✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

˚₊‧꒰ა 💜໒꒱ ‧₊˚

───── Ｖｉｃｅ #１─────

️
✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

˚₊‧꒰ა 💜 ໒꒱ ‧₊˚

┆

𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐓𝐰𝐨: 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐞

┆

┆

⋆౨ৎ ₊˚ 🌕・₊✧

꒰ ୨୧ 𝙋𝙧𝙞𝙙𝙚 𑂂 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨𝐨 𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐨𝐨 𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬.

⋆౨ৎ ₊˚ 🌕・₊✧

┆

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

Ｗｏｒｄ Ｃｏｕｎｔ:

Part #2: 21.3K

˚₊‧꒰ა 💜 ໒꒱ ‧₊˚

Ｅｎｊｏｙ!

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

Serendipity

|H|

Under the cover of the twinkling night sky, the mysterious blonde werewolf carried her through the thick, shadowy forest, dodging branches and leaves with ease, making sure not a single one of them touched her.

As they ventured deeper into the woods, Hinata began to hear the sound of cascading water grow louder and louder. It was a soothing, steady roar that sounded almost like music, calming her nerves.

Her ears perked up.

Is that a lake?

A waterfall?

Lucky for her, her questions were answered and proven right when they finally reached a clearing where a waterfall tumbled down a rocky cliff and into a large river.

Hinata gasped in awe, completely taken aback by the sight.

The waterfall was like something out of a fairy tale, tumbling down in a bright, shimmering stream that sparkled like liquid crystals under the soft glow of the crescent moon.

The sound of the rushing water was like a lullaby to her, a flowing current where each drop blended seamlessly into the next, creating a calming white noise that washed over her heightened senses, immediately putting her at ease.

The river below was as wide as it was deep, the water brimming with a brilliant crystal-blue hue from the waterfall's endless flow, and glowing softly under the crescent moonlight reflecting off its surface.

But such gentle light didn't just stop at the water; it also glistened over the lush greenery and the vibrant flowers of pink, orange, and yellow that lined the entire area.

Even the air felt cool and refreshing, wrapping around Hinata's bare skin in a gentle, icy embrace. It brushed against her with a soft touch, sending a soothing shiver down her spine.

Hinata couldn't help but gape in awe as she took in the beautiful spot the blonde alpha wolf had brought her to.

She had to admit, it was absolutely stunning.

"Alright, we're here," The blonde werewolf suddenly announced, his tone a mix of firmness and soothing reassurance. He carefully placed her back on her feet, positioning her in the grass just a few inches away from where he stood.

"Now..."

He gestured toward her dress.

"Take off your clothes."

Hinata's eyes immediately shot wide, her cheeks flushing a deep pink. She honestly couldn't believe her ears.

"Eh?" She screeched in utter shock, "T-Take off my what?"

The blonde alpha wolf raised an eyebrow and tilted his head, clearly confused, as if what he had just said was perfectly normal and her reaction to it was unreasonable.

He pointed at her dress, "Don't you need to take that off to clean up?"

Hinata looked from her dress to him, gasping in disbelief.

"U-Um, yes. I-I meant, no! I-"

"Come on," He said, dismissing her hesitation with a casual wave before placing a hand on his hip, "There's no need to be shy. I can't very well clean you up if you're still dressed, now can I?"

Hinata's entire body practically flushed red at his words.

That's when it dawned on her...

He intended to bathe her.

'Oh. My. Kami!' Hinata's mind spun in a chaotic mess. Panic slammed into her like a freight train, leaving her breathless and unable to gather her scattered thoughts.

She couldn't even find the words to speak!

But the strangest part of it all wasn't what the crazy blonde werewolf said-it was her hormones.

Ever since she crossed paths with the mysterious blonde wolf, her body had been in complete chaos, like she was stuck on a runaway roller coaster with no brakes. Her hormones were out of control, constantly sending confusing and unfamiliar signals through her, leaving her struggling to make sense of it all.

His words, what he just said, sent an unusual sensation spreading through her-her nipples tingled against the fabric of her dress, and there was a warm, throbbing ache between her legs that she just couldn't ignore. Hinata's pale cheeks flushed as she tried to squeeze her legs together, not wanting to give herself away, not wanting him to notice.

What on earth was happening to her?

She felt embarrassed-it was impossible not to be!

The very idea of standing naked in front of an alpha, especially one she had only just met, and a male no less, sent her nerves into overdrive. The thought alone made her heart race, her cheeks burning with shame.

She wasn't used to being around people much, let alone feeling comfortable undressing in front of them. She knew werewolves did it all the time, but for her, that was something she just couldn't do-not now, not ever!

But the other part of her felt...

Hinata fidgeted nervously, glancing around, "N-No, I can manage on my own," She protested weakly.

"I-I can bathe myself-"

"That's nonsense," The blonde alpha wolf cut her off, a hint of impatience in his voice, "You need a proper cleaning, and I'm not leaving you to struggle by yourself."

Hinata watched hesitantly as he moved, taking heavy steps along the edge of the river. She was confused at first, observing how he stared intently at the bushes with his now-blue-slitted eyes, free from the crimson that had engulfed them earlier.

But soon, she realized he was searching for specific plants to help treat her wound.

He stooped low, examining the ground with a discerning eye, his keen senses attuned to the subtleties of the natural world. His thick, powerful fingers brushed through the underbrush, parting leaves and peering beneath the foliage in search of specific plants.

He spotted some elderberry bushes and reached out, deftly picking the dark berries and their leaves, quite a handful of them in fact. Then, he turned his attention to yarrow, its feathery leaves and white flowers standing out against the green.

He gathered a hefty handful of yarrow, making sure he had enough. Then he quickly moved on, scanning the area for what Hinata guessed was another useful herb.

This time, however, his search was more frantic. He was darting his head from side to side and tearing through bushes in a frenzy.

"Dammit, where is it?" He muttered in frustration, mostly to himself.

Hinata just stood awkwardly beside him, her mind still reeling from his earlier remark about... bathing her.

She glanced toward the river, biting her lip in contemplation.

"Ahh, there you are!" The blonde wolf suddenly exclaimed, finally spotting the herb he'd been searching for. Hinata quickly turned her head to see what he'd found, her lavender eyes locking onto it.

The herb he held was a deep, vibrant green, its textured leaves sprinkled with tiny, glowing specks that shimmered like dewdrops in the light. A fresh, minty aroma wafted from it, easily detected by Hinata's sharp senses.

Her eyes widened slightly.

She had never encountered anything quite like it before. Its appearance, scent, and overall presence were unlike any herb she'd ever seen; far more mystical and potent than the yarrow or elderberry-that's for sure.

But right now, that was the last thing on her mind.

Hinata's voice trembled, breaking the silence, "U-Um, I don't w-want..."

"The longer we waste time standing here, the more that wolfsbane spreads through your system." The blonde wolf stood up, gripping the herbs tightly in hand-ready to treat her wound and flush the wolfsbane out of her body.

Once again, Hinata's lavender eyes settled on the familiar elderberry and yarrow leaves in his grasp, knowing all too well how effective they would be in treating her wound.

She had come across those herbs numerous times during her "travels" and had actually used them quite a bit; the elderberry would reduce inflammation and infection, while the yarrow would assist in stopping any bleeding.

But it was that last herb that really caught her attention...

Hinata furrowed her brows.

"I don't usually put up with this kind of defiance," The blonde werewolf interjected, breaking through her thoughts. His blue slitted eyes locked onto her with a piercing glare that seemed to pin her in place.

Hinata gulped.

"But for you, I'll make an exception." He gestured toward her clothes once more.

"Now," He raised an eyebrow, "don't make me repeat myself again, Hinata."

There it was again-those feelings.

At that moment, Hinata felt that familiar swirl of confusion and frustration rise up within her yet again, making her question whether she was truly embarrassed or if she actually liked the werewolf's demands, his dominance.

His presence was new, thrilling-utterly intoxicating.

She bit her bottom lip.

Oh yes, he was definitely an alpha.

Alphas, as Hinata knew, were known for their stubbornness and strong will. They never backed down; in fact, they refused to back down from any challenge, no matter the circumstance or outcome.

Their sheer presence commanded respect, effortlessly getting them what they wanted without needing to say much at all. They didn't have to; their mere aura spoke louder than any words ever could.

They were the kind of leaders who got things done, relentless in their pursuits, and radiated an air of control that compelled others to follow their lead-even if it meant stepping outside their comfort zones.

And him-the blonde werewolf standing before her?

He embodied the alpha archetype in every sense of the word, fitting the mold perfectly.

And here she was, face-to-face with him, an alpha, who has made it specifically clear that her clothes had to come off. And if he said her clothes needed to be removed, then that's exactly what's going to happen.

Hinata knew that, and she knew what she felt, even though she tried so hard to deny it.

She couldn't ignore the sensations stirring inside her, the ones that made her nether regions tingle in a way she couldn't quite shake. There was this weird, almost irresistible urge to please him, like an itch she just had to scratch. It wasn't just about following orders for the sake of not angering him; it was a mix of respect and something deeper, something that made every nerve in her body hum with the need to comply.

Yes, something much deeper...

The more she fought it, the stronger the pull grew-like an irresistible force weaving itself in every corner of her mind, pulling her emotions like a puppet on strings, leading her toward doing... kami knows what.

At that moment, her body seemed to act on its own, her mouth opening before she could even fully grasp what was happening.

With a defeated sigh, Hinata pouted, giving in.

"F-Fine. You win."

Instantly, the blonde alpha wolf purred, his blue slitted eyes gleaming with satisfaction.

"Good girl."

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

|N|

Yeah, she's the one.

The special one he's been looking for...

Hinata.

At first, Naruto found it hard to believe. It was hard for him to wrap his mind around the fact that a random she-wolf had materialized out of thin air, and had actually managed to capture his attention.

Him?

No fucking way.

After all the disappointments and overall bad experiences he'd faced with other she-wolves, he wasn't ready to believe this was real, and he definitely didn't want to get his hopes up again. But no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't ignore the pull he felt, the pull toward...

...her.

There was this deep, gnawing sensation inside him, something he couldn't quite put his finger on. He'd needed to see more, to feel more, to be certain.

And now?

Oh fuck... where has she been all his life?

It was when he got close, saw her up close, and witnessed those hunter assholes degrading and toying with her-seeing her hurt and terrified-that the truth hit him hard, leaving no room for him to deny it.

The answer was clear as day.

Having seen her, felt her presence, and sensed her essence deep in his bones, he knew without a shadow of a doubt-Hinata was his mate.

She was his omega.

He's found her, the very one he'd been hunting for, yearning for, all this time.

He didn't need any more confirmation. The very fact that he wanted to tear that dress off her, throw her on all fours, and dog fuck the shit out of her until the sun came up was proof enough.

His desire for her was overpowering, consuming, so fucking dangerous. Every fiber of his being was urging him to do what he had wanted all along, a deep instinct that had been clear the moment he first saw her.

Hinata was just so beautiful, so irresistibly captivating, that it was a battle to keep himself from losing control. He usually had an excellent grip on his feral side; it was never a struggle for him to dominate the beast within, to be in charge of it rather than the other way around.

But now...

He could feel his feral side pushing closer to the surface, straining to break free. His instincts roared with a fierce need to protect her, to claim her-mark her, make her his.

Every moment he held back, every second he kept a stern face, was a battle. He might have appeared to have his shit all under control, but inside, he was losing it.

Deep down, he was desperate, wild, and so fucking... horny.

It didn't help that Hinata was clearly horny too. She tried to hide it, standing there all cutesy with her flushed cheeks, legs squeezed together, and her gaze turned away as if trying to hide her embarrassment.

But she couldn't hide from him-not from his nose.

He could smell her-the sweet, intoxicating scent of her arousal that dripped from her pussy, clinging to her thighs. And to make matters even tougher for him, the damned she-wolf was at her peak fertility.

She was in heat.

She might not even realize it, but Naruto could definitely sense it.

But given everything he knew and all that had transpired, he understood that he had to keep himself in check.

Hinata had been through so much already.

Every time he looked at her-gazed into her eyes-he could tell.

She seemed so fragile, almost delicate, as if her body could barely keep itself intact, teetering on the edge of breaking from everything she had endured and how hard she had pushed herself. Seeing her like this-lost and overwhelmed, as if the weight of the world rested on her slender shoulders-tugged at his heartstrings with no intention of letting go.

Her lavender eyes brimmed with so much fear and vulnerability, shining with unshed tears that threatened to spill over at any moment. The slight tremor of her lips and the shake in her hands revealed just how close she was to breaking down-on the verge of giving up.

And in that moment, he knew.

Naruto knew he couldn't rush things with her, no matter how strong this... pull he felt was. He needed to stay calm and patient, all for her sake. Hinata needed time to heal, to feel safe in his presence. He had to make sure she trusted him completely before he could even think of letting his instincts take over...

...before he could take what was rightfully his.

