A knot formed in Reana's stomach, a mix of trepidation and thrill. His words made her chest flutter, and her pulse racing in response.
Reana's mind wrestled with the implications of his statement. Not now, not ever. It was a promise, a vow, a declaration of possession. And yet, despite the alarm bells ringing in her head, Reana couldn't shake off the feeling that she was exactly where she was meant to be – in Ryder's arms.
"Even if I accept you, Ryder, you won't become the Alpha," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "You'll only be my plaything... until winter ends, when I'll honor my promise and mate the winner."
Reana's thoughts swirled in contradiction. A part of her genuinely wished Ryder would emerge victorious and become her mate, yet another part rebelled against the idea. He was an enigma - a man who inspired both fear and safety, whose mysterious nature drew her in, even as it intimidated her.
