Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

of sweat appeared on her forehead as she heard Matthew softly suggest, "Aubree, take a look outside."

As soon as Aubree lay down, she felt her body tighten up. She shut her eyes, trying to ease herself into the moment and shake off the persistent shadows of her past. That familiar queasy sensation rose again, but she stifled it, not wanting to upset Matthew. A light sheen Blinking, Aubree turned her head to glance out the window and was met with the sight of a pack of wolves wandering below, seemingly drawn to the light.

Matthew edged closer, both of them entranced by the scene, his chest brushing against her back. Yet, neither seemed to notice this closeness, lost in the spectacle outside.

"They're probably just curious about the lights. I've heard tales of folks trying to cross these plains in regular cars, only to be taken by wolves," Matthew remarked casually.

Aubree was taken aback, but it made sense. It wasn't just wolves; there could be bears or cougars out there too.

She watched as the wolves settled under the soft glow, curling up to sleep. Just a slight turn and she had a clear view.

With that, the unsettling memories faded away.

Matthew gently tucked the blanket around her. "If you're feeling uneasy, just look outside. Imagine you're sleeping out under the stars, the earth as your bed. We're not so different from the animals in the end," he comforted her.

Taking his advice, Aubree turned to watch the wolves, warmth spreading in her chest, and soon drifted into a deep, peaceful sleep-her best in a long while.

Matthew stayed awake until late, ensuring she was sound asleep before he carefully turned to spoon her, wrapping his arm around her waist, drawing her close.

Aubree slept through the night, blissfully unaware.

When she woke in the morning light, Matthew had already pulled away and prepared breakfast.

After eating, she joined him at the wheel, gazing out at the endless plains.

For fourteen days, they drove through the vast landscape, racing with the swiftest creatures, observing their hunts.

On the last night, Aubree lay in the back, watching the stars, knowing they'd leave the next day. Her confidence had grown, her eyes fixed on the celestial display above. Concerned she might catch a chill, Matthew had spread thick blankets for her.noveldrama

Fresh from a bath, barefoot, Aubree listened to the distant howls of the wolves, a thrilling sensation coursing through her.

Matthew lay down beside her, asking, "Do the stars look bigger here?"

"Yeah," she replied.

"I was amazed the first time I saw them here. Stayed up all night," he confessed.

Curious, Aubree turned to him. "When did you first come here?"

"I was fourteen, Came by myself," he said, closing his eyes as memories washed over him. "I've returned a few times since. Whenever I need to clear my head, this place brings me peace. The stars, the sky, the sunsets-they're unmatched."

Aubree glanced at his profile, then back at the stars. "Your teenage years sound more adventurous than most."

Just then, her view was blocked as Matthew's face came closer.

Caught off guard, Aubree watched his face approach, then felt a warm kiss land on her lips. Her body- stiffened at the touch, and the distant wolf howls set her heart racing. en

The kiss, a bit awkward at first, soon found its rhythm.

Men seem to have a natural knack for this, she mused.

Over these days, Aubree had slept peacefully, leaving her past behind.

He softly asked, "Is this okay?"

Faced with a man seven years her

junior, in a moment steeped in

beauty-the stunning stars, the enchanting night, and the occasional wolf howls on the plains-her rational thoughts slipped away, and she gave a silent nod.

Unsure if she'd regret it, yet convinced life was too short not to seize a moment with someone she admired, especially under such perfect stars.

Sensing her agreement, Matthew's breath grew heavier as he deepened the kiss, exploring further.