Chapter 4

My paws hit the cold ground as I kept on running.

Mate? No…. No. Celeste had to be joking. There was no way Alpha Kaden was my mate and there was no way I was going to stay behind to confirm that.

“Why are you running from our mate?” Celeste asked, trying to make me stop but I wouldn’t budge.

“He’s not our mate Celeste.”

“But he is.”

“He’s not!!!!” I yelled back. “Our mate can never be Alpha Kaden.”

I kept running trying to wanting to stop until I reached home.

My father and brothers will protect me. They had promised me that. I just had to reach home first.

As I ran, I could feel Celeste's frustration and confusion. I know she wanted her mate. But I couldn't help it. The thought of being tied to him for eternity made my skin crawl. I had to escape him.

I could hear Kaden oncoming behind me, his footsteps pounding against the ground. I pushed myself to run faster, but he was more powerful and soon caught up to me.

He leaped in front of me, blocking my path. His eyes were filled with anger and rage.

“How dare you run away from me? Don’t you know I’m your mate?”

His voice shook the ground beneath my paws as I tried to back away from him.

“You’re not my mate, Kaden,” I spat out. “I’ll never be tied to a monster like you.”

Kaden's eyes darkened at my words, and he growled low in his throat. I could feel the air around us growing thicker as he moved closer to me.

“You can't escape fate, Luna,” he snarled. “You will be mine whether you like it or not.”

“Stop calling me Luna. I’m not your Luna. And I’m not yours. Leave me alone.” I tried to push past him, but he grabbed my arm tightly, pulling me closer to him.

“You will come back with me, now,” he ordered, his grip tightening. “Or, I kill your entire pack. You wouldn’t want that would you? You wouldn’t want to see your father dead and your brothers slaughtered before your eyes.”

I felt the fear rising in me as he spoke those words. I knew he was capable of doing it. He was capable of doing anything to get what he wanted.

“You’re a monster. How can you threaten me like that?” I said, struggling to break free from his hold.

Kaden chuckled darkly, his grip tightening even more. “I am a monster. And you, my dear Luna, are mine. Now it’s either you come with me, or face the consequences.”

“Be my Luna or watch me wipeout your entire pack in a heartbeat.”

I gulped nervously. Tears began to form in my eyes as I shifted back to my human form. My naked body was exposed to the cold air as I trembled in fear. Kaden's grip loosened slightly, surprised by my sudden transformation.

And then Kaden shifted too, but his human form was even more intimidating than his wolf form. He was tall and muscular, with chiseled features that were both rugged and refined.

His confidence and raw sexuality were almost palpable, and I couldn't deny the electric chemistry between us. As much as I wanted to hate him, I couldn't help but feel drawn to him.

It was as if everything inside of me was screaming for his touch. My wolf longed for him. For his embrace, his mark, his possession. But I couldn't give in to my animalistic desires.

Kaden stepped closer to me, and I could feel his breath on my face. I tried to move away, but he grabbed my waist and pulled me close to him. I watched as his eyes drank in every inch of my body, and I couldn’t help but feel vulnerable. From the top of my head to the tip of my toes, he was devouring me with his gaze. were everywhere, exploring and possessing every inch of me. I tried to push him away, but my body betrayed me, responding to his touch with equal fervor.

The kiss was intense and passionate, and I found myself losing control. I knew I should resist, but my body craved him too much. As much as I wanted to deny it, I was drawn to him like a moth to a flame.

But as the kiss ended, I found myself pulling away from him. I couldn't give in to him, no matter how much my body wanted to. I couldn't be with someone who was capable of such violence and cruelty. I had to resist him, no matter the cost.

I took a deep breath and stepped back, putting some distance between us.

“Don’t ever kiss me again.”

Kaden laughed. “Oh, but I will. And next time, you won't be able to resist me.”

He reached out to me but I stepped back further. “To save my family, I will come with you.” I whispered, defeated. “But only on one condition.”

“What?” Kaden asked. His eyes still feasting on my exposed skin. It was as if he was mesmerized by me.

“Let me say goodbye to my family and my pack.” I begged. “If I leave without saying goodbye, I'll never forgive myself.”

Kaden's eyes flickered with anger, but he eventually gave in. “Fine. But remember, you have one hour. After that, I'm coming for you whether you're ready or not.”

I nodded, tears streaming down my face as he released me from his grip. I quickly shifted back into my wolf form, running towards my pack's territory with Kaden following close behind.

As I reached my family house, I could feel the familiar scents of my family. I howled loudly, signaling my arrival, and soon enough, my father and brothers came running towards me.

“Elena!!!” My father rushed towards me. “Where have you been? I’ve been worried sick.”

“Are you okay?” Asher asked. “Why are you crying?”

I took a deep breath, trying to control my sobs. “Father, Kaden is my mate. He's here, and he wants me to go with him.”