Chapter 8

Aurora

I was on top of him. My mate. His lips hovering near mine, his breath is slowly taking my life away.

His piercing blue eyes locked onto mine, and in that moment, I forgot everything—my pain, my fears, my reasons for running.

All I could see was him.

The world around us faded. The howling wind, the murmurs of his pack, the distant rustling of the trees—it all ceased to exist. It was just us, bound together by an invisible force stronger than anything I had ever known.

His gaze held me captive, a magnetic pull that sent shivers down my spine. My breath hitched as I felt the heat of his body beneath me, his strength, his power… his raw dominance.

With effortless strength, he lifted me to my feet, his touch igniting an explosion of tingles that raced up my arms and down my spine. Even in his wolf form, he was magnificent—a creature of the night, dangerous and breathtaking.

My legs wobbled beneath me, weakness clawing at my limbs, but I forced myself to stand tall. I couldn’t show my vulnerability. I wouldn’t.

But my mate—my Alpha—wasn’t fooled.

A low, deep snarl rumbled from his throat, vibrating through the air between us. My heart clenched painfully. Was he furious with me? Hurt?

I had run from him. I had torn myself away from the one person I was meant to belong to. I had hurt him deeply.

“Alpha.”

A group of his pack members appeared, bowing their heads in respect. Even in his wolf form, he nodded at them in acknowledgment before one of them stepped forward, carrying a pair of black shorts.

Two towering figures moved to my side, their imposing presence making it clear that they weren’t here just for show. They were here to guard me—to ensure I wouldn’t run again.

I swallowed hard.

Escape was no longer an option.

My mate turned, heading behind the trees, shifting out of his wolf form. I exhaled sharply, my body still tingling from the aftershocks of our brief contact.

Then, one of the warriors beside me spoke.

"Hey, Luna," a deep, amused voice greeted.

I blinked, looking up at the man grinning at me with mischief dancing in his dark eyes.

"I’m Theo, Beta of the Blood Moon Pack," he introduced himself, winking. "Nice to finally meet you!"

I just stared at him, utterly at a loss for words. His energy was the complete opposite of the storm that was my mate—light, playful, and carefree.

Was he… excited to see me?

Theo chuckled, undeterred by my silence. "It’s okay, Luna. I know you’re not comfortable yet, but don’t worry. We’re gonna be great friends!"

Friends?

I didn’t know what to say. I had never had friends except jade.

Before I could even process the idea, a sharp rustling from the trees made my breath hitch.

And He emerged. My mate. Zachary.

He strode toward me with slow, deliberate steps, his bare chest rising and falling with restrained power. His dark hair was slightly disheveled, his muscles tense beneath his tanned skin. Every movement was calculated, controlled—dangerous.

He was holding himself back.

But his eyes…They were stormy with emotion, with hurt.

Guilt clawed at my chest, twisting like a knife in my heart. I couldn't bear to see him like this—because of me. I did that to him.

Why did I have to do such thing? Why am I forced to do things that hurt others?

I dropped my gaze to the ground, unable to meet his stare. I was ashamed at myself.

He was right in front of me now, his warmth wrapping around me like a suffocating cocoon. My hands clenched at my sides, bracing for the anger, for the punishment, for the consequences of my actions.

But instead He pulled me into his arms.

I froze.

His embrace was firm, unyielding, as though he was afraid I would disappear if he let go. His scent enveloped me—earthy pine and something uniquely him. The moment his body pressed against mine, an electric current ignited between us, spreading warmth and tingles in its wake.

My breath caught in my throat.

I had never known what it felt like to be protected.

To be wanted.

To be loved.

But right now, wrapped in his arms, I felt everything. My walls cracked.

I leaned into him, letting his warmth seep into my skin, into my very soul. My wolf purred in satisfaction, whispering to his wolf in a language only they could understand.

For the first time in my life, I felt whole. I wanted to stay like this forever. I wanted to lose myself in him. He pulled away after few short seconds.

The warmth vanished.

I gasped softly at the sudden emptiness, my chest aching with a pain I didn’t understand. I looked up, searching his face, only to see something that made my heart shatter all over again.

Regret.

His jaw was clenched, his hands fisted at his sides as if he were at war with himself.

Why? Did he regret touching me? Holding me?

A lump formed in my throat, the familiar sting of rejection creeping into my bones.

"Theo," Zachary’s voice was low, controlled. "Take her to the pack house. I’ll meet you there."

Theo nodded in understanding. He left without even looking at me. "Is this how things are going to be?" I felt worthless. Not even my mate wanted me.

Pain lanced through me, so sharp and unbearable that I staggered back. My vision blurred, my body growing weak, but I clenched my fists, refusing to let the tears fall.

My wolf whimpered inside me, mourning the bond that I had just begun to hope for.

He doesn’t want us. We were just burden on everyone. I hated this feeling my whole life. This shouldn't be happening.

I swayed on my feet, the world spinning violently around me. My breath came in short gasps, my heart hammering against my ribs.

And then I let the Darkness consumed me.