The forest around me was alive with secrets. Tall pines loomed overhead, branches creaking under the weight of snow. Somewhere in the distance, an owl hooted, but otherwise, the woods were deathly silent. Too silent. It was as if even the wind was holding its breath, waiting to see if I'd be foolish enough to cross the line.
I crouched near the border marker an ancient tree with claw marks that looked older than my entire bloodline. My fingers brushed the rough bark, cold biting into my skin. I could almost hear my father's voice in my head, lecturing me about the dangers of the Shadowfang Pack. "Never trust a wolf who smiles with teeth. They'll devour you and thank you for the taste."
But he wasn't here. And my pack was falling apart without him. And I the Alpha's stubborn daughter was the only one reckless enough to try to fix it.
I closed my eyes, inhaling the sharp, earthy scent of pine needles, damp soil and something else. A hint of smoke. Wild, dark. Foreign. My wolf bristled, ears flattening. She was stronger than me, angrier than me. She wanted to fight, but I forced her back down. Not yet.
A low growl rolled through the darkness. I stiffened, spinning around just as a figure stepped into the clearing, shadows peeling away from him like a second skin.
He looked carved from midnight all hard muscle and dangerous grace. His hair was black as pitch, longer than most wolves kept theirs, brushing the collar of his leather jacket. He wore no coat, though the night was freezing, as if the cold knew better than to touch him.
But it was his eyes that made my pulse stumble. I'd heard about them storm-gray, flecked with silver when the moonlight hit just right. They were the eyes of a predator who had never known fear.
"Little pup," he drawled, voice rough like gravel yet disturbingly smooth. "You've wandered far from your den."
"Ronan." I spat his name like poison, ignoring the way my heart slammed against my ribs. "Alpha of the Shadowfangs. I expected you'd send your guards. I didn't think you'd come yourself."
His mouth curved, revealing a hint of fang. "You're trespassing on my land. Why shouldn't I greet my guest personally?"
I forced my shoulders back. "I'm not your guest. I came for a deal."
Ronan's laugh was low and humorless, echoing through the trees. He began circling me, boots crunching on the snow. I turned with him, refusing to show my back. I knew what he was what he could do.
"A deal?" he echoed, tasting the word like fine wine. "What could you possibly have that I want?"
I lifted my chin, ignoring the chill sinking into my bones. "Our lands are dying. The river that feeds my pack's territory is poisoned and we both know it starts in yours."
His eyes narrowed, a flicker of something darker passing through the storm clouds. "And?"
"And I know you have the power to fix it. You've kept your half pure while ours rots." My voice cracked, but I didn't back down. "Help us. I'll give you whatever you want in return."
He stopped behind me, so close I could feel the heat radiating off his body. His scent was everywhere - pine and smoke and something that made my wolf pace inside my head, confused and hungry.
"Anything I want?" he murmured against my ear.
I swallowed. "Name it."
His chuckle rumbled through me like thunder. "Careful, little wolf. Some debts can't be paid with gold or land."
I spun to face him, nearly slamming into his chest. He towered over me, all coiled strength and shadows. I hated that my breath caught at how infuriatingly handsome he was like a blade wrapped in silk.
"I don't care what you want," I lied. "If it saves my pack, I'll do it."
He leaned down, nose brushing my temple, inhaling deeply. His eyes flared silver when they met mine. "And what if what I want... is you?"
My wolf slammed against my ribcage, snarling. I gritted my teeth. "I'm not yours. I'll never be yours."
Ronan's smile turned sharp enough to draw blood. He lifted a hand, brushing a snowflake from my cheek, his fingers lingering. The bond snapped into place with a force that stole the air from my lungs a sudden, blinding heat, a pull so deep my knees almost buckled.
Mate.
My vision blurred as the word carved itself into my bones. My wolf whimpered - not from fear, but from a desperate, traitorous joy.
"No," I whispered, my voice breaking. "No, this isn't possible. I hate you."
His eyes gleamed with something feral. "Hate is just another way to say mine, Isabella."
I shoved him back, ignoring the sparks that skittered across my skin at his touch. "You killed my father. I'll never accept this."
His hand closed around my wrist, his grip unyielding yet gentle. "Your father died because he was a fool who refused to bend. Don't make the same mistake."
I snarled, baring my teeth. "I'd rather die than be your bonded mate."
He leaned in, forehead resting against mine. "You can try to run, little wolf. But fate doesn't care about your pride. And neither do I.
His words sank into my skin like a promise. Somewhere deep in the forest, a lone wolf howled, its cry echoing through the trees a warning, or maybe a blessing.
I didn't know which yet. But I did know one thing
I was bound to my worst enemy and I would rather burn the world to ash than bow to him.
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