My wolf, usually calm and composed, perks up at the sight of the large man with flowing raven hair and intense golden eyes. "MATE," she screams inside me, the intensity of her desire almost overwhelming. I have to hold onto my reins, fighting the urge to shift and submit to this powerful stranger.
This reaction is unprecedented. Back in the Mystral Pack, my wolf only tolerated Jake because he was the strongest wolf around. This means that apart from being my mate, this man's wolf is stronger than Jake's and by a significant margin.
"Ember!" Nate's voice breaks through my thoughts as he rushes towards me, throwing his arms around me in a hug. I hug him back, a protective instinct kicking in. He's such a baby, needing comfort in this chaotic moment.
A deep, menacing growl cuts through the air, and within a heartbeat, the large handsome man is standing right in front of us. His eyes are fixed on Nate, a possessive anger flaring in their golden depths. He reaches out, but with swift movements, I place Nate behind me, shielding him with my body.
"Back off," I snarl, my voice a low warning growl, as my wolf rises to the surface, ready to defend Nate.
The man's eyes flicker with surprise, then with a mix of respect and frustration. "He touched you," he says, his voice a deep rumble that sends shivers down my spine. His wolf is struggling for control, just as mine is.
My claws extend instinctively, and I slash at him, the sharp tips cutting through his clothes and drawing blood.
"Take another step and the next cut will be even deeper," I warn, my voice low and threatening.
He attempts to step forward again, trying me with the determined glint in his eyes.
"MATE or NOT, I swear to the Moon I will gut you were you stand if you lay a hand on him," I snarl, my voice dripping with fury. My wolf recognizes Nate as our own and she's angry and seeing with fury now too.
At my words his companion growls, ready to fight. I don't give a fuck. I stand my ground. I'm not a small woman, but this man makes me feel tiny, towering over me at what must be 6'4". He's built like a bear shifter. Still, I refuse to back down.
His companion, the one growling, tries to advance towards me. I brace myself, ready for a confrontation.
"Tristan. Stop," the large, beautiful man commands, his voice authoritative and leaving no room for disobedience.
"But—" Tristan starts to protest, his eyes still burning with hostility.
"Enough," the man orders sharply, cutting off any further argument. Tristan halts immediately, his aggressive posture relaxing slightly, though his gaze remains fixed on me, filled with unspoken threats.
The man turns his attention back to me, and I meet his gaze defiantly. He clears his throat, attempting to diffuse the tension.
"I apologize. I'll keep the reins on my wolf," he says, his voice now steady and controlled. The earlier aggression is replaced by a forced civility, and I can see the effort it takes for him to maintain it.
I slowly lower my hand and retract my claws, my body still tense, ready for any sudden moves. "Fine," I say curtly, my tone betraying my lingering mistrust.
"I understand I've not made the best impression. I'm Kellan," he says, extending his hand toward me.
I hesitate for a moment, then place my hand in his, shaking it firmly. "Ember. This is Nate," I say, my voice steady despite the electric current that surges through my body at the contact. The shock of the sensation takes me by surprise, and I can't help but notice the way Kellan's eyes flare, confirming he felt it too.
"This guy here is Tristan," Kellan continues, motioning to his companion. Tristan, now that I've calmed down, is undeniably handsome, though in a more intimidating way. What do the wolves in Moonsand eat to be so large?
"Let's head into the town," Kellan suggests. "You can stay at my place until you get settled in. I'm assuming you're new here."
I nod in agreement, still processing the unexpected turn of events. Nate, who has been quietly observing, clings to my side, his usual playful demeanor subdued by the tension of the encounter.
*
Nate and I stand by the side of the road leaning against a tree, watching as Kellan and Tristan poke and prod at the truck. The old vehicle had brought us this far, and abandoning it now felt like a betrayal. Tristan eventually heads into the city to call for a tow truck, leaving Kellan to work on it alone.
I shamelessly watch Kellan as he works. His arm muscles bulge and contract with each movement, a mesmerizing dance of strength and precision. Who knew I was an arm person? I just might be an anything-Kellan person. His hair, dark and thick, falls forward and bounces slightly with every motion. I can't help but imagine running my hands through it, feeling its texture as his strong hands—
"Embie," Nate's voice snaps me out of my reverie. I turn to look at him.
"You're drooling," he says, amusement lacing his tone.
I quickly look away, refusing to acknowledge his teasing.
"Aren't we going to talk about the elephant in the room? … The mate thing …" Nate nudges me playfully.
"No," I say, trying to sound nonchalant, but I can feel the heat rising to my cheeks.
"I don't know, shouldn't you two be off … I don't know … ripping each other's clothes off in the woods?" He says suggestively, a mischievous glint in his eye.
"I'm not going to let my instincts control me. I have a logical human side," I defend myself, crossing my arms over my chest.
Nate raises an eyebrow, a skeptical look on his face. "Sure, Ember. Logical and human. Like staring at Kellan like a piece of meat is the epitome of logic."
I huff, annoyed but knowing he has a point. I turn my attention back to Kellan, who is now wiping his hands on a rag. His eyes meet mine, and for a moment, the world narrows down to just the two of us. The connection between us is undeniable, a magnetic pull that I can't ignore.
Kellan walks over, his presence commanding even in the casual setting. "The truck's pretty banged up. We'll need to wait for the tow," he says, his voice a deep rumble that sends shivers down my spine.
"Thanks for helping," I manage to say, my voice sounding steadier than I feel.
"It's no problem," Kellan replies, his eyes lingering on me a moment longer than necessary. "We'll get you both settled in soon."
The attention makes me shiver. Oh boy, I'm a goner.