Chapter 148: Chapter 148 Where He Finds Solitude
Phoebe’s POV
"I want you to know more about me." Perry grips my hand, steadying me as I climb the jagged rocks. There’s another spot he wants to share with me.
The wild wolves trail behind us, keeping their distance but never disappearing completely.
After playing with their pups and feeding them, I’m no longer tense around these creatures. Their presence doesn’t feel threatening—it’s almost like they’re watching over me.
Strange how my entire perception of these wolves shifted in just an hour.
These are the same beasts that devour shifter flesh, yet I feel completely at ease with them nearby.
Perry shares a story about being abandoned in this forest, his first encounter with the pack. I hang on every word. Elder Tricia told me parts of this tale, but there were gaps—details only someone who lived it could know.
Still, I can tell Perry is softening the brutal edges, sparing me the worst of it.
"They fed me when I was hurt, taught me to fight. They’re pure instinct. Their senses are razor-sharp."
I tug his hand. ’Monster?’ I mouth the word.
This piece Elder Tricia never mentioned—something Perry has probably never shared with anyone. My mate mentions it so casually, like it’s nothing.
"Don’t worry, it’s not their season. Plus, I went north and got lost there—that’s where they live. They rarely venture to this part of the forest, and if they do, the wolves handle it."
What choice do I have but to trust him? At least I know one thing for certain—Perry would never put me in harm’s way.
I follow him eagerly.
"Do you hear that?"
I cock my head, listening. Nothing. I shake my head.
"We need to get closer." He scoops me up, carrying me over the muddy patches so my feet stay clean.
My senses have been getting weaker. I don’t understand why, but I feel even more limited than a human would be.
After five minutes of walking, I finally catch what Perry meant.
A waterfall.
The sound hits me like a revelation. I’ve never seen one—only heard stories describing their thunderous roar.
I look at him for confirmation.
"Yes, it’s a waterfall. I come here when I need solitude. No one bothers me out here." He ensures no one dares step foot in this forest. "Watch your step."
Excitement overtakes me. I quicken my pace while Perry follows close behind.
Under the moonlight, my face lights up with pure joy—the expression Perry has been waiting to see. He’s grateful I knocked on his door tonight, or he would have missed this perfect moment.
I reach the waterfall first, following the sound until I spot it through the trees.
It’s enormous.
Nothing I’ve ever seen compares to this magnitude. The roar is both terrifying and mesmerizing.
Perry arrives moments later, wrapping his arms around me from behind. "Are you happy? Do you like it?"
It feels odd for him to ask about my feelings, as if they actually matter to him—but they do when it comes to his mate. He cares how I feel, whether I’m content.
If he could freeze this moment, he’d carve it into his soul forever.
I nod eagerly.
"Want to go in?"
I turn in his arms, blinking up at him. The suggestion catches me off guard, heat flooding my cheeks. If I’m blushing, he doesn’t tease me about it.
"Come here, this spot’s much quieter." He releases me, taking my hand and leading me away from the waterfall’s thunderous cascade.
We can still see the magnificent falls, but here the water flows gently. It’s crystal clear—I can see straight to the bottom. The waterfall feeds into a river wide enough for a small boat.
When we reach the calm pool, Perry strips off his shirt, then his pants. Without hesitation, he wades in.
The water hits his waist—it would reach my chest if I joined him. Will I join him?
He doesn’t ask or pressure me. He simply stands there, splashing water over himself, washing away the mud from our trek.
The current carries the dirt downstream.
It looks... refreshing.
But I hesitate. I approach the water’s edge, dipping a finger in. It’s warmer than expected.
Perry watches me from where he leans against a smooth boulder, water streaming through his hair.
"Come on. You won’t get this chance every day."
He’s right. I’d get lost trying to find this place alone. Even with the wolves as allies, my sense of direction is terrible.
What’s the worst that could happen if I take a dip?
I might regret missing this opportunity when I’m back in my bedroom, trapped there while Perry is away fighting battles.
Slowly, I stand. I peel off my jacket first, then my shirt and pants, until I’m wearing only my underwear.
