wolves don't use protection with their mates."

I sucked on my tongue before releasing it with a loud smack. "I am not a wolf."

He continued to frown at me. "I am not following."

Morning brain.

"We didn't use protection. What if I fall pregnant?" I grimaced.

"That is a bad thing?" He asked.

"Well... It's... We... I'm not ready for children."

"Oh..." He muttered. "I see."

"Not like that I... I just..." I groaned, falling back into the pillows.

"Explain to me." He mumbled.

I sighed, feeling awkward. "We haven't been together for long and having a child would be a bit of a rush... In my world, in my village, it is uncommon."

He was still frowning, but nodded slowly. "I understand. But I must say, it is not in the wolf world. You are my mate, forever, which means nothing gets in the middle of it. We let nature take its course."

I rolled over until I was looking at him and he copied the motion, his hand falling onto my waist. His thumb stroked the naked skin of my ribcage, causing goosebumps to rise. I understood where he came from and, yet again, the nature of our species has caused a divide between us.

"Forever is a long time." I pointed out. "That's plenty of time to have kids. I'm not even twenty yet."

"Age is just a number in my community. Once I bear your mark, you will share my ability to live longer." He shook his head.

"Wait, what?" I gasped.

He chuckled. "Wolf perk."

"Wolf perk." I muttered.

He shuffled closer, one arm sinking around me as the other came up to my face. "Whatever lies ahead, I agree that we have plenty of time together. Whatever you want from me, you can have."

"Birth control?" I whispered.

He tensed, his jaw working hard beneath the surface. "We can have that arranged. For you, or me?"

I chewed my lips, uncertain. "I don't know the benefits of any. We didn't have access to them in Evermore."

He sighed, relaxing. "Okay, we can discuss it with a doctor."

I smiled, accepting the featherlight kiss he placed on my nose. I was glad he could compromise for the sake of my own feelings. Children were not something I was thinking of right now, especially considering we have only just taken our relationship to the next level. I was glad we didn't fight about it.

"I never pegged you as a kid guy." I attempted to joke.

He smirked, cupping my jaw. "They would be our kids, and that is all I could ever ask for."

My heart warmed as he kissed me softly. Everywhere he touched, felt like my body was alive. It was as though every skin cell was metallic and his touch was the magnet. It drew me to him as he climbed from the bed, watching his every move as he got dressed. His body moved so smoothly and effortlessly, it was delicious.

Eventually, he finished and turned to me expectantly. "Come on, your turn."

I grunted, pushing myself from the bed to slump over to the clothes he held in his hand. It was a man's t-shirt and shorts and I quirked an eyebrow at him.

"I told them to bring me clothes with the sheets." He shrugged. "You'll look cute."

"Cute?" I laughed, pulling on the shirt. "It reaches my knee! You cannot even tell I am wearing something underneath."

Asra chuckled softly, helping me to get dressed. He even pulled my arms through the holes like a child before rolling the shorts for me to step in to. I glared at him the entire time, unsure of his caring touches.

He smirked, slapping my ass lightly. "Go brush your teeth."

"Geez, is this boot camp or what?" I quipped.

I obliged anyway, washing away the muskiness inside my mouth. There was nothing but soap, a first aid kit and tooth things in this bathroom, leading me to believe it was only stocked for an emergency. Whoever had brought sheets and clothes was a life saver cause I did not fancy wearing my dirty mud-stained dress from last night.

Once finished, Asra was waiting for me by the main door. "Alright?"

I nodded, smiling softly. "Yeah, let's go. I'm hungry."

"I bet you are," He beamed, holding the door for me to step through.

I snorted a laugh. "And you aren't?"

"I could eat a bear."

My eyes widened, and he chuckled at my horror. "Poor bear!"

"It won't be the first time I've been in a fight with a bear." He shrugged. "I'll give it another shot."

"Did the bear win?" I frowned.

"It did." He grunted. "I was only a teen."

I grinned, nudging his side. "Good."

He growled, playfully tickling at my sides. I squealed and ran ahead of him, only to receive another sharp smack to my ass. I glared at him, but he just grinned, grabbing my hips and kissing my pout.

"You look cute when you are grumpy." He hummed, moving to stand beside me.

I huffed, not having a response to his teasing. Instead, I took my time observing my surroundings. It must be later in the morning, the sun warm on my exposed skin. We weren't far from the sparser trees nearer the house, breaking through them into the smaller side garden. I felt nerves creep upon me as we grew closer, suddenly aware that I was not in dream land anymore.

I had consummated the bond with Asra. I was wearing his clothes... I was one hundred percent certain they would smell everything. Asra picked up on my scent when I first came here, so I knew everyone else would.

"It's okay." Asra murmured, the tension in my head growing as he let himself in. "Nobody will say anything bad."

I swallowed. "I'm just... humans senses are dull, we would never tell, but... the entrance, the clothes, our scents... I can't help but feel like a bug under a magnifying glass."

He kissed my temple, pushing the side door open. "Eat. It'll distract you."

My frown only deepened as he led me through the utility and into the dining room. The smell of garlic wafted over my nose, a realisation that it was lunchtime. As if on queue, my stomach grumbled, causing Asra's hand to dig into the small of my back as he pushed me inside. I was glad I had time to fix my hair and brush my teeth because people were definitely staring.

A few greeted us softly, but I could see the barely contained excitement coming from my designated table. I gave a weak smile and wave towards Mya, whose eyes were wide with delight. Eve sat beside her; a soft yet calm smile of acknowledgement sent my way. Mya said something to her, causing her sister to scowl.

