Blood Legacy Chapter 95: 93. Special

His fingers traced through my hair, gently caressing it as he held me in his warm embrace, my back resting against his toned stomach.

He placed a soft kiss over the top of my head, hearing him deeply inhale as he lingered there.

"Why do you always do that?" My brows furrowed, hearing him humm in reply in a rather questioning way.

"The smelling. You always sniff me like that," He let out an amused chuckle at the sound of that, making my brow raise. What was so funny about that?

"I love the way you smell. It soothes my wolf," he simply said in reply, wrapping his arms around me a little tighter before he let out a soft and calming sigh.

"Soulmates always smell incredible to each other. It's one of the things that draw us in, helps us recognize our mates easier," my back mildly vibrated in sync with the tone of his voice and he buried his face in that special spot between my neck and shoulder, drawing in a deep inhale.

"You smell so sweet and fruity. Like fresh peaches," he kissed that spot right after saying those words, making me let out a giggle as it kinda tickled.

"You smell nice too. Like forest and rain," I casually replied upon thinking about it, feeling him suddenly go still behind me.

"Wait. You can actually feel that?" He asked with a genuinely curious tone and even a hint of awe, making me peer over my shoulder and upwards to meet his gaze.

"Why? Am I not supposed to?" I asked unsure, my brow raising again.

"No, it's just that...you don't have a wolf," he started to say, a puzzled expression taking over his features.

"I don't understand how you can feel that without the help of a wolf's heightened senses,"

"I mean, I know that you can feel the bond and that the magic within you helped create that bridge between us so we can communicate but, this is not a magic trait. It was supposed to be all wolf. Only those blessed with a wolf spirit can actually feel all that," he explained, that hint of wonder and awe still etched onto his features.

What?

"Does that mean that I'm weird?" My brows furrowed, gazing up at him with concern.

Great. I'm even more of a weirdo than I thought.

He let out a chuckle at the sound of that, peering down at me with warmth and tenderness,

"No. Only special. More special than I thought,"

**

The large castle finally came into view and he slowed down, his fast run turning into a hurried gait as he prowled straight towards it with determination. We'd lost track of time. We'd been laying around in that forest for hours. We'd made love to each other, talked and even had a nice little nap. We'd only ever realized that we'd lost multiple hours out there once we noticed that it was starting to get kinda dark.

And now we were supposed to take a shower, dress up and get ready as fast as possible since Nate's parents and the others were already waiting for us back at the party.

Apparently there was a celebration going on tonight and we were the guests of honour. The future Alpha and Beta and their newly-found mates.

And we were so freaking late. Like, seriously annoying kind of late.

I held onto him and sat on his back like a good little mate, watching as he brought us closer to a smaller and rather concealed entrance to the castle, the tiny wooden door barely visible even from just a few metres away.

He slowed down to a stop and I immediately climbed off of him, starting to walk straight towards that secret door so cleverly concealed in between the castle's tall stone pillars whilst Nathan shifted back into his human form.

I could hear his hurried steps catching up to me after only just a few moments, his hand taking ahold of my own and we walked the rest of the way together.

I let out a stupid and very immature giggle as I looked at the length of his still very naked body, his lips parting into a rebellious grin as he pulled and held the door open for me. He was going to run through the castle looking like that. Manly bits dangling and everything. This was so fucking crazy.

"Father's gonna have my head for this," he said and I laughed again and ducked inside, surprised to notice the poorly-lit and very narrow hallway stretching before us. Its walls were made out of square-shaped blocks of stone, faintly illuminated by the few sconces hanging on them.

I immediately felt the damp coldness licking at my skin so I started walking again and made my way towards the equally narrow set of stone stairs awaiting us at the very end with Nathan in tow.

"Holy shit. We're gonna make a mess on our way to your room," I pulled a displeased grimace even though he couldn't even see it, icked out by that cold and slippery wetness coating my bare feet with every hurried step. The stone floor was extremely muddy, unfortunately and we had to walk through all that to get to the stairs.

Whoever was going to clean that up was going to get so seriously pissed.

I crossed it as quick as I could and took ahold of the metal railing as soon as I was at the stairs, careful not to slip and fall as I started to climb them with all that mud caking my feet. The steps were smooth and kinda damp too, making it so hard for me to escalate them but I eventually managed -with a little bit of help from Nathan's part- and then we were finally at the very top, stepping into a much wider and very much cleaner hallway.

Crap.

I made another face as I stared at the neatly-polished wooden floor, hating myself for what I was about to do.

*I'm so sorry, cleaning lady -or guy- or whoever.* I tightly balled my hands into fists and took a tentative step, the corners of my mouth downturning with so much ick as I could practically feel how dirty and wet my feet were.

But Nathan let out a laugh and quickly passed around me, without a single care in the world as he left brown footprints all over the place.

"Come on, love. We need to hurry, otherwise these muddy footprints are going to be the least of our troubles," he stretched his hand out to me and I crossed that small distance between us and took it, keeping that awkward and guilty expression plastered all over my face as I did so.

