Alpha Xavier Human Soulmate

I shivered as an icy breeze whispered through campus-or maybe it was the strange tingle racing down my spine, a warning that tonight was no ordinary night.

I peered out from my hiding spot behind a statue, my eyes scanning the neo-gothic buildings for any sign of movement.

Where was she going at this hour? I tucked an errant strand of auburn hair behind my ear, shifting impatiently as I waited for Ashley to emerge from our dorm.

My roommate was popular and outgoing, everything I was not. She had a magnetic personality that drew people in like moths to a golden flame. Her blonde hair, piercing green eyes, and beguiling smile turned heads wherever she went. Which was why her secretive behavior over the past few weeks unsettled me.

The mysterious phone calls she took, ducking out late at night only to return at dawn looking utterly spent.The most unsettling was the red scratching marks I saw two days ago on her back.

Did Ashley have a secret boyfriend? Was that a-hole beating her.

Something wasn't right. As her friend, it was my duty to make sure she was okay, no matter how strongly her recent actions signaled otherwise.

At long last, the carved wooden door of our building creaked open. I instinctively moved farther back behind the statue, peering around it as Ashley slipped outside. She wore fitted black jeans paired with a shimmering copper top that set off her lightly tanned skin and lustrous hair. Not an uncommon look for a night out, but her tension was palpable even from a distance-the tight set of her shoulders, the way her gaze darted about furtively before she set off across the empty courtyard.

Wherever she was going, she clearly didn't want to be seen or followed. But I doggedly trailed her from the shelter of trees and shadows anyway, curiosity and concern overcoming caution.

Ashley walked briskly, her strappy heels clicking on pavement and echoing off the historic buildings lining the path. She didn't even pause when a branch snapped loudly under my foot at one point. Her focus was razor sharp, bent on some mysterious destination that pulled her ever forward like a marionette jerking on invisible strings.

We passed through an elaborate wrought iron gate into a smaller, tree-lined park area I'd never explored before. Pristine landscaping gave way to wilder growth the farther we went, tall pines and thicker underbrush encroaching on the path.

I swallowed hard, my nerves tingling with the unspoken warning that I was somewhere I shouldn't be. But it was too late-Ashley disappeared around a curve and I quickened my pace, anxious to not lose sight of her.

The sight that greeted me when I rounded the last bend stole the breath from my lungs.

An imposing stone manor house dominated the landscape, pale and stately as it rose up in elegant spires and arches against the starless night sky.

Warm orange light spilled from every tapered window, though I saw no signs of inhabitants. The entire place had an eerie, haunted quality that raised the fine hairs at the back of my neck.

This place did not belong here, adjacent to a bustling college campus full with modern brick buildings and scenic quads. It was like someone had carved a piece out of another world and disturbingly grafted it onto ours.

I hesitated at the perimeter of the vast cleared lawn surrounding the structure. Something primal inside me screamed to turn back, to stop this reckless pursuit. But then I spotted Ashley ahead, striding purposefully toward the carved double front doors where two bulky suited men stood on guard, their faces hidden by shadows.

Curiosity won out over caution. Checking furtively for observers from the dark forest, I scurried from the concealing brush onto the expanse of the lawn, making for one of the towering topiaries dotting the grounds.

I held my breath as I slipped behind the giant bush trimmed to resemble a howling wolf, its leafy fangs forever captured in an endless, soundless cry at the moon above.

Between the branches, I had a partially obscured view of Ashley speaking with the guards, her profile taut with tension.

She held up something I couldn't quite make out-a necklace?-and the guards nodded, stepping aside to allow her entry. As she disappeared inside, the carved doors booming shut behind her, the full weight of uncertainty settled upon me.

What was this place? Why was Ashley here in the dead of night? And why did she seem so wired, as if ready to bolt at the slightest provocation?

I gnawed my lip anxiously. Part of me knew I should leave, return to the safety and sanity of campus before I got caught. But the truth was that I cared about Ashley.

After rooming together for almost three years, she had become the closest thing to family I had. If she was in some kind of trouble or danger, how could I walk away?

Which left me with only one clear, if utterly terrifying, choice-I had to get inside that manor. I had to find Ashley.

Steeling my nerves, I crept from the shelter of the topiary, crossing the expanse of lawn and climbing the stone steps on trembling legs.

