Page 13 of Wilder Obsessions

“Shifter,” I finish for her, the truth crashing between us.She nods, her treasury of emotions spilling into a flash of fear.

She flinches from me, her eyes wide with shock.Fuck.How could I be so stupid?I’m not just a stranger, I’m a beast, a monster.At least that’s what she thinks.She doesn’t know I’d rather die than hurt any part of her.

“I would never hurt you, Arwen.”I clutch her tight to my chest, willing her to understand, but instead she tenses against me.When I loosen my grip, she drops to her knees, breaking out in sobs as the realization sinks in.

“He’s dead.He’s dead.Oh, God, Jarrod’s dead.”Her disjointed words struggle against the weight of her grief.

“Come on.There’s nothing here for you.I’m taking care of you now.”Her sobbing ceases.She narrows her eyes, the steel coming back into her gaze.

“And if I want to stay?”

Anger floods my being, my fingers clamping around her arms, eliciting a pained gasp.“That is not happening.”

Tension fills the air.I’m too intense, and I know it.The moment changes, and dominating the next breath, I loosen my grip, rubbing the red marks along her arms.

“Shit, Arwen, I’m sorry.”I bring her face closer, capturing her trembling lips with my own.Locking onto her, I murmur, “Baby, please come home with me.”In that moment, our fear and pain intermingle as she responds, and she kisses me back.I nip at her plump bottom lip, and she groans in submission.

“There’s something I need to tell you,” I begin as I pull back from her, needing to see into her eyes.

“What is it?”she asks hesitantly, as if I’m about to drop another emotional bomb on her and maybe I am.Who knows how she will react to this news.

I reach out and take her hands in mine, the warmth of her skin igniting something deep within me.

“From the moment we met, I felt an inexplicable connection to you.It was more than just attraction or friendship.It’s a bond that runs deeper, something primal and undeniable.”

Her eyes are wide, confusion and intrigue swirling in those pools of violet.“What do you mean?”

I take a deep breath, feeling the gravity of my words.“I mean that we’re fated mates,” I explain slowly.“In our world, fated mates are destined for one another, bound by a bond that transcends time and space.It’s why I feel such a strong pull toward you, why I can’t imagine my life without you.”Arwen’s eyes widen and she opens her mouth to speak but then closes it again.I can see the questions swirling through her mind.

“Fated mates?”she repeats, disbelief tinged with curiosity.“What do you mean ‘our world’?I’m not a shifter.”

A pang of guilt washes over me.How the hell does this beautiful soul not know what she is?And why of all people do I have to be the one to tell her?On top of everything else, she’s likely to either not believe me or go into shock.Neither are viable options.

“I understand how shocking this must be.You’ve always felt different, right?Like there’s something more beneath the surface?”I pause, watching her closely.“Our world isn’t just about shifters.It’s a world of hidden magic and extraordinary beings.Being a shifter is just one part of it.”

Arwen blinks, her expression a mix of disbelief and curiosity.“But ...I’ve never shifted.I don’t feel like a shifter.”

I nod.“You’re right.You’re not a shifter, but you’re part of this world in your own unique way.Your song, your ability to soothe and heal—it’s your siren heritage.Part siren, part human.It’s a rare and powerful combination.”I let my words sink in before continuing.“Has anyone ever told you they didn’t like your singing?Or has it ever made you feel differently?”

“I guess I’ve had moments where I felt like I could calm someone just by ...you know, singing to them.”She pauses, expression shifting.I can see the memories flashing in her mind like a film reel, piecing together a puzzle she never knew existed.“Jarrod hated it.”

“Your voice carries magic, a gift from your siren lineage.And it’s also why we’re fated mates.Our bond goes beyond being shifters, it’s about our souls finding each other.”Her gasp echoes against the wooden walls, an audible acknowledgment of realization as she inches closer to me.

“So, you’re saying I’m part of this hidden world too?”

“Yes, and it means you have a strength and power you’ve only begun to discover.”Arwen shakes her head slowly.

Her brow furrows.“I don’t have power.If I did, then...”she trails off, clutching her throat, the air almost thick with disbelief.“This can’t be real.I’ve lived my whole life thinking I was ordinary.How could I possibly be part of this world without knowing it?What makes you think I can and will trust you?Do you see what I’ve been through?”She points to the lifeless body on the floor behind us.“And you want me to just automatically trust you?”

“Sometimes, our true nature takes time to reveal itself,” I say gently.“It could be your connection to me has triggered the awakening of your powers.Our bond is strong, and it’s bringing out the best in both of us.”

Her anger flashes, clenched fists shaking.“Why now?Why am I finding out about this only now?”

“Because sometimes the universe works its own timing.Sometimes, even when we don’t believe we’re special, we are meant for greatness.Your affinity for singing, the way your voice soothes the troubled souls around you, it all connects back to your lineage.Your mother must’ve been a siren.”

Tears pool in her eyes, and I rush to comfort her.She shakes her head vehemently.“I wouldn’t know.I never knew my parents!”

My gaze softens as I look at Arwen, understanding her confusion and disbelief.I take a deep breath, searching for the right words to convey the depth of what I feel.

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