The Alpha's Daydream

I stumble back, finding myself wrapped securely in my mate’s protective arms.

“I don’t think so,” Malachi growls, his voice low and possessive, territorial and deadly. We both glare at the man who has the audacity to try and whisk me away from the haven of my mate and our long-awaited time together.

“Leave these buffoons to us,” Alpha Asa brushes past us, followed by my dad and Alpha Kaiden. The three of them make a very formidable force, one I would never want to be on the wrong side of. “You two go ahead, and enjoy yourselves,” the cheeky Alpha throws us a wink before he picks up the stranger easily and strong-arms him back into his car. The other men are just as easily wrestled down, but I barely see the action since Malachi is hurrying me to his own car.

Before I can even catch my breath, we are on the road, cruising at what feels like ninety miles an hour. “Malachi, slow down! I didn’t survive a knife in the chest just to be killed in a crash!”

“That man!” my mate pounds the steering wheel in anger. “He had the audacity to try and take you from me! I haven’t been through hell just to hand you over to the first stranger who comes knocking on our door.” He mumbles some threats and curses, but nothing so nasty as what I’ve heard cross his lips before.

“We don’t even know what he even wanted. He might have just been there for—”

“Cake? You’re right. We should have just invited him in for a slice of our ceremony cake. Why didn’t I think of that?”

I giggle at the thought. “You know, that might not have been such a bad idea. Honestly, I was so surprised and shocked at his audacious demands, I was this close to tackling and strangling him,” I hold up my fingers two millimeters apart, then feel ashamed of my violent thoughts and take a deep breath to calm myself. “Cake and tea would’ve been good for us all.”

“I’m sure he’ll get some anyway. It seems Luna Danella and your mom are trying to talk sensibly to the men,” Malachi sighs and I can tell he’s calming down as well. The further down the winding road we drive, the more distance we put between us and the unknown threat, the better we both feel.

“What do you mean?” I look at him, puzzled. The deep frown between his eyes softens, his grip on the steering wheel eases.

“Graysen is keeping me up to date.”

I realise he’s communicating with his warrior before we leave the territory.

“He says, the man is affiliated with the council, and just wanted to speak to you about his son.”

“His son?” I question, taken off guard by this seemingly benign reason for storming our celebration. “I don’t even know him or his son.”

“Neither do I. His name is Victor Forrester, but he won’t tell them anything about his son,” Malachi pauses, and I hope his mind is as much on the road as on the conversation in his head. “He says he wished only to speak with you, but now he’ll leave our territory. He isn’t a threat like we thought he was.”

“That’s a relief. But now I feel bad. He came all the way to speak to me—”

“Ariella, don’t,” Malachi says sternly, placing his hand over mine to stop it from gesticulating wildly. I know he feels the guilt that is starting to eat me up. “You owe him nothing. He has no rights to come and interrupt our lives like that. Apparently, he’d heard of your ability to sense what happens in the future. If he thinks he can treat you like some cheap fortune-telling gypsy, and get his palm read to track a wayward son, then maybe I should’ve punched him to a pulp like I wanted.”

“Malachi…” It’s my turn to grab his hand and rub comforting circles on his knuckles.

“All I’m saying is, if he really wants to see you, he’ll contact us the proper way and we can deal with him then. My only problem now is… I can’t get a hold of Hamilton. Why is he blocking me?” Malachi muses to himself, not really expecting a reply from me.

“I don’t suppose you heard he finally met his mate?”

“He did?” he shoots me a glance, eyes wide, eyebrows raised.

“Yes, and I’m so happy the way it worked out with him and Gabriella. Now my best friend will live even closer to me. They suit each other perfectly. And they’ll have the cutest pups, with blond hair and blue-green eyes. I wonder how that’s going to work since Gabby isn’t really—“

Malachi lets me ramble on, but then he holds up a hand to interrupt. “Doesn’t your best friend have black hair?”

I frown, “Which best friend are you talking about? And how do you know what she looks like?” I think of the angel and demon I spent so much time with growing up.

