Under the Northern Lights, Will Pursue You
Under the Northern Lights, I Will Pursue You
(Amber’s POV)
“It is said that wolves who have seen the Northern Lights together will share an eternal bond. Amber, let’s go see the Northern Lights together after graduation.”
Ethan’s words from high school echoed in my mind as I packed my suitcase. He had made that promise with such conviction, his eyes bright with excitement. Back then, I believed him completely.
He’d even bought a camera to practice photography for our future trip. Ironically, I ended up using it more than he did.
“You’re really good at this,” he had said, reviewing my photos. “Maybe you should become a photographer.”
That playful suggestion had planted a seed. Now, years later, I owned Moonlight Photography, a successful studio catering to supernatural clientele.
But we never did see the Northern Lights together.
I zipped my suitcase closed with finality. The Finland trip had been booked months ago, before everything fell apart with Ethan, before I discovered his affair with Melissa, before I became Dominic Blackwood’s mate.
Cora, my wolf, stirred restlessly beneath my skin. She was eager for this journey, this chance to see something magical.
I wasn’t going to let this trip go to waste. I wasn’t going to let another dream slip through my fingers because of Ethan Blackwood.
New Year’s Day dawned crisp and clear as I boarded my flight to Finland. The Frostfang Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi welcomed me with its charming cabins nestled among snow–covered pines.
“You’re very lucky,” the receptionist told me as she handed over my room key. “The aurora forecast is strong tonight.” My heart leaped at her words. I’d prepared myself for the possibility of not seeing the lights during my stay – they were notoriously unpredictable.
That evening, bundled in layers against the Arctic chill, I ventured out to a designated viewing spot. The temperature had dropped well below freezing, but excitement kept me warm.
Then it happened.
The sky came alive. Ribbons of green light danced overhead, pulsing and shifting, joined by hints of purple that deepened as I watched. The colors reflected off the snow, creating an otherworldly landscape.
I stood transfixed, my camera forgotten in my hands. Cora howled with joy deep within me, responding to the primal beauty
above us.
With trembling fingers, I finally raised my camera and began capturing the spectacle. The Northern Lights seemed to perform just for me, swirling and stretching across the vast Arctic sky.
Later, back in my cabin, I sent a video to Paige. Despite the late hour in Finland, I knew she’d want to see this.
Her response came quickly: “OMG!!! That’s incredible! You look happy. I’m glad you’re finally free of him.”
She was right. Standing beneath those magical lights, I had felt something shift inside me for something new.
a weight lifting, a space opening up
After a week of exploring Finland’s winter wonderland, I returned to Silvercrest City with renewed energy. My first call was to Dominic.
“I’m back,” I said when he answered. “Would you like to have dinner tonight?”
There was a brief pause before his deep voice replied, “I have a territorial dispute meeting with neighboring packs, but I’ll reschedule. Where would you like to meet?”
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“Howling Peak Restaurant at eight?” I suggested, surprised by his willingness to rearrange his schedule.
“I’ll be there,” he confirmed before hanging up.
I arrived early and ordered for both of us – venison steak, rare for him, medium for me. I remembered his preferences from our previous meals together.
When Dominic walked in, heads turned. His commanding presence demanded attention, his tailored black coat emphasizing his broad shoulders.
“You ordered already?” he asked, settling across from me.
I nodded. “I hope you don’t mind venison.”
His lips curved slightly. “You remembered.”
“How could I forget?” I replied. “You practically inhaled it last time.”
A comfortable silence fell between us as our food arrived. Finally, he broke it.
“Tell me about your trip,” he said, his blue eyes intent on my face.
I described the frozen landscapes, the reindeer sleigh rides, and the cozy evenings by the fire. But it was when I spoke of the Northern Lights that my voice grew animated.
“They were more beautiful than I ever imagined,” I said, my eyes glowing with the memory. “Green and purple ribbons dancing across the sky.”
Dominic watched me intently. “I’d like to see them someday.”
“You should,” I agreed. “It’s worth the journey.”
“Perhaps we could go together,” he suggested, “after our official marking ceremony.”
I froze, my fork halfway to my mouth. The mention of a marking ceremony reminded me of our unusual situation.
Dominic must have noticed my hesitation. “You deserve a proper ceremony and honeymoon, even if our union began unconventionally.”
His voice was a deep rumble that seemed to soothe both me and Cora.
“Choose a time and destination,” he continued. “I’ll clear my schedule.”
Guilt washed over me. Dominic was making all the compromises in our relationship while I §
othing in return
As if reading my thoughts, he reached across the table and took my hand. “Don’t underestimate your worth, Amber. You’re young, beautiful, intelligent, and talented in your photography.”
His thumb traced circles on my palm as he continued. “What do I have to offer? I’m older, my life revolves around pack politics, and my days are filled with meetings and territory disputes.”
I started to protest, but he shook his head.
“Yes, I have wealth and power, but you’ve never needed or desired those things. If anyone is making a sacrifice in this mating, it’s you.”
His words touched something deep inside me. Cora whimpered with confusion at this unexpected tenderness from such a powerful Alpha.
I struggled to find the right response. Dominic’s maturity and consideration were so different from Ethan’s self–centered
behavior.
Sensing my emotional turmoil, Dominic smoothly changed the subject. “I apologize for not initiating dinner plans sooner. I
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should have called you.”
“It’s fine,” I assured him. “I understand how busy you are with protecting territory boundaries.”
I took a sip of wine, gathering my thoughts. “Actually, I wanted to discuss something specific with you. I plan to publicize my‘ memory confusion‘ before the New Year pack gathering.”
His expression remained neutral, but I sensed his wolf’s attention sharpening
“You should appear annoyed by my public pursuit,” I explained. “That way, when Ethan marks Melissa, your reputation will be protected. You can claim you mated me out of obligation because of the life–debt from when I saved you at Ravenclaw Bridge.”
(Dominic’s POV)
I disagreed with her plan immediately. Leo, my wolf, bristled at the suggestion of hiding our bond.
“No,” I said firmly. “After the New Year pack gathering, I will pursue you openly.”
Amber’s eyes widened in surprise.
“I intend to court you and propose the mate bond publicly,” I continued. “You deserve that respect and recognition as my future Luna.”
“But think of the ridicule you’ll face,” she protested. “I just broke my engagement with Ethan. If I fabricate an infatuation with you, at least you’ll be shielded from criticism within supernatural circles.”
I remained unmoved. “I will claim you on my own terms, regardless of pack opinion.”
My eyes flashed with Alpha authority as I leaned forward. “Your well–being and happiness should be your priority, not protecting me from gossip.”
Amber’s expression softened, but her stubborn streak remained. “I’ve been bullied before, in high school. I can handle rumors and mockery from other werewolves.”
Despite her seemingly carefree demeanor, I noticed her trembling hands as she nervously played with her dessert.
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