Chapter 4

Kade POV:

I caught her as she fell, her body limp and surprisingly light in my arms. Her scent, a dizzying mix of wildflowers and rain, filled my senses, and my wolf, Ares, howled in triumph.

*Mate! She is ours! Finally!*

I ignored him, my mind reeling. A mate. After all these years, after I had given up all hope, the Moon Goddess had finally seen fit to grant me one. And not just any she-wolf, but Debra, the daughter of Alpha Richard. A young, vibrant, and incredibly stubborn she-wolf who had just denied our bond.

I looked down at her face, peaceful in sleep. Her long, dark lashes rested against her pale cheeks, and a few stray strands of dark hair had fallen across her forehead. She was beautiful, even with the tear stains on her face and the sadness that seemed to cling to her like a second skin.

A wave of protectiveness, so fierce and primal it almost brought me to my knees, washed over me. I wanted to shield her from all the pain in the world, to slay her dragons, to be the one to bring a smile back to her face.

But she didn't want me. She had made that perfectly clear. *The Moon Goddess made a mistake.* Her words echoed in my mind, a sharp, painful sting.

*She is just scared,* Ares reasoned, his voice softer now. *She is hurting. We must be patient with her.*

Patience was not one of my virtues. I was used to taking what I wanted, to commanding and being obeyed. But with her, I knew I would have to tread carefully. I couldn't force her to accept me. The bond had to be accepted by both of us to be complete.

I carefully lifted her into my arms, her head resting against my chest. She snuggled closer in her sleep, a soft sigh escaping her lips. The simple, unconscious gesture sent a jolt of pure pleasure through me. It felt right, holding her like this. It felt like coming home.

I carried her away from the pack house, into the shadows of the surrounding forest. I couldn't take her back inside. Her father and his new bride would ask questions, and I was in no mood to deal with them.

I found a secluded clearing, a small patch of grass bathed in the soft light of the moon. I sat down, leaning against the trunk of an old oak tree, with Debra still cradled in my lap. I gently stroked her hair, marveling at its softness.

I had come to this wedding as a political obligation, a tedious affair I had been dreading for weeks. I had never imagined that I would find my mate here, in the heart of the Silver Ridge Pack.

I had known Alpha Richard for years. He was a decent leader, but he was weak, driven by ambition and a need for approval. I had met his first Luna, Eleanor, a few times before she passed. She was a kind, gentle soul, the complete opposite of her husband. I could see her in Debra – in her sad eyes, in her quiet strength.

And Marley... I had known her since she was a pup. She was the daughter of Alpha Clarkson of the Frosty River Pack, a spoiled, cruel she-wolf who had always gotten everything she wanted. I had no doubt that she was the one who had caused Debra so much pain tonight.

A low growl rumbled in my chest at the thought of it. Marley was the Luna of this pack now, but that didn't mean she was untouchable. If she ever laid a hand on my mate again, I would tear her limb from limb.

Debra stirred in my arms, her eyelids fluttering. She let out a small whimper, and I tightened my hold on her, murmuring soft, soothing words.

"Shh, you're safe," I whispered, my lips brushing against her temple. "I've got you."

She settled back down, her breathing evening out. I watched her for a long time, the silence of the forest a peaceful backdrop to the storm of emotions raging inside me.

I had a mate. A mate who didn't want me. A mate who was surrounded by enemies. A mate who was hurting.

This was not going to be easy. But I was Kade Blackwood. I didn't do easy. I would win her over, I would protect her, and I would make her mine.

I looked up at the moon, a silent prayer on my lips. The Moon Goddess had given me a gift, and I would not fail her. I would not fail Debra.

I would move heaven and earth to be the Alpha she deserved.