“Slim, your height, dark features with even darker eyes that give you the chills just looking into them.”

“Are you talking about Luci? But how do you—?”

“I saw her a couple times with you over the last few weeks. I don’t normally tolerate unapproved guests on my territory, but I knew you needed a friend around so I let it pass.”

“But she was a demon,” I whisper, my mind racing in circles. “And no one ever saw her but me… and now you, it seems.”

Malachi sucks in a long breath. “I guess since we were kind of related...”

“It doesn’t work like that,” I shake my head. “But I know you can see them now, considering the demons we fought together on our territory after meeting with Zander. I’m glad, actually. I’m not the only one who’ll be fighting them in the years to come.”

He looks over at me, and gives my hand a squeeze. “I’m glad of that, too. I used to be oblivious— or maybe it was just ignorance. But now I’m so much more aware of what’s happening around us. I’m intrigued, though. Tell me more about your other friend, Hamilton’s mate.”

“She’s an angel.”

Malachi laughs, his azure eyes dancing in a way that causes my heart to stutter through its normal rhythm. “Of course, she is. Well, good for him. He deserves the best. He’s the best Beta and brother a guy could ask for, and he’ll make a really good mate, too.”

“I know. He’s so attentive and caring. Thoughtful, yet strong and firm. I love how he’s always looking out for everyone in our pack. He takes his job so seriously, but I hope now he loosens up a bit. He deserves some peace and happiness of his own. Such a beautiful and kind man,” I sigh, thinking of all the good things about my Beta.

“Sounds almost like you want to marry him,” Malachi mutters with a dark look in his eyes.

I burst out laughing, “Don’t be so dramatic!” I stop laughing when I see Malachi isn’t amused. “You know there’s only one man I want, right?” I poke his upper arm to emphasise my point.

He looks at me, his gaze so strong and awash with unfathomable depth, that I feel drawn to the truth of his feelings for me. In return, I let my own love and passion shine from my eyes and assuage his hot jealousy.

Then I smile at him, breaking the heavy moment. “So, where are you taking me?”

“Very funny,” Malachi chuckles and looks back at the road, his eyes twinkling.

“Oh, come on. Just a small hint? Is it someplace warm?”

“Definitely.”

“Okay. Is it the city to the north of TidalBay Pack? You know I don’t like cities.”

“I didn’t know that. But no, it’s not a city.” He looks at me curiously. “It seems there’s lots I don’t know about you.”

I squirm in my seat, feeling the heat of his gaze travel over my body. “Likewise. I guess that’s the purpose of this little getaway?”

His lips twist in a smirk as expected. “You got that right, Ari. Absolutely nothing is going to come between us ever again. I’ll make sure of it. Tonight and the rest of the week, it’s just you and me. No more secrets, no more excuses.”

He glances at me again, and I’m lost in the passion and determination in his gaze. My heart picks up pace, accelerating nearly as fast as the wheels of the car beneath us. Pounding, thumping, racing. The bond between us pulses, the temperature rises, and only when Malachi looks back at the road with a knowing smile do I realise how dangerous that look of his was.

We drive in silence for a few moments, each of us craving more, each quietly controlling our emotions as we draw nearer to our destination.

“So, are we going to the beach?”

Malachi gives me a frustrated look. “You know, even if you guess correctly, I’m not going to confirm it.”

“That’s it! It’s the beach! I knew it!” I clap my hands excitedly.

My mate shakes his head and refuses to say anything more.

“Come on, admit it. You just wanted to see me in a red bikini.”

He turns to me sharply, a crimson blush crawling up his neck. “You know,” he begins, then clears his throat, “That wouldn’t be such a bad sight.”

It’s my turn to blush. I twist my fingers together in my lap, suddenly very nervous. “Too bad I don’t have a red bikini.”

“How do you know I didn’t get one for you?”

“Malachi!” I punch him in the arm, mortified. “You are going to be the death of me, Alpha. Again.” I mutter under my breath, and he just bursts out laughing.