Another nudge from Asra and I stood before the various foods. He grabbed me a plate, about to stack it with food. I would appreciate the gesture if he wasn't going for food I didn't like. I took the plate from his grip with ease, causing him to grumble.

"I can get it myself."

"I want to get it for you." He took the plate again.

I scowled at him. "I want to."

"Tulip..."

"Butterscotch..."

His eyes flared with agitation, his lips curling at the nickname. "Is it wrong I want to care for my mate?"

"You have done enough for me the past twenty-four hours than my mother ever did in the past ten years." I commented, taking the plate back.

His eyes flickered over my face, and another heavy nudge appeared in my mind before he dropped the subject. His shoulders relaxing, he handed me the plate, and I gave him a welcoming kiss in return. He smirked, shooting me a side glance as he piled up his plate. Only when he stepped away did I realise the wide-eyed eyes we had gained, and I scurried to get myself something to eat.

Wolves.

I thought humans were nosey.

I chose some carb-filled foods, eager to sate my grumbling tummy. Without thinking otherwise, I made my way toward Mya and Eve. As soon as my ass lowered toward the seat, Mya was diving into a million questions. I stared wide-eyed, unable to even sit down firmly.

"Mya, let the girl sit." Eve rolled her eyes.

Mya grinned, and I was sure she would be beat red like me if it wasn't for her perfect dark skin. I admired her complexion constantly, not a freckle, mark, or thing out of line. Well, except for the eyebrow and lip scar, she was perfect.

"Earth to Ailia." Mya snorted, nudging me.

I blinked, grinning. "Sorry, spaced out."

"Yeah, I know." She beamed. "As I was saying... how many times did you do it?"

Now I was sure I was blushing, almost choking on the mouthful of fries in my mouth. "What?"

Someone placed a glass of icy water before me in an instant. I glimpsed the wink Asra sent my way before he walked his plate full of food toward his beta at the opposite end of the room. I gratefully took a sip before turning back to Mya.

"Twice."

Her lips broadened into a grin. "Oh my gosh, I can't believe you actually did it. How's the marks?"

"Only mine still." I shook my head. "I wasn't ready for that."

"Girl, I can smell the sex all over you. I think you're past ready for that." She teased, sniffing wildly to wind me up.

I shoved her face away, laughing. "Get your nose out of my vagina's business."

She licked her canines, teasing me once more before retracting them back into her gums. "How was it?"

"Amazing." I murmured, aware of wandering eyes. "You can have... more, later. Okay?"

She clicked her tongue but otherwise nodded, dipping back to finish her dinner. Eve was quiet, as usual, watching us as we bickered like a tv show.

"Is it later yet?" Mya muttered.

I couldn't help but laugh, shaking my head. "No."

"Oh." She pouted, biting a fry rather harshly.

"Have you guys seen Piper?" I wondered.

"She had her lunch early, went to do some packing." Eve shrugged.

"Oh my goddess, wait, you did it on a full moon!" Mya squeaked.

"Did it?" I snorted.

She rolled her eyes. "Full moons are when wolves are most connected. I wonder what that'll mean for the bond and the pack."

I noticed her eyes drop to my stomach, and I scowled, wrapping an arm around myself and turning away. Mya was always so in everyone's business. I couldn't think about how she was a stoic warrior; the image of her so angry. I'd have to see her in action one day, just to combat the image of pouty Mya fighting like a chicken out of my head.

"Nothing will happen. I am human."

"What if you turn into a wolf?"

"Is that even possible?" I grimaced, looking at Eve.

She shook her head, glaring at her sister. "No, it's not. Mya is just being superstitious."

Mya shrugged. "Gotta liven up my life somehow. There are never any fights going on. I'm bored."

Eve rolled her eyes, but I grinned, nudging Mya.

"Maybe you need a lady friend." I suggested.

"Maybe I do." She pouted.

We all laughed, continuing to finish our dinner. I was aware of various eyes drift my way and tried to ignore the way their nostrils flared. It reminded me of the dog my neighbour had when I was a child. It was a small white thing, but it always glued its nose to the ground, begging for food or digging up something. Dogs were always in everybody's business, and werewolves were no exception.

I would just imagine them as dogs. Maybe that'll make their annoying habits disappear.

But I loved it. I loved the annoying dogs, and yes, even their weird quirks that came with it. Asra basically sniffing my ass or the odd comments about being a luna. I still had lots to learn, but I was ready for it. It excited me.

It was crazy how much has changed the last couple months. How I was so integrated with this species... How open to connections I was with my soulmate.

Soulmate

Funny that, isn't it?

This time last year I would've never believed that I could be anything more than Ailia Thorne. Now I was somebody loved, somebody important. Somebody with purpose.

With Asra by my side, I had a lot left in my life. It seemed rather everlasting, like the end was never in sight; there were bigger, brighter things coming. I had so much to do, so much to learn.

I was a luna, I was a mate, a friend.

It all came rather... naturally.

THE END

of book one

****

A sweet, simple ending to a whirlwind of a book. But fear not, Ailia and Asra have so much more coming! Love, lust and a past that they both cannot escape, read it all in book two!

A Primal Pursuit!

Chapter one coming Monday 20th November!

Be sure to add it to your library!! I update at 6pm GMT, so keep your eyes peeled!

ALSO, sign up to my Patreon for full access of book 1,2&3 with Exclusive bonus chapters, polls, and chats about current and future works!!  Be one of the first! Choose the storylines and characters! Hope to see you there ❤️