SWNOVELS Chapter 89
Chapter 89: Ayla
Theo and I went through my list of questions. I recorded and took notes on his perspective of his time with his father. It was interesting to hear the differences in how Theo recalled events compared to his
father. Sometimes it was quite amusing.
―
“Okay,” I said. “Last question – what is your earliest memory of your father?”
“Ooo,” Theo grunted. “Let’s see…” He thought for a moment. “My earliest memory of my father would have to be when he told me we were wolves.”
Despite being a part of us, our wolves are dormant when we are born. It’s considered a major milestone for a parent to show their children what we are and what it means. It happens at a young age, usually around four or five years old.
“Dad brought me up near the top of the mountain. He told me that we come from a special group of people. People who have animals inside them. With our animals comes an extended family that we are bound to,” Theo stated. “And that we have a very important role in that
>
family. It was our job to take care of them. To lead and be led by them to maintain peace, balance, and prosperity. Our animals our wolves
– would guide us.”
―
Theo looked through the window as he replayed the memory in his head.
“When the sun set, he shifted. He was the first wolf I had ever seen,” Theo said reverently. “He was magnificent. I was so fascinated by him. And he was so patient. He let my four-year-old curiosity explore and
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Chapter 89: Ayla
Theo and I went through my list of questions. I recorded and took notes on his perspective of his time with his father. It was interesting to hear the differences in how Theo recalled events compared to his
father. Sometimes it was quite amusing.
“Okay,” I said. “Last question — what is your earliest memory of your father?”
“Ooo,” Theo grunted. “Let’s see…” He thought for a moment. “My earliest memory of my father would have to be when he told me we were wolves.”
Despite being a part of us, our wolves are dormant when we are born. It’s considered a major milestone for a parent to show their children what we are and what it means. It happens at a young age, usually around four or five years old.
“Dad brought me up near the top of the mountain. He told me that we come from a special group of people. People who have animals inside them. With our animals comes an extended family that we are bound to,” Theo stated. “And that we have a very important role in that family. It was our job to take care of them. To lead and be led by them to maintain peace, balance, and prosperity. Our animals
–
would guide us.”
our wolves
Theo looked through the window as he replayed the memory in his head.
“When the sun set, he shifted. He was the first wolf I had ever seen,” Theo said reverently. “He was magnificent. I was so fascinated by him. And he was so patient. He let my four-year-old curiosity explore and
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Chapter B Ayla
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climb and tug. We spent that night in the woods. Just me and him. From that night on, I couldn’t wait to get my wolf.”
I smiled at him. “It sounds like a beautiful experience.”
“It was.” He nodded. “I think we have a picture of the morning we returned.”
Theo stood, coming around the desk. He went to a set of shelves behind me. That was the first time I had noticed all the pictures that filled them. I moved next to him to examine them. Theo picked up a frame from one of the top shelves and showed it to me. It held a photo of a small Theo riding on the back of Alpha’s massive brown wolf.
“I’ve tried to be at as many of my pack members’ first shifts as I could since I was twelve,” Theo said. “They have all been an exhilarating experience. Getting to see their wolves for the first time. That night is still the most remarkable shift I’ve experienced. At least so far.”
“My father was the first to show me, too. I’m not sure anything could beat that first time,” I said.
“I could think of one that might,” Theo uttered, his hand gliding gently along my waist.
I looked up and was nearly overwhelmed by the intensity in his amber eyes. His hand went to the nape of my n*eck, and he tugged me against him, his l*ps taking mine. Electricity coursed through me, shooting to every inch of my b*dy. Every inch.
I couldn’t fight it anymore. I returned the k*ss, my arms wrapping around him. I opened for him. The taste of him washing over me until he pulled away.
“Have dinner with me,” he rasped out.
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“What?” I breathed, not sure I had full control of my b*dy anymore.
“Have dinner with me,” he repeated, his forehead pressed against mine. “Tonight.”
“We’re the only ones here. Who else would I be eating with,” I teased.
“I mean dinner
“A date?”
—
candlelight, champagne, music…”
He nodded. “I know I don’t deserve it, but I want a second chance, Ayla. I want to do this right. Please, will you have dinner with me tonight?”
My heart was racing and my whole b*dy was tingling. A strange sound escaped my l*ps.
Did I just… giggle?
What the hell was going on?
I wanted to say yes. That’s what was going on. I really wanted to say yes. I could feel the thoughts of doubt and guilt coming to the surface. So I let myself make a split-second decision.
“Okay.”
“Yeah?” Theo’s face absolutely lit up
“Yeah,” I laughed.
He k*ssed me again. “You’re sure?” he asked between k*sses.
“Yes,” I insisted.
He kept peppering me with k*sses until I stopped him.
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“So, where is this dinner taking place?” I asked.
“Here,” he stated.
“Who’s cooking?” I asked skeptically.
He chuckled. “I will take care of that. In fact” – he checked his watch – “why don’t you go to the guest house and get ready. Dinner’s at eight-thirty.”
“That’s four hours from now,” I exclaimed. “How long do you think it takes me to get ready?”
“You can do whatever you want,” Theo said. “Take a nap, read, take a four-hour bath. I don’t care if you show up in a sack. I just want you to open the door when I come to get you.”
“Why don’t I help you?”
He started to lead me out of the room by my waist. “I would love for you to cook with me… tomorrow. Tonight, I want to treat you.”
“Okay,” I said.
“I’ll come to get you when I’m ready,” Theo said.
He k*ssed me at the door and watched me walk to the guest house. Once I shut the door behind me, I realized what had just happened. I waited for the panic and second-guessing to set in, but all I felt was excitement. I had gotten to know Theo over the past week. Especially today.
He was smart and good with business. He was generous, funneling most of his earnings back into the pack. He was funny and playful and sarcastic. But he was also humble. He adored his family and loved his pack.
Che Pya
I liked him.
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I decided to take his suggestion and take a long bath. I relaxed and tried to keep my mind off whatever Theo was doing next door. Despite his declaration that I could wear a sack, I wanted to look nice. I sha*ed, washed my hair really well, scrubbed, and lotioned every part of my b*dy. I took extra time on my makeup and curled my hair. I didn’ 1 rush. Instead just tried to enjoy the self-care.
Also, I had to keep myself busy to calm my anticipation.
I decided to wear the dress I had bought for the gathering that week. It was the only thing nice enough for the occasion. At least, I thought it was. I still had no idea what Theo was planning. But it was getting close to the time when I got dressed.
It was an emerald green floral print wrap dress that I just fell in love with. I was glad I bought it. I felt amazing in it. I knew I shouldn’t be nervous, but the confidence boost I got in that dress wouldn’t hurt.
I was sl*pping into a pair of heels when there was a knock on the door.
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