He lightly shook his head and bit back a smile, dragging me after him as we started to run through the castle like that, my feet lightly slipping from time to time until all that mud on the soles of my feet went away, remaining on the floors instead.

We reached the grand staircase and I unexpectedly tripped on the third step, almost on the verge of inspecting them up close when Nathan's arm swiftly went around my waist, effortlessly keeping me up.

"Thank y-"

I was abruptly stopped by a feminine giggle coming from somewhere close, my brows furrowing as I met Nathan's equally intrigued gaze before turning to look around.

It sounded again, and after only a few seconds Jess appeared from around a corner with David in tow, her body covered by what appeared to be a table cloth, or maybe even a drape that she held so tightly wrapped around herself. David was completely naked though -much to my mild embarrassment- grinning from ear to ear and entirely uncaring as he followed her.

He purposely stepped on a loose corner trailing on the floor and she let out a squeal as she was about to unintentionally flash us, her hands taking a firm hold of those sides at the very last moment before it could fall open and reveal her nice tiddies.

Her gaze lastly fell on us and her eyes instantly widened, a blush forming in her cheeks as she rushed to avert her sight from Nathan's naked form.

"Busted!" I shouted and let out a laugh though, watching David try to cover himself too, now that he'd finally seen us.

"You naughty little wolves. Where have you been?" I smirked, watching Jess fight back a timid smile even though she kept her gaze averted.

David awkwardly cleared out his throat and they both took quick glances around to see if anybody else had seen us as they approached the stairs with hurried moves.

"For a run. We-we went to run together," he was blushing now too and I could see that giddy smile that threatened to form on his lips as he threw Jess a knowing and secretive look.

"Yeah, right. And I'm Mary Poppins," I lightly shook my head and burst into a fit of laughter, making them laugh too as they started escalating the stairs, hurrying past us.

Nathan was laughing too and we let them get a little more ahead of us as I wasn't exactly thrilled about the idea of seeing David's naked butt from up close on our way up, about to start climbing the stairs too when a sharp and short gasp reached us.

We both snapped our heads to the bottom at the same time, noticing the horrified look on the servant's face as she stared straight down at our dirty feet.

"Run,"

**

*Wow.*..I whispered with awe, my gaze roving around with the excitement of a little kid as I took in our surroundings. It was beautiful.

Night had already fallen, but there were so many fairy lights, and lanterns, and flowers in bloom scattered everywhere. The trees, the carefully-positioned archways and the thick bushes. It was an explosion of colour, so perfectly intertwining with the sea of natural greenery.

It was a spacious garden awaiting us at the very end of the stone path we were currently walking on, so full of life and light. There were picnic tables scattered around, some occupied and some remaining empty whilst people chatted or roamed about, the place so crowded and lively. They were all dressed so casually, giving such a natural and relaxed vibe as some of them entertained themselves with what appeared to be bottles of beer, a strong scent of smoke and cooking meat filling up my nostrils, making me realize that they were actually having a barbecue.

"Wow...this is so nice," I smiled and continued to look around at the large group of people having fun together, enjoying the vibe.

"Glad that you like it," I turned my head to the side and raised my gaze to meet Nathan's, offering him that content smile.

We walked together hand in hand and the people started to notice us, giving us smiles and even little bows as we passed them. I immediately started to feel nervous, obviously not too fond of the sudden attention we were receiving but the very moment my gaze fell on Nathan's parents my anxiety skyrocketed. They were staring at us with stern expressions, clearly not pleased by our tardiness. I was even willing to bet that they already knew what we did and why we were so late.

*Holy shit they definitely know,* I thought with utter mortification upon noticing that knowing smirk plastered upon David's dad's face. His gaze shifted between Nathan and I, however remaining silent as we approached their group.

"Son," Nathan's dad greeted him with a somber tone, giving him a pointed look before shifting his attention to me.

"Princess," he bowed a little and I did the same, plastering a forced smile upon my face.

Crap.

"So nice of you to finally grace us with your presence," he sounded so obviously displeased and I felt my cheeks grow hot, ready to beg for forgiveness or some shit but Nathan was quicker.

"We lost track of time," he simply said with nonchalance, putting on a lazy smile and David's dad let out a small chuckle at the sound of that, immediately covering it with a fake cough.

"I'm willing to bet you are famished. You should have something to eat," Nathan's mom rushed to intervene with a polite smile and I offered her one of my own, silently thanking her for rescuing us from that awkward and embarrassing moment. And after excusing ourselves we went to find an unoccupied table, taking a seat.

Plates of freshly-made food immediately started to fill up our table, the waiters silently moving like stealthy ninjas as they carefully settled the plates of food and then disappeared.

I could feel various aromas wafting up my nostrils and I let out a small delighted moan, making Nathan growl a little from right next to me.

"Careful, my queen. We're still in public. I wouldn't want to cause a scene," he murmured in a devilishly seductive way and I pushed at his shoulder with mock-annoyance, letting out a small laugh.

