Page 32 of Fated Alpha Protector

“Gah!” I breathe out as if I'd been choking. As if my throat had been constricted by that fire.

It wasn't real… Is what I remind myself as I reach for the lampshade on the nightstand. When the room is shrouded by a faint light, I feel safer.

The frightfulness of the nightmare shudders through me like a brutally cold shiver. Dabbing the back of my hand over the sweat caught on my brow, I breathe a sigh of relief.

The immense pain I felt in my heart was so much like the night I received my wolf. Like an intense pull in my chest the moment I neared the fire.

Like the fire in my nightmare. I can't help but wonder if the stories were really true.

Growing up, I'd been told that my parents died of a strange sickness. That's why I'd been cast out like an outsider.

But somehow, I'm linked to fire. What that link means, I'm not sure yet. My gut tells me that I have to figure it out. And the only way I can do that is if I have a deeper bond with my wolf.

I have to train her.

Getting ready for the day, I head out to town.

Instinctively, I head to the training arena. The center is abuzz with activity, but that's not why I'm drawn there.

Something deeply innate calls me toward the facility. And it's only when I get near that I realize why I'm being pulled there.

It's Theo.

As soon as my eyes land on him at the weapons stand, my heart skips a beat. My breath hitches in my throat, and I'm left certain of one thing.

Theo truly is my fated mate.

That tug toward him is so powerful, my feet move of their own accord. Going as close as I can, I take to the bottom row of the bleachers.

He's already in a sparring session, wielding a sword with the dexterity of a warrior. With nimble movements and quick reflexes, he makes the whole thing look like art in motion.

Completely awed, I watch him, mesmerized. Following each fluid motion as he mans the sword like the most skilled swordsman.

When he makes his last strike, slicing through the air, he spins on his heels. His opponent steps over the line, and the round ends.

As cheers fly through the air, the Alpha waves and comes over to the bleachers.

“You're here alone…” he observes casually as he takes a seat beside me.

A trickle of awareness flows through my core, heating me with its presence. I can feel a blush creeping coyly up my cheeks. As Theo's fingertips brush my knuckles, I'm close to melting.

This fated mate bond is the strongest feeling I've ever had. An emotion all on its own, it demands all of my attention.

In those brief moments between us, nothing else matters. Everyone and everything fades, until it's just him and I.

It takes all of my strength to gather my thoughts again.

I'd come here for a reason. I need to get closer to my wolf.

“Ana doesn't know I'm here,” I admit. “I needed to speak with you.”

“What is it?” Theo asks with concern, discreetly linking his fingers with mine.

I must admit, it's quite a thrill to be sneaking around like this. My only guilt comes from not being able to tell Anastasia right now.

“I'd like to learn more… About being a werewolf.”

Theo's lips lift. “I was hoping you'd ask me.”

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