My heart thudded wildly, the rush of blood pounding in my ears. I halted before the imposing doors, raising a shaky hand to grasp the wrought iron knocker crafted to resemble a roaring lion's head. I rapped twice and waited, casting wary glances into the shadowy trees ringing the clearing.

A full minute ticked by. I was beginning to think the place was abandoned when one of the heavy doors suddenly swung inward.

Warm light spilled over me, momentarily blinding after the darkness. I held my breath, startled to see an impeccably dressed young man fill the doorway-definitely no guard.

He was tall and leanly muscled, with artfully tousled raven hair that brushed his collar. I guessed he wasn't much older than I, but he regarded me with a piercing intelligence that seemed ageless. His assessing perusal sent an involuntary shiver down my arms.

"Can I help you?" His voice was smooth and courteous, touched with a hint of surprise.

I straightened, refusing to show weakness though my nerves still jangled with adrenaline. "Yes, I'm here for the...event?" I winced internally at how unconvincing I sounded.

One dark brow quirked upward. "Indeed. I wasn't aware additional guests were arriving at this hour. Might I have a name?"

I swallowed, my mind racing. I should turn and run back into the familiar safety of the night, away from the unanswered questions that filled this place like a rising tide. But I couldn't abandon Ashley.

"Serena," I managed finally, meeting his gaze squarely. "Serena Cross."

Something flashed in the depths of his pale eyes, there and gone before I could interpret it. Consideration, surprise...recognition?

A smile curved his lips, not quite friendly. "Well, Serena Cross, welcome." He pulled the door open wider in invitation.

I wet my dry lips, pulse skittering erratically as I crossed the threshold into the lion's den. Because I couldn't shake the feeling that this lavish house with its guarded gates and secretive inhabitants hid something far more dangerous than I ever imagined finding tonight. And I was willingly walking right into its jaws.

The young man-definitely no guard or butler-guided me silently down a corridor paneled with dark carved wood. My heels sank into plush runners lining the floors, muffling our footsteps.

The hall opened up into an arched foyer, a crystal chandelier dripping with light at the center. Faint music reached my ears, something with a heavy pounding beat. A party? Here?

"This way." My escort gestured to a grand curved staircase sweeping down into what appeared to be a ballroom.

I followed mutely, lips pressed into a tight line to keep from demanding answers that likely wouldn't come. The steady thrum of the music grew louder, accompanied by voices and laughter.

What kind of party was happening at this secretive estate in the dead of night? Did it have something to do with Ashley's bizarre behavior? My thoughts spun wildly but I kept any further questions to myself.

At the broad arched entrance to the ballroom, my guide finally left me with a polite nod. I hovered uncertainty in the threshold for a long moment, peering into the brightly lit, cavernous room that opened up before me.

Chandeliers cast swirling patterns over sumptuously dressed party goers as they drank and danced with careless abandon in the center of the gleaming parquet floor. Despite the hour, the atmosphere bubbled with frenzied excitement.

I searched the sea of unfamiliar faces for Ashley's. Would she be surprised to see me? Upset? My stomach fluttered anxiously, but I steeled myself to take a step inside.

And that's when the screaming started.

I broke through a wall of writhing bodies, bursting into a small pocket of calm near a marble statue. There, half hidden in shadow, stood Ashley.

"Ash!" I cried, relief crashing over me in a dizzying wave.

She whirled, eyes widening at the sight of me. "Serena?! What are you doing here?Damn, I knew I caught your scent in the streets tonight. You've been following me?"

Before I could respond, blood curdling screams shattered the air. Chaos erupted as I glanced around wildly. "What's happening? Why is everyone screaming?"

Ashley grabbed my shoulders with trembling hands. "They are not screaming, they are howling. You shouldn't be here," she moaned, face pale. "This was a mistake..."

"Just tell me what's going on!" I begged.

She hesitated, conflict written across her delicate features. The silence stretched between us. Finally she took a deep breath, green eyes meeting mine.

"Werewolves exist, Serena. This place––it's filled with my kind."

I stared, certain I misheard over the chaotic din around us. "Werewolves?" I repeated faintly. "What do you mean your kind?"