We ate together in silence and once I've had my fill I turned my back to him and let myself fall into his chest, resting comfortably in the safety of his warm embrace as we absently stared at the people having fun all around us.

Dre and the trio of wolfy girls were already busy playing their own little drinking game, doing dares whilst laughing their asses off the whole time.

The current leaders, a.k.a Nathan and David's parents were still engaged into a lively discussion, letting out small laughs as they talked and drank from their beers, seeming to actually have a good time too.

This was so nice. I really enjoyed seeing them all so happy. They looked so carefree and relaxed. I was actually starting to like this place.

I felt Nathan hug me a little tighter and then place a sweet kiss over the top of my head as if hearing out my thoughts.

*"I actually did. I'm so happy that you like it, love. Our future home,"* he whispered in my head and my lips stretched into a pleased smile, continuing to watch the people around us.

I noticed David and Jess standing just a few steps away from us, living in their own little happy bubble as he held her by the waist and whispered something in her hair, together slowly dancing in their own rhythm, even though there was no music. She expressed a sweet smile, staring up at him as if he was her whole universe. And then he leaned over and gave her a sweet kiss, making my heart melt with awe. They were still the fucking cutest couple around here.

"David's wolf, he actually spoke to you earlier today when we were in the clearing, didn't he?" I suddenly heard Nathan say from behind me with a calm and pensive tone.

"Yeah, and it was super terrifying. He sounded so...animal-like..." I recounted with an equally calm tone, continuing to watch them as I laid in Nathan's embrace.

"Well then you really are special indeed, love. He rarely does that. His parents and I are the only ones he ever speaks to. In fact, I'm actually surprised that you managed to form that bridge with him at all. He's stubborn as fuck and he acts like a wild animal. And he's a little fucking crazy too," he commented and I let out a laugh at his goofy antics, slapping at his arm.

"Stop being so mean!"

"I'm not, it's the truth! You don't know what it's been like, growing up with him. He was fucking mental! He liked tormenting pups from the pack whenever he was feeling bored. He was a freaking sadist. Once, he beat the crap out of another pup from our pack because he didn't like his smell,"

"What? Oh my god!"

"Yeah. He was absolutely batshit crazy. And then when we grew up he started to have this wild sexual drive that made him do crazy shit from time to time. David has had it so rough, growing up with such a wild beast within him. He had to constantly deal with all that craziness. I honestly have no idea how he manages to tame him so well, especially now that he has Jess,"

"Well, maybe she's the one who tamed him. Maybe he grew a soft spot for that tiny and cute little wolf of hers. Did you see how cute and small she is in wolf form?" I gushed out and turned my head and then gazed up at Nate with an awestruck look on my face, meeting his heart-stealing smile.

"I did. She does have a tiny wolf. Even my wolf feels that instinct to protect her. He says that she looks too vulnerable and helpless,"

"Aww. He's so sweet! But don't tell her that because I don't think that she'll like it very much. The helpless part. She's actually quite independent and headstrong," I said, my gaze returning on the two.

He only let out a small chuckle in return, pressing a lingering kiss on the back of my head.

I blew out a calming sigh and we continued to watch our friends and family in silence, until my gaze lastly fell on my father emerging from between the sea of bodies.

My body tensed a little, watching him approach the group of royals and start talking with them in a casual and totally relaxed manner.

He said something and they all started to laugh, his expression however displaying the tiniest twinge of melancholy as his gaze lowered, mere moments before finding my own.

He expressed a saddened smile as he looked at me and I rushed to avert my gaze, clearly not in the mood of ruining my night. He could look at me with those puppy eyes however much he wanted. I was not going to fall for his damned conniving tricks.

"Your wolf...Before we got here, he said something about me having elders here in your kingdom. More than one," I pensively said upon remembering that moment.

"Are there any other people here from "my clan", aside from my father?" I wanted to know. If I was to request for help deciphering those crazy visions about Nathan's dead brother, I wanted to know if I had any other viable options, aside from my father.

"There are, but..." I heard Nathan blow out a sigh from behind me, his fingers gently tracing over my bare shoulder into a comforting way.

"Your father is the most powerful of them all," He said with a lamenting tone.

"That is why you have been chosen to become our bride. To marry into the royal line.

It was all because of your blood. Your legacy,"

Stupid blood legacy. Damn their archaic laws. Whoever came up with that damned treaty was the most idiotic person of all times.

"Funny thing is, I don't even feel powerful like, at all. So far I've only been able to see some stupid and terrifying visions that don't even make any sense, communicate with you through the bond and sniff you like a wolf. What kind of magic is this anyway?" I asked with mild annoyance, hearing him chuckle in reply from behind me.

"You've grown up in the human world and as far as I know, shaman magic has a way of keeping itself hidden and dormant as long as you're surrounded by non-supernatural people. It's kinda like its own way of self-preservation,"

"But now that we've found each other as mates and our bond is almost complete, you should start manifesting more and more of it."

"So, what you're trying to say is that, I'm about to become more of a weirdo. Is that it?"