The Apocalyptic Queen's Werewolf Journey (Thora and Darius) novel Chapter 44

**Shadows Hearts by Joseph King**
**Chapter 44: To Claim My Mate**

**Darius’s POV:**

As I stood there, my eyes fixated on Thora, who was cocooned in my jacket, a whirlwind of confusion danced across her features. My throat constricted, the weight of the moment pressing down on me.

Memories of that underwater kiss flooded my mind, a soft and sweet encounter that lingered like the coolness of the water around us. Yet, it felt far too fleeting, a mere whisper of what could have been.

I berated myself for not seizing the opportunity to linger in that blissful moment, to draw her closer and deepen that connection. Yes, I had orchestrated it, allowing her disorientation to pave the way for a kiss that should have lasted longer.

When I first witnessed her plunge into the water, panic gripped my heart, and without a second thought, I dove in after her. But as I watched her effortlessly flip and paddle through the water, that initial fear evaporated like mist in the morning sun. She was a skilled swimmer, far more adept than I had anticipated.

Just as she was about to break the surface, my instincts kicked in, and I acted before my mind could catch up. Reaching out to press down on her shoulder felt like a stroke of genius—this was my golden opportunity to bridge the distance between us without arousing suspicion.

When she reflexively pushed back against me, I was taken aback by the strength she exhibited. It was a stark contrast to the girl I had first met. I should have used this moment to gauge her combat prowess, but as the scent of her damp hair brushed against my nose, all rational thought fled. All I wanted was to be closer to her, to feel her warmth against me.

It had been an eternity since I had last seen her, and both Lorcan and I were on edge, craving her presence. Even with the fire of anger blazing in her eyes, the desire to tear me apart evident in her glare, I found her utterly enchanting.

Before she could regain her footing and retaliate, I leaned into her, using my body weight to push us both downward, toward the bottom of the pool. The world around us faded away, and as we neared the bottom, I instinctively shielded the back of her head with my arm, leaning in closer.

The moment our lips met, Lorcan erupted within me, howling like a wild beast. “That’s the taste! Go deeper! Bite her!” His fervor echoed in my mind, urging me to follow his primal instincts.

But just as I was about to heed his call, Thora snapped back to reality and launched a furious counterattack. I felt no trace of wolf power from her, only raw physical speed and strength, yet her ferocity rivaled that of most adult werewolves.

I allowed her to unleash her pent-up fury. After all, having tasted such sweetness, one had to pay a price.

Despite her current combat skills being far below mine, her strikes were sharp and precise, each one aimed at my vulnerable points. She clearly understood the weaknesses of the human body, a testament to her ruthless nature.

But rather than feeling threatened, I was filled with a sense of pride. She was strong enough to defend herself, provided she didn’t cross paths with an Alpha of my caliber.

Finally, when she ceased her assault, her furious glare remained as she attempted to swim back to the surface. But how could I let such a perfect opportunity slip away? This was my moment to play the gallant knight, and the upcoming act required this dramatic rescue scene to set the stage.

As her fingertips grazed the water’s surface, I swiftly grabbed her ankle, pulling her back toward me. Wrapping my arm around her waist, I hoisted her out of the water, feeling the warmth of her body against mine.

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