"F-Fine. You win," He heard her whisper, her soft voice barely rising above the sound of the rushing waterfall and the flowing river nearby. Even though her voice was so quiet, his keen ears caught her submission loud and clear, tuning in to her words like a beacon.

A devious smirk spread across his whiskered face.

That was just the answer he had been looking for.

"Good girl," He praised, watching as Hinata shot him a feisty glare, trying to look tough. But it didn't have the effect she was hoping for; if anything, it only made his desire grow stronger.

He felt himself grow harder, his bulging monster of a cock poking against the zipper of his pants.

He groaned softly.

Ooh, such a feisty little thing.

Naruto's eyes followed Hinata as she shakily trailed her fingers down to the hem of her dirty, stained dress.

Her face tensed, and she shot him a sharp glare, "Is this what you wanted?" She barked, gripping the fabric tightly in her fists. Then, with a quick, trembling, yet defiant motion, she pulled it up her body and over her head.

And in that very instant, she stood there, naked.

Completely and utterly naked.

Naruto fell frozen, unable to tear his eyes away from her.

He was... entranced...

...again.

His blue, slitted eyes flickered to crimson, flashing back and forth like a weak streetlight fighting to stay lit. He just stood there, dumbstruck, as the raw battle between instinct and control raged inside him, his gaze fixed on the lavender-eyed she-wolf completely exposed before him.

Hinata looked like a...goddess.

Her long, midnight-blue hair cascaded down her back, catching the soft glow of the moonlight, making it shimmer like silk. Each dark blue strand of hers seemed to shine, framing her face in a way that made her look even more captivating, as if the night itself had chosen her as its muse.

She stood before him, scars and all, her soft curves putting every other she-wolf's body he'd ever seen to shame. The moonlight seemed to kiss every inch of her, wrapping her in a glow that made her look almost ethereal standing there.

Her skin seemed to glisten in the spotlight, a blend of pale and warm tones that made her figure stand out with such grace, that it left him utterly breathless.

She was a petite little thing...

...but not without her curves.

Her arms were slender but carried a quiet strength, hinting at her agility. The soft curves of her muscles showed that she was more than just slight; she possessed the grace and resilience of someone capable of moving with both power and finesse-a perfect balance of delicacy and strength.

Her breasts were full yet natural, resting comfortably against her chest without any excess.

Her rosy pink nipples stood out like delicate flower buds, contrasting against the soft, dusky circles of her areolas, hardened by the coolness of the night air. In fact, it was obvious that the chill was getting to her, as goosebumps began to rise like tiny prickles on her pale skin.

She shivered a little, wrapping her arms around herself to keep warm.

Naruto let out a needy breath.

He watched her intently, catching every small movement she made-from the way her fingers dug into her arms to the subtle quiver of her shoulders.

He wanted to take in every detail, every nuance of her.

His gaze shifted down to her stomach. It was flat, free of any extra fat, but to the extent that he could actually see the delicate outline of her ribs just beneath her skin.

He clicked his tongue in disapproval.

Now that wouldn't do.

He was set on changing that-he would do everything in his power to make sure his new mate was well-fed and taken care of. He could see her already, sitting at a big wooden table in their warm den, surrounded by platters brimming with the delicious game he had hunted and prepared himself. She would be happy, laughing, and smiling as she enjoyed every single bite.

That was just one of the many things he wished for her.

Naruto wanted her to feel safe and valued, to know that she would never go hungry or feel lonely ever again.

Yes, he'll make sure of that.

Naruto flashed a grin before refocusing on the task at hand: taking in the full beauty of the lavender-eyed she-wolf in front of him.

He lowered his gaze.

His eyes traveled down to Hinata's waist, which was slender, tapering into gently rounded hips. Her long, elegant legs bore curvy thighs, but one thigh was marked by the wound he had noticed earlier, with dried blood caked around it.

Her right foot was also marred, with remnants of dried blood staining her skin. More blood and dirt dotted her body, here and there, which were reminders of the terrible night she'd had and how desperately she needed to be cleaned.

He would deal with that soon enough; for now something else demanded his attention.

The most enticing part of her, he couldn't ignore, was higher up, drawing his gaze back toward her...

Nether regions.

She wasn't shaved; instead, the area was framed by a bush of midnight blue hair, perfectly matching the flowing locks on her head. And even with her legs crossed tightly, it wasn't enough to mask the scent that reached his nose.

That part of her was where her scent was the strongest, calling to him with an intensity that was both powerful and oh-so-intoxicating.

Naruto found himself closing his eyes and inhaling deeply, leaning in closer to take in as much of her scent as possible. Now that rancid, ole dress was gone, the rich scent of lavender filled his senses completely, even more intense now as Hinata stood in her prime-bare and free, just like a wolf should be.

The combination of her natural scent and the bareness of her skin stirred something primal within him, urging him to draw closer...

...and closer.

"Eek!"

Naruto's senses sharpened again, and before he knew it, he had taken steps without even realizing it. His red slitted eyes locked onto the angelic face of the lavender-eyed werewolf, now up close, his body towering over her as she stood frozen in place.

Hinata whimpered softly, her lavender eyes flickering nervously downward, "U-Um... Y-Your hand..." She stammered, her voice barely above a whisper.

Naruto's brows knitted together in confusion, her words not registering right away. But when he followed her gaze, the reality of just how bad off he was hit him hard.

His eyes widened.

His claws were extended against his will, but that wasn't the most shocking part. The real shock was that his clawed hand was wrapped tightly around one of her soft, delicate breasts, practically squeezing the life out of the poor thing. His fingers dug into her flesh, the heat radiating from her body warming his palm.

He sensed the quick inhales and exhales of Hinata's chest with each unsteady breath she drew, her heart pounding like a hummingbird's wings against her ribs.

Her lavender eyes gazed up at him, wide in shock, "U-Um.." She whimpered again, speechless.

Naruto gasped, quickly letting go of her.

"Fuck." He cursed, shocked that he hadn't even realized he had moved, let alone touched her.

Shaking his head in frustration, he scowled at his moment of weakness.

"What are we doing standing here wasting time? I need to get you healed and cleaned up."

"I-I thought that's what you were doing, but then you-"

"Be silent, girl," Naruto snapped through gritted teeth. And before she could argue further, he scooped her back up into his arms, carrying her bridal style.

Hinata panicked, kicking her legs.

"Gah! H-How are you so fast?"

"What did I say?"

"S-Sorry."

"Tch." Naruto scoffed before shifting his focus to the river. He took a step closer, and with a powerful leap, he plunged his massive frame into the water, creating a resounding splash that sent droplets flying everywhere.

Hinata gasped, instinctively curling tighter against his chest as a few droplets landed on her bare skin, sending a chill through her.

Naruto smirked, tightening his grip around her.

The moment he stepped in, the chill of the river sent a revitalizing jolt up his spine, invigorating him. The cool water wrapped around his ankles, then traveled higher to his legs and thighs, as the gentle current swayed steadily back and forth around him.

He took a moment for his body to adjust, savoring the comforting sensation of the refreshing water as he sank deeper. Once he had grown somewhat accustomed to the water, he turned and carefully set Hinata's bare bottom on the soft grass by the river, ensuring her injured thigh was clearly visible and easy to tend to. He then set the herbs he had been holding down on the grass beside her.

"I'll take care of your wound first," He muttered, concentrating on the task at hand. He didn't even glance at Hinata to see if she responded, his focus locked only on cleaning and treating her injury.

He dipped his hands into the cool river, scooping up a handful of water. Without saying a word or giving any warning, he poured it over her bloody wound.

Hinata flinched at the sudden chill, the water stinging her open wound, aggravating it.

"Ow!" She whimpered, her thigh tensing up.

"Could you please warn me before you-"

Naruto shot her a sharp glare, his patience wearing thin.

She squeaked in surprise, "Okay, I'll just...be quiet now." Her shoulders slumped, and she looked away, sulking.

Naruto's stern expression eased as he watched her sulk, her lips forming a cute pout that tugged at his heart. But he didn't say anything; instead, he resumed his focus.

He needed to hurry anyway.

He poured more water over her wound, observing as the dark red blood mixed with the clear liquid and drifted away into the river. Carefully, he traced his fingers around the circular bullet hole etched into her flesh, making sure to be gentle as he guided the blood and water away.

But he couldn't help but sense the way her body tensed to his touch. He couldn't help but hear her quiet whimpers, each one pulling at his heart.

He couldn't help but feel sorry for her.

Naruto let out a deep sigh.

"Just...just hang in there. I'm almost done," He muttered, empathizing with her pain, "If the pain gets too much, just...hold onto my shoulder."

He noticed a slight widening of her eyes in the corner of his vision, and a slow nod from her, perhaps unsure how to react to his...kindness.

Naruto smirked, finding that cute.

He made sure not to linger too long during the cleaning process, but he was careful to be thorough. He couldn't risk her getting an infection; not on his watch.

Gently, he poured more water over the wound, watching as the last traces of dirt and blood washed away, revealing the raw skin beneath. Once he was satisfied that her wound was all cleaned, he turned his attention to preparing the herbs for the antidote to the wolfsbane in her system.

"Sit tight. This will only take a moment," He said, reaching for a long leaf from a nearby bush and laying it gently on the grass beside her thigh. He picked up the herbs he had gathered-plump elderberries with their vibrant leaves, and fresh yarrow-placing them all carefully on top of the leaf's surface.

With the palm of his hands, he began to grind them together, applying steady pressure as he mixed and crushed them together, creating a fragrant blend. Once he was satisfied with the consistency, he added the final herb, the most crucial one: the moonshade leaf.

He blended it into the mixture, crushing and mashing it thoroughly until he was left with a dark, thick paste with a gritty yet creamy consistency.

He let out a satisfied hum as he rubbed the paste between his fingers.

Perfect.

He scooped up a bit more of the thick, creamy salve from the long leaf he had picked and began to carefully apply it to Hinata's wound. The paste was a rich purple with a subtle sheen, and as he spread it across her injury, it shimmered softly in the moonlight against her pale skin.

Hinata let out a soft hum, likely from the coldness of the salve against her skin and the tenderness of her injury.

Naruto was careful, making sure his touch was light and even soothing for her.

The air around them was quiet, broken only by the sound of his steady breathing as he focused on carefully applying the salve he had prepared to every inch of her wound. He delicately massaged the salve in with circular motions, carefully applying it to the edges of the bullet hole before smoothing it over the entire injury, feeling the warmth of her skin beneath his fingers as he did so.

But with Hinata's bare body so close, his gaze began to drift, and that's when he noticed something... interesting.

He let out a soft huff, breaking the silence, "You have a lot of scars on your body," He said rather bluntly, causing her to jolt a little.

"Do you always have trouble healing?"

Hinata pouted at his question, her shoulders slumping under the burden of her thoughts.

"Unfortunately..." She began, her voice trailing off. She fell silent for a moment, lowering her head as if reluctant to share, as if she wished to avoid the topic altogether.

Naruto frowned at her.

"Yes," She finally confessed with a heavy sigh, her breath unsteady.

She gave a shaky shrug, "Let's just say my body and I don't always see eye to eye. It heals...when it wants to."

Her gaze drifted down, avoiding his eyes, "Sometimes, it feels like my body has a mind of its own."

"Hm, are you referring to earlier?" Naruto remarked, recalling the events from before, "When your body was shifting on its own, even without a full moon?"

"Y-Yes. It's my curse."

Naruto halted his movements, his arm frozen in the air.

"Curse?" He repeated slowly, letting the word linger in the air.

Hinata nodded, "Yes, it's a rare one I was born with." She sighed, clearly feeling the weight of her pain as she spoke, "I'm one of the few werewolves who can shift without a full moon. But..." She shrugged, a hint of frustration in her voice.

"I can't control it."

She looked up at him, her lavender eyes glistening with unshed tears, "It's the source of every problem I've ever had, constantly reminding me of how different I am." Her voice trembled slightly, and it was in that moment, he could practically hear the pain in her voice.

Naruto's frown deepened.

Hinata took a deep breath, attempting to steady herself before she continued, "But hey, I'm still alive, so I guess that's something to be grateful for."

Once again, Naruto felt a tug at his heartstrings as he listened, his gaze fixed intently on the she-wolf before him.

He had to take a moment to pause, letting her words sink in. He couldn't deny that her situation left him in shock; he had never come across anything so strange-a curse that allowed a werewolf to transform without the moon, capable of shifting into their wolf form at any moment.

It was bizarre as hell.

The curse Hinata described, combined with the vivid memory of witnessing her transformation before his very eyes, was undeniable.

He couldn't deny what he had seen; the image of her writhing on the ground, shifting beneath the glow of the crescent moon, was etched permanently in his mind.

Yet, it was this very truth that shattered everything he thought he knew. It turned his understanding of himself upside down, challenging his perception of his own abilities, his pack, and his species as a whole.

He had always believed in the traditions and limitations of their kind, the sacred bond with the moon that dictated their transformations.

But now...

Naruto let out a huff of admiration.

Call him intrigued, because damn...

And then, of course, there were those last words of hers...

A small smile stubbornly tugged at his lips.

