Ariana's heart pounded as the stranger's golden eyes bore into her. The word he had just spoken—mine—echoed in her head like a dangerous promise.
She forced herself to take a step back, but his grip on her waist tightened. Not enough to hurt, but enough to remind her that he was stronger, faster, and not entirely human.
"Let me go," she whispered, her voice trembling.
His jaw clenched. "Never."
His scent was intoxicating—earthy, masculine, with a hint of something wild. Ariana had never felt this kind of fear before. It wasn't just terror—it was awareness. A deep, primal feeling in her gut that told her running was useless.
"Who are you?" she managed to ask, her breath shaky.
His lips curled into something between a smirk and a snarl. "Kael Blackwood. Alpha of the Silver Moon Pack."
Alpha? Pack? The words didn't make sense to her. This had to be some sick joke.
"There's no such thing as packs or Alphas," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "You're just… you're human, right?"
Something dark flickered in his eyes. His fingers brushed against her cheek, his touch almost reverent.
"No, little one," he murmured. "I am a wolf. And you—" his voice dropped, turning possessive—"are my mate."
Ariana shook her head rapidly. "I don't even know you!"
Kael exhaled sharply, his patience thinning. "You don't have to. The bond chooses. And the bond has chosen you for me."
Panic swelled inside her. "No," she gasped, twisting in his hold. "You're crazy! Let me go!"
His grip softened, but he didn't release her. Instead, his expression darkened. "You don't understand, Ariana. You belong to me now."
Her breath hitched. His voice—deep, commanding, yet laced with something dangerously gentle—sent shivers down her spine.
She was about to argue, to beg him to let her go, when the sound of distant howls echoed through the forest. Kael's entire body tensed. His grip on her waist turned protective rather than restraining.
His golden eyes flickered with something lethal.
"Someone's coming," he growled under his breath.
Ariana's stomach twisted. More of them?
Kael didn't hesitate. In a swift motion, he lifted her into his arms, cradling her against his chest like she weighed nothing.
"W-what are you doing?" she gasped, struggling.
He didn't answer. His gaze was locked on the dark treeline ahead, his muscles coiled like a predator ready to strike.
"Hold on to me," he commanded.
And then, before Ariana could protest, Kael took off into the night—running faster than any human ever could, his grip unyielding, his possessiveness burning through every step.
She wasn't escaping him. Not now. Not ever.