Chapter 9

NORMAN'S POV

I watched as Kirk approached Riley, his eyes fixed intently on her. I could feel my anger rising, my instincts screaming at me to protect her. She was mine, my mate, and I wouldn't let anyone take her from me.

As Kirk leaned in close to Riley, my face became red. I stormed over to them, my eyes blazing with anger. "Kirk, what the hell are you doing?" I growled, my voice vibrating with rage.

Kirk stepped back, a smirk playing on his lips. "I'm just trying to make her happy," he said, his voice smooth as silk.

But I wasn't having it. "Get away from her," I snarled, my eyes flashing with anger.

Kirk raised an eyebrow, a smirk still playing on his lips. "Or what?" he said, his voice dripping with contempt.

I took a step closer to him, my fists clenched. "You know exactly what," I growled.

The tension between us was palpable, and I could feel Riley's eyes on us, her fear and confusion quite was quite noticeable. Her eyes roamed between Kirk and I, then she pleaded in a soft voice, telling us both to stop.

I snarled towards Kirk but he only gave me a smirk. Soon, I watched him storm off. Then, immediately I went in the opposite direction.

My wolf was threatening to take over but I was able to control it from bursting forth. As I walked further with no particular destination in mind, the sudden urge to pummel someone with my fist was all that was ringing in my head.

I took a deep breath and calmed myself. I need to do the right thing and I need to do it fast. That's the only way I can claim Riley for myself. I turned back towards Riley's direction and within some moments, I was standing in front of her.

"Riley, come with me," I said, my voice firm but gentle.

Riley hesitated for a moment, then nodded and followed me. I could still notice the bewildered expression on her face.

As we walked back to my mansion, I could feel Riley's fear and confusion. She was trying to make sense of everything happening, I could tell from the way her eyes darted around. I knew I had to explain things to her, to tell her what was happening.

"Riley, I'm sorry," I said, my voice gentle. "I know this is all overwhelming. But I need you to understand something."

Riley looked up at me, her eyes searching. "What is it?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

I took a deep breath, trying to find the right words. "You're my mate, Riley," I said, my voice firm. "I know it sounds crazy, but it's true. And I'm not going to let anyone take you from me."

Riley's eyes widened in shock, and she took a step back. "What do you mean?" she asked, her voice trembling.

I sighed, trying to explain. "It's an old prophecy," I said. "One that says I'll find my true mate, the one person who's meant to be mine. And I've found her, Riley. I've found you. But the prophecy also states that there will be controversies."

“Controversies?” Riley asked, her eyebrows slightly raised.

“Yes,” I answered, clearing my throat. “The prophecy states that you'd be sought by the other princes.”

Riley looked stunned, her eyes wide with confusion. "But why di..d..d you lie to me?" she asked, her voice trembling from being hurt. "Why did you say you didn't want me?"

I felt a pang of guilt, knowing I had hurt her. "I'm sorry, Riley," I said, my voice sincere. "I was trying to protect you. I didn't want you to get hurt."

Riley looked up at me, her eyes searching. "And why did you suddenly change your mind?" she asked, her voice soft.

I smiled, feeling a sense of relief. "Because I realized I couldn't live without you," I said, my voice firm. "You're my mate, Riley. But more than that, you have managed to capture my attention and now I can't let you go."

Riley looked stunned, her eyes wide with emotion. And then, to my surprise, she smiled. "I'm glad," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

I felt a surge of happiness, knowing she felt the same way. "I'm glad too," I said, my voice sincere.

As we stood there, looking into each other's eyes, I knew that I had made the right decision. I had found my mate, and I was going to do everything in my power to keep her.

"Riley," I said, my voice firm. "I want to ask you something."

Riley looked up at me, her eyes searching. "What is it?" she asked, her voice soft.

I took a deep breath, trying to find the right words. "I want to marry you," I said, my voice sincere. "I want to spend the rest of my life with you."

Riley's eyes widened in shock, and she took a step back. "Norman, I..." she started, her voice trembling.

But I didn't let her finish. "Just think about it," I said, my voice gentle. "We can talk about it later."

Riley nodded, looking stunned. And I knew that I had to give her time, to let her process everything that had happened.

As we stood there, looking into each other's eyes, I knew that I had found my mate. And I was going to do everything in my power to keep her.

But as we walked back to the mansion, I couldn't shake off the feeling that Kirk was still a threat. I knew he wouldn't give up easily, not now that he had set his sights on Riley. I glanced over at her, seeing the confusion and uncertainty etched on her face. I knew I had to reassure her, to make her feel safe.

"Riley, I promise you, I'll do everything in my power to protect you," I assured, my voice firm. "You're my mate, and I'll never let anyone harm you."

Riley looked up at me, her eyes searching. "But what about Kirk?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

I felt a surge of anger at the mention of Kirk's name. "Don't worry about Kirk," I said, my voice low but sounding firm. "I'll take care of him. He'll never bother you again."

Riley nodded, looking slightly reassured. But I knew I had to do more to convince her, to make her feel safe