Hinata was resilient, that's for sure, and he couldn't ignore how much he appreciated that quality in a she-wolf-in a mate.

It was truly...impressive.

Clicking his tongue, Naruto brought his paste-covered fingers over to apply more salve to the lavender-eyed werewolf's thigh.

"Oh, you poor thing," He sighed, his voice filled with sympathy, "I have to admit, I've never seen anything like your condition before. I had no idea something like that was possible, that such a curse even existed for us werewolves." He tilted his head slightly, his blonde bangs brushing over his eyes.

"What happened to your pack?"

Hinata was quick to shake her head, her expression downcast, "Th-They turned their backs on me. I-I-It's just me now."

"Turned their backs on you?"

In an instant, it was as if a switch had flipped; Naruto's blue slitted eyes transformed to crimson in a heartbeat, and his anger flared up like a raging fire inside him.

"Are you fucking kidding me? How the fuck could they do that? How could they-!" Naruto paused, taking a deep breath to try to steady himself, struggling to control the surge of emotion inside him that threatened to boil over.

Hinata's eyes widened at his sudden outburst, clearly caught off guard and slightly frightened by his reaction.

He shook his head, his eyes gradually shifting back to their usual blue as he fought to calm himself, trying not to scare the poor she-wolf any more than he already had.

"A pack..." He began, taking a few steady breaths to keep his voice even, "is supposed to support one another, no matter the circumstances." His jaw clenched for a moment before he continued, "If they don't, then they were never truly a pack to begin with." He sighed, disappointment creeping into his voice.

"It seems like your pack never truly understood that."

Hinata whimpered softly at his words.

Naruto paused in his movements, lifting his gaze to meet hers, lavender eyes locking onto blue.

His expression softened, "You deserve so much more, Hinata," He said quietly, "You deserved a real pack, a real family, one that stands by each other through thick and thin.Your pack..." He nodded toward her, pausing briefly, "should've embraced what makes you different, not turned their backs on you. It was their job to protect you, to lift you up when you needed it, not push you away."

He released a gentle sigh, returning to his task. He applied the final dabs of salve to her injury, ensuring every inch was treated. Once satisfied, he set the salve-covered leaf aside and dipped his hands into the cool river, signaling he was finished tending to her wound.

The water rushed over his fingers, washing away the thick, sticky salve along with the traces of blood that still clung to his skin. He watched as the river carried it all away, leaving his hands clean once again.

"You shouldn't have to go through this alone," Naruto said firmly, his voice steady as he glanced back at her. His expression was serious, the weight of his words sinking in. But his eyes told another story-a softer one. There was a warmth there, something tender that eased the tension between them, offering a kind of comfort he hadn't realized he was capable of giving.

His gaze lingered on her, showing her that he meant every single word.

And he watched as Hinata responded with a soft, genuine smile, warm and wholesome.

She opened her mouth to reply to his heartfelt words, but before she could speak, something suddenly caught her attention, stopping her mid-sentence.

She gasped softly, her gaze shifting to her thigh. In awe, she watched as the bullet wound began to heal before her eyes, the gash closing up almost instantly as the salve worked its magic. It seeped into her skin, spreading warmth throughout her body as it coursed through her bloodstream.

Hinata looked closer and watched as the wolfsbane in her veins began to shrivel and fade, as if the salve were chasing it all away. In just moments, her thigh underwent a complete transformation, appearing as good as new-smooth and unblemished, with no trace of injury whatsoever.

It felt as if the pain, her injury, had never even existed.

Hinata admired her flawless skin, gliding her hand up and down her thigh, where not a single scar, bruise, or trace of blood marred its surface.

Absolutely nothing.

She gasped in amazement, her adorable lavender eyes twinkling with joy.

And all the while, Naruto just stood back and silently observed her reaction, unable to resist finding her so cute. He smirked as he watched her swing her leg back and forth, playfully testing it out.

A bright, beaming smile spread across her face and she lifted her head to meet his gaze once more, her eyes brimming with gratitude.

"Thank you for healing me, for everything, really. You've done so much for me-more than anyone else ever has." Hinata said, her cheeks flushing.

"It's funny, but I don't even know your name."

"It's Naruto," He replied with a slight, affectionate smile, "And you're welcome."

"Na-ru-to." Hinata's cheeks flushed a deeper shade of red as she processed his name.

"Naruto-sama, then!" She beamed.

"Yeah, that works," He said with a soft chuckle.

"Well, Naruto-sama, now that we've shared names and you know all about my tragic past, I think it's only fair you tell me why you're really helping me," She said, tilting her head in curiosity, "I'm not part of your pack; we're basically strangers-or even potential enemies. So why go out of your way to do all this... for me?"

Naruto couldn't help but chuckle at her questions.

Her curiosity was obvious, her gaze steady, those lavender, pupil-less eyes of hers locked onto him as she waited for his answer. He could tell she was trying to study him, trying to figure him and his motives out-something he was absolutely certain she would not succeed in accomplishing.

After all, he wasn't the type to wear his emotions on his sleeve, and his thoughts were as guarded as steel, locked away behind walls he rarely let down.

But it was adorable to see her trying.

With a chuckle, he ultimately decided to just put her at ease, "Well, it's pretty simple, Hinata," He said with a casual shrug, stretching his arm along the grass close to her thigh.

His smirk widened as he looked up at her, a playful glint in his eyes, "You intrigue me. You're actually the first she-wolf who hasn't repulsed me. So, naturally, I'm going to stick around a bit."

"O-Oh," Hinata blinked in surprise, speechless by his response, "I-I thought it was because you..." She bit her lip, pausing as if searching for the right words.

Finally, she added, a bit awkwardly, "Well, thank you for not being repulsed by me, N-Naruto-sama!"

Naruto scoffed lightly, "Yeah..."

A heavy silence settled between them, thick like fog, as Naruto's thoughts drifted back to his earlier words-what he'd said about packs, about their loyalty, how they were supposed to have each other's backs no matter what, to lift each other up.

And then... his mind wandered to his own pack, the part he played in it, and everything he had done-or hadn't done.

A deep guilt began to gnaw at him, sinking into the pit of his stomach.

Suddenly, he felt like a hypocrite.

He exhaled deeply, deciding to break the silence and speak again. This time, though, his voice carried a more serious tone.

"You know, I have to admit that I haven't always been the best alpha to my pack." Naruto began, the words tumbling out almost unexpectedly. It was as if the words were pouring out of him without his control, almost as if he needed to get them off his chest.

He glanced down for a moment, lost in thought, before continuing, "I've been hard on them at times." He trailed off, a hint of regret creeping into his voice.

"I've had my... struggles." He paused, running a hand through his hair as his expression turned to one of deep contemplation.

"I haven't felt whole in... a long time-just empty, angry, longing for someone... longing for-"

His eyes lifted in mid-sentence and ultimately locked onto Hinata's, but in that moment, he felt his defenses begin to crumble as he grew lost in the warmth of her lavender gaze.

Her eyes were so... beautiful.

The way she looked at him was something...he couldn't quite put into words; it was unlike anything he had ever seen before-from anyone.

They sparkled with a gentle understanding, reflecting a depth of empathy that made his heart ache. It was as if she could see right through his facade, recognizing the turmoil he had kept bottled up inside. Her expression was welcoming, encouraging him to share more, to let her in.

His heart skipped a beat.

"Hinata, I..." He whispered, speechless.

She reached out and gently placed her hand over his, her soft smile warming him deep inside, "I-I understand," She murmured softly, and in that instant, it felt like all his regrets were laid bare before her-every time he failed to show his appreciation for his pack, every rude comment, every moment of indifference. It was as if all his pain and confusion had resurfaced, and Hinata was taking it all in, accepting it without hesitation.

"I...I've felt that way too, N-Naruto-sama." She paused, choosing her words carefully, "Lost, alone, misunderstood."

Naruto's eyes widened.

Lost...

Alone...

Misunderstood...

Those words repeated in Naruto's mind like a mantra, ringing true to the core of his being, capturing the story of his life.

Hinata didn't say much, but she didn't need to. The little words she did speak were ones he had longed to hear his entire life. It felt as if she could see right into his soul, as if his entire life was laid bare before her.

He had always believed he was guarded, that no one could read him or understand what he was going through.

But somehow Hinata...

She...

His thoughts were interrupted when she suddenly reached up and brushed his blonde hair out of his face, exposing more of his blue slitted eyes. It was such a simple act, but it meant the world to him.

He felt a shudder run through his body.

No one had ever treated him like this, hell, no one would even dare to show him such tenderness, to touch him.

But Hinata, she was different.

It felt like she recognized his vulnerability and saw him as someone deserving of care. She noticed the pain in his heart and seemed determined to soothe it.

It felt so...good.

It felt incredible to be touched by a woman, to experience her comfort. Without hesitation, he reached out and took her hand, resting his cheek against it and purring softly, yearning for the warmth she provided.

Hinata gasped at his sudden display of affection, but soon relaxed into the moment, gently caressing his face, running her thumb over his whiskered cheek.

She didn't realize just how soothing that was for him.

"I understand, Naruto-sama," She said once more, her voice, a nice lullaby to his ears.

Naruto let out a deep, shaky sigh.

It had been ages-ages since he had experienced this kind of connection.

In that moment, it felt like one of his deepest wishes had come true; he was truly seen for who he was, just as he was.

As an alpha, he had always carried the weight of expectations on his shoulders. Everyone looked to him to be strong and steady, the one to never show weakness, the one to never falter.

For a time, he was fine with that.

He felt a deep sense of pride on the day his pack chose him as their alpha. He took pride in looking after them, being the steadfast rock they could rely on, and standing up to protect them at all costs.

However, as time passed, he began to feel the loneliness that greeted him each evening when the sun dipped below the horizon and he left his pack behind for the solitude of his empty den.

Every night.

Every day.

The laughter and camaraderie that had once brightened his days before he became alpha all just seemed to fade into silence over the years, leaving a hollow ache in his chest.

He began to realize just how isolated he was as the alpha of his pack, standing on a pedestal high above the others, watching from a distance as they enjoyed their lives with their mates and families.

The more he observed them, the more different he began to feel.

He observed their joyful banter, the easy, comfortable way they connected, and it hit him just how much he no longer belonged to that warmth. As he watched them, he began to notice something he had never seen before: the stark contrast between how they treated each other and how they treated him.

The members of his pack appeared to tread lightly around him, as if walking on eggshells, their smiles rigid and their conversations clipped and mechanical, as if they were putting on a show just for him-until he was out of sight, of course.

At first, he didn't mind it.

In fact, he had wanted that, wanted the pack to perceive him as something more, something greater, as their alpha.

But then...the loneliness crept in, and before he even realized it, an invisible barrier had formed between him and the rest of his pack.

And no matter how hard he tried to lead and fully embrace his role, he only felt himself drifting further and further away.

No matter how hard he tried to deny it, he eventually lost his connection with the people he cared about-the very pack he considered family. The isolation that gnawed at him every single day was a constant reminder of that truth, deepening the emptiness in his heart.

In time, the role as the alpha ceased to feel...rewarding.

Instead, the role Naruto once believed was honorable became a heavy burden he had to carry alone, and without anyone to help him shoulder the weight, he started to feel...

...lost.

Emotions he never had to face before began to creep in, making everything so much more complicated. And then, when it came time for him to find a mate, things only got harder for him.

But no one ever understood that.

No one truly understood the pain, the struggle, or the loneliness that burdened him.

Yet Hinata did, and not only that, but she was offering him something he had always wanted: understanding.

Once again, Naruto felt a moment of weakness wash over him, causing his usual defenses to weaken a little. He leaned into her gentle hand as she gently stroked his cheek, the warmth of her touch grounding him.

But unbeknownst to him, his affection, his vulnerability grounded her just as much.

At that moment, they simply sat together, enveloped in a peaceful silence, letting the world around them slip away. The gentle sound of the waterfall continued in the background, bringing a calmness they both needed, offering a rare moment of...peace.

And it would have continued on like that if Naruto hadn't suddenly snapped out of his trance.

He opened his eyes and instinctively reached for Hinata's hand, halting her gentle stroking. She tilted her head, watching him with curiosity as he guided her hand away from him and placed it back on the grass, letting out a soft sigh.

"I need to bathe you," He murmured, shifting the topic, "I hate how much time we're wasting."

Hinata groaned in response.

"Oh boo." She whined playfully, making him raise an eyebrow.

Despite his stern glare, she flashed a bright smile, her face lighting up with cheer, "You know," She said, her voice warm, "you really should open up more. It's surprising how much we have in common!"

Naruto's brow rose even higher.

Hinata bit her lip briefly, "I-I mean, even though we're from different packs, and you're, um... a bit of a grumpy pants-I-I mean, an alpha!" She stumbled over her words toward the end, her cheeks flushing a deep crimson.

Naruto chuckled at the cute name she gave him; he definitely hadn't seen that coming. But he was more than happy to play along.

"Oh, come on!" He teased, flashing a playful grin, "You totally meant that. Don't take it back now."

