The moon shines above, lighting a path as we run through the woods. It’s times like now, when I’m able to let go and justbe,that things feels a bit better.
Only a bit.
Another hour passes before gesturing with my snout in the direction of the camp—though we’re far away—indicating to the others to wrap it up. We’ll take what we have back home and celebrate my father for the remainder of the night—but suddenly another scent catches on the breeze. One I’m positive is in my head.
She can’t this be stupid.
Xander pauses too, his nose twitching in the air, head swivelling north. He glances at me, then back into the trees, a noise in his throat.
I growl, threatening him to back down—that he is to not go near her—and he responds with lowered ears. I nudge him with my nose in his flank, instructing him to follow the others. Then I turn in the direction of mynîkâkîstismate, finding her by the lake we met at.
She’s alone, standing with her hands clasped together as she gazes at the pond, which ripples occasionally on the breeze. It’s a picture of utter peace, all while a mess brews within me.
Claim.
Mate.
Keep.
She has to leave.Now.
Claim.
I scratch the forest floor.
She was gone, out of my life for good. Safe from the bond.
Mate.
I can’t fight her anymore.
She must leave…because if she doesn’t, my wolf won’t be reined in.
Keep.
For all the earlier reasons, she must go home and hide herself behind a barrier. For all the reasons I had when first learning what she is, we can’t do this.
Hunger ignites on my tongue, jaws opening, salivating. Her scent passes over my tongue. The wolf is hungry for its mate.
I stalk forward, purposely stepping on a stick to gain her attention.
She gulps, turning, except she has no reason to be nervous…yet.
No,I force the human side of me to remember reality, but the wolf snaps to shut up. No, I can’t do this. If I fuck her, instincts will kick in. It won’t only be sex; it’ll be a claiming. I’ll bite her, fuse the bond, and then she’ll be tied to me for the rest of her life.
I’ll feel what she does. Fear, anxiety, pleasure, happiness—everything will be mine.
I’ll keep her. She’ll stay in my cabin, my cave, my nest. She’ll give me pups and rule the packandthe coven.
No,I urge the wolf.Do not do this.
It’s damning us both to a life of heartache. Of two sides unwillingly attached. And from her side, it’ll beveryunwilling. Witches aren’t like shifters; they don’t have mates—she confirmed that. No mates, no instincts. My claim wouldn’t automatically mean she’ll want me, and once my bite is on her neck, there’s no going back for me.
I have to walk away now.
Instead, she starts my way.
A whine mixed with a growl attempts to stop her—and fails.
