Exhausted and disoriented in an unfamiliar mountain range during winter, they slept curled within a hollowed tree, its branches shielding the open side to retain body heat and conceal them from potential threats.
Bella’s eyes briefly opened many times as dawn approached.
dawn had arrived; they had slumbered peacefully.
unperturbed or assailed by any entity. She exhaled deeply as she raised her head and attempted to awaken, realising it would be yet another arduous day ahead.
However, she sensed that Tyler had already penetrated her thoughts, her ears were alert, and her head was inclined to the side as she listened intently for something. Something that had presumably awakened her: ‘Tyler?’
“Maddis.” She responded, and Bella extended her hand to grasp the connection to their Mate. It was present, and it was not the sole instance; I could sense Benzy, Macky, and Lanky.
Luke’s connection to her appeared more robust and intimate.
As she approached him, she attempted to establish a mind-link, but it remained unattainable due to the distance between them.
Subsequently, they detected the source that had evidently roused Tyler from her slumber, capturing her undivided attention. Maddis’s cry signified his call for his mate. His wail resonated through the forest for around 6 to 10 miles, contingent upon the surrounding topography.
Bella brushed aside the branches obstructing the hollow and emerged, groaning as her body struggled against standing after a night spent in a confined position, stretching slightly to alleviate her sore muscles. Perceived Tyler advance and subsequently emit a howl for Maddis to hear.
They stood and sensed their connection to him to determine his direction and proceeded accordingly. They were aware of his imminent arrival; he would hear her call and pursue her unceasingly until he located her. They sensed their connection to him was robust, and abruptly it accelerated; they both recognised it was Maddis in wolf form approaching them, the connection rapidly intensifying. Excessively rapid for it to be Luke in human guise.
Her mind intertwined with his shortly thereafter. “Bella,” she perceived Luke’s voice within her thoughts, “are you well?”He enquired immediately, his voice reflecting evident fear and concern.
She exhaled deeply as relief coursed through her body at the mere sound of his voice, “I’m okay!” She responded to him.
“Remain in position, we are en route.”
I am aware; I can perceive the speed at which Maddis is running! She informed him. What is my current location?Bella enquired, desiring to continue conversing with him, to hear his voice until he was physically present before her.
It was reassuring to know he was present with her.
Sequoia Mountains. The boys and I have monitored your movements throughout the night.
Is Macky in good condition? She enquired, still feeling remorseful about abandoning him.
“He is well, with a few welts from the silver bars, but otherwise in good condition,” he informed her, appearing pleased to converse with her throughout the interaction.
Abandoned him, only…
Negative, you did not. He intentionally triggered your flight or fight response.
It was the sole method he perceived to assist you. Permitted you to be intentionally lost to it.
She exhaled, having anticipated this, and observed a movement in the distance—a flash of black contrasting sharply with the pristine white of the snow, approaching her directly. She halted her progress as she observed Maddis emerge fully from behind the woods. His luminous green eyes were fixed on her.
She nearly sagged with relief upon seeing him, observing as he seamlessly transitioned from his wolf form to his human form mid-run, halting directly in front of her. He enveloped her in his arms, holding her tightly against his body, and she leaned into him, reciprocating the embrace. Remained silent with him for a minute.
He pushed her face forward, revealing that Maddis remained there and in charge. He put his hand into her hair, and then his beast moved down to kiss her gently on the lips. She perceived Tyler exhale audibly. At that moment, she was linked to him and heard his raspy voice declare his love for Tyler, even while he kissed Bella.
He surrendered power to Luke shortly thereafter and grinned at her, caressing her face. “Apologies, he is merely pleased to see you.”
“I understand,” Bella affirmed, looking up at him. “It is acceptable.”
Luke’s lips pressed against hers in an extended, profound kiss while he embraced her body, mirroring Maddis’s actions. He leaned on his bare chest as he slightly withdrew from her, yet maintained his embrace, resting his chin atop her head.
“Do you not feel cold?” She enquired of him.” He was entirely unclothed.
“Not really,” he mumbled. “You must be, though.” He gazed down at her, observed him surveying her as he positioned her slightly away from him, his hands still on both of her arms. “You sustained injuries; we detected the scent of your blood upon our arrival.”
