Chapter 3: Chapter 3
Gathering our things, in the parking lot we locked the truck and started walking towards the entrance. Glancing at the map we already knew by heart, we headed up the side of mount Jack.
Hiking along the path I had to take a breath as I looked over the side. A sheer drop off. Did I ever mention my fear of heights? Closing my eyes I took a breath.
Feeling someone's hand on mine I opened my eyes and saw Nolan.
Grabbing his hand tightly he smiled encouragingly at me and started pulling me forward.
"Thats it one step at a time." Nolan encouraged me. Smiling he gave me a hug as we reached a safer part in the trail.
"I hate you." I mumbled as I stood in his arms.
"Liar." He commented and gave me a kiss on the head and released me.
"Chicken." Malcom squawked at me as Nolan reached his hand out and back handed him.
Rina cried out and grasped her mouth as she started laughing while Nolan grinned at her mischievously.
Continuing the trip we made it to the top of Mount Jack shortly after.
Sitting on the edge of the cliff we stared out at the land, and ocean. Such a magnificent sight. You can't beat it. My view is amazing but being hear just above it all, view of both land and ocean is truly breathtaking. Feeling the wind blow in my hair I closed my eyes and relaxed.
'It's so beautiful.' I sent to Nolan when Ineeded to feel the contact.
'It is.' Nolan sent back as he sent me the picture of a warm embrace. Feeling the comfort I sighed.
Hearing everybody start to move I opened my eyes and started getting up, taking a few sips of water we started off again.
Traveling down the travel we jumped over roots, rocks and eroded dirt on the path. Reaching single runner we turned and started the trek downwards. Running we raced each other to the bottom, upon reaching the bottom we we gasping for air and had to sit down as we all started laughing.
"I won." I commented as I drew in a harsh breath of air trying to replenish my oxygen. Nolan nodded his head in agreement.
"You smoked us all." Malcom rasped holding his stomach in agony.
"Pro in the water, pro on land. What can't you do?" Rina teased taking a deep breath holding her side.
"Good question." I commented holding my finger up in the air as we laughed.
Nolan recovered first. Standing up he helped us all onto our feet lingering on Rina longer than anybody.
"Alright, now onto icy caverns." Nolan commanded while practically jumping like a little kid.
"Aw, little Nolan is so excited." I cooed to him as he glared.
"Little Nolan is excited for this hike." He commented pointing back at himself. He was being honest but I really knew he wanted to see the ocean. Be inside it not be up here hiking. But he knew Rina loved hiking. I felt love at the action but also worry. He can't deny his true self forever no matter how much he wants to.
"Let's get a move on. Don't want little Nolan to become sad now." Malcom teased as he walked around him and we all started going deeper into the icy caverns.
They were beautiful. Many miles down Mount Jack on the west side if you know what trails to take, it will bring you here to the icy caverns, it's like a whole other dimension.
Descending into the cavern we glanced in awe at the beauty of the ice structure. The sun reflected off the ice and lit up the entire cavern. Walking down the steps we approached the bottom where three trails split off, turning right we took the first trail and kept descending. This place never seems to stop amazing us.
Getting closer we could hear the water rushing. Overly Excited, Nolan turned towards us then took off running down the tunnels with us right after him.
Reaching the inner cavern we spared a glance at the waterfall under the Mountain and headed into our separate corners.
Rina and I quickly changed then ran forward and jumped into the glacier pool. Laughing as we came back up. Weirdly enough even though it's surrounded by ice this pool always stays warm, it's like magic. I can feel the water humm. This place is a place of great power. It whispers to me. The water calls, it has the touch of the ocean. Fulfilling yet not.
The guys joined us shortly after by doing cannonballs. Floating Rina and I as we enjoyed the moment.
"So untouched by the world, this chamber is so refreshing." I commented and heard murmurs of agreement float around the empty space.
Relaxing for a few hours we decided to call it a day.
Climbing out of the pool Rina and I walked over to our clothes and started to dry off with our towels then removed our swimsuits and put on our hiking clothes again.
Returning to the pool the guys were still splashing water at each other.
