Kane’s POV:
Every wolf in Darkmoon knew the score: I was the strongest creature alive, and the night belonged to me.
I tore through the forest at breakneck speed. Running was the only way to drown out the noise in my head. I was almost finished with my hunt when a distant howl pierced the air.
I slammed to a halt, zeroing in on the sound.
My wolf snarled at the interruption. Pushing off the dirt, I charged blindly through the trees. Branches snapped beneath my boots as the copper stench of blood hit the air.
But beneath the blood lay a familiar scent. My wolf clawed at my chest as I broke into the clearing and spotted two rogues cornering a girl.
She stood dead center, gripping a silver dagger. Even backed into a corner, her eyes blazed with defiance.
Once I finished slaughtering her attackers, she warned, “Don’t come closer.” Her voice shook, but she didn't lower her weapon.
I locked eyes with her, and recognition hit me like a truck.
Nadia.
The wolfless girl. The daughter of Alpha Victor.
My beast surged as her scent washed over me. She was wild, she was impossible, and by the Moon Goddess, she was mine.
My jaw clenched as I closed the distance. Behind me, my pack warriors crashed through the brush, drawn by the same rogue howls.
Before she could blink, I swatted the dagger from her grasp. I snatched her wrist and yanked her flush against my chest.
“Why,” I asked, “do you smell like you belong to me?”
She fought like a wildcat to break my hold. “Let me go,” she hissed.
Not a chance. I gave my warriors a curt nod as they entered the clearing. They gaped, clearly floored that I was letting a wolfless girl fight my grip.
I couldn't care less about their gossip. My mind zeroed in on her.
I kept my mouth shut as I dragged her toward the Darkmoon Fortress. The sprawling town was carved right into the mountain. Guards manned the iron gates and instantly bowed at the sight of me. “Alpha King.”
Nadia dug her heels in. “You can’t just kidnap me!” she screamed.
The gates swung open. Inside my territory, every wolf stopped dead in their tracks as we passed.
Caked in mud, Nadia didn't even notice the burning glares. She was too busy shooting daggers at my back. The pack parted like the Red Sea as I steered her toward my palace.
Whispers already rippled through the crowd. My guards were too stunned to move, so I kicked the stone doors open myself. I dragged her straight into my private wing and tossed her into the guest room next to mine.
Nadia stumbled but caught her balance.
“Are you insane?” she shrieked.
Chuckling, I shut the door behind us.
Then, I released my lethal aura. The crushing pressure flooded the small room.
Most weak wolves would have hit the hard floor instantly. But Nadia held her ground. Her shaking legs stayed straight. She didn't realize her fatal mistake until she met my predatory eyes.
In a shattered second, she panicked. Her stiff spine suddenly collapsed. She forced a fake sob and let her soft knees hit the rough carpet. She looked up with watery eyes, trying to play the innocent victim.
My inner wolf snarled. He felt a fierce desire.
Mark her. Claim her. Now.
Swallowing the urge, I closed the gap.
“Drop the act—you were nearly torn apart by those two wolves just now, and you still have the energy to play games with me?” I commanded. “I know you recognize me. And I know exactly who you are.”
Nadia’s brow furrowed. She took a step back, fear pooling in her eyes.
“You aren't some clueless human,” I pressed. “Isn’t that right, Nadia? Daughter of Victor.”
Dead silence filled the room.
Then, her fear vanished, replaced by something unexpected—pure fury.
“What do you want, Alpha Kane?” she demanded through gritted teeth.
Direct and bold. I liked that.
“Your father once did me a solid,” I said, pausing as raw pain flickered across her face.
“The wild rumors are true,” I whispered against her burning ear. I tilted my head, watching her pale skin. “Tell me, Nadia. How did the previous Alpha die?”
Nadia kept her dry lips shut. She stared at the grey wall with stubborn eyes.
I grabbed her fragile jaw with brutal fingers. I forced her shaking face up to meet my lethal gaze. “Answer me,” I growled with a deep vibration. “Or I will throw your small body to the starving rogues outside.”
Her brave mask finally cracked.
“My evil uncle slaughtered him,” she choked out through salty tears. Her tiny fists gripped the rough blanket until her sharp knuckles turned ghostly white. “He did the bloody deed with the hidden help of the wicked Council.”
I nodded. “Just as I suspected.” An idea sparked in my mind. “I can keep you safe. Offer you a real shot at the payback you crave.”
Nadia raised an eyebrow, eyeing me with heavy suspicion. “For what price?”
I smirked, stepping into her space and snatching her hands before she could pull away. Leaning down, I looked dead into her eyes. “You become my mate.”
Silence hung heavy between us as the offer sank in. Suddenly, she let out a dark chuckle and nodded.
“Fine,” she whispered.
My wolf howled with anticipation. I leaned in, but as my ear brushed her lips, she lunged. Her teeth sank hard into my skin.
“I’d rather die than be your caged bird,” she hissed.
The pain was just a pinch. My skin was far too tough for human teeth to pierce, but the sheer nerve of it left me stunned.
Hot rage boiled over, and my control snapped. I grabbed her and yanked her violently against my chest.
Her scent hit me again, stronger and completely overwhelming.
I glared down at her, a low growl rumbling in my throat. We locked eyes in a breathless standoff. But as I stared into her defiant gaze, the storm raging inside me vanished.
I realized one undeniable fact. Nadia was my fated mate.
My starving wolf broke its heavy chains with a deafening roar. I abandoned my useless resistance.
I buried my teeth into her creamy collarbone. Her arched body gave a violent jerk as I left my permanent mark.