"N-No, I promise, it just slipped out! I didn't mean to say that!"

"Sure ya did! Just admit it!"

"N-No, I didn't-!"

"If you don't," Naruto said, pointing at the river behind him, "I'm just going to toss you right in."

Hinata gasped, "You meanie!"

"Still throwing around names, huh?"

"Yes! You're a meanie, a bully, and yes, a grumpy pants! I'll own up to it!"

"Okay. You asked for it." Naruto shrugged, and before Hinata could react, he had her scooped over his broad shoulder, her hands scrambling for balance. She gasped, her fists knocking against his back.

"No, no! I'm sorry, wait!"

"Nope, naughty girls need to be punished, and you've been a naughty girl," He replied, a teasing grin spreading across his whiskered face as he turned to wade deeper into the water with Hinata slung over his shoulder. His long legs sliced effortlessly through the shimmering waves, sending droplets soaring in every direction.

Hinata grimaced as the crystal blue water swirled around them, a mixture of exhilaration and panic washing over her from her elevated height of 6'4", a height she owed entirely to him.

With her heart racing, she glanced back at him, her eyes wide with fear as she realized just how high up she was.

"W-Wait! I'll take it back! You're not a grumpy pants. Your pants a-are actually really nice!"

"You're not making any sense, Hina. Besides, you're lying." He teased, casting a playful glance over his shoulder at her. She tensed up, her eyes widening in anticipation, letting out a shriek for no apparent reason as he continued to push himself deeper into the water, the cool waves lapping at his legs.

"Seriously! P-Put me down!" She squealed, her laughter mixing with a hint of real panic as adrenaline rushed through her. She fought to break free from his grip, kicking her legs, wiggling her hips, and pounding her fists against his back, but all she encountered was muscle as hard as steel, which only made her more frantic.

From his end, it was rather amusing to watch her frustration grow as she realized that all of her attempts to break free from his grip were futile, with all her words falling on deaf ears.

Naruto didn't listen to her orders, her little whines. He just kept walking further into the water, holding her tight all the while.

He wasn't gonna budge.

Instead, he grinned, clearly enjoying their playful banter.

"I'll let you go, only if you admit that I'm not a grumpy pants!"

Hinata pouted, clearly flustered, "F-Fine! I can admit you're not a grumpy pants! But that doesn't mean it isn't true!"

"Alright, in ya go!" Naruto shot back amusingly. With one quick motion, he lifted her off his shoulder, hoisting her naked body above his head. And before she could protest further, he tossed her like a frisbee into the water.

Hinata let out a startled shriek as she was sent soaring into the air, only to be yanked back down by gravity, her arms flailing wildly for a brief moment.

Then, she hit the water with a loud splash, the coolness enveloping her instantly, sending wild ripples spreading out across the surface.

Naruto threw his head back and laughed, his booming voice echoing for miles-the longest and loudest he had laughed in a long time. He couldn't stop; the laughter just kept coming, bursting out of him again and again, so much so that his stomach began to ache.

If his pack had seen him now, they might have thought he was possessed.

But he didn't care.

None of that mattered now.

It took a few seconds, but Hinata eventually resurfaced from the water, shooting up in a fit of gasps and splutters. Her hair now clung to her face, her body soaking wet.

She shot him an incredulous look, her eyes wide and mouth agape.

"You're such a jerk!" She exclaimed, slapping her hands against the water, though laughter bubbled up inside her, breaking through her feigned anger.

Naruto raised an eyebrow at her from afar, a teasing smirk forming on his lips, "Ah! Was that another name you just called me?" He tilted his head, crossing his arms.

He leaned slightly, casting a glance her way from a distance.

"Still haven't learned your lesson, huh?"

Hinata instantly sweat-dropped, embarrassed, "I-I didn't mean it like that!" She stammered again, her cheeks flushing.

"It just slipped out again!"

Naruto clicked his tongue, clearly enjoying her flustered state, "You really have to be careful with your words, Hinata. You might just find yourself in even deeper trouble."

She puffed out her cheeks and playfully splashed water at him, managing to send a few droplets flying across his whiskered cheeks.

He flinched a little, surprised.

"Maybe I like being in trouble, have you ever considered that?" She teased, sticking her tongue out at him.

"It's just my kind of fun!"

Naruto burst into a hearty laugh, the sound bouncing off the water around them. He shook his head, still grinning in disbelief, completely taken by surprise. The more he thought about her words, the funnier they became, and he couldn't help but let out a few more chuckles.

He sure as hell wasn't expecting that response.

This she-wolf was just full of surprises.

With a grin, Naruto began making his way toward her, the water splashing about and soaking his clothes, but he didn't mind one bit.

"Trouble is fun to you, huh?" He echoed with a toothy grin, shaking his head once more.

"You've got a pretty strange idea of fun, darling, I'll tell you that."

"Well, when I compare it to being stuck alone with my thoughts, this is a million times better!" Hinata said rather impulsively, excitement getting the best of her. But as soon as those words left her lips, her expression clouded over, a hint of sadness creeping into her eyes.

Naruto could feel the change in her mood instantly, his smile fading at the edges.

She bit her lip and turned her gaze away from him, her naked body partially submerged in the water, simply floating along with the gentle waves.

"I've never... had moments like this before," Hinata confessed softly, her voice barely above a whisper, "with anyone. It's just been so..."

"Lonely," Naruto finished for her, observing how her expression dimmed even more at his response. That look in her eyes told him everything he needed to know-she sadly recognized the truth in his words.

He pouted, "Aww, my poor Hina," He murmured softly, "always alone, running and fighting." His voice wavered as disbelief settled in, the thought of her without a family, without a pack, without a home striking deep.

He let out a heavy sigh, his heart aching for her.

"You must have been so scared."

Naruto stepped closer, the cool water rippling away from his body as he approached her, closing the distance.

Hinata whimpered softly, her lavender eyes shimmering with unshed tears as she gazed up at him.

She gave him a subtle nod, her lips forming a deep pout.

Naruto's heart clenched at the sight, and he crouched down, bringing them eye to eye. He noticed her wide, glossy eyes following his every movement, as if she were frozen in place, completely captivated by him.

"Listen to me, Hinata-chan," He whispered, softening his tone for her sake.

"From now on, you don't have to be afraid anymore. Not of hunters, your pack... no one." His blue-slitted eyes narrowed slightly, his spiky blonde hair fluttering in the soft breeze around them.

"You've been fighting on your own for so long, and I want you to know, that I truly admire you for that, Hinata-chan," He said, a soft smile playing on his lips. There was something so real in his tone, a praise he reserved only for her, the kind of words he wouldn't offer to just anyone.

Only Hinata.

She was the only one who earned this level of respect, this kind of honesty from him. She'd fought through so much, braved so many storms on her own, and it stirred something deep inside him to finally give her the recognition she deserved, to say it aloud, just for her.

And the instant those words slipped from his lips, he could see the impact it had on her face. There was a change-her eyes lit up, a flicker of life returning to them that had been gone for far too long. Hearing such words from someone like him, an alpha, seemed to awaken something within her, breathing new life into her weary soul.

Hinata took a deep, shuddering breath, her chest rising and falling, almost like it was the first real breath she'd taken in a long, long time.

"But now?" Naruto's voice broke through once more, steady and certain. He leaned in, his expression firm.

"No more."

He shook his head slowly, his voice calm yet filled with resolve, "No more fighting alone, Hinata-chan. From now on, let me take on those battles-let me fight for you."

As he said those words, a powerful surge of determination rushed over him with full force, something he was unable to deny or ignore. His heart resonated in every single word he spoke, louder and clearer than anything he had ever expressed in his life.

He knew what he wanted now: to stand beside Hinata, to be the shield she needed, and to provide the strength she lacked when her own had run dry. It wasn't merely about protecting her; it was about giving her the peace she had been denied of for far too long-ensuring her safety and providing her with the rest she needed.

That was what he wanted with every fiber of his being-he wanted that for her.

Naruto nodded, as if confirming it to himself, his blue eyes never leaving her lavender ones, "Allow me to protect you. Let me do what your pack couldn't-let me keep you safe, together with mine." His voice was steady and warm, and he noticed her gasp in surprise, her eyes widening so much that he could almost see the entire round lavender of her irises.

Her lips quivered, on the brink of tears, her heart pounding in her chest,

"O-Oh my kami, r-really? You mean that?" Her voice wavered, unsure.

Naruto nodded firmly.

Hinata bit her lip, sinking deeper into the water, retreating a little, "Y-You're being so nice to me all of a sudden; it's kinda scary, N-Naruto-sama."

He chuckled softly, shaking his head before gently cupping her chin, giving it a light shake that left her blushing, "There's no need to be scared, Hinata-chan. I mean it," He reassured with another nod.

He paused, sensing her hesitation, then grinned mischievously, "Alright, how about this?" He cleared his throat dramatically, his expression lightening as he placed a hand firmly on his chest.

"As the alpha of the Uzumaki pack, I, Naruto Uzumaki, formally invite you, Hinata Hyuga, to join my pack." He declared, a warm smile spreading across his whiskered face, his eyes softening with sincerity.

"I want to take you in, Hinata-chan."

Hinata's breath hitched, her eyes wide.

Naruto's smile softened, and he lowered his voice to a soothing whisper, "I've never made this request of anyone before, but I truly want you in my pack, Hinata-chan. You're the only one I want." He nodded emphatically.

"Just you, Hinata-chan." He extended his hand toward her, watching her glossy lavender eyes shift down to focus on it.

With a subtle nod, he urged her on.

"So, what do you say?" He asked, tilting his head slightly, his voice tender.

"Are you ready to remember what it's like to be part of a pack again?"

Naruto wasn't sure where those words had come from, but they felt so natural, like they were meant to escape his lips. It was as if a part of him had been waiting for this moment, ready to express thoughts that had been tucked away in his heart for far too long.

Speaking them, those glorious words, felt almost like a release, as if he were finally fulfilling a purpose he hadn't known he had-one that connected him to Hinata in a way that was deeper than he could have imagined.

He knew what he had to do.

Losing Hinata was something he couldn't even think about now; the thought of it was too painful to bear. Deep down, he knew he could never forgive himself if he let her drift away from his life, if he allowed her to slip through his fingers-not after everything. Not after all the moments she had shared with him, not after the way she had made him feel so alive, and certainly not after everything that had happened tonight.

No, things are different now.

He was too involved now, and more importantly, she was his mate: his one and only. He felt it deep in his soul, a certainty he couldn't shake-didn't want to shake. There was no way in hell he would leave her now, unprotected, unsafe...unloved.

He couldn't.

He wouldn't.

Naruto looked back at Hinata and noticed she seemed frozen for a moment, just staring up at him, her eyes shimmering with a build-up of tears. Suddenly, a single tear rolled down her cheek, dripping off her chin and splashing into the water below. One tear quickly turned into two, and soon more began to fall, each one breaking free as if they were too heavy for her to hold back.

Before long, she was sobbing, her shoulders shaking with each shaky, desperate breath she drew. Tears continued to flow down her cheeks and chin, tracing the curve of her neck and gathering at the center of her chest, shimmering like tiny jewels in the fading light.

"Oh, Hinata-chan," Naruto murmured softly, leaning down closer to her. He tenderly swept her damp hair away from her face, tucking it behind her ear. His callous fingers continued their journey, softly gliding down to trace her jawline.

"Don't cry, love," He whispered, gently cradling her chin in his hand, tilting it up so she could meet his gaze.

"You're supposed to be happy-"

"I-I-I am h-happy," She stammered, her voice croaky.

Naruto observed her with a pout as she just cried her pretty little heart out. Her breath hitched in her throat repeatedly, her lips quivering as she fought to pull herself together. Each sob that broke free was deep and wrenching, carrying a swirl of emotions-relief, joy, and pain, all intertwined.

Her body shook with the intensity of her emotions, as if each cry was a release of everything she had held inside for so long.

Naruto's expression softened as he just marveled at her.

Kami, she looked so beautiful, even when crying.

"Oh, Naruto-sama," Hinata sobbed, her voice shaking, "you have n-no idea how much this means to m-me." More tears streamed down her cheeks, splashing onto his fingers, "I-I've spent s-so long feeling like I had to face e-everything by myself, like my life had n-no purpose other than to fight, r-run, and struggle. It felt like I had no pl-place to go and n-no one to turn to. "But now... it feels so comforting to know I'm not alone anymore," She hiccupped, her voice trembling a little.

"Now, I have you."

Her lavender eyes sparkled with joy as she looked up at him, revealing a world of emotions within them. She reached out, taking the hand that cradled her chin, and intertwined her fingers with his. The warmth of her touch sent a wave of heat through his chest, causing his heart to flutter with joy.

"Thank you for saving me, Naruto-sama," She said with a radiant smile, "For protecting me, for helping me, and even for making me laugh." Her grin widened to the point her eyes nearly closed, "And... thank you for taking me in. Thank you for everything." Her heartfelt sincerity stirred something deep within him, igniting a strong desire to give her everything, to offer her the world.

