"I'm so sorry," I said and pulled my eyes from the intense gaze of a wounded mother. I looked down at my hands. My finger was connected with Leo's.
"I'm just as scared as the rest of you." I continued, "you all knew what you were since you were born. What was your life purpose? But I only discovered these powers, this world of magic, still as clueless as a child, unaware of the danger and the risks." I tried to explain in the best way possible.
"This was exactly why I wanted you to stay away from him. You're still immature, Aries, and you still need to learn how to control your powers. Who knows what could have happened? You could have both be severely hurt or—"
"Enough!" Leo shouted, interrupting GG. "Thank you all for coming." He said gently.
"Very well, then," GG said. "I'll proceed with the placing of vines."
~*~
After everyone left the room, Leo wrapped me in his arms. "Hey, you okay?"
I hugged him back—extremely tight. Nothing was more worthwhile at this very moment than the feeling of comfort and love from my mate. The warmth circled in my chest, his presence was calming, and right now, it was the most valuable thing in the world for me.
"Do you hate me too, Leo?" I asked. Leo stiffened in my arms, and for a second, I was afraid he'd push me away, but instead, he wrapped me even tight.
"No. I'm still very much in love with you." Leo gave out a chuckle.
"How could you still love me. After what... I... did." I lifted my head and peeked at him with watery eyes.
"But, you didn't."
"I was going to throw the fireball at you." I cried; my hands were trembling as the memory came pouring into my mind.
"You were under a spell. You're unaware of your own power, and it occurred without you realizing it."
"Spell or not, I could have killed you, Leo." I removed myself from his warm embrace.
"But I'm still alive." He argued, holding his gaze with me.
"You just stood there. Why?" I asked.
"I'd have confidence in you and because I've faith in my love then some spell."
'How could you be so understanding, Leo?'
"I-I still don't deserve you." I sobbed, covering my face in my hands. "You're far better off without me. Perhaps someone like Vi—"
Leo immediately removed my hands, brought his face closer, and connected his lips with mine. Our mouths smushed together. The desire to kiss him was almost overwhelming. It was sensual but deliberate. He withdrew his lips from mine, his eyebrows furrowed with tension.
"Don't you ever say that again." He scowled at me.
I nodded sadly.
"I understand you're scared. It's new, exciting, and scary. You're afraid of putting someone at risk or in danger. It is a mental distraction rather than the physical act of using it. You just need to trust your instincts, and get used to it."
"I don't trust my instincts. I don't trust myself. You shouldn't trust me either." I said, turning my face away from him.
"Do you truly believe that you would do anything to harm or endanger someone?" Leo asked.
"YES!" I said without a doubt. "I tried to kill you, didn't I?"
"For god's sake Aries. You cried for hours when we came back from hunting and brought a deer for the cookout. You haven't even touched meat since that day." Leo grabbed my face and made me look at him.
"Never doubt your potential. You're smart, and you're a strong girl. The witches would have never put their trust, their powers, in you if you were not capable of handling it on your own. You're not weak."
"But GG is right. I need to learn to control my powers better. For that, I... I have to, and I need to..., to stay away from you, Leo."
"Aries—"
"Please, Leo, I need to focus. I need to do this alone, on my own, on my pace. Please." I hugged him. I made myself comfortable on his shoulder, then slowly ran my hand under his shirt, my thumb brushed lightly on his nipple, and he gave out a sweet moan. So grateful to know that I still have that effect of me—on him, without further ado, I placed my palm on his heart.
"I know I'll make mistakes, big and small, and I'll always rely on your support for corrections and guidance. You're all I have, and I'll always look up to you as my confidant, my lover, my mate... my Alpha."
Leo didn't waste any time and kissed me, firmly on the mouth, then drew out just for a second to say—
"The next time, you say that again. I won't hold back." He said, then retaking my mouth, he kissed me senseless.
~*~
I came out of my meditation state. I felt refreshed, and my head cleared. For weeks I added at least ten minutes of meditation in my daily practices mainly to gain focus and control over my powers. It has also helped soothe my mind.
I was in the woods, still approximated at the range of the marked perimeter, under the shield protected of the Iron moon pack territory. I like to be alone because I again don't trust to have anyone with me when I practice with the fireballs. I don't want to hurt anyone. Accidents can happen, you know.
After an hour of practice, I took a break and sat under the tree to cool off. I was drinking my water from my bottle. I heard the rustling sound of dried leaves coming from just near the edge of the dome. Something caught my eye, and it was a white rabbit, he was stuck and
