Chapter 1 The beginning

As an abandoned orphan, I've known nothing about my past or identity. No family, No money, all I have to my name is a black belt in martial arts.

"Come on, Don't make me do this" Moriah hand shakes around the hilt of knife filled with blood.

Do it.

Silhouetted by the rising sun, the man standing before me is bound at my foot like a sacrifice, but still beautiful.

I step closer to the altar, the train of my wedding dress dragging like a weight behind me.

"I can't do this."

"You have to. Do it, Moriah." The man standing in the shadows ordered.

Slowly I move forward, meeting his golden eyes which glow and pulse with power.I press the blade to his throat...

"I'm sorry_"

I gasp. "I am so sorry".

"Don't apologize birthday girl, that was a damn good hit" Sarah said with a chuckle.

My friend and partner works her jaw where my fist connected harder than intended.

"No I shouldn't have gone all out. We were just loosening up after class." I said brushing a stray curl from my cheek and offering Sarah a hand.

My body might not look intimidating in leggings and a hoodie, but years of martial arts packed strength into every inch of my 5'6 frame.

"Girl it's alright. Where did you get that strength from anyway, were your parents vikings or something?" Sarah said jokingly.

Oh come on, Vikings? Really?. Well that's not what I was told. They were in a cult remember? A bad enough one that I got taken away and put in foster care.

"I'm just saying, vikings parents would've made more sense than the cult thing." Sarah said, slinging her bag over her shoulder.She frowns "I'm sorry for bringing them up on your birthday, I'm an idiot."

Although her words sting a little bit I force a smile

"Oh, no it's okay. I never knew them anyways.

Now I am out of the system, allowed to drink...being an adult rocks."

"I'll catch you later, have a good night." I say with a smile.

Sarah waves goodbye, and I finish locking up. I move to grab my coat but a massive bang halts me in my tracks. The front door flies off it's hinges.

Against the haze of the rain stands the chiseled outline of a man.

"Finally I found you." said the stranger in the shadows.

Like an animal appearing out of the darkness, he slowly, deliberately, moves into the light. His golden eyes gleaming beneath soaked lashes. Muscles taut under his soaked black tee, he looked like someone sculpted from danger and secrets.

"I should have known I'll find you in a place like this" the stranger laughs softly and touches a punching bag.

I stiffen, a bit of fright crept in me, who is this guy? Why is he here?

"I'm sorry, sir, but the dojo's closed"

"Oh, I'm not here for a lesson" he said with a smirk

Lightning strikes, Illuminating his lean muscles and sharp, feral eyes. Eyes trained on you.

Calm down Moriah, you know what to do in situations like this. I straighten to my full height as I stare the man down.

"Maybe you didn't hear me. The dojo is closed. Please leave.

He smirks haughtily ,his dark smile both stunning and aggravating. "Or what?" he said still smiling

"Or I'll make you." I said with confidence in my voice.

His smile widens. "I'd really like to see you try."

My mind made up, I lunge for him.

His eyes widen a fraction ,but he dodges my attack with fluid ease, as if he's dancing with me.

He laughs.

"Damn, you've got spunk, I'll give you that, Moriah"

What? how does he know my name? "Who the hell are you? And how do you know who I am?" I asked with a hint of curiosity in my voice.

"The name's Caden and I'd know you anywhere. You're my mate after all."

His strange words hit me harder than the lighting cracking overhead.

"Your....mate? What is that supposed to mean?"

"It means you're mine." he said rather coolly.

Okay this guy's crazy.

"Uh..does that line ever work for you?"

He lets out a bark of laughter, maintaining his cocky composure

"You'd be surprised how many women would love to be called my mate. But that honour lies solely with you Moriah." his smile fades.

"You're my mate and you are coming with me. Right now." He said facing towards the exit. "Happy birthday by the way."

Okay forget what I said about handling this at first. I bolt for the exit but before I can reach it, two hulky men stand in my way.

Lightning strikes overhead.

"So this is her?" A tall bulky-looking guy said.

"This bitch doesn't look like much, does she beau?" the other one, less tall and less bulky said.

Remember our orders Erik, you can't hurt her." Beau said

"Me? hurt her? come on man,if anything we should be afraid of her." Erik said with a slight hint of sarcasm in his voice.

"She's no threat to you, just hurry up and take her." Caden said, looking serious.

A chorus of haunting howls drift in through the smashed entryway. Caden's eyes darken. "We don't have much time."

Oh my God, this is insane, they're actually trying to kidnap me. I take a step back as they surround me, my hands curls into fists. I should do something, stat.

"Wait, please, I didn't do anything." I said with a tremble in my voice as I shook pretentiously.

"You're a coward aren't you, little girl?" Erik said with a smirk.

Erik gives me a kick and I stumble forward, putting myself closer to the doorway.

"Makes sense. Cowardice is in your blood."

What does he mean by in my blood? I just need to get closer to the door and get the hell outta here.

I try to crawl away but Erik kicks me in the stomach hard, I wheeze, pain surged through me, the wind knocked out of me.

"What did I tell you about hurting her?" Caden said in an angry tone.

Caden shoves Erik back with a vicious glare. Erik bows his head begrudgingly.

"I'm sorry, Moriah. Not everyone appreciates that fire you have." Caden holds out his hand to me, his once-sharp eyes tinged with concern. "Here, let me help you."

I stare at Caden's open palm, steady and radiating a strange warmth, even in the cold. But I see an opportunity too. An opportunity in how open and relaxed he is, an opportunity to trick him and escape.

But I have second thoughts, I still don't trust this man.

With a snarl I lob a wad of spit onto Caden's open palm.

"I'm not falling for your 'generosity'"I said, helping myself get up.

Before he could move, I turned and bolted out of the building and into the pouring rain.

I start moving forward but the sound of pounding footsteps hot on my tail makes my heart skip a beat.

"You can't run from us kid." I heard a voice that sounded like Beau's own.

How are they so close? I glance around as I frantically strategize, I have to get away.

I barrel into several trash cans, shoving them behind me as the guys chasing after me stumble on them and fall over each other while I make a break for it turning into a side alley with my back.

"Easy."

I skid to a halt and turn around and find Caden already blocking my path.

"How did you_" I said with shock

"Look I'm not trying to hurt you." His eyes almost glow in the darkness as he moves closer. My body reacts to his proximity as if lit by a match.

"Moriah."

"Stop saying my name like you know me."

"I know more than you think."

"Mhmm, like what? I question him.

"Like who your parents are." He said with a blank expression.

I freeze at his words, staring at him with bewilderment in the pouring rain. Lightning strikes overhead.