Aurora's POV

I found myself stalling before I left the house, having to make up some lie to my parents about going to see a friend. Technically I wasn't lying completely, they just didn't know who it was with. Knowing that I wanted to give it some time before I told them about Ellis, I wanted to get to know him first before my dad threatened him in some way. Already imagining how protective he would be when he found out that I had met my mate.

The weather outside was delightful, secretly in a way I wished it was raining so I didn't have to go. But this was my nerves speaking and nothing more, I knew I would have to spend time with Ellis to get our relationship on another level but I was still adamant that I wanted to take things slow.

Not being forced into loving each other because the moon goddess said so, who said I can even trust her?

Being cautious isn't a bad thing, I wanted my feelings to be real and I think Ellis understood that.

Meeting him at Mote Court, it wasn't too far from here but I had no idea if he had to travel far. Realising that I didn't really give him a choice but maybe my bluntness drew him in, I wasn't going to fall into his arms and ask to whisk me away.

When I reached the entrance of the nature reserve, I could spot Ellis leaning against a chalk pole. His legs stretched out in front of him with his arms folded across his chest, looking frantically between people as they walk by.

As I approach him his head snaps to my direction instantly, his eyes relaxing when he sees me. Watching as his eyes rake down my attire, denim shorts and a white cropped top. He pushes off from the pole and meets me halfway.

His black t-shirt clung to his chest and shoulders, showing off his broadness that I didn't notice last time when he was wearing a shirt. Seeming a lot taller than me considering I was wearing four inch heels at the werewolf committee.

The smell of mahogany swarming me, sending me into a trance. Then the sweet scent of passion fruit zapping me back into life.

"I thought you weren't going to show," is what he says, stopping directly in front of me.

"I lost track of time," I say with a sweet smile, trying to cover my shaking lips.

His green eyes flick between mine as he swipes a hand through his hair. "You look pretty," he comments.

"You said that last time," I challenge him.

"Am I not allowed to find my mate attractive?"

"Depends," I smirk playfully as I begin to walk forward, he falls beside me as we stroll slowly.

"On what?" He questions as he turns to me.

"If you're just trying to bed me," I shrug.

Ellis turns to me, his lips parting at my words. "Aurora I don't know what's happened to you before or why you think I'm just going to fuck you over." He starts, his voice soft. "But I'm not like that, you're my mate and I'm going to respect what you want. On your terms."

The corners of my lips twitch, surprising myself. Even enjoying hearing him say my name, it felt unbelievably comforting and I hated that my wolf purred at the sound.

"How old are you?" I ask.

"Twenty one," he responds. "How old are you?"

"Nineteen," I say with a small smile.

"So you're a little baby," he says as he watches me.

"If I'm the little baby then you're the pervert," I joke.

Ellis cracks a small laugh and shoves his hands into his short pockets. "Yeah let's not say those words again," he says before turning to me. "Did you end up going to that party after the manor?"

"Yeah," I nod. "It was shit."

"Why?"

I sigh as I look up at the trees gently swaying in the wind, the sound of children laughing ringing in my ears. "Well if I'm honest, I couldn't stop thinking about you. About the fact that I had actually met you."

Ellis turns to me suddenly, like he can't believe what he's hearing. "Left that good of an impression, huh?"

Glancing my head up to him, noticing how much taller he was than me. His smile was sending my stomach west but I tried to ignore it, I couldn't go all googoo eyes on him now.

"Well I just found the person I'm meant to spend the rest of my life with, of course that's going to leave an impression." I say as I continue to look at him.

"Yeah," he breathes out, looking ahead of us again. "I suppose it's a little bit daunting."

"Scary," I nod too quickly.

"Are you scared of me?"

"No," I say instantly, surprised he even thought that. "I'm just scared about rushing into things too quick, I want this to seem natural. Not forced, I want you to like me for me, not the bond."

Ellis purses his lips for a moment before releasing them, noticing how plump and full they were. Having to close my eyes for a brief moment and tear myself away from his beautifully structured face.

"I'm quite liking the blunt vibe," he says as we turn down a path towards a large pond.

"Really?" I say in suspicion, raising my eyebrow up at him. "Well you can thank my mom for that."

"What are your parents like?"

"My mom is the nicest human being on the planet but we clash sometimes because we are alike," I explain and Ellis nods back at me. "My dad is a bit of a control freak because he's an Alpha but--"

"Your dads an Alpha?" He cuts me off, eyes wide towards me.

"Yeah?" I trail off. "Did I not tell you?"

"No," he stands his ground. "You did not tell me."

I can't help but grin towards him, the first time I had seen him this startled. "Don't worry, he's a nice guy. He will definitely give you an earful when you meet but he just worries you know. I'm his only daughter, only child at that."

"Wow," he blinks and takes a breath. "So should I prepare myself for a beating, or?"

A laugh passes my lips. "No, don't be silly. Just if you ever did me wrong, he wouldn't hesitate to kill you. That's what I'm saying."

Ellis gulps and rakes his hand through his hair. "Protective, huh?"

"You could say that," I nod. "But I reckon you guys would get along, you're quite similar in some ways."

"Dear God, don't compare me to your dad."

