Mate!
Darius’s POV
The scent of her clings to me. Wild, intoxicating, maddening. Even drenched in rogue blood, stained by fear and exhaustion, she smells like something sacred. My wolf claws at me from the inside, snarling, demanding I never let her go.
"Mate! He growls. The word echoes through me, shaking the iron control I’ve built over centuries. I never thought the Goddess would give me one. Never asked for it. Never wanted it. But now that she is in my arms, soft and trembling, I know I’ll burn the world before I let fate take her from me. She struggles weakly, her fists pressing against my chest as though she can break free. A growl rumbles in my throat, low and warning. The night is full of dangers, full of scouts, rogues, rival packs that would pay in blood to see me weakened. She doesn’t understand. She thinks I carry her out of dominance. She doesn’t see that I carry her because if I don’t, she’ll collapse. She is exhausted, starved and wounded. Still, she fights me. Defiance sparks in her eyes, even through the fear. Beautiful, stubborn wolf. She doesn’t yet know that her fire only fuels my own.
“I said put me down,” She snaps, her voice brittle. My lips twitch, the faintest ghost of amusement. Fierce little thing.
“You’ll walk when I decide it’s safe. Until then, save your strength,” I whisper, my tone sharp but even. She huffs, her head turning away from me, but she doesn’t fight harder. Not really. Her pulse still flutters against my chest, quick and uneven, but her body eases slightly into mine. My wolf is excited at the contact, a savage pride filling me. She fits. She doesn’t know it yet, but she belongs here. I leap over a fallen log, my stride long and smooth, and push deeper into the forest. The rogues’ stench lingers behind us, but fresh air carries new scents forward: pine, water, safety. My territory is still a day’s run from here, but we’ll make it. She will set foot in my stronghold, and the world will learn that she is mine. But her words echo in me, thorn-sharp.
“I was a mate once, and it destroyed me,” Her words echo through my head. Who dared? Who looked at this woman, this wolf strong enough to defy me even half-dead, and chose another?
Rage surges in my chest, violently. My claws itch to tear him apart, my teeth ache to rend his heart. Whoever he is, he lives on borrowed time. I don’t need a name. I only need a direction. When I find him, I will end him, slowly. Her head shifts against me, and her hair brushes my neck. The simple contact sends heat racing down my spine. My wolf growls in satisfaction, claiming her in every heartbeat. But beneath the hunger is something darker, something I’ve never allowed myself to feel. Need! Not just for her body, but also for her trust, loyalty and surrender to my love and our bond. I grit my teeth, forcing air through my lungs. No, I will not cage her. I will not be what that bastard was to her. I will not take from her. I will earn her trust and heart. She’ll fight me, I see that already. But I will fight harder, and I will win. The forest thins as we approach a stream, moonlight rippling across the water. I pause, kneeling to set her gently on a rock near the bank. Her eyes snap open, suspicion laced with exhaustion.
“You think I chose this? I didn’t. The Goddess did. You are my mate, and nothing in this world will change that,” I say. My voice is rougher than I intend. She flinches, and I hate myself for the edge in my tone.
“I will not hurt you. Not as he did.” I added softer this time. Her lips part, trembling, but she says nothing. I dip my hand in the stream, cupping the cold water before bringing it to her lips. She hesitates, glaring at me as though I’ve offered poison, then finally sips. Relief flickers in me. She’s drinking because I gave it, because she trusts me, even if only a fraction of her trusts me. It is a start. It is enough for now. She leans back against the rock, her eyes fluttering shut, exhaustion dragging her under. My wolf snarls, hating her weakness, hating that she is so thin and fragile, but I settle beside her, keeping watch as she drifts into sleep. My gaze traces her features. Her cheek hollowed from hunger, lips chapped, lashes trembling. Even in ruin, she is stunning. A queen in the ashes. My queen. I clench my fists, forcing my fury into silence. Tomorrow, I will take her into my territory. I will clothe her, feed her, and give her strength again. When she’s ready, when she’s healed, I will make her mine. My Queen. The world will bow to her. What about the one who broke her? He will beg for death before I am done with him. I realise I do not even know her name. Who is she? Doesn't she have anyone who cares about her? Doesn't she have family who worries about her?
"What is your name, little one?" I whisper.
"Aria, Aria Hale," She says, half asleep. I don't think she even realised she told me her name. She is between sleep and awake. We cannot stay here. It is in the open. I will have to carry her a little further. However, not now. She must get rest. I also need rest. We will continue in a while. I will not sleep. I will stay next to her. I will keep her safe. I know once we reach my territory, we will be safe, as no one will follow me there. They will not dare! Everyone fears me, yet everyone wants to kill me. I was at my hunting lodge when I decided to go deeper into the woods. I travelled for a day, not knowing why I was wandering outside my territory. I look at Aria's face. Did the Moon Goddess lead me to her? Did she know Aria needed me? I shiver to think what would have happened if I had not shown up when the rogues attacked her. It is just another thing he, whoever her mate was, will have to pay for.