“As long as I’m the one who revives you this time.”

I take a deep breath and let it out slowly, my mind racing to keep up with his witty and dangerously intimate remarks. “Mmm I can see it now. You’ll give me the kiss of life.”

He looks at me sideways, his lids half-mast as if purposefully leaving his true intentions up to my imagination. “That, among other things.”

The deep timbre of his voice, the clenching of his jaw, and the desire that’s swirling in the azure oceans of his irises have me shifting in my seat with frazzled nerves. My blood seems to heat up under his gaze, my heart racing in time with his own frantic beat in his chest.

“Just drive,” I eventually say, praying he turns his eyes back to the road before we careen off it into oblivion.

He chuckles again, but does as I say. It isn’t long until we’ve crossed the hilly region, the slopes turning to flattened plains, and we dip down into the coastal bay that I like so much. The road hugs the coastline for a dozen miles, the views of turquoise waters and white capped waves, lazy seagulls soaring along beside us, and the salty air drifting through my open window never ceasing to enchant me.

I give my Alpha a sly smile.

He shrugs his shoulders. “I’ve never been to the beach, and you kept telling me how good it was. I had to see for myself, and who better to have as a personal tour guide?” he gives me a wink.

“I’m just surprised you got over your dislike and contacted Alpha Jackson for permission to visit his territory.”

“Have I ever told how much I love Beta Hamilton?”

“Chicken,” I tease.

He growls lowly. “Nobody calls me chicken.”

I shiver from his words and tone of voice. Glancing over at him, his masculine profile sharp against the sunlit sky behind, I study the way he clenches his jaw, the way his fringe falls lightly over his forehead, the way his strong hand brushes it back with his long fingers. His bicep flexes with the motion, his black shirt tightening across his chest.

“How about a sweet, fluffy, little puppy? That’s definitely what you are, especially on the inside.”

“I am trying to drive here, Ariella,” he warns me gruffly, the sound of my name deep and throaty. “But if you insist on stirring the Alpha wolf inside me, I may need to pull over and show you just much of a puppy I’m not.”

Images fill my head of him dragging me onto his lap, his lips crushed against mine in a bruising kiss, our breath mingling as our bodies press to each other...

I force a giggle, covering up my nervousness and sudden desire at what he threatened. “Let’s just get to the beach. I’ll quit talking.”

He presses his lips together, smothering a chuckle, and I smirk to myself in the reflection of the window.

We finally arrive at our destination: a very quaint beach house that looks more like a posh Hampton-style manor than the cosy cottage or large mansion I’m used to. It rises two storeys, a wide verandah crouched low to the ground, balconies jutting out from the wide doors on the top floor, and large bay windows that overlook the breathtaking scenery. The house sits right at the sand’s edge, flanked by groves of palm, pandanus, and sea hibiscus trees. A pathway wends through the beachside brush, white sand beckoning as it leads to the dunes and turquoise waves beyond.

“This is beautiful,” I whisper as Malachi takes our bags and follows me to the front door. A welcome mat and wreath of flowers greets us, and I smile at the thoughtful touch. Inside is just as nice, beechwood flooring and distressed driftwood framed artwork give a beachy and holiday vibe that I instantly love. Nautical decor, anchors, surfboards, and seashells rest on benchtops and cabinets, completing the interior design.

“Let’s go swimming before the sun sets,” Malachi suggests, amused at my open admiration of the decor and pulling my attention back to him.

It doesn’t take us long to dump our bags and quickly change into swimsuits. I did pack a bikini, a pair with a cerulean blue modest top, the neckline high enough to conceal the scar on my chest. I know I can’t keep hiding forever, but I don’t want to expose all just yet. While I am craving and dreading the moment at once, it will happen soon enough that I bare myself to him. I just want to enjoy this afternoon for as long as possible.