Ashley gave a short, humorless laugh. "I mean that I'm one too. I'm sorry for hiding it from you but I had no choice. Humans and werewolves aren't allowed to mix socially."

My pulse roared in my ears. Werewolves were the stuff of myth and terror, not real beings! But Ashley's expression radiated earnestness.

Swallowing hard, I asked, "I am here for you, Ash. Can't we just leave?"

She swept back her golden hair, resignation etched across her delicate features. "This estate has wards preventing humans from entering or exiting the grounds until they're removed at dawn."

My stomach dropped. We were trapped until morning. As I struggled to process this, Ashley took my arm gently. "We need to get you someplace safe."

Ashley brought us before a striking couple whispering intimately by a burbling fountain. At our approach, they parted.

"Natasha, we have a problem," Ashley addressed the statuesque redhead before gesturing to me. "This is my roommate, Serena Cross. She followed me here without realizing."

Natasha's golden-green eyes narrowed sharply. Next to her stood a man who tilted his head, curiosity sparking his intense grey gaze. He stood nearly a foot taller than my petite frame, with dark windswept hair and deeply tanned skin that seemed to glow in the soft light.

"A human here uninvited?" Natasha hissed, blazing green eyes flashing at me. Despite her petite stature, she exuded a formidable energy, like a lioness ready to pounce.

Ashley lifted her palms in a calming gesture even as I shrank back. "It was an accident, Tasha. Serena didn't understand."

After a tense beat, the tall man at Natasha's side stepped forward. His voice was flavored with a lyrical accent when he addressed me directly.

"Regardless, she's here now. We'll ensure no harm comes to her, you have my word." His smile was gentle and reassuring despite Natasha's simmering glare over his shoulder.

"I'm Xavier," he added, holding my gaze with confidence. "Natasha and I lead this pack. Consider yourself under our protection until morning, Serena."

I nodded jerkily, pulse skittering from more than just fear now. Werewolf or not, Xavier was easily the most handsome man I'd ever seen.

Natasha's stunning features were set in sharp lines as she observed me like one might an intruding insect. "She'll expose us all if the wrong people discover her presence."

"I understand your concern, Natasha," Xavier said gently. "But the girl is clearly more frightened than we are at the moment. She only requires a safe haven until dawn, nothing more."

His empathetic words eased some of the fight from Natasha's posture. She gave a curt nod, crimson curls bouncing. "Very well. See that no one else finds her then. The gardens won't be safe for humans tonight."

With that, she spun and vanished down a hedge-lined path, her floral perfume lingering. I stared after her nervously until Xavier captured my attention.

"You'll have to forgive Natasha," he said. "The secrecy of our kind is something she protects fiercely. But you needn't worry-I gave you my word that no harm will come to you."

I exhaled slowly, comforted by his steadfast presence even amongst the insanity swirling around us. Maybe it was foolish given the danger Natasha had highlighted, but being near Xavier made me feel strangely safe despite the warnings. And utterly distracted by how the moonlight traced the muscular lines of his forearms and etched shadows over his chiseled features...

Shaking myself, I asked "What did she mean the gardens won't be safe?"

Xavier waved off my concerns with one large hand. "It's merely the full moon effect. Makes us a bit more...primal. All of us. Best you remain inside tonight."

He smiled and my stomach flipped traitorously. I was drawn to this formidable werewolf leader against all rational sense. But there would be time to analyze that later. For now, I simply had to trust him.

"Let me take you someplace more comfortable while we await dawn," Xavier offered, eyes glinting like silver in the darkness.

I dared not refuse, despite the nervous flutter in my ribcage telling me I was in over my head. After tonight, there would be no going back from the truth I'd uncovered. And no going back from the magnetic pull of this mysterious alpha werewolf who promised me sanctuary in his bizarre world turned dangerously upside down.

Ashley walked me to the grand staircase in the foyer, hesitation in her emerald eyes. "You'll be alright upstairs, Serena.I should get back before more questions arise..."

I squeezed her hand, offering a brave smile despite my rattled nerves. "I'll be okay. Xavier promised to watch out for me."

She searched my face for a long moment before pulling me into a tight hug. "I'm so sorry for all of this, Serena. But you really will be safe with Xavier."

I returned her fierce embrace, emotion clogging my throat. So much still felt unreal, but my priority was making it through this night in one piece.

