Fate

Malik (mal - ick)

There she was. The woman I had waited nineteen years for. Even from miles away, I could smell her intoxicating scent. My mate. My reason for existing. I had nearly given up hope of ever finding her—until today. Her dark, curly hair framed her delicate face as she sat on the porch, mist from the rain lightly dusting her pale skin. She was breathtaking. Perfect in every way. Curled up in a swing, she rocked back and forth, gazing at the rain as if it were the most mesmerizing thing in the world. She had no idea I was watching. No idea I had been drawn to her the moment I caught her scent this morning. Carefully, I crept closer, my paws sinking into the mud, leaving a silent trail behind me. I was mere steps from the tree line when the porch creaked, and the sound made me freeze. A boy stepped outside. "Audra, Dad's calling you inside." he said, concern lacing his tone. "He's worried you'll catch a cold." I scoffed. As if anything could happen to her while I was watching. "Oh, Kai," she sighed, amusement dancing in her voice. "We both know Dad's not the only one who's worried. I'll be in soon, I'm not done soaking in the rain yet." Her voice wrapped around me like a warm embrace, sending a shiver down my spine. She turned back toward the trees, oblivious to my presence. "Dinner's almost ready, so don't stay out too long," He said as he turned to head back inside. As the door creaked shut, I exhaled, taking the moment to drink in her beauty once more. But then, in my excitement, I shifted my weight too carelessly, and a branch snapped beneath me. Her head snapped in my direction. Our eyes met. I didn't need to look into her eyes to know she was my mate—I had known the second I caught her scent. But now, staring into them, I felt something primal stir within me. A desperate urge to run to her, to claim her, to never let her go. But just as quickly as the moment came, it was gone. Her gaze flickered with hesitation before she turned and disappeared inside. Her scent lingered in the air, and I reveled in it until the wind carried it away. I should have left. But after waiting years for her, how could I? So, I stayed, watching from the shadows as she moved through the house. Creepy? Maybe. But I couldn't tear myself away. Hours passed. One by one, the lights in the house flickered off—except for hers. I waited, ready to leave for the night. But just as her light clicked off, movement caught my eye. She was coming outside. I retreated further into the shadows, watching as she found a hidden path and followed it into the woods. My pulse quickened. Why was she out here alone? I gave her a small head start before following her muddy footprints. They led me to a clearing, where I spotted her lying in the grass, staring up at the stars. I inched closer, my breath hitching as I took in her delicate features, the way the moonlight kissed her freckled skin. She was so small. So fragile. And yet, she was mine. As I noticed her breathing steady as she fell into a light slumber. I moved closer, lowering myself beside her, my large body easily twice her size. Carefully, I rested my head against her stomach, savoring the warmth of her body, the steady rhythm of her breath. She stirred but didn't wake. Hours passed. I could have stayed like that forever. But forever never lasted long. Her heart rate picked up. She was waking up. Reluctantly, I pulled away, retreating back into the cover of the trees. Then, my fur bristled. A presence. Danger? I turned sharply, ears perked, muscles tensed. And there, standing between the trees, was another wolf. A rogue. Dark gray fur. Predatory eyes. And they were locked on her. "She's mine," he snarled. A deep growl rumbled in my chest. I bared my fangs, lunging at him with full force. But he dodged—then bolted straight toward her. I hit the ground, pain bursting through me. Panic surged through me as I pushed up and shook off the dizziness. Blood dripped from my muzzle, but I ignored it. "SHE IS MINE!" I howled, sprinting after him with everything I had. By the time I reached them, she was on the ground, crying. The rogue towered over her, teeth bared. No. Rage exploded inside me. I lunged, this time landing my mark. My teeth sank deep into his scruff, yanking him off her. He yelped in pain as I threw him to the ground. We circled each other, the air crackling with the promise of violence. She sat frozen, watching in shock. "Go, Audra! Run!" I screamed in my head, praying she would somehow hear me. And as if she did, she scrambled to her feet and sprinted away. The rogue snarled. "You just cost me my dinner." His mistake was thinking he still had a fight to win. With nothing left to hold back, I unleashed my fury. I lunged, clamping my powerful jaws around his throat. He thrashed, but my grip was unrelenting. A sickening crunch. Then silence. The rogue's body slumped to the ground, lifeless. I took a deep breath, letting the scent of his blood remind me—I had won. Satisfied, I turned back toward the house, my chest swelling with pride. She was safe. I crept back to my original spot, just out of view, and watched. Minutes passed. Then, her silhouette appeared in the window. Relief flooded through me. She made it back. I lowered my head and began licking the blood from my paws, but then—her gaze met mine. She tensed. Then, she stood, shakily drawing closed a thin lace curtain. Fear flickered across her face. I sat under her window quickly scanning the area, making sure there was no threat. She peeked through the window again letting out a small scream. I looked around some more, nothing. So why was she scared? Then, realization hit me. It was me. I whimpered, lowering my ears. She turned away, disappearing into her room. I stayed there all night, watching, waiting. The sky lightened, dawn breaking over the horizon. But I didn't move. I would keep watching. Because she was mine. And I would protect her. No matter what.