The water is the perfect temperature as it wraps around our ankles, the sand hot underfoot but the cold waves cooling the sting. Malachi is hesitant at first, wading in up to his thighs, then waist, while I dive under the oncoming waves and glide to the surface with the grace of a dolphin. I smile back at him, then scoop up seawater in my hands and throw it at him. The droplets rain down around us in glistening crystal diamonds, illuminated by the sunlight.

Once he realises swimming in the surf is easier than wrestling a swift-flowing river, he dives under just as a big set rolls in. He stays under long enough— too long— and I begin panicking and repeating the coast guard’s number in my head. “Malachi!” I call out before having to duck under a big wave. I watch the green and blue water wash over me, the trails of bubbles curling and crashing beyond the wavebreak, then push off the sand and shoot to the surface. My feet become tangled, something strong and powerful wrapping around my legs and hips, then I’m thrust into the air. I scream, remembering to take a breath before I crash back into the water, and look down to see Malachi with a cheeky grin on his face.

“Are you trying to give me a heart attack?” I lunge towards him, all the wrath and fury of a siren painted on my face, my hair wildly slinging around my shoulders.

He just laughs, catching me easily as I fall against his chest. I try dunking him, pushing down hard on his broad shoulders, but the strong Alpha has firmly planted his feet in the stand and is impervious to my attacks. I settle for crashing my lips to his just as another wave crashes over us. The taste of salt is strong on his tongue, the warmth a contrast to the cold water that streams from our hair and down our cheeks. His hands wrap around my slim waist tightly, warming my bare skin. I shiver and wrap my legs around his hips, clinging to him as the surge of water buffets us. He is my anchor, holding me close, ensuring nothing can knock me down or wash me away.

He carries me out beyond the breakers, and we spend the last remaining hours of glorious sunshine floating, treading water, ducking under the waves, and whispering secrets against each others lips.

As the sky burns orange and magenta, violet hues streaking from the horizon, and the first stars begin to shine in the cornflower sky above us, we make our way out of the water and laugh at our wrinkled skin.

With his hand in mine, the cool breeze caressing our skin, and the evening shadows wrapping us in secrecy, I feel so peaceful and content. I am finally home. No matter where on earth I am, as long as Malachi is with me and our bond is strong and unhindered, I will be perfectly happy.

There’s no need for words as we make our way back up to our room. A silent understanding exists between us, our minds linked in such a beautiful way even before we have consummated our love and bond.

At that thought, a coil of nervousness twists in my stomach, and I’m sure Malachi senses the change in my mood as his hand tightens around mine.

“You okay?”

“Sure,” I give him my best smile and do all I can to block the fear and doubt in my mind from him. “I’m just cold. I might take a hot shower, then we’ll get some food, hmm? I’m hungry after all that swimming,” I say, quickly grabbing a clean towel, some clothes, and my bathroom bag. I slide the bathroom door shut before my mate can even respond. As I raced around the artfully decorated room, I felt his eyes on me, a blazing hot scrutiny as I brushed him off. But I ignore it and pray he’ll understand in time.

As I stand with a beach towel wrapped around my shivering body, taking a moment to catch my breath, I hear a knock on the door and jump in startlement. Hesitating to open it, I call out, "What?"

"What?" he echoes.

"What what?" I release the towel from around me and keep staring at my messy reflection in the mirror, hoping he'll go away.

But I should know by now—my mate isn’t easily deterred. "What what what?"

"Oh, for goodness' sake!" I sigh dramatically at his childishness and open the door, raising an eyebrow as I lock gazes with him. He is standing right at the threshold, leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed over his broad chest and an aggravated look on his face.

“Why did you close the door on me?" He too raises an eyebrow as we stare at each other.

"So I could have a shower," I say quickly, folding my own arms over my chest to mask a small shiver. A rush of cool air swirls around me from the open doorway, brushing lightly on my bare skin.

"And you closed the door because..." he queries, looking down at me with such intensity in his eyes.