"Hey come on. We don't have much time before it will start to get dark out." I commented as I smiled at them.
Whining they both exited the pool and went to their corner to change. Properly dressed they walked back over with their packs and we started to head back up to the surface.
Walking up the trails seemed like a much harder feat now that we had wasted most of our energy swimming in the icy chamber.
Coming to a low point between the trails we stopped as three strong muscle built men stepped into our path.
Glancing over us, I sucked in a breath as I saw him. Beautiful.
'Ours.' I heard her cry in my mind.
'Yes, ours.' I agreed and watched as he ran his eyes over me.
"What are you doing here?" One of the black haired men said with a voice of steel.
"We were just enjoying nature's beauty." Nolan said shrugging his shoulders yet on alert to potential threats, while connecting his mind to mine.
"You don't belong here." The other man with back hair said glaring.
"It's a free country. We can go hiking to see nature's beauty if we so please. This is public land." I said crossing my arms glaring at him suddenly feeling a great power rise inside her.
"This is a sacred place, you are not welcome here." The first black haired man growled at us and I felt the building power release itself.
'Kneel!' my other half screamed as I clutched my head and hunched forward stunned by her power.
Going white the two black haired men were forced to kneel before us.
'Release them.' I cried and felt the pressure stop.
Gasping in pain Nolan grabbed my arm.
"Raihl, are you okay? What did you do?" Nolan growled at them as Malcom pushed Rina behind him to hide her from sight, alarmed at what was happening.
Standing up the three men looked me in shock.
"Who are you?" My handsome mate asked with the most beautiful voice, as I leaned into hear his voice, feeling Nolan pull me back and reaching for my mind.
"I am Galadraihl. Who are you?" I replied and leaned against Nolan.
Feeling uneasiness in the air I looked at the man and sucked in some air. He looked dangerous and cruel, yet beautiful at the same time. It took my breath away. His eyes flashed a dangerous blue as he glared forward. Following his glare I noticed it was aimed at Nolan's hand that was holding me.
'Ours. So handsome. Mate.' She purred as I gasped in wonder at her intense emotions, it was almost hard to focus.
Looking back up I saw his eyes fixed on me. The eyes of a predator and I was his prey. I felt my body tremble with excitement at his possessive gaze.
"I am Caighlen, this is Fendall on my left and Remus on my right." My mate said and I melted at his voice. Caighlen. I whispered in my heart.
As if hearing me and my longing he closed his eyes and clamped his mouth tight. When he opened his eyes they were almost completely blue. His companions glanced between us, understanding on their faces.
"Stop looking at her like that!" Nolan snapped.
Shaking my head I put my hand on Nolan, glancing down at me I shook my head.
"Leave it Nolan." I told him calmly, feeling the mate bond coil in jealousy.
Shaking his head he glared down at me then softened his gaze. "You're trembling Raihl."
"I know. It's okay." I replied back sending him an image of how the new mate bond was affecting me.
Realization dawned on his face and he started turning red.
"Oh." He said then smiled down at me and put his hand on my head releasing a full bellied laugh. While Malcom and Rina looked completely confused about everything going on.
"Okay, I am so lost. You two are totally talking to each other somehow." Rina said finally speaking up and Malcom nodded his head in agreement.
"I agree. You two always seem to have some hidden secret." Malcom mentioned crossing his arms as he looked at us.
Looking down at me I shrugged my shoulders at Nolan, "You can tell them Nolan. I don't mind, I'm tired of hiding it besides it's not like they won't find out eventually."
Smiling he looked up, feeling a pressure lift off our chests and started replying, "Raihl has a special connection to the ocean as you know."
Malcom and Rina started nodding their heads, listening to every word coming from Nolan's mouth.
"But it's more than that. She different. Unique. We both are, neither of us are exactly...how should I put this? Human. We're a type of ocean shifter. We can connect minds and this weird blonde man over there, Caighlen, that's her mate. Everyone of our kind has a chosen mate that was born specifically for them. And they just met and now things are totally awkward but she'll teach him the ways of women." He finished and did an exaggerated bow. Cuffing him in the back of the head I started laughing.