He wanted to do that for her.

He wanted to do so much for her-she truly deserved it.

So, he shook his head at her earlier words, at her overwhelming expression of gratitude.

He disagreed.

"No, don't thank me, Hina," Naruto said softly, "I'm simply giving you what you've always deserved." His words nearly brought her to tears once more.

"Thank you, th-thank you," Hinata croaked out anyway, over and over, like a broken record.

Naruto chuckled at how emotional she was, echoing her gratitude for her sake, "Oh, you're welcome, love." With her hand in his, he gently helped her up from the water, lifting her to her feet. Drops of water clung to her skin, glistening like tiny diamonds in the moonlight before falling back into the lake with soft splashes.

Naruto couldn't help but admire her again, even now.

He couldn't help but admire how the light from the crescent moon above played in her hair, making it shimmer like a delicate halo around her. Even the gentle breeze joined in, causing her hair to flutter softly in the air and across her face, enhancing her ethereal beauty and leaving him utterly captivated by her.

Once again, he found himself lost in a trance.

Naruto felt something take over him again, a force beyond his control. He stood frozen, gazing down at the petite she-wolf before him, his hand instinctively moving to gently cradle her cheek. Mesmerized, he watched as she leaned into his touch, a delicate shudder running through her.

"Mmm, N-Naruto-sama." Hinata gazed up at him, her lavender eyes shimmering, and that's when he noticed it-the silent plea she expressed.

"Take me, Naruto-sama. I'm yours."

It was unmistakable-her unspoken message.

Naruto felt the way her body reacted to him, an instinctive pull that seemed to call out to him and him alone. Her warmth enveloped him, a soft heat that hung in the space between them, between their bodies.

He could sense the quickening of her breath as she leaned in closer, causing his heart to race in response. The moonlight glimmered in her lavender eyes, illuminating them like stars against the night sky, the gentle ripples in the water mirroring the quickened patter of her adorable heartbeat.

His chest fluttered, a swarm of butterflies dancing in his stomach.

Hinata stood before him like a still picture, gazing up at him silently, her body communicating with him in a way that needed no words. Her body called out to him-speaking in a way only his instinctual nature could only sense, drawing him in like a magnet.

Naruto could sense her longing, her need, and in that moment, he knew-he just knew-that he had to answer her call.

"Hinata-chan," He whispered her name, more as a warning than anything else. He could no longer hold back; he couldn't deny his body what it desired-the beast within what it craved.

Before he could think twice, his control shattered, and suddenly...

...his lips were on hers.

Naruto pressed his lips to Hinata's with a force that sent a jolt through her entire body, making her rock backward, nearly losing her balance. But he was quick to catch her. His hands instinctively wrapped around her bare back to steady her and pull her in closer.

At first, his kiss took Hinata by surprise-his sudden shift in control, the roughness with which he pressed against her, and the intensity of this new kind of affection left her momentarily stunned. But as the moment sank in, Naruto felt her body start to relax against him. She leaned into him, responding to the kiss ith the very reciprocation he had been longing for.

Oh, it was an exhilarating rush, an overwhelming sensation that felt incredible-kissing her, kissing...

...Hinata.

Naruto could hardly wrap his head around it; he could barely catch his breath, barely grasp the reality around him. He was completely lost in that moment, where everything else ceased to exist.

But it wasn't just him; Hinata felt the same way.

In that instant, it felt like the world around them had vanished, sounds and sights fading into a blur until it was just the two of them, completely wrapped up in each other.

All that mattered was her, right there in his arms.

The taste of her was exhilarating, like a potent elixir that filled him with a surge of energy, much like the power he felt under a full moon when he transformed into a wolf. Kissing her unleashed that same rush he experienced during those transformations-the thrill, the sheer power.

He craved more.

Hinata's lips were an irresistible treasure that Naruto couldn't get enough of, drawing him in as he savored them again and again. It wasn't long before the kiss deepened, their hands eagerly exploring each other. Naruto's hands slipped down to the hem of his shirt, pleasantly surprised to feel Hinata's small hands gripping the fabric as well, helping him lift it.

As he kissed her, he could see the dazed look in her eyes, completely consumed by the emotions that had taken hold of her. Yet, her kisses remained shy, hesitant.

He could sense it.

Naruto knew this was all new to her-he could feel the innocence in the way her body moved, sense it in the gentle softness of her touch, and smell it so clearly in her scent. She was just beginning to understand what intimacy truly meant, what it felt like to be close to a male wolf-especially one like him.

She was still new to being an omega and to being claimed by her alpha.

But he was determined to teach her.

He was committed to taking his time with her, to guide her through every moment, to show her what was always meant to be-that they were destined to mate, destined to become...

...one.

His bloodstained shirt was quickly forgotten, tossed aside, revealing his sculpted torso for Hinata to touch. Her soft fingers happily wandered over his tanned chest, gliding across his rippling pectorals, brushing against his sensitive nipples.

Naruto hissed in pleasure, rewarding her by plunging his tongue into her mouth, eagerly seeking out hers.

Hinata moaned in bliss, swaying her head in time with his, following his lead as he teased her tongue. His blue-slitted eyes locked on her flushed face, noticing how her cheeks turned an even deeper shade of red. Her eyes were squeezed shut, dewy lashes resting gently against her skin. Soft, breathy moans steadily escaped her lips, mixing with his as he savored the sweetness of her mouth.

His hands roamed her body, gliding over her shoulders, down her back, and resting on her hips. Without warning, he scooped her petite body up and set her onto his hips, catching her by surprise.

"Eek! Naruto-sama! You keep forgetting to warn me!" She let out a squeal of laughter, her hands gripping his shoulders tightly.

Naruto laughed softly, a wide grin spreading across his face. He playfully bounced her on his hips, making her squeal again.

"Aww, where's the fun in that, huh?" He teased, leaning in for another kiss. Hinata melted against him as their lips connected with a gentle smooch, quickly followed by a deeper kiss. Her body relaxed in his embrace, a wave of warmth washing over her and pooling deep between her thighs.

In his arms, Hinata felt so small to him, almost fragile, pressed against the solid strength of his muscular body, making the contrast between them even more intense.

She tilted her head back as he nuzzled into her neck, instinctively arching her back in his arms, a soft, needy mewl escaping her lips. Her hands found their way around his neck, pulling him even closer, wanting to feel every bit of him against her.

"Oh, k-k-kami. It feels so good when you do that. My body..."

"Wants me, Hinata-chan," Naruto murmured against her skin, igniting a warmth deep within her, "That's what your body feels-it's calling out to me." He kissed a trail from her neck, down her pulse, to her shoulder, relishing how her body trembled like a leaf in his arms.

"It's been calling out to me since the first time I saw you in the forest, the moment our eyes met..." He leaned in, pressing his lips to her ear, adding a playful tease to his words.

"Allow me to answer that call."

"Ooh, yes," Hinata mewled, clinging to him as if her life depended on it.

She nodded vigorously, gazing deeply into his eyes, affirming what he already sensed.

"Yes, I want you, N-Naruto-sama." She sobbed, "I've never felt like this before, but it's there, and I can't ignore it. Every part of me is begging for you to take me, to claim me, pl-please, N-Naruto-sama."

Naruto groaned, loving the sound of that.

Finally, it's time.

He bounced her again on his hips, guiding her down to land directly against his covered crotch with a rough thrust, earning himself more of her cute little whimpers in response.

"Mmm, you're turning into such a good omega, being so honest with your alpha," He whispered, savoring the pleasure of calling her his "omega" and even her "alpha," the words slipping off his tongue with satisfaction.

Hinata responded with a shudder in his arms, clearly enjoying it as well.

"Now..." He leaned in closer, his voice low and sultry, "I did promise to bathe you, didn't I?" He glanced over at the waterfall behind her, a mischievous smirk spreading across his lips.

"I fully intend to keep my promise, but now, I have something else in store for you, Hinata-chan."

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

|H|

Hinata felt as if the world around her had dissolved into a blur, each moment rushing by in a flurry of sensations she could hardly comprehend.

She had never felt so good in her entire life.

So happy.

So safe.

The night had unraveled in a way far more beautiful than she could have ever dreamed, with Naruto right by her side. Just the two of them, entirely lost in one another, finally surrendering to the undeniable pull they had both sensed from the very beginning.

The world around them felt like it vanished, slipping away into nothingness for both of them.

In that moment, nothing else mattered-it was perfect, offering Hinata everything she never knew she wanted: a deep intimacy that fulfilled her, completed her, and completely consumed her like nothing else ever had.

But as perfect as it felt, Hinata couldn't ignore one thing.

The feelings swirling within her had grown more intense than she had ever experienced, a blend of excitement and worry, desire and confusion. It was like a storm raging inside, with each emotion crashing into the next, leaving her body jittery and feeling beyond her control.

Yet, even in her current state, she sensed a clear difference from the times when the beast within her usually took control, in fact, that part of her had been remarkably quiet since Naruto showed up, almost docile.

No, this was entirely different.

Hinata couldn't quite understand these unfamiliar emotions swirling inside her, and that scared her-where would they take her? What would happen if she gave in, if she let them consume her entirely?

She didn't know.

It was so confusing-overwhelming.

She's never felt this way before.

But even with all the confusion and all the uncertainty, there was a soft voice inside her telling her to trust this feeling, to welcome it without hesitation.

Trust Naruto.

And that's exactly what she did.

Their desire was the force that drew them deeper into the river, wading through the cool water until they found themselves before the waterfall. The sound grew louder, booming as it crashed down, hitting the rocks below with a powerful roar.

The spray created a misty veil around Hinata and Naruto as they submerged themselves in the cool water, wrapping them in its refreshing embrace.

The waterfall felt like a natural shower, the water hitting their backs with a strong yet soothing force, revitalizing their heightened senses. It swirled around them in playful spirals, dancing joyfully as it caught the moonlight, transforming into shimmering rainbows that glimmered across their bare bodies.

"O-Oh N-Naruto-sama," Hinata gasped over the roar of the rushing water, trembling as his warm lips brushed against her neck from behind, sending a thrilling wave of pleasure coursing through her that felt absolutely amazing.

"Now that's my good girl, keep those moans coming for me, omega," Naruto murmured softly in her ear.

"I want to hear just how good I make you feel."

He stood behind her, his towering build creating a protective shadow that enveloped her as he hungrily claimed her neck, giving in to his desires and doing as he pleased with her.

But Hinata didn't mind at all; her body craved every bit of it.

Every inch of her was soaked, the cool water embracing her like a second skin. Her long, midnight blue hair clung to her face and shoulders, framing her delicate features and following the elegant hourglass shape of her body all the way down to her backside, just above her buttocks.

Water droplets slipped from her bangs, creating a glistening trail down the bridge of her nose before falling onto her lips, which parted gently as she let out one moan after another.

She couldn't stop.

Her head fell back as she felt Naruto eagerly nip at her neck, his razor sharp teeth grazing her skin in a lingering bite that lasted more than just a second.

A soft whimper slipped from her lips.

"Oh kami, yes."

"Ooh, Hina," Naruto purred with delight, "your moans are so fucking gorgeous," He praised with a low hiss.

"Give me more." His husky voice growled into her ear, water streaming off his bangs and trickling down his elongated whiskered cheeks. He was just as soaked as she was, his blonde spiky hair plastered to his forehead and nose, water steadily dripping from the tips.

The masterpiece he called a body was now exposed completely, his clothes tossed aside somewhere in the river or among the grass; Hinata knew that Naruto didn't really care where they had ended up.

He was all bare, water steadily cascading down his tanned, rippling muscles in shimmering streams. Each droplet slid over his broad shoulders, the very source of her feeling so small in his presence, then flowed across his bulging biceps and flexing pectorals. The water droplets flowed further, down to his chiseled eight-pack, each muscle bulging and perfectly defined, connecting to a V-line that seemed like it had been sculpted by a god.

But just below that...

There lay his monstrous friend, resting snugly between her buttocks, acting like a warm pillow for it. The sensation of it there sent tingles through her, the contact it had with her buttocks electrifying.

She had never seen a male wolf...privates before, not once in her entire life...

....but now one was lodged right between one of the most sensitive parts of her body, its presence only intensifying the heat building between her thighs.

Hinata could feel it twitch as if it had a mind of its own against her, and at times, she could even sense it hardening against the curve of her cheeks.

She shuddered, unaware of Naruto's smirk.

His bright crimson slitted eyes pierced through the mist, drinking in every inch of her as she writhed in his arms, his breath like scorching lava against her skin.

He traced his nose along her neck as he planted kiss after kiss there, treating her body like something precious, all while fulfilling his promise.

He bathed her.

He took his time, using those large, manly hands of his to explore her bare, scarred body, gliding over her damp skin with a touch that felt utterly possessive. The cool water from the waterfall poured rapidly down around them, providing a constant flow of refreshing water, and he made sure to use it to wash away every trace of dirt, grime, and blood that clung to her.

His hands lingered and roamed, tracing every curve, every contour, and every scar, as if he were committing her shape to memory, savoring the softness of her skin, cherishing every part of her.

