In Love Through War - Book 3

Part 2

Having walked for some time, Al'Aeen considers breaking the silence and starts by simply sitting down, forcing Vi to do the same..

"I think we are far enough to not disturb the others. So? What is it you wanted to tell me, Vi?"

"..."

"Common, I could have been sleeping and I don't think you hate me so much that you'd just keep me wondering in the dark. What is..."

"I love you."

Excuse me?!? is what Al'Aeen had as a reaction, but before he could translate it into word, Vi continued:

"That is what I thought until yesterday. And I was so sure I would have bet my life on it.

You don't need to say anything, just listen.

Ever since I started to have those feelings, I was so frustrated you were ignoring all the signs, the hints, everything I tried to make you pay attention. I couldn't make myself to be more direct than that. Plus I knew that wouldn't work either since Meiarr was doing it at it seemed to annoy you to no end.

You know I had a little competition going with her, and we were betting which one of us would get you to cave first. We even decided to gang up on any outsiders that wanted to get close to you and ward them off. You wouldn't believe how many were interested back in Shifting Hands.

You know, growing up I never thought I would be able to give my everything to my mate starting from the very first time.

I always thought, I mean I convinced myself that it would be good to have experience with love and maybe even children so when I met my mate I would be ready and able to please him.

But you know? Secretly I always wished I met him as soon as possible.

And all those times I called you an idiot? I'm so glad you were an idiot I could kiss you! In a very sisterly way now though!

And I never meant idiot like you were stupid or something, cause I knew you weren't... aren't. I'd never have a crush on someone stupid.

A crush. A girly crush. That's all it ever was.

It's been months since I met you, and in less than one day since I met Conall, I already feel like everything has changed.

I honestly can't believe how silly I was. I think it's your turn to say something now."

"..."

"Al'Aeen!"

"Wha... what? Where? Are we being attacked?" he fires quickly, having snapped awake following Vi's call.

"You know, you're still an idiot."

"You called me all the way out here just to tell me that? You are some piece of work! I'm going back to sleep! Well? Common, let's get back to camp."

"Go ahead, I have the third shift as sentry."

"Fine. I'll see you in the morning then," he says, heading away towards the camp and his comfy sleeping roll.

"But at least now, I don't have to worry about it anymore – you're her idiot," Vi whispers, too low for him to hear any more.

"Are you OK?" A gruff voice from one side says, the tone variations pulling at the strings of her heart.

"Conall? What are you doing here?"

"Perks of being in charge of assigning sentry duty. Apparently, I've been teamed up with you."

"You don't say?" she asks rhetorically, grinning widely. A worry crease marks her forehead soon after. "Have you been there long?"

"For some time."

"So how much of that did you hear?"

"Definitely more than the youngster did."

"Oh. I'm sorry, I just had to say those things! I needed closure because I wasn't sure..."

"Hey, slow down there! It's all right! Why are you so worried? I know how your pack thinks and their belief system.

And I'm old. I'd almost given up on finding my mate. Finding you. To be so lucky...

I would have been grateful to find you even after you had 10 children with 10 different men, as long as you accepted me.

You are as fresh as a spring flower, and I'm like an old tree refusing to wither away.

Who am I to have any comments on what you've done before you met me?

I'll just consider myself lucky if you accept me at all.

My past is not made of flowers. And my future looks filled with conflict and danger.

I'd understand if you chose to go back to Shifting Sands. Or maybe you want to enjoy your freedom for a little while longer, have some fun with guys closer to your age, and then consider if you want to settle down with me. I'd avoid Al'Aeen though. Jena isn't the type to share.

After how long I've waited, I can hold out for a while longer.

Well? What can I do to convince you to be my mate? Really, anything at all!"

"I would need one thing first, and then we'll work from there," Vi answers.

"If it's within my power, I will do it right now! What is it you need?"

"Your marking-bite right about here," she says, turning around and pulling a bit at her shirt collar, exposing the muscle above shoulder blade.

Conall leans in, taking in her scent strongly, and breathing back out through his nose, his breath leaving warm chills on her skins.

"Are you sure? There is a better, proper way of doing this," he asks, less than 2 inches away from her skin, teeth already elongated in anticipation, and barely holding himself back."

"I know the theory about the proper things, but sentry duty is not the proper time for those proper things, since we should be on the lookout for danger," she says, grabbing the back of his head and pulling with both hands, basically forcing his teeth through her skin before he can protest any longer.

I'm really curious how you guys find this part because it stirred something in me as I wrote it.