Yearning

Ivy's POV

It's been a week since I returned from the retreat with Nathaniel, and I'm missing him.

Missing him a lot. More than I really thought I would.

We've been texting every single day when he's got time, but it's nothing like being in person with him physically. We're planning to do a video call this evening once he's finished up with a meeting so at least I'll get to see him in some capacity.

As for life back home, well....

Cole and Alarik haven't laid a hand on me since I've come home, making me think that Cole listened to my threat and has backed off for time being. At least, I hope. I'm still doing all the normal duties that he asked of me before, but it seems he's finally leaving me alone to do them. Kane and Genevieve have told me that I probably should keep my guard up still, which I am, but this is a welcome feeling to not have to worry as much.

I walk outside of the house and make my way to the garden, and I make sure to do the zipper up on my sweater as I walk. It's starting to get colder, signalling that Fall is on its way, and then after that? Winter obviously, but that's also when Nathaniel is taking over as Alpha King. As I continue to make my way, I think of how different his life is going to be once he officially takes his position and if we would even have time for each other.

I doubt it.

I sigh as I arrive at my destination and head into the shed and grab some tools. The task for today? To collect the remaining harvest, and then uproot some of the plants that won't survive the colder weather. I move to the first section and get to work, soon having to put my hair up as I start to sweat. Thankfully there isn't too much to collect, and soon I'm moving on to uprooting.

Dig, scoop, rip, and toss. Rinse and repeat. I work away tirelessly, and soon I've finished majority of the task in a few hours time and decide to take a small break and sit on the fence and look around the packlands.

I don't feel a connection here anymore.

I watch pack members walk around and see the trainees on the field, watching as they go through their drills with Kane, and I feel nothing. My mind drifts and I don't notice Kane in front of me until he says my name.

"Ivy." I look and he tosses a water at me, and I catch it with one hand.

"Thank you." I say as I open it and take a small sip. Kane joins me on the fence, sighing as he looks around too. "So, the time away seemed to be really good for you." He states and I turn to look at him beside me and I nod. "It was good. I didn't want it to end."

"I bet, being around that Alpha King of ours..." He trails off and I smack him on the shoulder.

"What's than supposed to mean?" I ask playfully and he smirks. "You really thought I didn't hear what you told Evie last week?" I gasp, choking on my water and sputtering. "You heard?" I say and he laughs.

"I have my wolf hearing Ivy, did you forget?" He says as he chuckles at me, and I roll my eyes.

"I don't need you knowing my sexual encounters. My god."

He laughs. "Honestly, I'm not that surprised. He looks at you like he wants to devour you. At least he did the entire time he was here for his visit."

I blush and fix my ponytail awkwardly.

"He did just that, didn't he?" He asks and I nod slightly, utter mortified that I'm talking to Kane about this. "If you must know. Yes, he did. Can we get off this topic please?" I plead and he laughs again.

"Did you want to do some training tonight?" He asks and I smile. "You know I do!"

"Okay. Meet me at the training grounds when the sun goes down tonight then." He hops off the fence with a swift motion and I smile. "Sounds good, Kane." He goes to walk but stops and turns to face me again.

"Oh, and Ivy?"

"I tilt my head slightly. "Yeah?"

"Doesn't matter the topic, I'll always want to hear about the things that make you happy. If the Alpha King makes you happy, don't let him go."

"I don't plan to." I state confidently and he smirks before waving and heading off towards the house.

I hop off the fence myself and get back to work.

- - -

I walk into the house another hour later and quickly get in the shower to get all the dirt and grime off of me from the garden so that I can go train. I towel dry my hair and French braid two braids down either side to keep it out of my face, before doing my moisturizer and tossing on my training gear – black leggings, grey long-sleeved top with my warrior harnesses.

It's my old warrior gear, I don't really use it now aside from training with Kane. He won't let me get rid of it saying I need to maintain training how I used to when I had Seles which includes my gear. My weapons were taken from me, so the harnesses are empty, but it is what it is.

I hear a familiar ding of a message on my phone, and I open it.

Meeting is going longer than expected. May need to video call a bit later if that's okay songbird.

I sigh, but of course it's to be expected. He's busy as all hell.

Of course. I'm doing some training with Kane, so just message me when you're good. Xo

I lock my screen and head back outside, throwing a small jacket over top of my shoulders as I walk over to the training grounds. Kane is waiting and is in his own gear and smiles at me as I approach him.

"Ready to go?"

I nod and toss my jacket aside. "Always."

I walk a few paces away from him, turn and get into my stance, my muscles coiled and at the ready. I know he takes it easier on me since I don't have Seles, but it doesn't mean that he hasn't tailored this to kick my ass. The only way I've kept any of my skills up is due to Kane. He's kept me on my toes, but the only thing it without Seles I tire easier, and I don't move as fast.

"Drills first. Type 1." Kane says and I take off at him and jump into hand combat with him, swinging at him. He blocks me easily which it to be expected but this isn't for landing hits now. It's building up my muscles and keeping my muscle memory up with my warrior training.

"Type 2." He says quickly and we switch to kicks and jumps.

"Type 3." Switch again to holds and grapples.

We back up from each other, my heart racing from the exertion.

"Good. Very good." Kane says, his breathing only slightly affected.

I go grab a sip of water and Kane approaches me again. "You're getting stronger in your human form, Ivy. Honestly if Seles ever comes back, you're going to be a powerhouse."

"I hope she does." I say, feeling a twinge of pain in my heart, missing her companionship.

"Are you good for this evening?" He asks and I nod. "I've got a call to make."

- - -

Nathaniel's POV

I finally finish my meeting and walk out of my office heading to my bedroom. I sigh.

Today was a long day.

But I get to talk to her soon.

I get changed into more comfortable clothes – black sweats and a black t shirt and send a text through to Ivy.

Meeting is done now, songbird. Ready when you are.

It's not long before my phone rings, signalling a video call coming in. I accept and her beautiful face pops up on my screen. "Well, hello there beautiful." I say and I see her blush and smile.

"Hi." She says back and adjusts her position on her bed. I see her leaning back against her headboard and notice her hair braided back and my cock stiffens.

Mates got her warrior hair done... Kiba states. I like it on her. Braids are used for warrior styles because it keeps the hair away and flat to the head so enemies can't grab it. It showcases her beautiful face shape and her neck.

Damn I wish I was there right now.

"How was training?" I ask, trying to keep myself distracted. I adjust my position so that I'm more comfortable, thankful that she can't see how aroused I am for her right now. "It was good. Nice to do some drills with him and not worry about Cole making a big deal over it."

She had told me that she put Cole in his place, and he's left her alone, Alarik too. I'm thankful, but I have a feeling that he's just holding back for a moment...

"Did you have a lot of work today?" She asks and I nod. "Yes, too much if you ask me. I'm exhausted. Political bullshit and whatnot. It's tiring."

"I'm sorry that you have to deal with that stuff often. But honestly, I can't think of anyone else more suited for it."

"Thank you, baby. I appreciate the vote of confidence."

I see her eye dart up a little and then look like she is reading something.

"I just got a text from Kai. He's asking me to do a set this weekend at Iron Wolf. An act dropped out last minute."

"You going to do it?" I ask and she nods. "It's short notice, but yeah, I think so. I can put something together."

"When are you performing?" She smiles. "Saturday. 7pm."

"I'll be there."

"You won't be busy?"

"Not for you. I need to see you."

She blushes again. "I need to see you too."

We continue to talk until I see her eyes drooping, and we deicde to call it a night and get some rest.