Hinata felt so exposed yet safe, aware of how Naruto appreciated her for all that she was, leaving her breathless with every one of his touches. With every spot he grazed, a fire sparked to life within her, growing hotter and more intense, even as the cool water continuously flowed over her glistening skin.

Each caress felt electric, bringing to life parts of her she had never realized existed, and with every tender stroke, she knew that they were all becoming his, a claim that sent her heart racing.

Oh yes, she could feel him nice and well-his hands exploring her, touching her...

Her shoulders.

His hands rose across to map out her shoulders, fingers gently exploring her skin as he spread the cool water across her body. He let the refreshing droplets trickle down her shoulders and collarbone, sending tingles across her skin. Then, he traced the curve of her neck, his touch featherlight, before moving up to softly caress the delicate line of her jaw.

Hinata moaned, but it quickly turned into a startled yelp as Naruto grabbed her chin with unexpected force, twisting her head to face him over her shoulder. His extended claws grazed her skin lightly, his large hand practically swallowing up his face.

He tilted her chin to one side to place a possessive kiss on her cheek, while his other hand persistently continued its exploration, dedicated to cleansing her.

Her arms.

He slowly dragged his extended claws down the skin of her left arm, gliding over her forearm and down to her wrist. He let the tips of his claws scratch her gently, just enough to create a tingling sensation without causing any pain.

It sent delightful shivers down her spine that made her shudder so good.

Hinata squirmed, letting out soft whimpers as his lips moved gently from her cheek to the corners of her mouth, leaving a trail of wet kisses behind.

"Y-Yes, N-Naruto-sama. I-I love that," She breathed, her heart pounding in her chest.

"Mmm," Naruto moaned against her skin, "your body is being so good to me, omega. I adore how honest it's being, how wonderfully responsive." His voice was low, thick with desire.

His fingers ventured further, gliding from her wrist up to her stomach. Tightly cradling her chin to keep her steady, he traced slow, deliberate circles just below her navel, exactly where her womb was located.

Hinata shuddered at the tingles that coursed through her. She could feel the warmth of his breath against her lips as her moans tumbled from her mouth and into his. The sensation made her shudder again, and she instinctively let her hand slide down his sculpted muscles, resting against his forearm.

A deep moan of approval rumbled from his chest.

"Mmm, I'm going to reward this body by planting my seed right here," He growled huskily, causing Hinata to shudder as his fingers continued their rhythmic dance across her stomach. His fingertips discovered several sensitive spots along their teasing path, sending waves of tingling pleasure straight down to her groin.

"But I'm getting ahead of myself..."

Water splashed around them, blending with the rapid thrum of her heartbeat and the heat pulsing from her skin.

Hinata bit her lip when she sensed Naruto lean in even closer, his voice right against her ear, making sure there was no chance she could miss a single word.

"First, I'm gonna claim everything there is to claim of you."

Her senses were sharper than ever, heightened in ways she had never known.

Everything was magnified-Naruto's deep voice, his warm breath as it brushed against her skin, and the steady rhythm of his heartbeat pulsing through her. The deep, unrestrained growls he purred into her ear sent tremors through her, leaving her shaking with no clear way to stop. The wet smacks of his lips kissing her ear echoed louder than the rushing water, filling her world with nothing but...

...him.

"I'm going to fuck that beautiful brain of yours right out of your skull..."

Hinata whimpered, feeling his hand glide higher and higher, teasing her with every word.

"I'm going to fill that sweet little pussy of yours until you're full of my cum, and then...you're gonna thank me."

Hinata let out a whine when his hand finally reached its designation...

...her breasts.

She whimpered as his clawed hand wrapped around her right breast again, but this time it felt different. The first time he touched her there had been so abrupt, and a little frightening, but now, his hand on her breast-another one of her most sensitive areas-felt so right, so good.

Hinata bit her lip, her eyes rolling back in bliss.

"You'll thank your alpha for everything I give you-everything, Hinata-chan," He murmured. Leaning back a bit, he nibbled on her earlobe, making her shudder again, "That's what will happen once I'm done with you, once you're all mine." He tilted his head, water trickling down his nose and onto her neck.

"How does my sweet omega feel about that, huh?"

"Y-Yes, I want it, Naruto-sama," Hinata breathed heavily, "I want it so bad."

She glanced down at his hand as he began to knead her breast in circular motions, but she couldn't look for long. Naruto's possessive instinct kicked in, and he pulled her face back to meet his over her shoulder. She barely managed a gasp before he captured her lips, his other hand moving to cup her other breast.

Naruto moved so fast it was hard for her to keep up; she was still getting used to him. But she could feel herself getting there, slowly becoming more in tune with him, with all of him.

Round and round, his hands groped her breasts, claiming her lips again with another heated kiss. Naruto eagerly bobbed his head, trying to connect with her more deeply, but his movements were so wild and unpredictable that she struggled to keep up.

Hinata tried to follow his lead, but the force of his lips surprised her as they pushed back against hers, causing her head to jerk back again and again.

It took her breath away.

Down below, he was actually gentle, making sure not to scratch her soft skin with his claws. His fingers sank into her softness, her creamy breasts molding perfectly into his hands, filling every gap like soft marshmallows being pressed down.

But as time passed, she felt him grow rougher and rougher with her, just as she knew he would.

After all, control was lost for him-just as it was for her.

Naruto squeezed her, rocked her, and playfully smacked her breasts like they were toys meant for his fun, enjoying every moment playing with her body.

Hinata felt herself melt in his arms, warmth spreading through her as her legs fell weak beneath her. She had never known how amazing it could feel to have someone touch her like this, especially her breasts.

His hands made her feel more alive than ever, and his lips on hers only added to it...

..she felt like she was in paradise.

Her lavender eyes rolled back in her head once more, lost in the bliss of the moment.

Naruto's hands and lips worked like magic on her body. Every time he squeezed her breasts and tongued her throat, it sent little shockwaves of pleasure through her sensitive skin, causing her legs to squirm restlessly.

Hinata tried to press her legs together, struggling to keep herself composed, to hold it all in.

But Naruto wasn't about to let that happen.

With one hand, he pinched one of her pink nipples between his thumb and index finger, giving it a playful tug. Hinata let out a soft moan, but it turned into a louder gasp when his other hand moved down her thigh and yanked her legs apart.

"Open up," He growled, breaking the kiss.

She quickly complied.

Her shaky legs opened wider for him, and as soon as she gave him even a little access, he pushed his way in. But she didn't fully understand what that meant or the kind of pleasure she would feel from him doing that, from him going... there.

As soon as his clawed fingers slid along her soaked nether regions, touching her in that sensitive spot, a surge of pleasure hit her like never before, making her body jerk and her legs instinctively clamp shut around his hand.

"Oh kami!!" She screamed, her body trembling uncontrollably. Her thighs shook, shut tightly around his hand, but it was useless-Naruto was already inside, she had let him in. And he didn't waste a second, eager to show her just what true pleasure felt like, pleasure that only he can provide.

His hand slipped through the narrow gap between her thighs, and he began to rub her down there, each touch sending her into a frenzy as his fingers pressed deeper into her soaked, pulsing flesh.

Naruto flashed a grin down at her, his hold on her steady and strong.

"Ooh, what a reaction, omega," He purred huskily by her ear, his fingers pushing against the resistance of her thighs as they squeezed back, trying to keep him out.

"You like that, don't you?" He teased, "Being touched here, having your pussy played with by your alpha?"

Hinata gasped, her breath hitching, "Naruto-sama, please..." She whimpered, barely able to string words together as the pleasure built up in her gut, threatening to consume her.

Naruto's fingers were relentless, rubbing her, but it wasn't just his touch-it was how he touched her. He rolled her sensitive bud between his fingers, each movement deliberate, precise.

He knew exactly where to touch, and how to press all the right buttons on her body.

And it was at that moment, something shifted inside her.

Hinata never even knew that being touched like this could feel so good, had never realized just how sensitive that spot was. It felt like a sudden revelation, washing over her in a flood of intense sensation that unlocked something new within her-a pleasure so raw and deep that it drove her wild.

Feral.

Hinata whimpered, shaking uncontrollably in his grip, "Please, please-"

"Please what?" Naruto purred, his fingers still teasing her with no intention of stopping.

"Tell me exactly what you want, Hinata-chan-just how you want me to tear you apart."

A deep groan slipped from her lips, her hair standing on end.

Hinata could sense it-the beast inside her beginning to awaken. For the first time since Naruto had come into her life, it stirred from the slumber he had placed it in, excited by the pleasure of his touch.

She shook her head at that, her legs trembling, "N-No... I... I can't... it's too much," She gasped, her panic growing.

"Too much? Oh, no, no, we're not done yet-you haven't cum." Naruto insisted, his thick fingers pressing deep into her fat bud of nerves, drawing another sharp cry from her lips.

Hinata squeezed her legs tighter, struggling to hold them together, but his hand made it nearly impossible.

Still, she was desperately trying.

Naruto growled in response, "Hinata-chan... I thought I told you to open up, hm?" He clicked his tongue in disapproval.

"Naughty girl," He huffed, releasing her wobbly breast, "It seems you still have a lot to learn about obeying your alpha." He pressed a gentle kiss on her cheek.

"But that's alright, I forgive you." Slowly, he slid his hand lower.

"You just need a bit of....assistance."

In an instant, his free hand slid beneath her right thigh, lifting her leg high, just as he increased the intensity of his rubbing.

It wasn't just the swift, steady brush of his fingers against her swollen bud that left her reeling; with her leg raised and her body fully exposed, the waterfall crashed down against her, the water hitting the slit of her sensitive pussy in sharp bursts.

That was all it took.

Hinata completely lost control.

She screamed, arching her back in pure ecstasy, the pleasure hitting her like a punch to the gut.

This is bad-really bad!

Hinata could feel it rising stronger now-her wild side pushing through, a powerful force that began to transform her with every swipe of his fingers.

Her body reacted on instinct, her senses kicking into overdrive. She felt her teeth grow sharper, pressing against her bottom lip, while her nails morphed into claws. Her lavender eyes glowed with an eerie light, slowly but surely revealing the beast deep inside her.

Tremors tore mercilessly through her body, causing her to shake violently against Naruto. Her back was pressed firmly to his chest, head resting on his shoulder in complete surrender as she let the transformation take over.

Naruto sensed her change the moment it began.

He chuckled with delight, "That's it, omega! Let go. Surrender to me!" He roared, his voice carrying even louder than the waterfall, coaxing her deeper into the depths of pleasure.

The beast within reveled in that pleasure, hungry for more-so much more.

"Ooh-!" Hinata's excited howl caught in her throat, morphing into a silent cry as her body bucked against the relentless motion of his fingers expertly working her sensitive, swollen bud. Water splashed wildly from the point of his swiping hand, spraying against her thighs, legs, and all over both her and Naruto.

Her leg hung in his grip, her toes curling in the air with every pulse of pleasure that slammed into her. The constant back-and-forth pressure of his fingers swiping her down there was maddening. Every precise stroke hit her sensitive bundle of nerves, making her muscles spasm, and sending her entire body into a state of overstimulation.

It felt as if Naruto was always right there, never letting up, and because of that, she sensed herself building toward an overwhelming peak, like a rollercoaster climbing higher and higher.

"Eek!" Her glowing lavender eyes crossed, "S-Something's coming-"

"Cum, Hina. Go on and cum." Naruto demanded gruffly.

"Make your alpha happy."

Hinata had never felt such a strong desire to please someone in her entire life. It was like every part of her body was tuned to Naruto's wishes, urging her to, indeed, make him happy. She craved his approval, wanting to obey his every command.

"Moan for me," He would say, and she couldn't help but moan loudly, pouring her heart into every sound that slipped from her lips.

"Hold still for me," He would instruct, and she obeyed, keeping herself perfectly still just for him to do as he pleased.

"Cum for me," He commanded, and with those words, she let go.

She came-for the first time in her life.

Hinata's sharp teeth clenched as the wave of pleasure washed over her all at once, hitting her with full force and leaving her spasming against his chest.

"Nghhh!! It's coming! It's coming!!!" was all she could scream as her body finally reached its peak, desperate to express just how incredible her alpha mate made her feel.

With a high-pitched squeal, Hinata squirted her essence into the rushing water of the waterfall, splattering Naruto's hand in powerful, soaking bursts.

He rubbed her pussy with a grin, giving it a few playful pats, gasping in delight.

"Ooh, look at you go," He praised, "squirting all over the place-what a fun little omega you are!"

Naruto's voice faded into a blur for Hinata as she rode the waves of her climax, her body jerking and twitching with each intense surge of pleasure that rushed over her, again and again.

She felt him let go of her leg, his hand sliding up to her throat. He wrapped his large hand around the curve of her neck, giving it a tight squeeze that took her breath away. Instinctively, Hinata's hand shot up to clutch his wrist, holding on desperately as he continued to rub her pussy through her climax, urging her to enjoy every second of it.

