Claimed by Danger

The night outside felt heavy, like the air itself knew something bad was coming.

Justin tood in front of me, tense, listening to the distant howl that had frozen my blood.

“A rogue Alpha?” I whispered.

“Yes,” he said quietly. “And he’s coming for you.”

I didn’t know what to do with that. My hands shook. My thoughts were all over the place. A few hours ago, my biggest worry was buying bread at the market. Now an Alpha wanted to take me?

“Why would anyone want me?” I asked.

Justin  turned to me slowly, and the look in his eyes made my stomach flip.

“Because you’re important,” he said. “More than you know.”

Before I could question him, he stepped closer, lowering his voice.

“You can’t stay here, Aria. Your home isn’t safe anymore.”

My chest tightened. “But my aunt”

“She’ll be protected.” His tone softened. “You’re the one they’re after.”

Aunt Mila  rushed forward. “Justin, she can’t just leave with you. She doesn’t know anything yet.”

He turned to her with a calm that didn’t match the danger outside. “If she stays here, she dies. If she leaves with me, she lives.”

I felt my aunt’s fear, but I also felt something else my own fear shifting into a strange pull toward Justin. Being near him made me feel steadier, even when everything was falling apart.

“Aria,” Justin said gently, “look at me.”

I did.

His eyes weren’t glowing now. They were soft, warm, full of something I didn’t know how to explain.

“Do you feel it?” he asked. “This… connection?”

I swallowed. “I don’t know what I feel.”

“It’s alright.” His voice was low, almost tender. “Even if you’re not ready, I am.”

My heart pounded.

Another howl echoed, closer this time. Aunt Mila stepped back in fear.

Justin reached for my hand. His touch was warm, firm, steady.

“Come with me,” he said. “I’ll keep you safe.”

I shouldn’t trust him.

I barely knew him.

He scared me. His world scared me even more.

But when the house shook from another impact outside, my body moved before my mind did.

I took his hand.

His eyes softened, almost like relief washed through him.

“Good,” he whispered, squeezing lightly. “I’ve got you.”

He pulled me close as we stepped outside. The night was dark and quiet, too quiet. Trees swayed softly under the moonlight. Every sound felt louder, every shadow bigger.

Justin didn’t let go of my hand.

“Stay behind me,” he said again, but this time it wasn’t a command

it was a plea.

We moved toward the forest’s edge. I felt like every step was a step away from who I used to be. A girl with a simple life. A girl who thought wolves were just stories.

Now I was walking toward the pack of the strongest Alpha in the North, because rogues wanted me dead… or claimed.

“Justin,” I whispered, “what if your bond is wrong? What if I’m not your mate?”

He stopped walking. Slowly, he turned to face me.

“Aria.” His voice broke a little. “I feel you in a way I’ve never felt anyone. Your heartbeat pulls at me. Your fear hits me like it’s my own. It’s not wrong.”

I shook my head. “But I don’t know who I am. You’re asking me to trust you with everything.”

He stepped closer until he was right in front of me.

“Then trust this,” he said quietly, bringing his forehead close to mine without touching. “I will never let anything happen to you. Not even if it costs me my life.”

My breath caught.

Warmth spread through my chest again stronger this time, like something inside me was waking up.

Before I could speak, a loud growl echoed behind us.

Justin instantly pulled me behind him.

A tall figure stepped out of the trees.

Not a wolf.

A man broad, scarred, and carrying the same wild energy as the rogues.

His eyes locked onto me.

“So this is the girl,” he said, voice low and cruel.

Justin growled softly, a warning.

“Stay back,” he told the man.

The rogue Alpha smirked. “She smells powerful. I see why you want her.”

Justin’s body tightened like a wire about to snap.

“She’s not yours,” justin said, voice calm but deadly.

The rogue tilted his head. “She’s not yours either.”

Justin’s jaw clenched.

He didn’t look at the rogue again.

He looked at me.

And what he said changed everything.

“She is mine.”

My heart stopped.

His voice wasn’t loud or angry it was sure. Certain. Final.

The rogue laughed. “We’ll see about that.”

Justin stepped forward, ready to fight.

I felt it again. The pull. The fear. The connection.

This time, stronger than ever.

And deep inside, a voice I didn’t recognize whispered:

He’s yours too.