I hesitate, then swallow quickly before replying with the truth. "Because I'm not ready for this," I motion between us. "I'm still all sandy and gross." Well, that's partly the truth. I just want a nice warm shower to clean myself and calm my mind, but mainly I want to delay the moment that I am craving and dreading with the same heartbeat. The scar over my heart is like a summer sun in my eyes; bright, glaring, and all consuming. The heat of embarrassment threatens to cover me like molten lava, the clammy fear about to drag me under like a rogue wave catching me unawares.

He takes a step into the bathroom, and I take one back. With a shrug, he says casually, "Well, so am I."

"You're anything but gross." The words slip past my lips on their own accord, my eyes unashamedly travelling over his muscled chest and toned abdominals. The firm muscles ripple under tanned golden skin with each step he takes towards me, wrapping him in the honed strength of a predator, and I back up until I feel the cold porcelain sink at my back. I look up to meet his gaze. Immediately, I am snared by his eyes that are so dark, his smirk so sure, his lips so kissable.

"I want you, Dreamer," those lips move ever so slowly, lazily. His words, as they reach my ears and sink into my mind, are possessive, territorial, heated. And they only fan the spark that catches fire in my belly. It flashes through my body, sending even more shivers over my arms and legs.

I want to fight it, but I feel myself weakening with each moment that passes, each step he takes closer to me. "I want you, too." Something about his unrelenting gaze has my lips spilling the truth.

"Then what are you waiting for?" Again, his eyebrow rises, his eyes hinting at mirth. "I'm all yours," he opens his arms, ready for me to step into them.

But I hold back, and continue to keep my arms crossed as if they are my last defence between my mate's body and mine. "For my heart to stop thumping like a hundred tribal drums. It feels like a freight train is hurtling through my chest and I can't stop it. I can't breathe."

He shakes his head, his eyes never leaving mine, and his lips nudge up in a small smile. "It's okay to be nervous. I feel the exact same way," he reaches for my hand and tugs it towards his chest. Placing it over his heart, I feel the heavy pounding that matches my own. I tap my fingers over the skin, feeling the rhythmic thumping increase, the tempo kicking into a rapid dance like a hummingbird. I let my fingers trail down to the top of his ribs, and my eyes widen as I see a mark over his own heart. There, on the skin in the middle of his chest, is a light pink scar a few centimetres long.

I don’t get time to wonder what this means, because with a sharp pull, he tugs me closer until I fall against his chest. I screech in shock and surprise, but the sound is muffled as his lips come crashing onto mine. His kiss is determined, passionate, and gentle. I let him control it, loving the way my body melts into his, the way his arms wrap so securely around me. The feel of his skin on mine causes all thoughts to flee from my mind, except one.

I want him. All of him.

When his fingers trail up my back and fiddle with my bikini straps, I let them, until he tugs away the material and there is no longer anything between us. We are one step closer to becoming truly one. I want this and need this. For so long, we have been apart and it has nearly ripped our relationship into something irreparable. My mind wars with itself, but I realise I shouldn't let one small insecurity stand in our way of bliss and completion.

He pulls back from the kiss, his eyes searching mine for any fear or hesitancy. After finding none, he lets his gaze wander over my body. I close my eyes, feeling the heat of his gaze on my skin as if burning fingers were instead touching me. I don't want to see the shadow that creeps in when he sees the scar. I don't want to see disappointment at the ruination of my once beautiful body. I don't want to—

"Is this what you are afraid about?"

His warm voice snaps me back to reality, and I see him looking at me with concern, his eyes darting down to my chest before colliding with my gaze again. He sighs gently, a soft exhale that lingers on my skin and tangles with the fine hair on my neck.

"Yes," my voice is thready and weak. My eyes drop to the floor, a blush staining my cheeks. "It hasn't seemed to heal since the fight. I’m left with an ugly scar that ruins my skin."

"Ariella," he cuts me off, his fingers trailing gently over the offending mark. His touch is so light, so pure, that my heart beats wildly just millimetres beneath the tip of his finger. "My dear, dear Ariella. Scars are nothing to be ashamed of."

