Page 45 of The Barren Luna

“Well, excuse me, your Royal Highness, we can’t all have a personal chef to prepare a new creative menu for us every day,” she teased me, and I fucking loved it when she got out of that prim shell she often forced herself into, behaving exactly right all the time and always saying the appropriate thing.

“I will have you know that this particular aversion stems from the soldier life – too much bland, repetitive food. I now like to savor the finer things in life, sue me,” I winked and took a sip of my tea.

Cool it with the winking, it’s not as attractive as you think it is,I could almost hear John, that asshole.

“So listen, I wanted to invite you for a hike with me today. Now, actually,” I quickly recovered from the wink, or I hoped I did.

“A hike? Sure, why not? What better place to do it than the Rockies?”

Oh, I’d do it with you anywhere.

“Exactly. You’ve been here long enough now that your body has kind of gotten used to the altitude, so you shouldn’t be bothered by it, but I’ve still chosen the easiest trail,” I explained and judging by how quickly she straightened up, I could tell she took offense at my words.

“Relax, my wild she-wolf,” I wanted to hold her in my lap and stroke her back as I was saying it. “Your body is still mostly human right now and you may experience some withdrawal from the wolfsbane, although Dylan said you probably won’t, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. So let’s gradually build your stamina back up, what do you say?”

She seemed to be thinking it over before sighing in defeat.

“Okay, okay, I get it. However, it’s a little last minute, don’t you think? I have no appropriate clothing here.”

“O ye of little faith,” I said theatrically. “I had them buy stuff and put it in your room, don’t worry.”

“Who is they?” she smiled, and it was contagious.

“I’ll never tell! Now go, run, get ready,” I waved her off and pretended to be looking at the mountains until she turned to leave.

That way, I could stare at her to my heart’s content without looking like a creep. Most of my actions these days were geared toward that goal. Elizabeth, my sister-in-law, always described me as having “golden retriever energy,” and for once I had to agree. All I wanted to do was jump Gina, nudge her, lick her face, play with her, let her play with me, play-wrestle, nip her earlobe.

But – love and respect and patience were what mattered more than my playful desires, or so I had to keep reminding myself.

My beautiful mate came downstairs what felt like an eternity later, wearing the bright orange down jacket, black gloves, and blue wool beanie I had bought for her. I was a simple male – I wanted to protect, feed, dress, provide for my mate, and fuck her into a love coma every night. So, for now, I was content doing whatever I could from that list.

“You look like a beautiful traffic cone,” I said to distract myself while trying to keep a straight face.

“Ha-ha,” she narrowed her eyes at me, and I felt my whole body shaking with laughter.

She was an adorably angry orange traffic cone.

“I can’t believe they let you be King,” she scoffed.

“Honestly, me neither,” I said and then confirmed that statement by leading her to my well-loved, muddy, very unroyal-looking off-road truck.

Soon, we were driving through winter wonderland, and she took it all in with wide eyes. It was all so white and silent and breathtaking. Suddenly, I was seeing my favorite place with new eyes because of her awe.

“Thank you for bringing me here,” she said shyly as I helped her out of the truck after the short drive.

“You’re welcome, Gina,” I smiled and grabbed a backpack from the truck bed. “We’ll head toward the lake now, it’s called Bear Lake. There’s a nice loop trail around it, under a mile long.”

We walked side by side in silence, the untouched snow crunching under our boots. We were almost completely alone in the Park.

“It is so picturesque here. The snow, the trees, the silence – I feel like words can’t do it justice. My words, at least,” she told me.

“I’ve always loved winter here. I enjoy the feeling of solitude that it brings. Oh look, that’s Hallett Peak over there,” I pointed at the giant in the distance.

“Oh wow,” she breathed.

“Isn’t it majestic? 12,720 feet. We can climb it once you’re fully recovered, what do you think?”

“You operate under the assumption that I am someone who enjoys climbing and hiking, what gave you that idea?” she challenged, rightfully so.

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