Amara barely slept that night. Her mind spun with questions, each more confusing than the last. Xavier's claim about being her "mate" sounded absurd, but there was something in his voice—a conviction she couldn't dismiss.
Morning arrived with the golden light of dawn spilling through the large windows. Despite the mansion's serene exterior, Amara couldn't shake the unease coiled in her chest.
A soft knock on her door pulled her from her thoughts.
"Come in," she called hesitantly.
The door opened, revealing a young woman with a friendly smile and a tray of food. She appeared human but moved with a grace that made Amara question otherwise.
"Good morning, Miss Amara," the girl greeted. "I'm Lily, the housekeeper. Xavier asked me to bring you breakfast."
"Thank you," Amara replied, watching as Lily set the tray on a small table by the window.
"You'll find fresh clothes in the wardrobe," Lily added. "Alpha Xavier wanted you to feel comfortable here."
"Alpha Xavier," Amara repeated, the title still strange to her ears. "Do you always call him that?"
Lily tilted her head, as though the question amused her. "He is our Alpha. It's a title of respect and authority."
Amara frowned. "And what are you? A werewolf too?"
Lily's smile didn't falter. "I am. Most of us here are part of the pack."
The casual confirmation left Amara momentarily speechless. She shook her head, trying to focus. "Does this… pack always deal with rogues? Is it normal for people to be hunted like this?"
Lily set the tray on a small table near the window. "Rogues are a constant threat. But it's rare for them to target someone so directly. They're unpredictable and dangerous, but our Alpha has always kept us safe."
Safe. Amara wasn't sure she believed that, not after what she'd seen last night.
Before Amara could ask any more questions, Lily left the room, leaving her alone with her thoughts.
After breakfast, Amara decided she couldn't stay cooped up any longer. She changed into the clothes provided—simple yet elegant—and ventured out into the hallways.
The mansion was even more imposing in daylight. Sunlight streamed through large windows, illuminating the intricate carvings on the walls and the polished floors. Every corner seemed to whisper secrets, and Amara couldn't shake the feeling of being watched.
As she wandered, she stumbled upon a large door slightly ajar. Curiosity got the better of her, and she peeked inside.
The room was a library, unlike anything Amara had ever seen. Towering bookshelves stretched to the ceiling, filled with leather-bound tomes that looked centuries old. A large fireplace crackled softly, and a massive desk sat in the center, papers and maps spread across its surface.
She stepped inside, running her fingers along the spines of the books. Many were written in languages she didn't recognize, but a few titles stood out: "The History of Fated Mates," "Wolf Laws and Legends," and "The Alpha's Bond."
"You're curious."
Amara spun around to find Xavier leaning against the doorframe, his arms crossed and a faint smirk on his lips.
"I was just…" she trailed off, feeling caught.
"Exploring?" he finished for her. He stepped inside, his presence filling the room. "This is my sanctuary. A place where I think, plan, and occasionally escape the chaos of pack life."
Amara frowned. "Why are you telling me this?"
"Because you're part of that chaos now," he replied, his tone teasing but laced with seriousness. "And because you'll need to understand what you've been dragged into."
Xavier gestured for her to sit in one of the leather chairs by the fireplace. Reluctantly, she obeyed, her heart pounding as he took the seat across from her.
"You have questions," he began. "Ask."
Amara hesitated, then blurted out, "What do you mean I'm your mate? And why me? I'm just… normal."
Xavier's gaze softened. "There's nothing normal about you, Amara. Fate doesn't make mistakes. You were chosen to be my mate, my equal, the one who balances my strength with your own."
She shook her head. "But I'm not strong. I'm just a human. What could I possibly offer someone like you?"
"More than you realize," Xavier said, leaning forward. "You've already survived more than most could handle. There's a fire in you, even if you don't see it yet."
Amara looked away, overwhelmed by his intensity. "And if I don't want this? What if I don't want to be part of your world? Am I supposed to just accept all of this and stay here forever?"
Xavier looked at her for a long moment before replying. "I won't force you to stay, Amara. Once the rogues are no longer a threat, you can choose to leave if that's what you want."
The sincerity in his voice caught her off guard. She wasn't sure why, but the thought of leaving made her chest ache.
"I don't know what I want," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.
Xavier reached across the table, his hand brushing hers. "Take all the time you need. Just promise me one thing."
"What?"
"Don't put yourself in danger. I can't protect you if you don't let me."
The intensity in his eyes left her breathless. She nodded, unable to find the words to respond.