Marked By The Mad King Alpha (Phoebe and Perry) novel Chapter 148

“I want you to understand more about who I truly am,” Perry states, his grip around my hand reassuring as we navigate through the rugged terrain of jagged rocks. He is eager to unveil a hidden gem, a place steeped in his memories and experiences.

The wild wolves linger a respectful distance behind us, their presence once intimidating, now feels like a protective shield. After spending time with their playful pups and feeding them, my earlier fears have dissipated. What once seemed like threats now resemble guardians, silently watching over us, ensuring our safety.

It’s astonishing how swiftly my feelings toward these creatures have shifted. Just an hour ago, I regarded them with trepidation, yet now there’s a comforting sense of calm that envelops me in their company.

As we proceed, Perry begins to share a poignant story from his past—one that speaks of abandonment in this very forest, his first encounter with the wolf pack. I listen intently, hanging on his every word, captivated by the depth of his experience. Elder Tricia had shared fragments of this tale, but the details were sparse—pieces that only someone who lived through it could fully comprehend.

I can sense that Perry is carefully filtering the harsher realities of that time, deliberately shielding me from the more traumatic aspects of his journey.

“They cared for me when I was hurt, taught me how to protect myself. They rely on instinct—it’s remarkable how sharp their senses are,” he explains, his voice steady yet tinged with emotion.

I tug gently at his hand, my lips forming the word ‘Monster?’ in a silent question. This revelation, one that Elder Tricia never touched upon, seems to be a part of his life that Perry has likely kept hidden from everyone else. He speaks of it so casually, as if it were an everyday occurrence.

“Don’t worry; it’s not their season right now. Besides, I wandered north and got lost—that’s where they stay. They rarely venture to this part of the forest, and if they do, the wolves manage just fine,” he reassures me.

What other option do I have but to trust him? Deep down, I know one thing for certain—Perry would never intentionally place me in harm’s way.

I follow him with eager anticipation, my heart racing as we draw closer to our destination.

“Do you hear that?” he suddenly asks, stopping to listen intently.

I tilt my head, straining to catch any sound, but all I perceive is silence. I shake my head, feeling a bit embarrassed by my inability to discern it.

“We need to get closer,” he decides, effortlessly lifting me into his arms and carrying me over the muddy patches, ensuring my feet remain clean.

Lately, my senses feel dulled, and I can’t quite grasp why. It’s as if I’m more limited than any human should be.

After a few moments of walking, I finally understand what Perry was referring to.

A waterfall.

The sound crashes over me like a wave of realization. I’ve never seen one before—only heard stories of their mighty roar.

I glance at him, seeking confirmation.

“Yes, it’s a waterfall. I come here when I need solitude. No one dares to disturb me in this sanctuary.” He reassures me that this forest is his refuge. “Just be careful where you step.”

Excitement bubbles within me, urging me to quicken my pace, thrilled by the prospect of discovery. Perry follows closely, his presence a comforting shadow.

Beneath the moonlight, my face beams with pure joy—an expression Perry has longed to witness. He feels a wave of gratitude that I chose to knock on his door tonight; otherwise, we might have missed this perfect moment together.

I reach the waterfall first, drawn in by the sound until I can finally see it through the trees.

It’s enormous.

Nothing I’ve ever encountered compares to its sheer size. The roar is both exhilarating and intimidating.

Yet, I hesitate, inching closer to the water’s edge and dipping a finger in. To my surprise, it’s warmer than I expected.

Perry watches me from where he leans against a smooth boulder, water cascading through his hair, glistening in the moonlight.

“Come on. You won’t get this chance every day,” he encourages, his voice filled with warmth.

He’s right. Finding this place alone would be nearly impossible for me. Even with the wolves as allies, my sense of direction is notoriously poor.

What’s the worst that could happen if I take a dip?

I might regret not seizing this opportunity when I’m back in my room, confined there while Perry is out fighting battles.

With a deep breath, I rise to my feet. I peel off my jacket first, then my shirt and pants, until I’m left in just my underwear.

As I step into the water, the coolness envelops me, awakening every nerve in my body. The sensation is exhilarating, a rush of freedom that washes away my doubts. Perry’s laughter dances around me, a melody that fills the air with warmth, and I find myself mirroring his joy. In this sacred space, where the world feels both vast and intimately small, I shed the weight of uncertainty and fear. It’s a moment of pure connection—not just with the water, but with Perry, who stands as my anchor, his eyes reflecting the moonlight and a promise of safety.

Together, we create ripples in the water, a testament to our shared journey and the unspoken bond that has deepened in this wild sanctuary. The wolves remain watchful from the shore, guardians of our newfound trust, while I realize that this experience is more than just a dip in the water; it’s a leap into vulnerability, a step toward understanding each other’s pasts and forging a future together. In the embrace of the night, surrounded by the sounds of nature, I feel a surge of hope, a blossoming love that flourishes in the quiet moments of discovery.

As the moonlight dances on the water’s surface, the next chapter promises to delve deeper into the emotional undercurrents between Perry and his mate. With the serene backdrop of the waterfall, a pivotal moment is on the horizon, one that could redefine their bond. Will the intimacy of this hidden sanctuary draw them closer, or will the shadows of Perry’s past loom larger, threatening to disrupt their fragile peace? The stakes are high, as both characters must confront their vulnerabilities and the secrets that linger just beneath the surface.

Moreover, the presence of the wild wolves adds an intriguing layer of tension. Their watchful eyes might be guardians, but what if they become a catalyst for unforeseen conflict? As Perry and his mate explore their feelings amidst the beauty of nature, the looming threat of the unknown could challenge their newfound trust. Will the tranquility of the waterfall serve as a refuge, or will it become the backdrop for revelations that could change everything? Readers will be left on the edge of their seats, eager to discover how the delicate balance of love, fear, and the wild will unfold in the chapters to come.