Ashley drew back first, glancing up as Xavier descended the stairs with his effortless grace. He nodded to Ashley. "Don't worry, she's in good hands now."

Even in the midst of chaos, his rich voice sent warmth pooling in my core. Ashley gave me one last smile tinged with sadness before disappearing down the hall. Xavier waited patiently for me to join him.

"I thought it best you stay in my personal rooms upstairs," he explained, placing a light hand at the small of my back to guide me. "Only my most trusted circle is allowed there."

I shivered at his touch, my nerves sparking for reasons far beyond fear now. We climbed silently to the west wing of the manor. Xavier unlocked an intricate wooden door bearing strange symbols, ushering me into a well-appointed suite of rooms with a massive four poster bed dominating the space. The earthy scent of sandalwood enveloped me.

"Make yourself comfortable," he invited. "I know tensions run high on nights like this, but you have my word no harm will come to you here."

I perched cautiously on a leather sofa by the unlit fireplace, clutching my hands together to still their trembling. Xavier watched me with an unreadable expression.

Just then Natasha swept in clutching several items, including a necklace with a crystal pendant. Xavier sighed in annoyance.

"Really, Tasha? Are the wards not enough?"

She held his gaze defiantly. "I don't take chances." Turning to me, she fastened the pendant around my throat, murmuring strange words in another language as she did so.

I stared wide-eyed between them as she declared, "There, now no wolf will perceive her beyond this suite. Except the four of us."

"The four of us?" Xavier enquired.

"Marcus, let her in. Well, actually he said that she was already in the estate when he saw her, he said he will need to talk to you later about this," she said looking at him intently. There seems to be some unspoken communication between them.

Xavier's mouth flattened into a hard line but he thanked her politely enough. After a final sharp look at us both, Natasha exited. An uncomfortable beat of silence followed before Xavier cleared his throat.

"You must have questions..."

I glanced up at him hovering nearby, tall and broad shouldered. "Will you have to transform tonight?"

He smiled ruefully, raking a hand through his dark hair. "Ah. Yes, the moon's pull is rather strong tonight...my wolf form will be joining the festivities downstairs shortly."

Unexpected jealousy pricked me at the thought of him spending intimate time with other female wolves downstairs. The emotions hitting me made no rational sense but I couldn't seem to stop them either. Xavier's eyes glinted knowingly, as if he sensed my inexplicable envy. Strange, exhilarating tension hummed in the scant space still separating us.

At last Xavier stepped back with visible effort. "I should go. But I'll return soon to check on you."

He crossed to the door, hesitation wrinkling his brow. "Serena, try not to be alarmed by any noises from below. I know the howls can be...unsettling. But I promise no harm will come to you here."

I nodded, pulse racing. With a final searing look, he slipped out and I heard the definitive click of a key turning in the lock. Alone now, I paced the lush room, anticipation and anxiety rising as the night wore on.

Suddenly, bone-chilling howls split the air, unearthly yet evocative. More joined the haunted chorus until it reached a fevered peak. I shuddered, wrapping my arms around myself. Those were werewolves singing to the moon's glory. Beautiful and terrifying and utterly inhuman all at once.

In the wake of that primeval symphony, an eerie hush fell. Then the dull thud of music started up again, muffled through the floor. The party raged on it seemed. Did that mean what I suspected about "festivities" unfolding below while Xavier was...?

Jealous heat licked at my insides once more at the thought. But before frustration could take root, a key sounded in the lock. I jumped as Xavier entered silently, raking a hand through his tousled hair. His shirt was half unbuttoned and eyes heavy-lidded when they landed on me. I froze, pinned in place by his wolfish gaze.

In three swift strides he had me caged against the wall, hands planted on either side of my head. The breath tangled in my lungs at his overwhelming nearness. He leaned closer, nuzzling aside my hair to graze my neck with his teeth just shy of breaking delicate skin...

A discreet cough jerked us apart. Natasha stood in the doorway still fully nude, amusement wrinkling her emerald eyes.

"Getting friendly with our guest, Xavier?"