"It's only awkward if you make it awkward, tard." I replied as Malcom and Rina joined me giving a small laugh still absorbing all the information he was giving them.
"You guys are so mean. Rina, I thought it was you and me against the world? This is unacceptable!" Nolan cried in protest and pulled her into a hug, I instantly felt the change in him feeling the age old compulsion taking over him and watching as suddenly he was no longer able to resist the mate bond, leaning down he crashed his mouth down onto Rina, kissing her lips. Rina froze and everyone went silent. Nolan and Rina parted quickly wide eyed and started turning red fast.
"FINALLY! Damn that took long enough! You own me $375 pay up!" I shouted out with a smile on my face looking at Malcom in triumph.
"You're a cheater." Malcom pouted as he pulled out the money and slapped it in my outstretched hand. Grinning I counted the money and pocketed it.
Giving him a salut, "Pleasure doing business with you."
"Brat." He muttered and I grinned bigger.
"You two are horrible! You actually placed a bet on this?" Rina squeaked turning red.
"Well, yeah. I told Malcom I bet Nolan will finally find his ba-----" my voice was muffled behind Nolan's hand as he glared at me.
"Not another world." He said then removed his hand.
"balls, and finally just lay it on you." I said quickly then stuck my tongue out at him.
Shaking his head and running his hands through his head, reaching forward I merged my mind to his and I started laughing then shoved him.
"Dweeb, if she didn't like you she would have been totally repulsed by everything and ran and never looked back, I mean I would have." I replied seriously, whacking his head.
Glaring at me he rubbed his head.
"Why do you always have to hit me?" He commented as I shrugged my shoulders.
"It's more fun this way." I said with a smile and we all chuckled.
"Now, not buzz killing or nothing but I'm hungry. My place is closer so let us please go and eat something." I said while pouting.
"You and your food." Malcom and Nolan said in unison.
"Don't judge my life." I shot back then glanced at my mate who was watching us banter.
"Yeah, besides you all know food is life. Especially pizza." Rina said.
"Yes! Or sushi!" I shouted out excited.
"Yuck, more like deep fried chicken and mashed potatoes with bacon gravy." Malcom said shaking his head.
"Sushi or Salmon with wild rice and..." Nolan started saying and we finished in unison, "fresh pineapple with kiwi slices mixed with strawberries."
Smiling we started laughing as Malcom and Rina looked at us weirdly.
"Don't knock it till you try it." I said as Nolan and I looked at each other.
"Okay, I have to know, I am still confused on how you two have a connection. How is that even possible? I mean I get you said you were shifters, but is it limited to all shifters? Or?" Rina said confused tilting her head demanding an answer.
"No, not all shifters. How should I put this?" I said shaking and tilting my head at a loss on what to say.
"It's simple we have a bond." Nolan replied looking at Rina.
"Bond?" Rina said shaking her head in confusion.
Feeling a shift in the air I glanced at my mate and saw his eyes starting to go blue. Quickly closing them I saw him take a breath in. I was causing this. Looking down I felt ashamed. I was causing my mate distress. I could feel tears building but held them back. My hands went into fists at my side.
'Raihl you okay?' Nolan asked softly noticing my distress and called to me through our bond.
'Yeah, just trying to work things out. Keep going.' I sent back.
"Yeah a bond. As you know I'm 5 years older than Raihl." Nolan mentioned and continued the story, "When Galadraihl was born I felt a calling, one I couldn't deny. I woke up and walked all the way to hospital and straight to her room. I didn't even have to ask I just knew and then I laid my eyes on her. She is the most precious thing in my world, I would give my life for her. I am her shield." Nolan said finishing strong.
"Shield? What does that mean exactly?" Rina asked but you could see the pain flash across her face at his comment.
"It means I was born to protect her. I can let no harm come to her and we share a special bond where we can feel each other's emotions and if the emotion is strong enough we can send our thoughts to each other." Nolan explained leaving a few details out.
Looking at my mate I saw him and his companions share a look. They knew something. Feeling my gaze my mate, Caighlen turned to looked at me.
Stealing my breath I fell into his light blue smoldering eyes. Desire struck fast and hard. Closing my eyes I tried to hold back as felt desire sinking into my whole body. It was going up in flames.
