Chapter 3 His gaze is Everything I ever wanted.

Emily sat on the edge of the bed, staring down at her trembling hands. The power she had unleashed back at Sparkling Star still lingered in her mind, a mystery she couldn't unravel. She had no idea where it had come from or how she had managed to summon it. All she knew was that it had terrified her pack, leaving her banished and alone in a strange new place.

Arthur Neville, the Alpha of the Woodland Territory, had saved her. But why? She was nothing to him-just a stray wolf with nowhere to go. Yet his kindness, the gentle way he carried her, and the warmth of his smile had sparked something in her she hadn't felt in years. Hope.

The door creaked open, and Arthur stepped inside. His commanding presence filled the room, but there was a calmness about him that made her feel safe. His piercing green eyes met hers, and for a moment, the world outside the small room disappeared.

"You look better," he said, his voice steady and soothing.

Emily managed a faint smile. "I feel better. Thanks to you."

Arthur moved closer, pulling a chair to sit across from her. "You're not like the others, are you?" he asked, his gaze searching hers.

Emily's smile faded as she dropped her eyes to the floor. "No. I'm not."

"You don't have to tell me everything now," Arthur said gently. "But I can see you've been through a lot. Whatever happened in your territory-it wasn't your fault."

His words struck something deep inside her. For years, she had been blamed for everything, treated as though her existence was a curse. But here he was, this alpha, telling her that it wasn't her fault. It felt like a weight was lifting from her chest.

"How can you be so sure?" she whispered, her voice shaking.

Arthur leaned forward, his expression softening. "I've seen enough to know when someone's carrying guilt they don't deserve."

His words were like a soothing balm. For the first time in years, Emily dared to believe that she might not be the curse her pack had claimed she was.

Arthur reached out, placing his hand on hers. His touch was warm and steady, grounding her. "You're safe here," he said softly. "No one will hurt you."

Emily looked up, meeting his eyes. Something unspoken passed between them-a connection she couldn't explain. She didn't want it to end.

"Why did you save me?" she asked, her voice filled with uncertainty.

Arthur's lips curled into a faint smile. "Because you needed someone. And because you're worth saving."

Those words echoed in her mind. *Worth saving.* No one had ever said that to her before-not her parents, her pack, or anyone else.

Before she realized what she was doing, Emily leaned forward and kissed him. It was a tentative kiss, soft and unsure, but when their lips met, a spark ignited. Arthur didn't pull away. Instead, he deepened the kiss, his hand moving to her cheek.

The tenderness in his touch melted the fear and pain that had consumed her for so long. For the first time in years, Emily felt alive.

Their kisses grew more urgent, and Emily's body responded to his every move. A warmth spread through her as she let herself be vulnerable, let herself trust someone. Arthur's hands rested on her waist, pulling her closer as their connection deepened.

She hadn't realized how much she needed this-needed to feel close to someone, needed to matter to someone. All the hurt and rejection she had carried seemed to fade away in Arthur's embrace.

His hands explored her, his touch careful and deliberate. Emily gasped at the sensations coursing through her. She had never allowed herself to be this open with anyone, but with Arthur, it felt right.

"Are you sure?" he murmured, his voice low and husky.

Emily nodded, her heart racing. "Yes. I'm sure."

Arthur kissed her again, and they gave in to the moment, letting desire guide them. The world outside didn't matter.

Later, as they lay tangled together in the sheets, Arthur wrapped an arm around her. His warmth surrounded her, and for the first time, she felt at peace.

"Thank you," she whispered.

Arthur pressed a kiss to her forehead. "You're not alone anymore. You'll never be alone again."

Emily closed her eyes, letting his words sink in. She didn't know what the future held, but she finally felt like she belonged.

---

The next morning, sunlight spilled through the curtains, painting the room in a golden glow. Emily stirred, her eyes fluttering open to find Arthur still beside her, his arm draped protectively over her waist.

She watched him for a moment, her heart swelling with a feeling she couldn't quite name. His presence brought her a calm she hadn't known in years.

But as she lay there, a troubling thought crept into her mind. The Evergreen Clan. The vampires who had attacked her pack were still out there, still a threat to everyone she cared about.

Arthur stirred, his eyes opening. He smiled at her, and for a moment, her worries melted away.

"Good morning," he murmured, his voice thick with sleep.

"Good morning," Emily replied, smiling softly.

"You look happy," Arthur remarked, brushing a strand of hair from her face.

"I am," she admitted. "I haven't felt this way in... a long time."

Arthur's expression grew serious. "You deserve to be happy, Emily."

Her smile faltered. "The Evergreen Clan... They're still out there, aren't they?"

Arthur nodded, his jaw tightening. "Yes. And they'll keep coming."

Emily swallowed hard, fear gnawing at her. "They want me."

Arthur's hand covered hers. "Then they'll have to get through me first." I will find every means to protect you and nothing in this world will make me lose you.

Her heart ached at his words. She wanted to believe in his promise, but she knew the Evergreen Clan wouldn't stop. Not until they had her.