Page 6 of Fated Alpha Protector

But in doing so, I forsake my sister’s happiness. If I eavesdropped on bedtime stories, she was the one who heard them firsthand.

It's Anastasia's dream to find her fated mate. Just like it is mine. Growing up with parents who loved each other so deeply, it was inevitable for us to share that dream.

As I arrive at the riverbed, my steps slow down. My wolf sighs as I hang my head, staring at my own reflection on the water’s surface… I have to contemplate my decisions.

I know the refusal of the alliance will be met with resistance. It will at least give me time to think. Time to figure out a way around this, so I can spare Anastasia.

I'm deliberating my options, praying the wolf can offer me guidance. My blasted inner voice only offers me the persistent chanting of the word, ‘Mate’.

It would have been easier to give up my dream and marry for the sake of the alliance. But with my wolf believing in a fated mate bond as strongly as I do, I have no choice.

Another thing we agree on. Goddess knows I wish we didn't. But it's the wolf's very own desire that fuels mine.

Both Nightwalker Alpha-blood children can't be forsaken like this. If only I'd been more decisive, my sister wouldn't have been dragged into this.

Grunting from frustration, I'm startled when I hear rustling from the left.

I turn my head in that direction just as a stray wind billows. With it comes a sweet scent not familiar to this part of the woods.

My wolf brows furrow as I scan my surroundings for the source. To my surprise, it's not a foreign flower in the ground.

But the strange scent of a wolf.

It's clear it's a stranger, whose scent I cannot recognize. The wolf awkwardly steps over a log, looking back with frequency, almost losing its footing and crashing.

It struggles to remain upright but does so very oddly. And when it reaches the river, it drops to its belly.

Underneath the full moon glow, I notice a streak of silver on its back. Almost like a thunderbolt, it courses down its spine in a silvery shine.

Interest piqued, I slowly make my way over. The werewolf laps at the water as if it's been parched for days.

Something about the werewolf's appearance is intriguing. Perhaps the silver back. Or the desperation with which it drinks. It might even be the wolf's large frame – almost matching mine.

I've never seen a creature as extraordinary as this. As I slowly near the wolf, I hear bushes rustling behind it, my paw snaps a twig and the wolf snaps its head up.

Its fearful brown eyes are full of anxiety as it trembles. It senses the danger behind and with the river between us trapped.

Though a part of me hopes it doesn't run off. Not the Alpha wolf, who would demand that it leaves. But the humane side of me. The side that's curious to know who this is.

I see the eyes and feel the other wolves gathered below the trees on the other side of the river.

I snarl my discontent with the strength of my dominating wolf and they run back from where they came from.

As I use my senses to ensure that the other wolves are gone. I notice that the wolf by the river scrambles to its paws, but its knees cave in.

A splash! sounds when it lands in the river.

The chestnut wolf is drenched as it battles to swim to safety. Only its pointed nose sticks out of the water, grappling for air. Alarmed, I rush forward and leap into the river.

I can't stand by and watch another wolf drown before my eyes. Whoever this is, I have to save her.

It's almost as if my instinct demands it.

Grabbing the wolf by its neck with my teeth, I pull it to safety. On the Overton side of the river. Over the Nightwalker territory.

When we both land in a heap on the side, I quickly get to my paws. Water droplets fly all around us like rain. When I stop shaking the water off, our eyes meet. And the air in my lungs halt.

Just who is this werewolf?

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