Chapter 2: mate

I glared at the wolf, completely annoyed by its intrusion.

"Who are you?" I tilted my head to the side, trying to figure out if I knew it. I could tell it was a male. Its fur was brown and black, its size was way above the average. It stared at me menacingly, but I wasn't bothered; I didn't feel threatened one bit.

A wolf lurking in my backyard, staring like a creep? I couldn't take that seriously.

I scoffed and turned around, to return to my house, when it growled. It had me stopping in my tracks, the sound travelling straight to my soul, making my heart rate increase. What is this ? Why am I reacting this way to a random wolf ?

The growl was a warning; he hated that I turned my back to him. I took another step forward, defiantly, and it growled again. This time, the sound was closer. I hadn't noticed when it moved or heard anything. He was stealthy.

I took another step forward, then bolted. I ran as fast as my legs could carry me. I could hear the sound of his heavy paws hitting the hard ground from behind me. He was after me. I didn't get far before I felt a heavy weight on my back, making me crash to the ground. My chin hit the ground, drawing blood.

"Damn you !" I growled, rage brewing. He was on top of me, sniffing at my neck. His paw was heavy, one of them directly above my shoulder.

"Get off me !" I tried to push him off, but his weight was too much for my 5’7” figure. I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself down. The scent of blood and mud invaded my senses, accompanied by a strong scent of sandalwood mixed with something sweet. It was enticing, calling out to me. My heart thudded, my nose sniffing violently, trying to get as much of the scent as possible. Then I noticed it, the sparks dancing underneath the skin where he touched. It made my entire body tingle.

My eyes widened in realisation. He continued sniffing my neck, purring in satisfaction.

Mate. My wolf howled. Mine.

My breathing became much heavier. This shouldn't be happening. I don't want to be mated, I don't want to be tied back to this pack. Damn it.

His touch made me shiver involuntarily. I was drawn to him, as much as I hated it. My hands itched to rub his fur.

Mate. My wolf was restless, fighting to come out. No. I need to focus. I don't want him, I don't want a mate.

I heard the sound of the front door shut, and footsteps approaching. He got off me and in a flash, was completely out of sight. So fast.

I found myself missing the sparks from the mate bond.

"Talia ?"

It was Tasha. She sounded concerned. I imagined how ridiculous I looked, lying on my stomach in the dirt, blood trickling down my chin.

"Are you okay?" She rushed to my side, her nose probably catching the scent of my blood.

He hurt me. That's a valid reason to reject him, right ?

"Yes." I groaned, getting up on my feet. "I tripped." The lie slipped out naturally.

She stared at me, concern etched on her features.

"Let's get you inside so you can clean up and have something to eat. The food's getting cold and Mum is waiting for you."

Shoot. I completely forgot about that woman and her feast. I resisted the urge to roll my eyes, for my sister's sake.

“Sure."

She held my hand, leading me down the pathway that led back to our front door. I turned around, looking at the woods once more.

My eyes locked with a pair of glowing yellows. He was watching. It sent chills up my spine.