Chapter 16....She didn’t turn back

Leon accompanied Xavier and Ana to help them settle in. Since Xavier was a feral, the Tiger Clan members might mistake him for a wild beast and attack. If they did, it wouldn't be a loss for Xavier—but for them, it would mean certain death.

Leon moved ahead in his tiger form, ensuring no one interfered, while Xavier carried Ana in his arms, partially in his human form. When they arrived at a secluded place, Leon shifted back and gestured toward it.

"You can stay here from now on."

Xavier scanned the area before narrowing his eyes at Leon. "How much does it cost?"

Leon shook his head. "No need to pay. It's a small gift—for Ana."

Xavier's expression darkened instantly. His grip on Ana tightened. "I don't need anyone's help." His voice was sharp, almost a growl. "I can take care of my mate."

Reaching into his belongings, he pulled out a gemstone and tossed it toward Leon. "Take this and leave."

Leon hesitated, but seeing the raw possessiveness in Xavier's eyes, he didn't argue. With a nod, he took the gemstone and walked away.

Once they were alone, Xavier gently placed Anna down. "Sleep here and rest. I'll go back to our cave and bring the rice we bought. I won't be long. I'll come before sunrise"

Ana nodded reluctantly, watching as he disappeared into the distance.

Next morning...

Xavier returned quickly, carrying the sack of rice. As he set it down, a thought gnawed at him, something Leon and Liana had said earlier.

His golden eyes darkened as he looked at Ana. "Bella, I need to ask you something."

She turned to him, sensing his sudden change in tone. "What is it?"

Xavier exhaled sharply. "They talked about our babies. About… aborting them. Tell me the truth—what happened?"

Ana stiffened slightly before looking away. She bit her lip before answering. "Before they severed my bond, they gave me a medicine. I think it was an abortion herb. Drinking it stirred my cycle, and I got my period immediately. They assumed I was pregnant… and thought they had killed our babies."

Xavier's jaw clenched. "But that's impossible. We never mated."

Ana nodded. "I know."

Xavier's fists tightened, his claws digging into his palms. "Then why did they believe it?"

Ana sighed. "Because I let them believe it."

Xavier's gaze snapped to her, unreadable.

She swallowed hard. "I didn't know how long it would take for you to come. If my period came again the next month, it would have raised suspicion. And if they weren't good people, they might have turned me into a breeder."

Xavier's expression remained unreadable, but the rage in his eyes simmered. Not at her—but at them. But he was happy that she didn't believe them. She only believes him.

Ana's voice wavered. "I did what I had to, Xavier."

Silence stretched between them before he finally spoke, his voice softer but firm. "I know you're in your period, Bella. And don't worry—your secret is always safe with me."

Ana hesitated before asking, "Are you really going to mate with me after my period stops?"

She spoke carefully, word by word, uncertainty and fear laced in her tone.

Xavier tilted his head. He wasn't sure what she was feeling, but he answered honestly. "I really want to mate with you. Your scent is driving me crazy. I don't even know how I'm holding myself back."

Ana's breath hitched. She liked him, but the thought of becoming a mother so soon made her nervous. She looked at him expectantly, unsure of what to say.

Xavier sighed and continued, "But I will wait for you Bella. Until you accept me fully. Until you want me willingly. I will never force you. When you are ready, we will mate—not out of fear, not because of love, but because you want to."

Ana exhaled, relief washing over her.

———————————————————–

Meanwhile, back at the castle, Xander slowly regained consciousness, his body aching from the wounds inflicted by Xavier. His mother, Luana, sat beside him, tending to him carefully.

The moment he was aware, he croaked out, "Where… where is Ana?"

Liana hesitated before finally telling him everything that had happened.

Xander clenched his fists, his nails digging into his palm. He had failed. He couldn't protect her.

Liana's voice was soft. "Don't worry, Cub. She will be safe with him."

Xander let out a bitter laugh, his voice laced with pain. "Yes, she will be safe with him. No one can touch her. No one can go near her… Not even me."

There was a flicker of desperate hope in his eyes. "Did she—Did she even look back? Did she come to see me?"

Liana hesitated too long. Xander's heart clenched.

Finally, she spoke. "No, son."

The last thread of hope inside him snapped.

"She didn't turn back."

Liana placed a hand on his shoulder. "But don't lose hope. They're staying in town. There's still a chance."

But Xander barely heard her.

Because in his heart, he already knew—Ana had chosen the feral.