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“You shouldn’t be out here alone,” he said, his deep voice sending a shiver down my spine.
I tried to sit up, but a wave of dizziness forced me back down. Kade crouched beside me, his massive frame surprisingly gentle as he reached out to steady me.
“You’ve been pushing yourself too hard,” he murmured softly.
My heart jolted, and I scrambled back. instinctively, pressing myself against the base of the ancient oak.
I shifted further away, my pulse quickening. “What… what do you want?”
His gaze narrowed slightly, not in anger but in curiosity. “You fainted in the middle of the forest. What I want is to ensure you don’t make it a habit.”
The clipped tone of his words only
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heightened my unease. Kade was known across the territories as a ruthless Alpha- merciless in battle, fiercely protective of his pack, and utterly indifferent to outsiders. I was no one to him, and the idea of being in his presence made my wolf stir with unease.
“Why… why here?” I asked, my
are v
voice trembling.
“I could ask you the same, Arden,” he replied, his eyes gleaming with something unreadable. “What is a she–wolf doing running blindly into the forest in the dead of night, tearing herself apart with grief?”
His words struck too close to the truth, and I averted my gaze, unwilling to let him see the raw pain in my eyes. “It’s none of your concern.”
“On the contrary,” he said, stepping closer. His voice lowered, dangerous and firm. “A lone wolf on the brink of collapse wandering my borders is my concern.”
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I stiffened at the implication. “Your borders? I didn‘ t realize I‘ d crossed into Shadowfang territory.”
“You did.” He crouched down so we were eye level, and I flinched slightly at his nearness. “Tell me, Arden. What are you running from?”
“I’m not running,” I snapped, though my voice faltered.
Kade tilted his head, studying me as if he could see straight into my soul. “You‘ re lying.”
The accusation stung, but it was the truth. I clenched my fists, feeling my claws dig into my palms as I fought the fresh wave of tears threatening to spill.
“I… I just needed to get away,” I admitted, my voice breaking. “I couldn‘ t stay there. Not after…”
My words faltered, and Kade‘ s expression softened ever so slightly, the sharp edges of his gaze dulling to something more
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thoughtful.
“You could be more,
“Kade continued,
his tone steady but commanding. “You could rise above this pain, leave behind the one who broke you, and take your rightful place as Luna. My Luna.”
Shock rippled through me, and I stumbled to my feet, shaking my head in disbelief. “Your Luna? I don‘ t even know you!”
“You will,” he said, his gaze unwavering. “Give me your loyalty, Arden, and I’ll give you a new purpose. A new beginning. No more tears, no more rejection–only strength, power, and a mate who will never abandon you. A mate who will actually cherish and appreciate you.”
His words were tempting, like a balm for the ache in my chest, but they also terrified me. I stepped back, my voice trembling. “I don’t belong here. I don’t belong with you.”
“You don’t belong in the shadows,
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either,” he countered, stepping closer, his presence overwhelming. “This is your chance, Arden. Stop running from the pain. Face it. Conquer it.”
Kade extended his hand, his silver eyes boring into mine with unshakable certainty. “The choice is yours. But know this: I can treat you better and keep you safe.”
“Okay.”
“Good,” Kade said softly, his voice carrying the promise of a storm. “You won’t regret this, Arden.”
And I know this is a betrayal.
