Let me be your man

Word spread that Arthur was advocating for me within his pack, arguing for them to accept me as his mate. While touched, I also felt a pang of sadness knowing he faced resistance and opposition over me.

My friend Amy commented, "Your werewolf stalker is really persistent." I chuckled but assured her Arthur meant no harm. Still, I wondered what led him to care so deeply for an outsider like me. Our worlds seemed impossibly far apart.

Yet his protectiveness and advocacy hinted at depths in his character I had not expected.

After class one day, I noticed Arthur talking heatedly with some of the other werewolves. Though I couldn't make out the words, I knew it must be about me.

Arlyn, I want you to know I'm trying to convince my pack to accept you," he said softly. "But some of them are resistant to the idea of a human mate."

My heart ached at his kind words. "Arthur, you don't have to fight your pack for me. I want no part in causing division among you."

Arthur shook his head. "You're wrong," he said. "You would bring our worlds together, if only they could see the wisdom you offer."

I placed a hand on his arm. "While I value your kind words, I stand by my decision. Please, don't put yourself at odds with your pack for me."

Arthur sighed. "You have given me much to think about. But know that I will always ensure your safety and well-being, whether you accept me or not."

His protective instincts toward me warmed my heart, despite the ache of our separation. I knew his fight to bring our worlds together came from a place of love and wisdom, even if his pack couldn't see it yet. Perhaps someday, they would.

I sat by the river, enjoying the warm sun on my face. It had been a few days since Arthur had promised to give me space, and while part of me missed his company, it was a relief not to be under constant surveillance.

Arthur's voice said from behind me, "It's a beautiful day, isn't it?"

I sighed. I had hoped Arthur would keep his word, but there he was, watching me again. I turned to face him. "Arthur, I asked you for space."

He held up his hands placatingly. "I know. I just wanted to make sure that you're okay."

"I'm fine," I said curtly. "And I would be better if you honored my wish to be alone for now."

Arthur looked pained. "Arlyn, you must know it's difficult for me. You're my mate; I instinctively want to protect you."

I felt a flutter of emotion at his words but pushed it down. "We are not mates, Arthur. I need time away from you and your pack."

Arthur sighed. "The pack doesn't understand. They see you as an outsider, a threat. But I will make them accept you, in time."

"I don't want to be accepted by force," I replied firmly. "I need to figure things out for myself first, without you watching over me constantly."

Arthur knelt down so we were at eye level. His gaze bored into mine, intense. "Arlyn, you are headstrong. But you don't understand our world, our ways. I can protect you, if you'll only let me."

I met his gaze evenly. "Thank you for your concern. But I won't be possessed or an obligation. I need you to give me space, for both our sakes. Can you do that, Arthur?"

He was silent a long moment, a storm of emotion flashing across his face. Then he stood. "As you wish, Arlyn," he said. "I will keep my distance, for now." He gave me a small bow. "But know that I am here, if you need me."

I watched him go, feeling both relief and an unexpected sense of loss. I hoped I had made the right choice.

I lay awake in the dark, my skin still tingling from the dream.

It felt so real. Arthur entering my room, his eyes sparkling with desire. The way he whispered my name before pressing his lips to mine. The intensity of his kiss, filled with longing and passion. And then the gentle bite on my neck, sending pleasure through my veins.

Was it truly a dream? Or had Arthur somehow come to me in the night? I raised my hand to my neck, but found no mark. The memory of his touch lingered, leaving me breathless and aroused.

What is happening to me? These feelings confuse and frighten me. Arthur is persistent, and part of me yearns to give in. But another part holds back, unwilling to relinquish my independence so easily.

I got out of bed and walked to the window, remembering the way Arthur looked at me in my dream, with such raw desire. The memory stirred something within me, something I had thought dormant. I wanted to flee these confusing emotions, yet part of me craved more.

I whispered into the darkness, 'Did you come to me last night?' Half-hoping for an answer.

Silent.

Turning from the window, I sighed. My dreams wove fantasies too tempting to ignore, yet too dangerous to embrace fully. I had to regain balance and clarity, whatever these strange feelings might mean.

I climbed back into bed, pushing thoughts of Arthur from my mind. But still, as I finally drifted to sleep once more, I couldn't help wondering if it had truly been only a dream.

I forgot about the strange dream I had last night...that is, until I felt a slight pain on my neck.

Reaching up to touch it, I felt a small mark, like a bite. Suddenly, the memory of the dream flooded back to me. In my dream, Arthur, in his wolf form, had bitten me on the neck. Was it really just a dream? Or did he actually visit me last night?

I got dressed and headed out to my garden, hoping to clear my head. As I was tending to my plants, I heard a rustling in the bushes. My heart raced as I turned around to see Arthur stepping out of the foliage.