"Just ensuring her safety," he replied without embarrassment as if he didn't caged me ten seconds earlier, "I should have taken one more minute before coming in. The full moon is so strong tonight."His eyes stayed locked with mine, a promise of unfinished business reflected between us. I scarcely dared breathe, electrified by his possessive attention and what it suggested about my own hidden desires. This night was only just beginning.

Chapter 3

A prickling sense of unease permeated the room as Natasha crossed over to me. Without a word, she reached out and unclasped the pendant from around my throat, letting it drop into her open palm.

I frowned, instantly feeling exposed. "Wasn't that supposed to keep me hidden or something?"

"It makes you noticeable now," she muttered. "This close to the moonset, we cannot risk any uniquely discernible scents or markers drawing unwanted attention."

I wet my dry lips anxiously as Natasha slipped the necklace into a hidden pocket within the folds of her dress. Even Xavier's steady presence couldn't entirely quell the quiet panic rising inside me. Who knew what threats still lurked beyond this suite tonight?

As if reading my thoughts, Xavier rose smoothly from the leather couch where he'd been observing us. He moved to a glass decanter containing amber liquid.

"Drink?" he offered mildly, pouring himself two fingers.

I shook my head, worried alcohol might unravel what little composure I still clung to. Xavier's mouth lifted slightly as he downed the contents himself in one smooth motion.

Before anything more could be said, an urgent knock interrupted the tense scene. Xavier crossed over and opened the door to reveal the handsome man that let me in the manor. His sharp features were lined with strain.

"Marcus," Xavier said, a smile appeared on his handsome face, "My friend, I am glad you came even though you..."

"We have a problem," Marcus announced without preamble. His usual easygoing charm had vanished, tension visibly lining his sharp features.

Xavier crossed his arms, glancing briefly between Marcus and me with a flicker of unease in his stormy eyes.

"Celeste Martelli has arrived unexpectedly. She's demanding to see you." Marcus dragged a hand roughly through his ink black hair. "We both know what a nightmare that woman can be when she feels slighted."

Natasha swore vividly, her crimson curls flying wildly as she began to furiously pace. Xavier however had gone still, his powerful body coiled like a wolf preparing to battle a vicious rival.

I hesitated before daring to ask, "So who exactly is this Celeste woman?"

Marcus turned to me, his well-formed mouth thinning grimly then looked at Xavier who nodded. "Celeste comes from an influential and pure-bred wolf bloodline down south. Her pack is rather ruthless about guarding our kind's secrets."

"Which means if she gets one whiff of human scent up here, she'll investigate swiftly and violently," Natasha added darkly, emerald eyes flashing.

I shuddered, one hand drifting self-consciously up to smooth back a loose strand of my long auburn hair. So this mysterious Celeste posed a real threat then, the kind of monster that stalked prey in the dead of the night.

Xavier's stormy gray gaze found mine across the room. "You shouldn't have had to learn the most vicious parts of our world like this," he rumbled quietly.

Remorse flooded me under the weight of his sympathy. "I regret coming here now, too," I admitted, voice small. "Not because you are all werewolves, but because my presence endangers everyone."

To my surprise, Natasha's expression softened subtly at my confession. "Your intentions were good at least, misguided as they were. Why did you come then?"

I flushed, suddenly unable to meet her piercing green eyes. "I saw some strange marks on Ashley's back recently. When she disappeared tonight, I just assumed that she had a boyfriend that beat her up. I even bought pepper spray just in case I had to confront him tonight..." I trailed off helplessly.

"You assumed she was in trouble, Ashley is lucky to have you as a friend, don't be too harsh towards yourself" Natasha finished, a tinge of unexpected warmth entering her tone. "Ashley always talks about you, you know."

Before I could respond, Marcus cleared his throat sharply. "While I appreciate the explanation, we still have an immediate crisis." He turned to Xavier, frustration etched across his brow. "Celeste explicitly told me she has no plans to leave until she finds...companionship with a powerful werewolf, which means you, Xavier."

Icy jealousy trickled down my spine at the unspoken meaning. So Celeste had come to seduce Xavier then. I had no claim over him, and yet the thought of another woman expecting to share his bed tonight sent an unexpected swell of heat through my core. What the hell was happening to me? Why did I care about the sex life of a man I met an hour ago?

The door burst open violently again before I could examine my reactions. Ashley practically fell inside, emerald eyes enormous with panic. "Celeste knows!" she cried. "She caught traces of Serena on me!"