Trying to focus I shook my head.
"Perhaps we should get a move on I think Raihl is getting lightheaded, we can all continue this conversation at her place." Nolan said sweeping in to save me.
Nodding their heads as they turned and started heading back up the trail.
"Need my help?" Nolan asked grabbing my pack as I shook my head no.
"Just go ahead. I'll be but a moment. Promise." I said sending him a smile as he nodded his head in understanding.
Turning around he started on his way, shortly after he was followed by Fendal and Remus.
Taking a breath I shuddered as I felt him glide behind me. My body was on fire. Craving his. My mind reached for his. Everything was calling for him, it was impossible to control the easiest way to describe it is that everything in me was going haywire at the smell of his scent and close proximity. Shuddering I released a cry of want as he laid his hand on my bare shoulders. I felt like my body went up in flames and I wasn't coming down. Desire struck hard, like a blow to the gut.
Jerking me around to face him, his eyes were pure blue, practically glowing. Gasping I moaned as his mouth came down fast and hard on mine. Grasping his arms I melted into his body, a perfect fit.
'Ours.' Her voice roared in my head.
Releasing a growl my mate pulled me closer and nuzzled my neck. I could feel his arousal pushing into my stomach. Moving forward I pressed myself into his arousal and cried out in protest as he grabbed my shoulders and jerked me away. Looking down at my face I saw pure arousal on his face, his teeth were pulled back in a snarl. Mother Nature's bond striking hard and fast.
I could feel his lust, his love for me. Groaning needing more contact. I tried to get closer.
"No. Not like this." He growled shaking his head trying to resist the bond.
"Please." I pleaded moving my head side to side, crying out as I tried to get closer, needing the contact, needing him so bad it hurt. "I need you."
Looking into my eyes he snarled, feeling my emotions, desire and pain, swamping his senses. Pure seduction. The nature mating call of our people that he couldn't resist. The need to please his mate and make me his. Reacting fast he reached down and started to shove my pants down.
Suddenly, his hand found my sacred place, throbbing in need I cried out at the contact, need more. Teasing my clit he ran his finger down to my slit and tested my readiness as he thrust a finger inside me and growled in pleasure then added two. Crying out in pain and ecstasy my head started moving back and forth as I pushed my hips up into his hands urgently, needing more, always needing more.
"Please. Caighlen." I cried in need. My body completely on fire. Looking at his face was pure seduction and I felt myself get wetter as his face darkened with desire upon seeing my body flush a deeper shade of pink, feeling and smelling my enhanced arousal.
Removing his fingers, I cried out in protest thinking he was stopping. Until I realized he started removing his pants. Not moving fast enough I reached forward and quickly removed his pants as he chuckled a low sensual sound that had me clenching my muscles.
Pulling our shirts off he pushed me down on the ground and got on top boxing me in. I could feel my heart pounding. I needed this, I needed him so bad it hurt. I couldn't breathe easy until we were one.
Leaning down he caught me in a kiss, I could feel his arousal brushing me center and trembled in anticipation.
"This will hurt but a moment, love." He said softly with arousal in his voice as he looked down at my face with intense desire, neither one of us able to resist the mating pull. Thrusting forward he grasped my lips with his mouth and I shuddered with pain and pleasure as he breached my hymn. Whimpering I felt myself relax as I adjusted to his size.
Needing more I lifted my hips experimentally, getting the message he started thrusting faster. Adjusting the angle he raised my legs in the air placing my legs against his shoulders and started thrusting faster and deeper. Pure ecstasy is all that I could think off as I watched his face and felt my pleasure rising. Quickly, I could feel myself starting to fragment. Looking at Caighlen as he thrust into me over and over I couldn't contain my pleasure.
Merging our minds suddenly his eyes glowed as he shared his passion. Showing me images of how he would like to take me. Possess me. Make me scream his name to the world.
Moaning I grasped onto him as he readjusted and started thrusting furiously. He was close, so close. Unable to contain myself any longer I cried out in ecstasy as Caighlen suddenly leaned down showing his mouth full of teeth and bit my neck. Feeling myself shatter around him, I latched on to him with my sharpened teeth as I felt my vision start to blur and stars burst behind my eyelids.