"Mmm, that's it, let it all out. Every last drop," He whispered close to her ear, his voice vibrating through her, sending shivers down her spine.

"What are you supposed to say to me for making you feel this way-for making you cum?"

"Thank you! Thank you, Naruto-sama!" She squealed, black spots covering her vision.

"Thank you for making me feel so good-for making me cum!!"

"Good. Very good." The blonde alpha wolf traced a long lick across her cheek, a playful grin spreading across his whiskered face, "You're starting to learn." Leaning down, he nipped at her jaw, his breath warm against her skin.

"I believe you deserve a reward, don't ya think?"

"Yes! Please, Naruto-sama!" Hinata pleaded, her heart racing with anticipation.

"Ahh, now that's what I like to hear!"

The instant Naruto shouted those words, everything around Hinata shifted into a blur. One second, she was turned away from Naruto, and the next, she was spun around, suddenly facing him.

His hands slipped away from her body just a moment before gripping her hips again, lifting her up and flinging her onto his waist. She squeaked in surprise at how quickly Naruto repositioned her, instinctively reaching out to grab his shoulders for balance.

Now, they were face to face once more, instantly getting lost in each other's eyes, as if they were seeing them for the very first time.

Hinata looked back at Naruto with glazed eyes, taking in his transformation: his damp, tousled blonde hair clinging to his sun-kissed skin, and his blazing crimson-slitted eyes burning with an intense fire as they held her gaze. She also noticed his elongated whiskers and sharp teeth-all features that had captivated her the very first time they met.

At that moment, just as she had back then, she found him drop-dead gorgeous-utter perfection.

And unbeknownst to her, Naruto felt the same way about her.

He practically melted at the sight of her facing him again, his eyes sparkling with delight as he took in every little detail of her expression and her current state.

Hinata's vision was a bit hazy, but she could still make out the way his red-slitted gaze roamed over her feral transformation-her sharp teeth glinting in the light, her glowing lavender eyes shimmering with excitement, and the low, sweet purrs escaping her lips.

He absorbed every detail of her, captivated by her transformation.

Naruto chuckled softly, playfully jostling her on his hips to keep her steady, "Ooh, look at those adorable glowing eyes of yours. Fuck, you're absolutely breathtaking, you know that?" He teased, his playful grin lighting up Hinata's entire vision as his face moved in closer to hers.

Hinata felt a rush of warmth flush her cheeks, her legs shaking around his waist. She couldn't deny that she was... confused by his words, uncertain if she should feel flattered or not.

They were unfamiliar and, in a way, odd.

Never in her life had this wild, untamed side of her been seen as... adorable, or even breathtaking.

Scary? Maybe. Ugly? Sure. An abomination? Definitely.

But never adorable.

It blew her mind and left her so shocked that she didn't even know how to respond.

Hinata whimpered, "N-Naruto-sama..." She whispered, speechless.

"Mmm, I could just gobble you up," Naruto teased again, his primal instincts breaking free as he looked up at her, cradling her in his arms with a blend of awe and desire. He marveled at her, as if he couldn't believe she was real and actually here, right in front of him.

He bit his lip for a moment, his eyes hungry.

"You're just so goddamn perfect, Hinata-chan."

Hinata's heart raced at his words, a warm heat spreading through her as their eyes met. She could barely hold back her excitement, a fluttering feeling blooming in her stomach.

"R-Really? Y-You think I'm perfect?" Hinata asked breathlessly, her blush deepening even further.

No one had ever told her that before-no one.

But Naruto...

He saw her, truly saw her, and it made her feel like the happiest she-wolf in the entire world.

Hinata's smile grew wider when she caught sight of her blonde alpha mate nodding, affirming his words without a hint of hesitation.

"Absolutely," Naruto replied, leaning in closer, his voice dropping to a whisper, "But I think you'll look even more perfect with my cock deep inside you." He growled, and in that moment, she felt his hand move from below her.

Shakily, she glanced over her shoulder to see his clawed hand gripping the base of his monstrous, pulsating shaft, positioning it near her nether regions. He began to rub the tip of him against her folds, slicking it up with her own juices. A soft moan escaped her lips as her body trembled, feeling the intense heat of his shaft pressed firmly against her most sensitive area below.

Naruto's smirk deepened at her reaction and then moved to press his bulging tip against her entrance.

Her untouched entrance.

And the whole while, his eyes never left hers, not even once.

Naruto nodded down at his neck, "Hold on tight to me, omega. It's time for a little ride."

Hinata's lower body clenched tightly at his command, anticipation coursing through her veins like wildfire. She nodded obediently, her breath coming in soft, quick bursts as she shifted her hands from his shoulders to wrap them around his neck, her sharp claws digging into his skin as she squeezed him tight, clinging to him.

She heard Naruto purr in delight at her obedience, the deep, rumbling sound sending a thrill so primal through her body.

His eyes narrowed upon her, a hungry glint sparkling in their depths.

"Alright, Hina, here I come," Naruto warned her, signaling that the moment had finally arrived-the moment for their bodies to finally do what they had always longed for: to connect, to bond...

...to mate.

And it was in that moment, an instinct deep within Hinata, urged her to brace herself for what was to come.

And brace herself she did.

The moment Naruto entered her virgin entrance, a deep moan escaped them both. Their lips were only inches apart, their voices merging into one sound of pure, raw ecstasy.

In that moment, everything else faded away; there was no world around them, just the electrifying feeling of being joined together at last. It was a rush of heat and bliss, an undeniable connection that made everything else seem insignificant.

This was it.

They were finally... one.

Hinata's heart raced wildly in her chest, every inch of her body springing to life as the sensation of being filled hit her like a wave she never saw coming. She had braced herself for it, expecting pain, fearing what it might feel like to have something so big inside her for the first time. She thought it might hurt, that it might be too much.

But as Naruto pushed his member deeper inside her and broke her hymen, it wasn't pain that washed over her.

No discomfort.

No fear.

Instead, an explosion of pleasure surged through her, so powerful it nearly stole the breath from her lungs, like lightning coursing through her veins, igniting every nerve in her body. It hit her fast and hard, crashing over her like relentless waves.

The intense fullness hit her without mercy, her nether regions stretching to accommodate his thick shaft but rather than pain, it was pure, mind-blowing pleasure-body-numbing bliss that wiped away every thought, every fear, and any lingering hesitation she had left.

In an instant, the beast within her practically leaped to attention, urging her to submit, to give in fully to Naruto-to the alpha claiming her. It was all too much and yet exactly what she needed-her body, her mind, her very soul screaming for more of him.

"Oh kami!" Hinata gasped, her voice barely a breath, caught in her throat from the overwhelming sensation of him inside her.

"Fuck yeah," Naruto growled, his voice thick with desire, eyes dark and wild as he held her close, his grip deliciously possessive.

"Ooh, your pussy feels so good, omega," He groaned, "So tight, wet, and warm for me, mmm." His voice faded as her inner walls tightened around him with each breath she took, squeezing him more and more.

His body shook, yet his legs remained steady, keeping him in place in the water below.

"Fuck, this is what I've wanted for so long... and now that I have it..." Naruto muttered, shaking his head slightly, a growl rumbling in his throat. But Hinata couldn't catch his words, and she certainly didn't register the warning in his voice; her mind was too foggy, too overwhelmed.

"I'm gonna fuck you silly, omega."

His clawed fingers pressed into her hips, holding her firmly as he gazed deeply into her eyes.

And without a second of hesitation, Naruto began to move.

He took it slow at first, teasing her with a gentle in-and-out thrust that allowed Hinata to fully enjoy the sensations, to adjust to his size, and to relish the feeling of being so full. But it didn't take long for his restraint to break, and he quickly increased his pace, thrusting harder, faster, in a frantic rhythm that had Hinata screaming in no time.

Her head tilted back, glowing lavender eyes fluttering as stars danced across her blurred vision. Naruto jostled her in his arms, guiding her body back and forth on his cock, lifting her just enough to unfill her, only to bring her back down and fill her completely once more.

Every thrust was intense, sending shockwaves through her as she instinctively responded to the steady rhythm of his cock moving in and out of her soaked heat. Each powerful collision of their hips made her body tremble against his chest, her thighs quivering under the impact, her breath catching in her throat.

The sound of their hips meeting echoed through the rushing water, mixing with the wet slaps of skin against skin. Her ass wobbled with each thrust, her body jiggling as her muscles tightened in response to the overwhelming sensation.

Hinata could feel every inch of him-so big, so thick, stretching her out in ways she hadn't thought possible.

Breathing became a struggle for Hinata, her thoughts scattered as his member bullied its way deeper inside her, forcing her walls to mold around him. Naruto wasn't gentle, he didn't ask for permission. He claimed her, each powerful thrust demanding her body to accommodate him, teaching her who was really in control.

Hinata's breath hitched, each inhale becoming a struggle as her scattered thoughts faded under the pressure of his member bullying its way deeper inside her. There was no gentleness in Naruto's movements, no asking for permission-he just claimed her. Each powerful thrust forced her body to adjust and mold to him, making it clear who was truly in control.

And it felt so good.

"Ooh kami!!!" Hinata cried out, the sound tearing from her throat as a familiar, intense heat ignited deep within her core, tightening her gut. It rose and swelled, building like a volcano ready to erupt, and she felt it taking over, threatening to consume her completely.

"It's coming again!!!" She squealed, the words spilling out before she could stop them.

Naruto chuckled at her reaction, tilting his head to take in the expressions on her face, savoring the moment he drained her of her senses, the way her eyes went glassy, dazed on his cock.

He leaned in closer, "Yeah, that's it. Scream for your alpha. Cum for your alpha." He cackled.

"Cum as I fuck this sexy fucking body of yours to pieces."

"Gahh!" Hinata gasped, her body instinctively jerking upward as she reached her limit. She released again, this time her essence exploding from her core in a powerful burst, splattering everywhere-the water below, Naruto's thighs, and his sculpted abs. Her frantic jolt had been so abrupt that it caused his thick shaft to slip from her warmth, slapping against his chest with a wet splat.

But it didn't remain there for long.

Naruto made sure of that.

In a flash, he gripped the base of his shaft and thrust his tip back inside her, chuckling at her response as he filled her trembling walls to the hilt.

Hinata couldn't help herself; the sensations were so overwhelming that she instinctively sprang up and away from his cock, desperately trying to escape the very thing that was causing her senses to spiral in the first place.

But it was no use.

With a desperate shake of her head, Hinata locked eyes with Naruto as he laughed at her like the big bully he was, water and tears clinging to her eyelashes.

"No, no, no! It's too much, Naruto-sama!"

"Oh, my sweet omega," He purred, his voice low and laced with amusement as he tightened his grip on her hips and began to thrust into her again. His laughter filled the air as he purposely fucked her harder, driving into her so deeply that she nearly forgot how to breathe, her senses teetering on the brink of overload.

"Don't you run from me," Naruto growled, his voice low and deep, "Don't you run from this dick, omega." He leaned in closer, nuzzling into her neck as he inhaled her sweet scent.

"This dick is all yours, so take it. Take it like a good girl."

"I c-c-can't!"

"You will. You will take every inch of this fucking dick." With each word, he lifted her body higher into the air, only to bring her crashing down onto his dick, each deep thrust reaching places that made her head spin.

"Ooooh yes!!" Hinata practically howled, her voice overflowing with unfiltered pleasure, producing sounds from her lips that she never knew she was capable of making. If she had any clarity of mind in that moment, she would have felt embarrassed by the sounds escaping her lips.

But her mind was far beyond clarity; it was blank, lost in a haze of ecstasy that left her dumb and helpless. She was making the loudest, most embarrassing sounds ever-ugly, unrestrained expressions twisted across her face, contorting into shapes she'd never thought possible.

Her tongue lolled out like a panting dog as Naruto fucked her silly, her body flailing and jumping as if jolted by electric shocks.

Yet Naruto held her close throughout it all, ensuring she took every bit of what he gave her.

"Mmm, fuck yeah." Naruto groaned in bliss, "I want you to scream out how much you love this dick." With a quick motion, he lifted one of her legs higher, pressing it against his chest while wrapping his arm around her thigh, guiding her up and down his bulging length. He raised his hips just right, making sure every inch of him filled her completely, stretching her out in the most satisfying way.

"Tell me you love it," He urged, his breath hot against her skin. Hinata could even feel the power of his body as he thrust deeper, harder.

"Yes! I love it so much! Please-ngh!" A sharp slap landed across her ass, quickly followed by another, making her drenched cheeks flush bright red against the rushing water, wobbling with each hit.

"Come on, omega! You can do better than that!" He shouted, "Scream louder! Blow my fucking eardrums out!"

"Ooh. K-Kami!" Hinata cried out, gripping his neck for dear life, "I-I love your dick, Naruto-sama! I love it! I love it! I love it!" She repeated those words like a broken record, her screams so intense that tears streamed down her face, each word bursting forth with every thrust, every wave of pleasure crashing over her.

