Why me?

Amelia

I woke to the first rays of sunlight streaming through the curtains, warm against my skin. My body felt different....tired yet strangely alive. As I stretched, a dull ache reminded me of what had happened the night before.

My eyes flew open, and I froze.

He was there, sprawled on his stomach, half covered by the sheet. His dark hair was tousled, and his muscular back rose and fell with each steady breath. I swallowed hard, trying to make sense of the chaos in my mind. Then the memories came rushing back, the way he’d looked at me, the scent of that infernal incense, the heat that had overtaken my senses.

I felt my cheeks flush. What had I done?

Panic surged through me as I carefully slid out of the bed, trying not to make a sound. My clothes lay discarded on the floor, a testament to the madness of the night. Grabbing my dress, I slipped it on hastily, my hands trembling.

I glanced back at him. Even in his sleep, he exuded power, his jawline sharp and his expression relaxed. For a fleeting moment, I wondered what kind of man he was beneath that commanding exterior. But there was no time for such thoughts.

I needed to leave.

The room was still heavy with the scent of the incense, and I covered my nose as I tiptoed toward the door. My hand had just touched the doorknob when I heard his voice.

“Leaving so soon?”

I froze, my heart pounding.

Kael

The sound of her soft footsteps woke me, but I didn’t open my eyes right away. My body felt…different. Stronger. More alive than it had in years. My wolf was restless, pacing in the back of my mind like a caged animal finally set free.

When I heard the door creak, my eyes snapped open.

She was standing there, her back to me, her hand hovering over the doorknob. Her hair was a wild mess, cascading down her back in dark waves. The memory of the night before hit me like a tidal wave. Her scent, her touch, the way her eyes had widened with fear and something else.

“Leaving so soon?” I said, my voice rough with sleep.

She flinched, turning to face me with wide, startled eyes.

“I…” she began, her voice barely above a whisper.

I sat up, the sheet pooling around my waist. “You’re not going anywhere until we talk.”

Her gaze flickered to the floor, her hands clutching the hem of her dress. I could see the conflict in her expression; fear, guilt, and something she didn’t want to admit.

“What’s there to talk about?” she asked, her tone defensive.

I swung my legs over the side of the bed and stood, taking a step toward her. She backed up against the door, her breath hitching.

“You’re my mate,” I said, the words surprising even myself.

Her eyes snapped up to meet mine. “What?”

“You heard me.” My wolf growled in agreement, the bond between us undeniable now that the haze of the night had cleared.

She shook her head, her hands trembling. “No. That can’t be true.”

“It is,” I said firmly, my gaze unwavering. “And you know it.”

Amelia

His words hit me like a physical blow. My mate? No, it couldn’t be. I’d heard the stories of how wolves felt the mate bond...the pull, the instinctive recognition. But this? This was madness.

“I don’t believe you,” I said, my voice trembling.

His jaw tightened, and he stepped closer, his presence overwhelming. “Do you feel it?” he asked, his tone soft but insistent. “The way your wolf stirs when I’m near? The way your heart races?”

I shook my head, but the truth was undeniable. I did feel it. The pull, the connection. It terrified me.

“This was a mistake,” I whispered, tears prickling at the corners of my eyes.

He frowned, his brows knitting together. “A mistake?” His voice was quiet, but there was an edge to it.

“Yes,” I said, my voice cracking. “I don’t belong here. I don’t belong with you.”

His expression darkened, and for a moment, I thought he might argue. But then he stepped back, his jaw clenching.

“Then leave,” he said coldly. “If that’s what you want.”

I stared at him, stunned by his sudden change in demeanor. But I didn’t question it. Without another word, I turned and fled, the door slamming shut behind me.

Kael

I watched her leave, my chest tightening with an emotion I couldn’t name.

Anger? Frustration?

No, it was something deeper. Something I didn’t want to acknowledge.

She was my mate, of that, I had no doubt. My wolf had recognized her the moment I saw her in the moonlight, and last night had only confirmed it. But she was running, denying the bond that tied us together.

I raked a hand through my hair, growling in frustration. This wasn’t how it was supposed to be. The mate bond was sacred, a gift from the moon goddess. Why was she rejecting it? Rejecting me?

My thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door.

“Alpha Kael,” a voice called. It was one of the guards.

“What is it?” I barked, my mood sour.

“There’s something you need to see,” the guard said hesitantly.

I grabbed a shirt and pulled it on before yanking the door open. The guard stood there, looking nervous. “Spit it out,” I snapped.

He handed me a small device, a security tablet. “Footage from last night,” he said. “It captured her face.”

My breath caught as I stared at the screen. There she was, guiding me to the room, her expression one of concern. She was beautiful, even in the grainy footage.

“Find her,” I said, my voice low and dangerous. “Bring her to me.”

“Yes, Alpha,” the guard said, bowing before hurrying off.

I closed the door, my mind racing. She could run all she wanted, but she wouldn’t get far. She was mine, and I would not let her go.

Amelia

I stumbled through the corridors of the packhouse, my vision blurred by tears. My heart felt like it was being torn in two, the mate bond tugging at me even as I tried to deny it.

I had to get out. Away from him, away from the intoxicating pull of his presence.

The celebration was still in full swing, the sounds of laughter and music grating against my nerves. I avoided the main hall, slipping out a side door and into the cool night air.

The forest loomed ahead, dark and foreboding. But it was better than staying here, surrounded by wolves who would never accept me.

I ran, the branches scratching at my skin as I plunged deeper into the woods. The moonlight guided my way, its soft glow casting eerie shadows on the ground.

Finally, I collapsed against a tree, my breath coming in ragged gasps. My mind was a whirlwind of emotions....fear, confusion, and a growing sense of despair.

“Why me?” I whispered, my voice barely audible.

But the forest offered no answers, only the distant sound of howling wolves.