7

Still confused, I slowly walked back through the forest. I trusted Mr. Tally, which meant he was probably telling the truth. About the fame of the alpha and his pack. And how they treated people. I didn't kid myself.

I knew that werewolves tended to underestimate mortals, considering themselves to be the better and superior kind. I've been waiting for this thinking to become disadvantageous for a long time. But until now people were just too scared of the wolves. And I couldn't change much about it either.

If I went up to them and said I was a deity, the only god the werewolves ever believed in, they would most likely call me crazy. And that's justified. Thoughtfully I went deeper and deeper into the forest. I wouldn't get lost, and even if I did, there were still a few loyal animals in this forest who would offer to help me. Apart from that I knew the forest inside and out. Well, at least that's what I thought.

When I suddenly saw a huge cluster of houses in front of me - and that in the middle of the forest - I was definitely surprised. Apparently I had only been in one part of the forest on my previous walks. I looked around but couldn't see anyone. At least not in the forest. The clearing where this settlement was built was bustling with dozens of people. Probably all werewolves. They were busy walking around. Some carried around heavy boxes and suitcases, others talked and still others played in their wolf form in front of the houses. I took a few steps forward and then leaned against the tree to get a better look at the center of the cluster. It was a kind of marketplace. A few lanterns were surrounded by thick bushes and ornate sculptures. I stared at the men who had gathered in a small group in the square.

I recognized some of them. Among other things, the tall, muscular Alpha. damian The name echoed in my head. As if Damian heard him, he turned sharply in my direction. I quickly hid behind the tree. Why did I get the disabled idea again that I could just spy on a village full of werewolves?

I certainly didn't dare to look back anymore. If I were discovered now... well, I have no idea what would happen. I'd rather not know. Especially not if I believed Mr. Tally's words. So I tried not to make too loud noises with bare feet as I walked away from the settlement across the forest floor. Just a few more steps and I'd be able to move a little faster without fearing a whole pack of werewolves might kill me. Eyes on the ground, I stepped over a larger branch and promptly slammed into a solid torso. Surprised, I lifted my head and looked into dark eyes. "What are you doing here?" the deep voice that belonged to Damian asked me. Did he really hear me? About thoughts? Although that should actually be completely impossible, since I wasn't a werewolf and therefore wasn't in a mind link. I straightened my shoulders.

"I wanted to look around a bit. Explore the area a bit." "I thought you weren't interested in our affairs. And anyway, you thought it would be a good idea to spy on a village of werewolves?" "I don't spy. If I did, I would have to be interested enough to make such an effort. How did you know I was here?" "Do you really think you can just sneak in here without my pack warriors noticing you?" So no weird telepathy. "I had hoped so. In any case, I'll go again now." I turned away and just wanted to disappear. mr Tally's words swung over my head, reminding me that the shivers that ran down my spine every time Damian spoke had to be just my imagination. But Damian clutched my arm. Whereby it was more likely to hold. He held my arm very gently, preventing me from running away. "Alina." Hearing my name out of his mouth was like receiving the greatest, most passionate caress I had ever received. And I've been in this world for thousands of years. I've had experience with this.

"You came here especially to see the village." A smirk creased his face when he noticed my objection, to make it clear that that's not why I came here. "Let me show you." "The village?"

"Yes." Surprised and with a queasy feeling in my stomach, I looked at the marketplace from which almost all the figures had disappeared. "A human in a village full of werewolves?" "I thought you weren't afraid of something like that." Oh damn. The guy was good.

Grabbing my pride and making me agree was clever enough, and I was dying to say it wasn't working. Well, what should I say. I looked defiantly into the alpha's eyes. A grin crept onto his face as he raised an arrogant eyebrow. "Yes?" "Ladies first," was all I said and pointed to the path I wanted to take just a short while ago. He looked at me with a twinkle in his eyes.

Damian let his gaze wander down my body and lingered much longer on my feminine curves. He licked his lips with his tongue.

"Well, it looks to me like you're the wife of the two of us here. Of course we can also check that out more closely." When I frowned in confusion, he just grinned and then, without warning, removed his shirt. My eyes widened in astonishment and I really tried not to stare too hard at the torso, which clearly showed that it came from an alpha who knew how to fight. How was that again with my many experiences? Actually, I should be relatively used to such a sight, but the view of Damian's steely muscles made my breath catch. And unfortunately his good ears didn't miss my reaction. His smug grin as I ate my fill burned itself into my memory.

It took a few deep breaths to look Damian seriously in the eyes again. He pointed to my t-shirt. I laughed dryly and briefly toyed with the idea of playing his game, but then quickly dismissed it.

I didn't need to get myself into any more trouble than I already was. "If you have to take your shirt off to make sure you're not a woman, maybe you really should be questioning your manhood. Or maybe you just want to show off, but that too would be a sign of underdevelopment if you were to first have to present to get recognition." Damian laughed softly before stepping calmly closer, fingers arcing on my cheek. "Weird. I could have sworn you actually liked the sight."