Feeling our souls merge together as one. I clutched him desperately as he brought me to his chest. Curling into his chest. I knew the exact moment they both merged with me. I felt complete. Full. Satisfied. Yet there was still something missing. Something nagging at me that I couldn't pinpoint but I was to far gone in ecstasy to care as I felt my body ripple with pleasure at the aftermath of our love making.
'Ours.' We thought possessively as we glanced up at Caighlen, sending love and peace.
'Yours.' Caighlen growled back sending love, comfort, protection back to me, I could feel tears in my eyes. Beautiful, so beautiful and all ours.
Holding me close Caighlen sat silently as we shared this beautiful moment with each other. Waiting a bit he pulled out and I hopped up and started to put on my clothes. While watching him.
"Come on. We still have to catch up. They are probably waiting for us at the truck." I said looking at him getting dressed and blushed as desire flared once more.
"Let them wait." Caighlen said as he watched me with a predatory grin.
Smiling at him I moved and watched his eyes track me, loving every minute of it, knowing I had his full attention.
"You are playing with fire, my love." Caighlen growled. Connecting our minds I felt satisfaction at how I fill him with desire by simply looking at him. I felt beautiful, wanted. Loved. Home.
"Am I?" I whispered seductively moving closer but still out of reach.
Cursing he shook his head and watched me with those piercing bright blue eyes.
"Careful Mate, you look good enough to eat." Caighlen told me with a heated look and my temperature rose sharply.
Suddenly, without warning my stomach growled loudly and my mate started laughing as I blushed.
"I think it's time I see to my mates needs. You require sustenance and I can feel your soreness at how rough I took you on the ground." He spoke softly as he wrapped me in his arms, feeling his annoyance at how he couldn't resist the bond to give me a proper first time, instead of taking me brutally on the ground.
Gasping suddenly, he moved quickly and scooped me into his arms as he started walking back to the front entrance.
"You do know I can walk, right?" I said lightly as he glanced down at me, spreading my hand across his chest wishing his shirt was gone so I could feel his bar skin against mine again.
"But what would be the fun in that? I have a need to hold my mate. Do you wish to deny me?" He questioned and I shook my head no as he looked down at me with passion in his eyes.
"Of course not." I whispered and he looked satisfied at my reply.
"Good, I find I have a great need, to hold you close." He said as I felt his need to hold and take care of me, through our bond.
Resting my head against his shoulder I relaxed into his embrace. I almost felt like a little kid, he dwarfed me in size but it felt good, I felt protected and loved, extremely loved.
Nuzzling my head he whispered, "You are loved, deeply. Very deeply."
Sighing I snuggled closer and looked up at his face as he carried me through the forest. Watching his muscular jaw twitch, I reached up and stroked his face, bringing his gaze back down to me. Needing to feel him gazing at me. I sucked in a breath as he smiled down at me.
"That should be illegal." I commented as he started at me occasionally glancing up at the path.
"What should be illegal?" He questioned.
"Your smile, voice and your eyes." I replied feeling him chuckle and the ripple of his muscles.
"That too!" I cried.
Raising an eyebrow he glanced down at me waiting for me to continue.
"The whole muscle movement, it's not fair!" I protested.
"So, what you're saying is that basically everything about me should be illegal, little mate?" He questioned with a small smile on his face though I could feel his intense amusement and pride at the fact he produced intense feelings for me over the simplest things.
"Yes." I replied nodding my head rapidly.
Leaning down he kissed me on the lips and went back to his full height.
"If I was completely illegal, you wouldn't have anything to feel desire for, little mate." He chuckled as I shivered in pleasure at his voice feeling the vibration through his body connecting to mine release a small moan of pleasure, watching in satisfaction as his eyes started glowing bright blue again.
Crushing me closer to his chest, I focused on his rapidly beating heart as we neared the entrance of Mount Jack.
Exiting the forest, everybody turned to look at us.
"Well, you sure took your sweet ole time." Nolan commented with a knowing smirk.
