Page 74 of My Fated Mate

A sense of awe washes over me. I am a part of this place, connected to it in a way I never thought possible. A tear of joy and wonder rolls down my cheek.

Suddenly, a deep growl cuts through the stillness. I spin around, my heart pounding, to see Thorne standing at the edge of the clearing. His azure eyes are ablaze.

"What are you doing?" he snaps, his voice laced with a raw emotion that sends shivers down my spine.

"I'm connecting with the forest. Can't you feel it?"

He hesitates, then steps closer, his gaze sweeping the clearing. He seems to sense something in the air, a shift in the very fabric of the forest.

"This is dangerous," he growls, his voice low and threatening. "You shouldn't be meddling with things you don't understand."

"I'm not meddling," I retort. "I—whatever! Leave me alone.”

I sigh, trying not to roll my eyes as I walk away from him. I know he is always watching, especially since I started training. I can feel his presence everywhere I am.

But I’m not going to allow him to meddle in my life.

Frustration bubbles within me as I turn away. I know Thorne means well in his own gruff way, but his protection often borders on suffocating.

He seems to think I'm a fragile flower needing constant shelter. He is oblivious to the growing strength and confidence blossoming within me.

Ever since I began training with Lela, I can feel Thorne's watchful gaze following me wherever I go. It's a constant pressure, a reminder of the tangled web of emotions that binds us.

Part of me appreciates his concern, but another part craves independence, the freedom to explore my abilities without his hovering presence.

One afternoon, I am practicing with Lela in a secluded clearing. We're working on my ability to manipulate light, attemptingto create a small orb of shimmering energy. Suddenly, Kain materializes from behind a tree, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"Well," he drawls, his voice dripping with amusement. "Look who's playing apprentice again."

Lela rolls her eyes playfully. "Don't tease her, Kain. It takes practice."

Kain raises his paws in mock surrender. "Never underestimate the power of a good teacher, Lela. Perhaps I could offer some… alternative instruction." He throws me a sly wink.

I can't help but crack a smile at his antics. Despite his initial annoyance at my presence in the Shadow Pack, Kain has grown on me.

"Perhaps another time, Kain," I reply, focusing my energy on the task at hand. The orb of light flickers to life, a pale blue ball hovering precariously in my palm.

Suddenly, Kain surges forward, his face inches from mine. My breath hitches in my throat, and the orb sputters and fades in surprise.

"What are you doing?" Lela gasps, her eyes wide with alarm.

He places his hands on his lips, mouthing that I should play along.

I frown, look towards Lela and she smirks, nodding her head. I sigh and nod, acting like I’m moving closer to Kain to kiss him.

Then, a primal growl shatters the clearing. Thorne emerges from the trees, his eyes blazing with fury. He lunges at Kain, a low growl ripping from his throat. The clearing erupts in chaos as a full-blown brawl erupts.

Thorne fights with a savage intensity, his movements fueled by a primal rage. Kain, though the instigator, is caught off guard by Thorne’s actions.

He struggles to defend himself. Lela throws herself between them, barking orders that are lost in the whirlwind of fur and snarls.

I stand frozen, watching in horror as Thorne pummels Kain into the ground. His growls echo through the clearing. "She's mine!" he roars. "She's not yours to claim!"

The sight of Thorne's violence sends a wave of nausea washing over me. The man I thought I was falling for, the man I craved a connection with, is consumed by jealousy and is beating my friend into a pulp.

Suddenly, I find my voice. "Stop it!" I scream. "Both of you, stop it!"

A few more punches are thrown, but the fighting ceases as Thorne turns to me. His chest is heaving, and his eyes blaze withemotions. The sight of the raw vulnerability beneath his anger awakens a pang of sympathy within me.

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