Chapter 3

Ryder's chest tightened and he knew he would do anything to protect and care for her.

  "I will never let anyone hurt you again" Ryder whispered, his voice gentle.

  Crystal's eyes searched Ryder's face, searching for answers. She saw sincerity and deep affection in his gaze. She felt a sense of peace wash over her but she knew she was in the arms of a stranger.

  "who are you?" Crystal asked, her voice still shaking.

  "I'm Ryder, your mate" he replied softly.

  Crystal's eyes widened in surprise. Her eyes searched his face, trying to process the revelation. "My mate?" she repeated.

  Ryder nodded "yes, I have been searching for you for a long time".

  Ryder's expression softened and he gently brushed a strand of hair behind her ear.

  The touch sent shivers down her spine and she felt a spark of electricity run through her body.

  Crystal's eyes fluttered closed and she leaned into Ryder's touch, her lips parting slightly.

  Ryder's gaze dropped to her lips and he felt a surge of desire.

  The tension between them grew, until it seemed to vibrate with anticipation.

  Ryder's wolf, Aiden growled softly, urging him to claim Crystal as his own.

  But Ryder hesitated, unsure if Crystal was ready. He didn't want to scare her off or push her boundaries.

  Instead he leaned in, his lips brushing against her forehead in a gentle kiss.

  Crystal's eyes opened, and she looked up at Ryder, her gaze searching his face. For a moment, they just looked at each other.

  "Can I see your wolf?" Crystal asked nervously.

  Ryder smiled, and with a fluid motion, he transformed into his Lycan form.

  Crystal gasped, mesmerized by the majestic creature before her.

  Ryder's Lycan body was powerful and majestic, with thick, dark gray fur and piercing yellow eyes. His muscles rippled, his powerful legs propelling him forward with ease. His face was strong with high cheekbones and a sharp jawline, and his ears were pointed and alert.

  As Crystal looked at Ryder, she couldn't shake off the feeling of uncertainty. She had just been rejected by someone, and now she was supposed to accept this stranger as her mate?

  It felt overwhelming, and she wasn't sure if she was ready to open herself up to someone new.

  Ryder's gentle touch and kind eyes helped ease her worries a bit but she still felt a mix of emotions. She was drawn to Ryder but she didn't know him.

  Despite her reservations, Crystal felt a spark of excitement as she reached out to touch Ryder's fur. He nuzzled her hand, and she felt a sense of calm wash over her.

  Without hesitation, Crystal mounted Ryder's back, wrapping her arms around his neck. As Ryder began to run, Crystal felt the wind rushing through her hair, and she laughed with sheer joy. 

  The forest blurred together and Crystal felt free - from her worries and fears.

  As they ran, the forest grew denser and the trees seemed to close in around them. 

  Crystal felt a sense of exhilaration, the wind whipping through her hair.

  She leaned forward, her cheek pressed against Ryder's fur as she felt drawn to its warmth.

  After a while, Ryder slowed to a stop and Crystal looked up to see a beautiful lake glinting. The water was crystal clear, reflecting the trees and sky above.

  Ryder's padded towards the lake's edge and Crystal slid off his back, walking towards the water's edge.

  The lake's tranquility was soothing. Ryder followed her, his eyes watching her with a gentle intensity. Crystal reached out a hand and Ryder nuzzled it, his fur soft and warm.

  As they stood there, Crystal felt a sense of peace wash over her. She looked up at Ryder and he seemed to be looking back at her. For the first time since meeting Ryder, Crystal felt like she could breathe, like she had found a sense of belonging.

  Ryder shifted back into his human form, his eyes never leaving Crystal's face. "You're safe now," he said, his voice low and soothing. "You're with me, and I'll always protect you."

  Crystal's eyes locked onto Ryder's, and she felt a spark of connection. She knew she still had questions and doubts.

  She nodded and Ryder smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

  As they stood there, the only sound was the gentle lapping of the water against the shore.

  With the moon rising high in the sky, casting its silver glow over the forest. 

  Ryder spoke up, "We should get you home," he said, his voice gentle but firm.

  Crystal nodded, feeling a pang of disappointment that their time together was coming to an end. 

  "Which pack are you from?" she asked, curiosity getting the better of her.

  Ryder smiled, happy that she was initiating a conversation. "I'm from the Star blood pack" he replied. "But I have to ask, which pack are you from?"

  Crystal's eyes widened surprisingly. "I'm from the Moonlight Pack" she said, her voice low.

  Ryder's expression softened, "I should escort you home," he said, his voice low and soothing.

  With the moonlight casting long shadows behind them, they walked through the forest silently, each with their own thoughts. 

  Crystal knew she could trust him and his presence made her feel safe.

  As they approached the Moonlight Pack's territory, Crystal felt a sense of relief wash over her. She was home.

  Ryder turned to her, his eyes bore hers. "I'll leave you hear", he said.

  Crystal nodded, "Thank you '.

  "You are welcome", he said.

  With that, Ryder turned and disappeared into the darkness, leaving Crystal to make her way home.

  But little did they know, dark eyes had been watching them from the shadows, their gaze fixed intently on Crystal. The moonlight seemed to cast an ominous glow and the air was thick with an unseen threat.