Chapter 6

CANE

I watched her walk away, her fiery spirit and determination captivating me.

I couldn't believe she had slapped me, but instead of anger, I felt a spark of admiration. My mate was bold, fierce, and unafraid to stand up for herself. I liked that about her.

What bothered me was that she wouldn't give me a chance to explain myself. I had proposed to her out of desperation, knowing that being my mistress wouldn't be the life she'd want. But I couldn't help myself; I wanted her by my side.

I followed her, keeping a distance as she walked through the forest. I knew she was heading towards the stream, and I knew she'd need rest and food soon. I planned to be there for her, to offer her protection and care.

As I watched, she approached a group of men, and my instincts kicked in.

I decided to still watch her from afar till midnight, when I saw the leader grab her, and saw the fear in her eyes.

My control snapped, and I strode forward, my voice firm. "Stop."

The leader turned to me, a mixture of surprise and anger on his face. "Who the fuck are you? Mind your own business," he growled.

I stepped forward, my eyes locked on his. "Ava is my business. Let her go."

The leader sneered, but he released Ava, who scrambled to her feet. I could see the fear and relief in her eyes, and for a moment, our gazes locked.

"Ava, are you okay?" I asked, my voice softer now.

She nodded, her eyes still wary. "Y-yes. Thank you."

I turned to the leader, my anger simmering. "You'd do well to treat women with respect. She's under my protection now."

The leader scoffed.”This loser thinks I'm a pushover.”

“Come with me," I said, my voice firm. "I'll protect you. You'll be safe with my pack."

Ava shook her head, her jaw set. "No," she said, her voice firm. "I'll never be your mistress."

My anger flared up again, and I felt a pang of frustration. "Fine," I said, my voice cold. "If that's how you want it, then so be it. You're on your own."

I turned to leave, but not before adding, "Don't think my offer would last for a while."

With that, I left her standing there, her eyes flashing with anger and determination. I knew I couldn't force her to come with me, but I couldn't help feeling a sense of responsibility for her safety.

As I walked away, I couldn't shake off the feeling that I'd just made a mistake. I'd given her space, but had I given her too much?

Would she be safe without me? The thought of anything happening to her while the bandits were still around was unbearable.

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. I needed to find a way to make her see reason, to understand that I was trying to protect her.

I walked a few steps, then I turned back to fight off the bandits at least.

I fought off the bandits with ease, my movements swift and precise. They were no match for me, and soon they were fleeing in terror. I turned to Ava, who was watching me with a mix of awe and fear.

I scooped her up in my arms, my anger and concern for her safety boiling over. "What were you thinking?" I demanded, my voice firm. "Did you never learn not to approach strangers? Did you think I'll leave you here when you said you wouldn't accept my offer?”

Ava struggled against me, but I held her firm. "I can take care of myself," she said, her voice steady.

I raised an eyebrow. "Really? That's why you were just on the ground, being mauled by those bandits?"

Ava's face reddened, and she looked away. I sighed, trying to calm down. "Come with me," I said, my voice softer.

Ava shook her head, her jaw set. "No.”

I dropped her and stormed off, my anger and frustration simmering just below the surface.

How could she be so stubborn? Didn't she know I was trying to protect her?

I left her standing there, her eyes flashing with defiance, but I knew I couldn't shake off the feeling of responsibility for her safety.

As I walked away, I subtly shifted into a tracking mode, my senses heightened as I followed Ava from a distance. I knew she thought she was alone, but I was determined to keep her safe, even if it meant doing it from afar.

The sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the forest. I watched as Ava navigated the dense underbrush, her determination evident in every step.

She was a strong woman, but she was also vulnerable. And I would be there to protect her, no matter what.

As the night fell, I settled into the shadows, my eyes fixed on Ava's figure. She seemed to be heading towards a small village, and I wondered what her plans were.

I on the other hand was with some of my martial art guards, they were also observing from afar.

I followed her, keeping a safe distance, as she entered the village. The villagers seemed friendly, but I knew that appearances could be deceiving. I'd keep a close eye on her, even if it meant staying hidden.

As the night wore on, I watched Ava settle into a small inn, her exhaustion evident. I knew she'd be safe for the night, but I couldn't shake off the feeling that danger lurked around every corner.

The darkness seemed to stretch on forever, but I remained vigilant, my senses on high alert.

I'd do whatever it took to keep Ava safe, even if it meant sacrificing my own desires. She was my mate, and I'd protect her with my life because of the revelation given to me by the Moon goddess.

“Your mate would be in danger, her life might be lost or ruined.”