The forbidden mate

Standing beneath a streetlight was Xavier. His presence was as commanding as she remembered, his sharp features illuminated by the golden glow.

"You," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Xavier stepped forward, his gray eyes locked on hers. "I wanted to make sure you got home safely."

Amara's heart raced. "You didn't have to do that. I can take care of myself."

"I'm sure you can," he said, his voice low and calm. "But it doesn't mean you should have to."

Something about the way he said it made her chest tighten. She searched his face, trying to understand why this man—this stranger—seemed to care so much.

"Why are you doing this?" she asked.

Xavier hesitated, the weight of his answer pressing heavily on his shoulders. "Because I can't ignore it," he admitted.

"Ignore what?"

"The pull," he said simply, his voice almost a whisper.

Amara's brows furrowed. "I don't understand."

"You don't have to," Xavier said. "Just know that you're not alone anymore."

Before she could respond, he turned and walked away, leaving her standing under the streetlight, her mind swirling with questions.

Xavier returned to the pack house that night, his wolf restless and agitated. He paced his office, the memory of Amara's green eyes haunting him.

Logan entered, his expression curious. "You saw her again, didn't you?"

Xavier didn't answer.

"You can't keep fighting this, Xavier. The bond will only grow stronger."

"She's human," Xavier said for what felt like the hundredth time.

"And you're her mate," Logan replied. "Do you think the universe cares about your excuses?"

Xavier growled low in his throat, but Logan didn't back down.

"You're the Alpha," Logan continued. "It's your job to protect her. Whether you like it or not, she's part of your world now."

Xavier sat down heavily in his chair, his head in his hands. He knew Logan was right. But the thought of dragging Amara into his dangerous, chaotic life filled him with dread.

For the first time in years, the mighty Alpha felt truly powerless.

The days that followed were a blur for Xavier. He threw himself into work at Blackthorne Enterprises during the day and attended to his duties as Alpha at night. But no matter how much he tried to distract himself, Amara was always there—lingering in his thoughts, a constant pull on his mind and heart.

At the pack house, the tension among the Blood Moon Pack was palpable. Rogue attacks had increased, their movements bolder and more organized than ever. The warriors were stretched thin, and unease rippled through the ranks.

Xavier stood at the head of the long conference table in the pack's war room, his Beta Logan and Gamma Marcus on either side of him. The room was filled with warriors, their expressions a mix of determination and worry.

"They hit another one of our patrols last night," Logan reported, pointing to a map spread across the table. "Here. Two miles from the eastern border."

"Casualties?" Xavier asked, his voice sharp.

"Three injured, but they'll recover," Marcus replied. "The rogues didn't stick around long. It was a hit-and-run."

Xavier's jaw tightened. "They're testing us. Trying to find weaknesses in our defenses."

"Or trying to send a message," Marcus said grimly.

Xavier's gaze swept over the room. "Double the patrols on the eastern and southern borders. I want reports every hour. And make sure the civilians are warned to stay within pack territory."

"Yes, Alpha," the warriors responded in unison.

As the meeting adjourned, Logan lingered behind, his arms crossed. "You've got that look again," he said.

"What look?" Xavier asked, though he already knew the answer.

"The one that says you're carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders," Logan replied. "You can't do everything alone, Xavier. Let the pack help."

Xavier sighed, running a hand through his hair. "This isn't just about the rogues, Logan. There's... something else."

Logan's brow arched. "Amara?"

Xavier nodded. "I can't stop thinking about her. My wolf is restless, and the bond keeps pulling me toward her. But bringing her into this world... it's too dangerous."

Logan placed a hand on Xavier's shoulder. "The bond isn't something you can fight. You need to tell her the truth."

"She won't understand," Xavier said. "And even if she did, what then? The pack would never accept her. A human Luna?"

Logan's expression softened. "You're the Alpha, Xavier. It's not their decision—it's yours. And if she's your mate, the pack will have no choice but to accept her. You know that."

Xavier didn't respond. Deep down, he knew Logan was right. But the fear of putting Amara in harm's way was a burden he couldn't ignore.