THE UNBEARABLE PULL

Magnus

"Thank you, everyone. You may leave us now," I said, dismissing the maids and the stable man, along with his son, who had been busy attending to their morning duties. They all bowed respectfully and exited the dining room, leaving Astrid and me alone.

As the door closed behind them, I turned my attention to her. Astrid stood there, her hair a tangled mess of chestnut waves cascading over her shoulders. Her lips, slightly parted, were a soft pink, and her face held confusion and relief. The neckline of her dress revealed just enough of her cleavage to make my pulse quicken.

"Come here," I said softly, extending my hand toward her. She hesitated, her eyes darting around the room, but eventually, she took a tentative step forward.

I pulled her into my arms, feeling the warmth of her body against mine. Her hair smelled like fresh pine and wildflowers, a scent that was intoxicating. As I buried my face in her hair, I could feel the tension in her muscles. She was stiff, but I didn't mind. I knew she was just surprised.

"It's okay," I whispered, my voice barely audible. "Just let me hold you."

We stood like that for a while, the silence only broken by the sound of our breathing. Slowly, I felt her begin to relax in my arms. Her body softened against mine, and I could feel her heartbeat synchronize with my own.

"You have no idea what you do to me," I murmured, my lips grazing the shell of her ear. "Your hair, your lips, your body... I can't get enough of you."

She shifted slightly, and I could feel the heat of her blush against my chest. Her hands, which had been resting at her sides, moved tentatively to my shoulders. The sensation of her touch sent a jolt of electricity through me, igniting a fire that I could barely control.

My wolf was close to the surface, growling with desire. The pull I felt toward her was undeniable, almost unbearable. It took every ounce of willpower not to lose myself completely.

"Astrid," I said, my voice rough with emotion. "You have to know how hard this is for me. The moment you melted into my arms, I felt... everything. And I know you felt it too."

Her eyes met mine, wide and full of unspoken words. She was perched on my leg, and the feel of her weight there, combined with the soft curves of her body, was driving me insane. I couldn't hide my arousal, and I knew she could feel it too.

I reached out and gently brushed a stray lock of hair from her face, my fingers lingering on her skin. And I closed my eyes for a moment trying to hold myself but as I opened my eyes, my gaze locking onto hers the look took my breath away. I leaned in, my lips brushing against hers in a tentative, almost hesitant kiss. Astrid responded eagerly, wrapping her arms around his neck and pulling him closer. The kiss deepened.

"I can't..." I started, my words trailing off as I fought to maintain control. But then, with a sudden clarity, I realized I was about to cross a line I couldn't uncross.

With a forceful push, I stood up, almost knocking her off balance. A maid entered the room, oblivious to the tension that had filled the space. She saw me storming out and glanced at Astrid, who was left standing there, shocked and unresponsive.

"Miss Astrid, what would you like for breakfast?" the maid asked, her tone cheerful and unaware of the emotional storm that had just passed.

Astrid didn't respond at first. The maid had to tap her gently on the shoulder to get her attention. "Miss Astrid?"

"Oh, um... just some toast and tea, please," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

The maid nodded and hurried off to the kitchen, leaving Astrid alone with her thoughts.

I rushed into my study, slamming the door behind me. My heart was pounding, and my mind was racing. I began to pace, trying to make sense of what had just happened.

"What is wrong with me?" I muttered to myself, running a hand through my hair. "Why can't I control myself around her?"

I couldn't stop thinking about the feel of her body against mine, the way her hair smelled, the softness of her skin. And her eyes... those eyes that begged and pleaded, making it impossible for me to punish anyone in her presence.

"Damn it," I growled, slamming my fist onto the desk. I had to get a grip on myself. I couldn't let my emotions cloud my judgment, not now.

I needed a distraction, something to take my mind off her. I mind link the guard outside to come in, waiting impatiently for the guard on the other side to come in.

"Yes alpha." He came in bowing.

"Get the person here" I said.

"Yes, Alpha." He answered again. He later came with the person.

"They have arrived Sir." The guard said, leaving the room.

I looked at the person in front of me.

"Start the process," I said, my voice firm and unwavering.

There was a pause and a look of hesitation, "are you sure, Alpha?"

"Yes. Do it now," I replied, my tone leaving no room for argument.

The person acknowledged my command and bowed leaving the room. I didn't need to explain myself. The process had to begin, whatever it took.

But as soon as the person left. My thoughts drifted back to Astrid. No matter how hard I tried to focus on other things, she was always there, lingering at the edges of my mind.

I couldn't deny it any longer. She was my mate, and the bond we shared was stronger than anything I had ever experienced. The pull I felt toward her was a force of nature, something beyond my control.

"Why her?" I whispered to myself, staring out the window. "Why now?"

The answer eluded me, but one thing was clear: I couldn't keep running from it. I had to face it head-on, or keep fighting it which is so hard to do.

The door to my study opened, and the person I had called earlier stepped in. They nodded at me, a confirmation that the process had begun. As they left the room, I found myself thinking of Astrid once again.

Her image filled my mind, and I couldn't help but smile. But one thing was certain: I would do everything in my power to protect her, to keep her safe as my wolf nudged me.

As the door closed behind my visitor, I sat back in my chair, my thoughts consumed by Astrid. The feel of her in my arms, the scent of her hair, the warmth of her body... it was all I could think about.

I let out a deep sigh, as I thought about the kiss I couldn't help but wonder how she felt, she must be so confused. I picked up the book I was reading before leaving and started reading without seeing the words, all I could think of was her lips, her hair, her body on mine.