Despite the room's inviting atmosphere, Amara couldn't find peace. The weight of the day—being attacked, rescued, and now being in a stranger's mansion—pressed heavily on her mind. She paced the room, her bare feet sinking into the plush rug as she tried to make sense of everything.
Her eyes landed on the large window, and she pulled back the sheer curtains to reveal a stunning view of the moonlit forest. The trees seemed to whisper secrets, their shadows dancing in the pale light. A flicker of movement caught her eye—a pair of glowing eyes watching from the tree line. She stumbled back, her heart racing, but the figure disappeared almost instantly.
Meanwhile, Xavier descended to the main hall, his footsteps echoing off the marble floor. Waiting for him near the fireplace were his Beta Logan and Gamma Marcus. Both men looked up as he approached, their expressions a mix of curiosity and concern.
"Is she Amara?" Logan asked, smiling.
Xavier nodded.
Marcus let out a low whistle. "A human mate? That's bound to cause a stir, especially with the council."
"They don't need to know," Xavier replied, his tone brooking no argument. "Not yet. Amara is under my protection, and that's all that matters."
Marcus frowned. "Do you think she's ready for this? For… us?"
Xavier's jaw tightened. "No, but she doesn't have a choice. The rogues attacked her for a reason. Until we figure out why, she stays here. Safe."
Unable to sleep, Amara decided to explore the mansion. The hallways were quiet, illuminated by soft golden sconces. Her bare feet barely made a sound as she wandered through the corridors, taking in the paintings, tapestries, and statues that seemed to tell stories of a world she couldn't yet comprehend.
She paused when she heard voices coming from downstairs. Curiosity got the better of her, and she crept closer, careful to stay hidden in the shadows.
"She's different, Marcus," Xavier's voice was unmistakable. "There's something about her…"
Amara's breath hitched. They were talking about her.
"She's fragile," another voice said, one she didn't recognize. "You'll have to be careful, Xavier. Humans aren't like us."
"That doesn't matter," Xavier replied firmly. "She's mine."
Amara's heart raced. The possessiveness in his tone was both unsettling and strangely comforting. Before she could hear more, a creak under her foot gave her away.
Xavier was at the base of the stairs in an instant, his movements unnaturally fast. Amara froze as his piercing silver eyes locked onto hers.
"What are you doing out of your room?" he asked, his tone a mix of concern and irritation.
"I couldn't sleep," she admitted, her voice trembling. "And I heard voices. I didn't mean to eavesdrop."
Logan and Marcus exchanged glances but said nothing, retreating silently to give their Alpha privacy.
Xavier's gaze softened as he approached her. "You shouldn't wander alone, Amara. This place is safe, but there are things you don't understand yet."
"Then help me understand," she said, her voice firmer now. "You keep saying I'm safe, but I don't even know why I'm here. Or why those… things attacked me."
Xavier hesitated, his expression unreadable. "It's complicated."
Amara crossed her arms. "Then simplify it."
For a moment, Xavier seemed to weigh his options. Finally, he sighed. "You're here because you're important, Amara. To me, and to this pack. Those rogues attacked you because they saw that, too."
"Important how?" she pressed.
His gaze locked onto hers, and the intensity made her breath catch. "You're my mate."
The words hung in the air between them, heavy with meaning Amara couldn't yet grasp.
"Your… mate?" she repeated, confusion etched on her face.
Xavier stepped closer, his presence overwhelming. "In my world, mates are bound by destiny. You're the one I was meant to find, the one who completes me."
Amara took a step back, shaking her head. "That's insane. I don't even know you."
"You will," Xavier said softly. "And when you do, you'll understand. For now, just trust me."
Amara wanted to argue, to tell him he was wrong, but something in his eyes—a mix of vulnerability and conviction—silenced her. Against all logic, she found herself nodding.
"Fine," she whispered. "But this doesn't mean I believe any of this… mate stuff."
Xavier's lips curved into a faint smile. "You will."
As he escorted her back to her room, Amara couldn't shake the feeling that her life was no longer her own. She was caught in a storm she didn't understand, but one thing was certain—there was no turning back now.