In that moment, all she desired was to satisfy her alpha mate, to obey him, and to show him just how thankful she was for the overwhelming sensations his cock brought her. She could feel the shift within her almost instantly, her body yearning to live for him, to breathe only for him.

It was intoxicating.

It was undeniable.

Truly, she lost track of how many times she came.

Her toes curled so tightly that they felt numb, the sensation in them gone, unresponsive. Her body strained as wave after wave of pleasure hit her, veins popping against her scarred skin, her essence spraying out almost with every powerful thrust he gave her, his cock repeating its journey inside her over and over.

In and out, up and down she went, caught in a relentless cycle that drove her to the brink of madness.

But she loved every second of it; she loved it more than anything.

In that moment, as she experienced a fulfillment like never before, nothing else mattered. There was no past, no future-only the two of them, only Naruto, her mate.

"I'm yours!" She cried out, every word resonating with the deepest truth of her being, every fiber of her animalistic nature and soul screaming it.

"I'm yours, Naruto-sama!"

She needed him, needed this, needed the way he made her feel so utterly consumed and complete.

He was her soulmate, her alpha mate, the long-lost companion she had always longed for-to love her, to care for her, to protect her.

He was right here with her.

He had found her, and she...

....had found him.

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

|N|

"Mine. Mine. Mine...

...Hinata-chan."

Those words erupted from his lips like a fevered chant, raw and primal, as if he were possessed.

Each repetition was a vow, a declaration that resonated deep within him that shook him to his core.

Naruto meant those words with every fiber of his being, every beat of his heart, and every breath he took.

Finding his one true mate, mating with Hinata, was everything he had ever dreamed of and so much more. With each thrust, each kiss, and every tender touch, all his anger, confusion, and loneliness just melted away like ice in the sun. Even the smallest things-a fleeting glance at her, the sweet, intoxicating scent of her skin-had the power to erase the darkness that had clung to him for so long.

Everything fell away-the battles, the struggles, the pain of the past.

It was all gone, instead, replaced with a brilliant light he had always longed for, illuminating his heart, no, his entire world.

He couldn't stop.

He didn't want to stop.

From the very start, he knew he wouldn't be able to hold himself back anymore.

As the night progressed, he led them away from the waterfall to the soft, welcoming grass beside the lake. The sky gradually shifted colors, the deep blues of night giving way to the warm hues of dawn, the crescent moon disappearing behind the trees that lined the forest.

But none of that mattered to him...

...or to either of them.

"Fuck, fuck, fuck," Naruto growled through clenched teeth, his clawed fingers digging into Hinata's tender, scarred skin as he thrust his hips against her bruised asscheeks with all of his strength, the sound of their bodies colliding echoing in the quiet morning air.

"Thank you! Thank you! Thank you, Naruto-sama!" Hinata screamed, the side of her head and chest pressed into the grass, her back arched as he hovered over her. His legs were firmly planted on either side of her lower back as he pistoned his cock deep inside her swollen pussy, hard and relentless, feeling the satisfying slap of his balls against her wetness.

Over and over again.

Naruto couldn't get enough.

He let himself be driven mad by her pussy, her sweet honey pot. He couldn't help but give in to the urge, fucking her like a dog.

Being inside Hinata made him feel alive; his cock enveloped in her heat, nestled in the sacred place meant only for him to explore. Every nerve in his body buzzed with excitement, tingling, and spasming as he savored the moment, doing exactly what he had promised: claiming every inch of her.

He meant every word of that promise and intended to keep it, along with all the others.

Hinata's reactions drove him wild; perhaps that was why he couldn't stop himself from fucking her. She was intoxicating-her gasps, her moans, the way her body trembled beneath him.

Each sound she made sent sparks of pleasure racing through his animalistic body that made him go feral, making it harder to hold back. He relished how she responded to him, how completely submissive she had become, her legs spread wide for him to just fuck, fuck, fuck, away.

Naruto watched in delight as her stomach bulged in between her raised hips, her pussy eagerly trying to take all of his monstrous dick deep inside her, craving every bulging inch he could offer her.

She had become just as needy as he was.

Hinata was laid bare for him, her pussy exposed and ready for him to ravage it until his heart was content.

That sight only intensified his hunger; his possessiveness of her.

It was there, more intense than ever, an irresistible desire to claim her completely, to make it perfectly clear that she was now his. He wanted to pound into that pretty pussy of hers until Hinata couldn't imagine living without him, until she craved every moment he spent filling her up with his cock.

Naruto was set on making her realize that he was her one and only, now and forever. And as he felt himself getting closer to the edge, he knew exactly how to make that clear.

"Fuck, omega! I'm about to cum!" His red-slitted eyes gleamed as he gazed down at her, "I'm going to cum, and you're going to take every last drop, do you hear me?" He thrust harder, slamming his cock deep inside her aching pussy, driving into her walls with all his might.

Hinata's legs lifted off the grass, her toes curling in the air behind him as she pleaded, "Y-Yes! Please, I beg of you! Fill me up! Please, Naruto-sama, fill me up with your cum!"

"Mmm, fuck!" Naruto hissed, feeling the heat build almost unbearably within his gut, "Oh Hina, I'm going to do more than that." Leaning in closer, he bared his sharp teeth, a wild grin spreading across his whiskered face.

"I'm going to claim you, mark you," He growled, his voice low and rough, "I'm going to make sure every single male wolf out there knows you are mine and mine alone. You'll wear my mark, and no one will dare to touch you ever again. They'll see you and understand that you belong to me."

His voice transformed into a deep, possessive growl that echoed in the air between them. Naruto nodded, relishing the very thought, "Yes, you're going to carry my mark, my seed." He tilted his head, humming softly, "My pups."

"Yes! Oh, kami, yes!" Hinata cried out, her voice shaking with desperation and longing, each word filled with need.

Her response, her moans, were pure music to his ears.

Naruto let out a wild, victorious cackle, the kind that burst out of his chest, slipping through the air.

"Mmm, glad you agree!" He roared, a wave of satisfaction flooding through him. It was exactly what he needed-the green light to finally make her his, to fulfill the mating ritual and complete their bond once and for all.

Gripping her hips tighter, Naruto picked up the pace, driving his cock in and out of her with hefty, deep thrusts. The sensation of her walls gripping him tightly, her screams, and the way her petite body bounced against the grass under the force of his thrusts were intoxicating, making his head spin. Each thrust brought them both closer to the brink, their bodies moving in perfect sync.

Just as he felt himself nearing his climax, he leaned in closer to Hinata, his gaze fixed on her shoulder, his instincts taking over. He wrapped one hand around her throat and lifted her head away from the grass, exposing more of her shoulder to him.

Then, he opened his mouth wide, revealing his sharp canines.

"Mine," He growled viciously, before lifting his hips and slamming them down against her ass, delivering one last powerful thrust. He released deep inside her with a low, shuddering growl, the warmth of his climax flooding her walls with full force. And at the same time, he sank his sharp teeth into her shoulder, his canines breaking the skin instantly upon impact.

"Eek!!" Hinata squealed in shock, spasming like a mad she-wolf.

Naruto let out a pleased hum as she squirted all over the grass, her body trembling uncontrollably underneath him. Her eyes rolled back in ecstasy, and he noticed how tightly her fingers clutched the blades of grass, knuckles turning white as she grounded herself against the overwhelming wave of pleasure crashing over her.

"O-O-Oh kami!! It's so much!! So much of you inside me!!" Hinata squealed in shock, her mind swirling with disbelief and bliss.

His release surged in thick, warm bursts, washing over her in wave after wave of ecstasy that seemed to stretch time itself. Each pulse filled her walls to the brim, the heat radiating deep within her womb, spilling out in globs that dripped down her thighs and pooled on the grass below.

It just kept coming.

He tightened his grip around her throat with one hand while clamping down on her bloody shoulder with his teeth, his red slitted eyes flicking over to her quivering form as she spasmed beneath him. He held on, not letting go until every last drop of his seed was released deep inside her, confident that his mark had fully taken shape on her skin.

When it finally came to an end, he let go of Hinata and watched as she collapsed face-first onto the grass, a tired bundle of limbs, her eyes fluttering shut from sheer exhaustion. Her legs were spread wide, revealing the confirmation of his claim as his cum slowly dripped from her swollen pussy, pooling in thick globs on the grass below.

Naruto chuckled softly at the sight of her unconscious form, licking her blood from his teeth.

"Mmm, my sweet omega." He leaned forward, pressing a gentle kiss on her right asscheek. He then leaned forward to press a kiss along her backside, then, her shoulder, where he could see the beginnings of his mark swirling into a dark spiral along her perfectly healed skin.

"You're all mine now," He whispered, planting another kiss on her skin, emphasizing his claim.

"All mine."

Even in her sleep, he noticed her lips curve into a small smile, peaceful and joyous, as if responding to his words.

Naruto couldn't help but grin at the sight, and he was just about to reach out and pull her close when he noticed something...unexpected.

...His hand.

"Oh?" Naruto mused, bringing his trembling hand closer to his face. He observed with fascination as the bones inside began to break and crack, reshaping themselves.

"What's this?" He asked, excitement bubbling in his voice as he turned his hand to see it growing larger and larger, black fur creeping across his tanned skin, enveloping him in the same dark coat he would have as a...

...wolf.

He was shifting.

...and it wasn't even a full moon.

Naruto smirked triumphantly.

He understood perfectly what that meant; he knew exactly why this was happening.

One word came to mind: Hinata.

Mating with her had allowed her to share one of her gifts with him.

The sensation was exhilarating, like every part of his body was transforming into something entirely new. He could feel the power coursing through him, electrifying his muscles and heightening his senses.

He was becoming more powerful.

Stronger.

Naruto let out a gentle chuckle, turning his gaze back to Hinata's unconscious body with an appreciative smile.

"Oh, Hinata-chan, you special little thing," He said softly, his heart swelling with gratitude for the incredible gift she had shared with him. To him, this wasn't a curse; it was a blessing.

He could feel a stronger bond with the beast inside him than he ever had before. It was as if he had unlocked a new part of himself, one that allowed him to shift whenever he wanted. This newfound power filled him with excitement and even a sense of freedom, knowing he could embrace his wild side fully and use it to protect those he loved, protect his pack, protect Hinata...

This has changed everything.

But he knew he wasn't the only one who had changed-Hinata had too.

Now, she was blessed with his power, his strength, and his healing abilities.

Speaking of which...

He couldn't help but gaze over her body, watching in awe as all her scars began to disappear without a trace. Deep scars, long scars, tiny ones-every mark vanished in the blink of an eye, leaving behind smooth, polished skin as if nothing had ever marred or hurt it in the first place.

But that wasn't all Naruto had given her.

Just as he could as an alpha wolf, he had also given her the power to control her wolf side and master her transformations.

That meant her curse was finally...

...lifted.

Mating with him had been the solution all along.

Naruto felt it deep within his very bones; he could sense her curse fading, as if it were his very own, lifting from her shoulders, leaving behind no burdens, no pain-only peace.

A profound peace within herself.

Hinata's smile widened even further in her sleep, because she felt it...

She felt it too.

After taking a few deep breaths to regain his composure, Naruto felt the bones in his hand settle, the fur retreating until he returned to his normal form.

He exhaled a long breath, "All better," He whispered to himself, before shifting his eyes to his omega, his mate.

A wide grin spread across his whiskered face.

"Oh, Hinata-chan." He whispered in bliss.

He launched himself forward, pressing a soft kiss along her neck before pulling her body into his, collapsing onto the grass beside her. The cool blades brushed against their skin as he nestled close, feeling the gentle rise and fall of her back against his chest. Wrapping his arms around her petite frame, he pulled her close, wishing for nothing more than to keep her safe and sound in his arms.

Instinctively, her hands found his, gripping him just as fiercely, fingers intertwining as she relished the warmth and safety of his embrace. In turn, Naruto soaked in the heat she radiated, her body so warm and inviting-so perfect, against his.

Just having her there made him feel at home, a deep sense of comfort washing over him, nurturing his heart and soul in a way nothing else ever had.

And there, they lay on the grass beside the river, enveloped in each other's warmth, their hearts brimming with joy at being together.

They were happy-happy at last.

They had finally achieved what they had always yearned for, leaving behind the pain that had once haunted them.

They were no longer alone.

Not anymore.

Together, they remained side by side, where they would always belong.

Together.

Now and forever.

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

End: Pride

A.N.

Hey, readers!

Wow, this one turned out to be a long one, but I loved every moment of it!

That's pretty obvious isn't it, haha.

I've always wanted to write a serious oneshot about alpha/omega dynamics and werewolves. I've dabbled in werewolf stories before, but that was a while back. I really wanted to revisit that theme, and it felt amazing to dive back in.

I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did!

Tbh, I'm even considering turning this into an extended oneshot or maybe a full-fledged fanfic down the line, but I'm probably getting ahead of myself.

Anywho!

Vicetober: Pride is complete!

Next up is Lust.

Stay tuned, because that will be coming your way soon!

In the meantime, don't forget to comment, vote, and show some love! I really appreciate it!

- Powerful_Niya