Marcus dragged a hand roughly through his ink black hair, frustration rolling off him in waves. "I should never have waved Serena inside, even if she did seem oddly familiar. I just didn't think..."

Xavier speared him with an icy look. "Why did you allow a human into a restricted supernatural gathering in the first place?"

Marcus held up his palms defensively. "Honestly, she appeared on the grounds as if she belonged. I caught a scent that reminded me of something from long ago." He shook his head. "I can't fully explain it yet. But I swear I mean Serena here no harm."

Xavier studied him a long moment before glancing my way. "Have you any wolf blood in your lineage that you're aware of?"

I shook my head helplessly. "None that I know of. This is all frighteningly new."

Marcus made a thoughtful noise. "Well mark my words, there's more to your presence here tonight than meets the eye. I intend to get answers soon."

"What are we going to do?" Ashley asked.

Xavier was at her side instantly. "Slow down. Tell me exactly what transpired."

"She embraced me without warning in the hall, insisting we catch up. But she kept sniffing strangely. Then she demanded to know why I smelled like a human." Ashley covered her face miserably."She refused to let it go so I panicked and told her...Serena was your girlfriend, Xavier."

"You did what?!" Natasha exclaimed furiously.

Ashley flinched away from her fiery glare. Xavier exhaled slowly, exchanging an uneasy look with Marcus. The air hung heavy with trembling uncertainty over what Celeste's reaction would be now...

"We cannot delay any longer," Marcus bit out. "Celeste will be suspicious when I return without you, Xavier."

A muscle feathered along Xavier's tensed jaw. His eyes locked with mine across the room, rage and resignation warring in their stormy depths. But his voice remained lethally calm.

"Marcus, tell Celeste I will be down momentarily."

As Marcus departed swiftly, Ashley covered her face with both hands, shoulders shaking with barely suppressed sobs.

Xavier turned to her, gently prying her hands away. "You did well," he soothed. "Celeste forced your hand unexpectedly. We will handle this."

After comforting Ashley briefly, Xavier strode over to where I stood numbly watching the entire exchange. His stormy eyes swirled darkly as he looked down at me. Slowly he reached out and took my hands in his much larger ones. His skin felt impossibly warm, as though an inferno raged just under the surface.

"Serena, you placed your trust in me tonight and I fully intend to honor that vow of protection." Xavier's voice dropped lower, etched with regret. "But Celeste is the most volatile and ruthless enemy imaginable. She kills humans for sport and delights in subjugating anyone she considers beneath her."

Xavier's fingers traced distracting patterns over my hands as he held them.

"Celeste is so vicious, she might still try to kill you even if it means all-out fighting between packs." His other hand touched my cheek gently. "She thinks power over others is everything."

His stormy eyes were intense, full of brewing anger. "I promise, she'll regret threatening someone under my care."

I shivered, both thrilled and unsettled by the lethal edge in his voice. This woman sounded like a true monster.

"Sounds like she lives to terrorize," I replied. "We've made her more suspicious by pretending I'm your girlfriend."

Xavier's gaze softened for just a moment. "Celeste usually respects ancient werewolf rules, even with her cruelty." His thumb brushed my lip slowly. "The code says to never touch another's mate."

My heart raced as understanding dawned. Celeste might back off if she thought Xavier and I were true partners.

The hunger in Xavier's eyes said he was ready to convince her of exactly that, by any means necessary...

Natasha stepped forward, crimson curls bouncing sharply. "You'd go that far to protect this human, Xavier? Pretend an intimate mating bond?"

Disbelief colored her words even as Ashley made a soft despairing sound behind her.

Xavier met Natasha's gaze unflinchingly. "Celeste is too cunning. She won't accept a fake relationship without proof." His eyes flashed. "She'll demand to scent the evidence of a true physical bond between us."

Understanding crashed over me. My cheeks flamed crimson but I remained mute, praying I misinterpreted.

"Are you implying you mean to fuck this poor girl in truth? Just to keep up a ruse?" Natasha's voice climbed in stunned outrage.

Xavier refused to even glance my way. "I told you, I will safeguard my guest by any means necessary tonight." His head lifted proudly. "Even if that requires making her my mate in Celeste's eyes. I protect those under my care. I will not let Celeste draw blood in my house."