My whole body shudders from his touch as much as his deep and rough voice. "But it reminds me every day of what happened. Of how they were so cruel to me. To us." I don't mention his mother is the reason for this, knowing it would hurt that much more. The blame of my death is laid on the countless demons there that night. Tears prick my eyes, but I refuse to let them fall. I refuse to show how weak I feel on the inside.

"Shhh, no, that's not it." He slides a hand up the curve of my side, over my shoulder, and to the nape of my neck. Pulling me closer, he angles my face so I'm looking directly into his eyes. "That's not what I am reminded of. This scar shows your courage."

I bite my lip to stop it from trembling. "But it's still horrible, and I don't want to see it for the rest of my life. The reminder of that night will haunt me forever."

He shakes his head, his eyes darkening as he wills me to see this from his perspective. "It doesn't have to. You have so many amazing things to dream about instead,” he tells me firmly. “I'll be with you every night, holding you close whenever a nightmare attacks. And this scar," he looks down at it again and my breath stalls in my throat. "This scar is proof of your bravery and loyalty. It tells of how far you went to claim what is yours. You fought the very darkness in our hearts so we could be together. You saved me. I am yours, and you belong to me just as much as I belong to you forever. Can't you see, your death proved that?"

I listen to his words, wanting to believe them, knowing they are true but my mind still fights against the goodness of them. What he tells me is more than I can stand to believe. Tears blur the vision of my mate, his beautifully handsome face shining as he tries to make me understand.

He goes on, "Besides my mark on your neck, which proves to everyone of my claim on you, this scar on your chest proves to me of your love and devotion to me. It is the most powerful claim, that you've given your life for me. You've claimed me, and no one on earth, or in heaven, or in any other realm, can tear us apart. That's what I see when I look at your scar. The heart beating underneath beats for me, with life given by our King. You were taken from me by the hate of others, but returned with undying love and strength. Remember that when you look at your scars." He tenderly kisses my forehead, before resting his head against mine. “They don’t define you. They defy the world that tries to tear us apart.”

His fingers continue to run in small patterns over my skin, and I feel tears sliding down my cheeks from his gentle ministrations. His words run over me like warm honey, healing my wounds and cleansing the caverns of dark fears and doubts. I cling to him, my cheek pressed against his, my mouth so close to his own. We share the same air; our hearts share the same rhythm; our souls connect in a place so pure I am beginning to fathom the true depth of his love for me.

He tilts his head until his lips close over mine, and I taste every single emotion he is feeling through our connection. Desire so strong, love so deep, happiness that fills his heart, pride in my bravery and strength, peace that we can finally be together, and determination to never let me go no matter what battles come our way in this darkened world.

I smile into the kiss before biting his lower lip as he presses me impossibly closer to himself. I am beyond grateful for his understanding of my insecurity. He has soothed my anxiousness in a way I never dared to hope for.

He didn't tell me the scar didn't matter, or that he didn't even see it. He didn't say the painful reminder of my death was barely noticeable, or that his eyes would skim over it every time he admired my body. He didn't try and pretend it wasn't there, or say tender words to diminish its presence on my skin.

Instead, he told me of its true meaning, of the beauty of it. He showed me the depth of its significance in our lives, and how it shaped our relationship for eternity. He made me feel wanted and desired because of it, not despite it.

So with every fear and inhibition released from my soul; with every wall and barricade broken down between us; with every dark corner of our minds filled with a radiant light that transcends the very reality of us, we give ourselves to each other in the purest of love and selflessness. In every way we become one heart, one body, and one mind.

Our souls are forever entwined and bonded for an eternity that stretches beyond what we can even comprehend.

Epilogue coming soon!

That will conclude this book, though we will see more of Ariella and Malachi in future sequels :)

And beware, the epilogue will be very very long! I hope you have enjoyed reading so far. Be prepared for some explosive conclusions that will be revealed very soon!

♥️Kiana Rose