My eyes shoot wide. "No I don't mean like that," I rush, my heartbeat increasing in my chest. "I mean you're both quite forward and confident. My dad likes people who can match his energy, that's for sure."

"Okay, you're building me with a little bit of hope." He cracks a smile towards me.

"What are your parents like?"

Ellis' eyes glance around the trees for a second before settling on mine. "My parents are nice, they're always busy out and about doing things. My mom is the pack doctor and my dad is just an ordinary guy."

"Do you live in a pack house?"

"Yeah," he nods. "It's huge, like so big. We have our own portion of the house with our own kitchen and living space."

"That's cool," I nod towards him. "We have an ordinary sized house I guess but my dad's pack isn't that big, he likes having close members he can trust."

"So you also get it from your dad?" He raises an eyebrow at me.

My lips purse. "I guess it's a combination of the both of them." My eyes glance up at him.

"Well now I'm looking forward to meeting them," he smiles down at me before taking a look ahead of us. Taking my wrist in his hand and pulling me to the side suddenly. A small shriek escaping my lips at the sudden force.

Watching as a boy whizzes past on a scooter, inches from where I was just standing. A woman shouts sorry towards us but I wasn't focusing on her, I was focusing on Ellis' hand that was still wrapped around my wrist.

The feeling of his skin against mine, this was the first time we had touched each other and I didn't want to admit that it was magical, but it was.

Neither of us say anything as I look up to him, my breath catching in my throat at the amount of blood that was pumping through my body. "Sorry," he exhales. "I didn't mean to grab you like that."

"It's okay," I say as I swallow harshly.

The sun was shining against his face, turning his dark green eyes to pale green. His lashes shadowing down onto his cheeks, not realising how long and dark they were until now. His complexion fresh and clear, slightly tan with the odd freckle splashed across his cheeks and forehead.

"Can I hug you?" He asks softly.

My lips part, unable of any form of conversation. Nodding my head towards him, he releases my wrist and pulls me flush against his chest. Tucking my head underneath his chin and wrapping his arms around my back, one holding the back of my head.

My nose was pressed against the fabric of his t-shirt, stretching my own hands around his back and pressing my palms flat to him. His scent suffocating me as I breathe in deeply, wanting to feel more. Trying to control my body as it began to shake in his hold, feeling that connection between us that made me never want to pull away.

I could hear his heart beating through his chest, loud and hard. The bond swirling between our two bodies, feeling light and making my head dizzy but Ellis stabalises me. Not knowing how long we stood here for, hugging each other in the middle of the path.

He lowers his head down onto mine, holding the back of my neck tightly, flicking his thumb over the material of my top. I wasn't sure who was going to pull away but I wasn't sure if my wolf could take much longer of this before she forced me to kiss him and mount him right here.

So with all the willpower I had, I gently pull away from him and blush deeply. Who knew you could receive so much pleasure from a hug?

Ellis' chest heaves for a brief moment as we look at each other. "I think we both needed that," he says quietly and I find myself nodding back.

"Yeah," I rasp out as we continue to walk down the path.

"What are you doing Friday night?"

My attention is turned to him at his question. "Nothing I don't think, why?"

"I want to take you on a proper date," he tells me.

"A proper date?"

"Yep," he smiles.

"Where are we going?" I ask curiously.

"Well that's a surprise, isn't it?"

My lips pout slightly towards him. "It doesn't have to be a surprise, you could just tell me." I say with a sweet grin.

His eyes roam between my eyes and then dart down to my lips. "Not a chance, that beautiful face isn't going to persuade me." he states with a small smile, my skin beginning to heat up at the compliment. "But it will be closer to my house, if that's okay."

"How far do you live from here?"

Ellis' lips swish for a second as he ponders. "Twenty five minutes, not far." He says with a shake of the head. "But I could pick you up if you need me to, I don't want you travelling far by yourself."

"Thanks," I tell him gratefully. "I've passed my test but I don't have a car, my dads trying to get me to earn it rather than being given it. Said I'm too spoilt as it is."

"You can drive mine," Ellis shrugs casually.

"You'd let me drive your car?" I turn to him, my face lighting up.

He nods. "I mean it's a piece of shit but you can give it a whirl."

"I haven't driven since I passed so it might be a bit choppy," I admit as I quirk my bottom lip slightly.

Ellis sighs before laughing quietly. "Please don't kill us both, I've just met you, I don't want to miss out on this now."

"Oh shut up, I wouldn't have passed if I didn't know how to drive." I roll my eyes dramatically.

"I guess time will tell," he mumbles quietly.

My hand raises to push his shoulder, budging him slightly as he stumbles to the left. "You're going to be amazed by my driving, so zip it."

Ellis holds his hands up in defence. "Just taking precautions you know."

"Whatever," I grumble out, a look between us that made me feel sure that we would have a playful relationship.

"I'm looking forward to it already," he says confidently.

"Okay eager beaver," I laugh as I try to settle my own breath.

"Sorry it's such a crime to want to spend time with you," he bumps my slide gently.

My eyes find his again and we stop walking. "I want to spend time with you as well but I'm just playing hard to get."

Ellis puffs out a breath of air. "Oh, don't I know it."