I swayed dangerously, blindsided by the blunt conversation taking place over my head.

Ashley made a wounded sound of disbelief but didn't dare interject. In the fraught silence, Xavier finally met my wide-eyed stare. Unspoken regret and resolve warred across his stern features.

"The choice falls to you alone, Serena," he intoned gravely. "Either we proceed with this ploy, or you risk facing Celeste's lethal displeasure at dawn but whatever you decide I will protect you."

His ruthless words dropped like stones in my gut. Submit myself fully to Xavier in truth, or gamble my fragile human life on the whims of a ruthless monster...neither path offered any real salvation tonight.

A heavy silence fell, broken only by Ashley's muffled sobs. Xavier kept his burning gaze locked with mine, his jaw set. There was no escape from this harsh reality he spelled out plainly between us-submit fully to his intimate claim in order to survive, or gamble my fragile human existence against a lethal monster's whims come dawn.

Cold panic warred wildly with something far warmer and confusing inside me as we stared at one another, frozen on the cusp of irrevocable choice.

Finally Xavier broke the terrible stalemate, crossing to me in two long strides. He captured my chilled hands inside his blazing hot ones, the evidence of his inner inferno raging just under tanned skin and beaten leather.

"You have my most solemn vow, you will come to no harm tonight." Xavier's resonant voice wrapped around the ragged edges of my composure. He squeezed gently when I flinched. "Nor will there be any loss of dignity or freewill should we follow this ruse through to the end."

I searched his beloved face desperately now, reading the sincerity etched deeply across his rugged features.

"If you truly cannot abide this, simply say it and we will find another way to evade Celeste, even if by force alone." Tempered steel laced his words now. "But this path offers the swiftest resolution with least violence because I have a responsibility towards my pack, too."

My roiling thoughts must have shown. Xavier exhaled, raking back dark hair with one large hand. "There are means for us to carry the necessary scent without actual completion," he admitted quietly.

I glanced up, hesitant relief trickling through me even as angry confusion stained Natasha's icy features at the admission.

Xavier noted her reaction but remained focused only on me now. "The intimate link would linger for some hours, long enough to fool Celeste." Sincerity etched itself across his brow.

Temptation, relief and reluctance dueled sharply. "Let me consider carefully," I managed finally, pulse racing at his overwhelming nearness. There were still so many uncertainties about what came next. But the kindness in Xavier's storm colored eyes steadied me despite everything.

Silence reigned for several taut heartbeats. At last, throat tight with emotion, I turned my gaze to Ashley trembling silently nearby. Her tear streaked face reflected the same churning dismay threatening to drown us all.

"Take Natasha and go," I entreated raggedly. Every protective instinct flared to life, refusing to subject them to further distress on my behalf. "I don't wish either of you caught in any crossfire between Xavier and Celeste. Not for me."

Ashley searched my face, fresh tears welling up in her eyes. But she could see I had made my decision.

"Serena..." she started, voice breaking.

I grasped her hand tightly. "I'll manage this somehow. Keep yourself safe downstairs."

She held my gaze for a long moment before turning and letting Natasha guide her silently out, arm wrapped firmly around her shoulders. Ashley kept her eyes locked with mine until the last second before she closed the door behind herself.

The latch clicked loudly in place. Xavier and I were left alone, the silence suddenly deafening. I could hear my frantic pulse throbbing as I forced myself to face him again.

"What happens now?" I asked unsteadily.

Xavier watched me from across the room, eyes glinting like mercury. "Whatever is necessary for you to make it through this night unharmed." He pulled a ring out of the drawer and put it in his middle finger, "The ring makes me more human during full moon. Don't worry, everything will be fine, Serena."

I shivered at the unspoken promise underlying his words. We stared at one another over the heavy silence now enveloping us like a shroud. Whatever happened here would irreversibly alter things between us after tonight.

Xavier paced nearer, movements fluid and predatory. "You've trusted me this far to shield you, Serena. Will you keep trusting me to do what must be done?"

His smoldering gaze was hypnotic. I swayed on my feet. Keeping myself alive until dawn now depended on just how much power I let this formidable creature wield over me without remorse. And that realization terrified me down to my very core.

"Yes," I said finally.