"Oh, shut up butt-face." I shot back sticking my tongue out as my mate, Rina and Malcom chuckled and Nolan shrugged his shoulders.
Turning around everybody hopping into the truck as Caighlen carried me to the back doors. Thank god Nolan had a heavy duty dulee that had the space of a luxurious car. Otherwise, this would have been an extremely uncomfortable ride. I thought.
Malcom and Rina sat up front with Nolan while, Fendall, Remus, Caighlen and I sat in back, me positioned on Caighlens' lap.
Starting the truck up a good song started playing on the radio and Rina and I released a squeal as Malcom and Nolan groaned.
"No, not again." Malcom groaned and hit his head on the window.
"Here we go." Nolan narrated as Rina reached forward to turn it up. Then turned to me as we started to sing in unison.
"One, one, one, one, one
Talkin' in my sleep at night
Makin' myself crazy
(Out of my mind, out of my mind)
Wrote it down and read it out
Hopin' it would save me
(Too many times, too many times)
My love, he makes me feel like nobody else
Nobody else
But my love, he doesn't love me
So I tell myself, I tell myself
One, don't pick up the phone
You know he's only calling 'cause he's drunk and alone
Two, don't let him in
You'll have to kick him out again
Three, don't be his friend
You know you're gonna wake up in his bed in the morning
And if you're under him
You ain't getting over him
I've got new rules, I count 'em
I've got new rules, I count 'em
I've gotta tell them to myself
I've got new rules, I count 'em
I've gotta tell them to myself
I keep pushin' forwards
But he keeps pullin' me backwards
(Nowhere to turn, no way)
(Nowhere to turn, no)
Now I'm standing back from it
I finally see the pattern--"
Suddenly, the station cut out.
"No. DUA LIPA!" Rina and I cried in protest.
"Yes!" Malcom screaming triumph as Rina and I both whacked him upside the head.
"Ow." Malcom cried as he clutched his head and Nolan shook his head.
"You know it's one of their favorite songs." Nolan commented as we glared at Malcom as he pouted.
Turning the channel we listened to random songs until we reached my driveway. Turning into my yard Nolan shut off his truck. Hopping out Nolan handed me my pack, digging out my keys I walked to my front door punching in my security code, inserted my key and turned opening my door.
Leaving the door we all walked in. Putting my keys in their normal spot I lead everybody into the dining room. Walking past me Nolan walked into my kitchen and started looking through my cabinets.
"What are you thinking, Raihl?" Nolan asked.
"Is seafood okay?" I questioned as I turned to everybody, watching Malcom make a face.
A chorus of yes's went around the group as I turned to Malcom.
"Don't worry Coco. I'll make you something special." I said watching his shoulders relax in relief.
Turning I helped Nolan grabbed the ingredients for our meal. Feeling everyone's eyes on us.
"Just how many times have you been here Nolan? You seem to know where everything is." Rina asked curious.
"Too many times." I teased nudging him.
"Hey, you're the only one who gets mom's recipe perfect to a T." He whined like a little kid as I rolled my eyes.
"More like I always keep my cupboards stocked and you don't." I shot back while he shrugged.
Turning to Rina I commented, "Keep that in mind, living with this tard. He does not and I mean does NOT like shopping. He'd rather have someone else make him food or buy it."
"Hey! I take offense to that!" Nolan cried.
"I thought you two took cooking classes together?" Rina asked confused as I started laughing turning around with a spatula in my hand.
"More like I took the class and he watched me make it then stole a majority of it after it was done." I snorted as Nolan groaned.
"Don't tell her that Raihl. Rina don't listen to her." Nolan whined giving his mate puppy eyes as we both raised an eyebrow at him.
"Okay, so if I shouldn't believe her that means you can cook me food, right?" Rina asked innocently and Nolan stopped going pale at the suggestion.
"Okay, okay. It's true." He said turning around as his face went red and I glanced at Rina and we started laughing.
"Stick with me girl, I'll show you all his ins and outs." I teased smiling at her as we heard Nolan groan.
"Why me?" Nolan asked looking up at my ceiling as we laughed at his pouting.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone