21. Kaden

Chapter 21

Kaden

" S asha, fuck! Don't run!" I shout as I watch her race down the hallway in her wolf form. Her thick white fur almost gleams aquamarine in the light—matching her hair. I've never seen a more spectacular wolf in my life, and right now, she's sprinting away like her life depends on it.

I run like a madman through the mansion after her, half dragging my jeans up over my hips, doing them up, then pulling a T-shirt over my head, never stopping. I just met her friends, so darting around their home naked isn't going to go down well.

Sasha rushes into a room with a door open to the outside, and in seconds, she's gone.

My stomach drops. Fuck! The thought of losing her claws at my mind. What if she's so panicked that I won't find her again?

I have no idea what the hell just happened. One second, we were in the water, and maybe I'll admit I got frustrated with her pulling away. The next second, I spoke and something I've never done before happened—my alpha voice rushed out of me, commanding and authoritative. I've heard of this happening before, an alpha controlling his mate, but I never intended to bring out her wolf. It's the only way I can explain it.

She told me that her father was a wolf shifter, but she also insisted she didn't have his ability. Yet the fear in her eyes won't leave my thoughts.

Fuck, this is my fault. What have I done to my gorgeous little mermaid?

Sprinting through the kitchen, I leap outside, where the air is sharp and cool, the skies darkening with clouds. I scan the grounds, trying to get a glimpse of her. To my left is the front of the property, and farther in front is a lofty fence, but to my right, the landscape stretches out behind the mansion, moving into the woods. Of course, she'd be there. No way in hell am I letting my fated mate vanish in such a panicked state. I did this, and I'll damn well fix it.

I run, my bare feet pounding the soft soil that's cold to the touch. When I come around the corner of the house, my sights set on the explosive woodland stretching out, I swear I catch the movement of something white. I almost crash into someone, but at the last minute, I pivot away, missing a collision with a man who's just as tall as me, standing with authority. Windblown dark brown hair cut short and tousled, he's wearing dark jeans, a tight shirt, and a leather jacket.

I stumble back. "Whoa," I mutter, steadying myself. "Sorry there," I say, my gaze fixed on the woods, then back at the man who brims with power. I can feel it emanating from him, and I know he's an alpha, someone important in this mansion.

"My name's Kaden," I state. "I'm your guest, but right now, I don't mean to be rude, but I've got an issue."

The man's lips pinch, but he's concerned, not angry, staring at the woods. "I'm Khaos," he states in a deep voice. "Guessing that white wolf I just saw charge into the woods belongs to you?"

I sigh. "It's a long story, but I need to find her urgently before she's hurt. She's never turned into her wolf form before."

"Well, fuck me. Then we need to find her. I'll help. I can track her down. The woods are in my veins. I'm part wolf shifter."

The other part a god, I think to myself, for a second admiring this powerful man who offers his help without knowing me. I know I like him already.

Khaos is already pushing toward the woods when he calls out, "Kaden, this might help you a bit more…"

He points to a black dirt bike at the other end of the yard, looking clean, as if it's never been ridden.

"Keys are in the ignition," he calls out, stripping down to nothing and already throwing himself into the woods, transforming mid-pounce into a pitch-black wolf form. He's huge, massive, as he darts into the woods.

"Well, fuck," I mutter. Rushing over, I climb onto the bike, revving it to life. I'm going to find my girl before she's terrified to death.

The bike roars beneath me as I tear across the open lawn, heading straight for the woods. The wind whips past my face, ripping at my hair, while the engine vibrates through my body. I lean forward, urging it faster. Every second feels like an eternity, and the fear of not reaching Sasha in time gnaws at me.

The trees close in around me as I enter the forest, the path narrowing, branches whacking against me. The dirt bike handles the terrain better than I expected, but it's still a struggle to maintain speed and control. My heart pounds in my chest at the urgency to find and catch her.

I push the bike harder, adrenaline surging through me, driving me forward. Sasha's image flashes in my mind—her wolf form, so wild and beautiful, her eyes wide with terror. I curse myself for letting things get so out of hand, for not understanding the power of my own voice and the impact it could have on her.

Branches snap under the bike's tires as I maneuver through the forest, the scent of pine and earth thick in the air. Every shadow seems to shift, every rustle of leaves a possible sign that it might be her. I strain to catch any glimpse of white fur, any indication that she's nearby.

The bike skids to a halt as I reach a clearing, but something inside me urges me forward. So, I keep riding, my instincts pulling me in the direction I know she went. The trees are dense, their heady aroma filling my lungs as I speed forward.

A deer darts out of the way, startled by the intrusion, and my heart pounds in my chest. The wind tugs at my hair, the bike growling beneath me like a beast in pursuit.

I hit a slope hard, the bike climbing up a track with ferocity. I catch sight of Khaos in wolf form just as he scales the top of the same hill, and I know I'm on the right path. I gun the engine, the wheels skidding here and there, but I hold on, pushing harder.

As I crest the hill, a small valley opens up below me, a river snaking through it. And there she is.

Sasha, in her wolf form, backs away from the black wolf. Her teeth are bared, a snarl etched across her face. I curse under my breath, knowing she must be terrified, having no idea who the wolf approaching her is. But Khaos was right in that he found her fast, and for that, I owe him.

Halfway down the hill, I stop the bike and discard it, rushing down on bare feet, not wanting to scare her further.

"Sasha!" I call out. "It's okay. He's Billie's mate. He's not going to hurt you. He's helping me."

Her head swings in my direction, the sneer still on her mouth, her eyes wary and wild. She backs away, her hind legs splashing in the narrow river.

As I approach, Khaos lifts his head toward me, nods, and backs away. He rushes back up the hill toward the mansion, leaving us alone.

"Thank you," I say to the retreating wolf, grateful for his help.

Now, my attention is solely on Sasha. She's shaking, but at least she hasn't run from me. The clouds are darkening the sky, casting an ominous shadow over the valley, and all I want is to have her in my arms again, to reassure her.

"I'm sorry, Sasha," I whisper, taking slow steps toward her. "I had no idea you'd turn, but I'm here for you."

She watches me, her eyes tracking my every movement, tense and ready to bolt. I move cautiously, gauging her reaction, hoping my presence will calm her. I take another step, heart in my throat.

"Please," I say, holding my voice steady despite the storm inside me. "Just let me help you."

She hesitates, and I seize the moment. I make a last move to get closer, but she scrambles, trying to escape. I lunge, catching her, grabbing hold of her around the middle.

Sasha turns her head to snap at me, her teeth grazing my forearm, tearing skin. I hiss. Blood bubbles up, the sting sharp, but it's nothing compared to the guilt shredding my insides.

I hold her, one arm looped over her back, the other cradling her chin and head, keeping her against me sideways to my chest. She growls, her eyes locked on mine, teeth bared, but I'm kneeling and won't release her.

"I'm not letting you go," I say firmly. "And I'm not leaving your side until you hear me out. Then, if you want to tear into me and watch me bleed to death, that's your decision."

She pauses, her growling ceasing for a moment, and I know I've gotten through to her. She understands me.

"I feel like the world's worst shithead for forcing your wolf transformation," I confess, my words tumbling out in a rush. "I had no idea, and I didn't intend to use my alpha voice, but it came out, and it all happened in the worst way… Well, not the worst because you are fucking stunning as a wolf. But why didn't you think you could turn? Nature has a way of ensuring all our abilities are of use to us."

I realize I'm rambling, but she's not growling at me. Her eyes are focused, alert, but no longer filled with the same panic.

"Okay, look," I continue, searching for the right words. "I didn't mean to scare you, and I didn't mean to push you into this. But you have to know that I'm here. I'm not going anywhere, and I'll do whatever it takes to help you through this."

I can feel her body soften against mine. Her gaze eases, the wildness receding, replaced by something else—something that gives me hope.

"I'm sorry," I repeat, my voice softer now. "For everything. I never wanted to hurt you. I just want to be there for you, to love you."

Sasha remains still, her breathing steadier, and I hold her close, feeling the rhythm of her heart against mine. I can't change what's happened, can't undo the fear and confusion, but I can be here for her.

The clouds overhead rumble, a low growl of thunder echoing through the valley.

"I promise," I say, meeting her blue gaze. "We'll figure this out together."

She lets out a soft whine, a sound that tugs at my heart, and I suspect she's beginning to trust me again. I stroke her thick fur gently, feeling the softness beneath my fingers, and offer her a small, reassuring smile.

I hold her close, determined to see this through. But then Sasha pulls back slightly, her eyes meeting mine with a clarity that surprises me. She gives a small, tentative nod, as if acknowledging my words and actions.

I pull her closer, wanting to calm her, waiting for her to settle completely. She gives a small whimper, and I lean down to kiss her head.

"Okay, here's the deal," I say softly. "I'm going to let you go, and if you want to bite me, I won't stop you. But you have to know I would never do anything to harm you."

Slowly, I release my hold, my heart thundering in my chest, muscles tense but trusting her and my instincts. She instantly pulls free from me, stumbling on her feet, and turns to me. Her lips curl in a snarl, but she doesn't run or attack. She just stares at me with those mesmerizing aquatic eyes.

"You're so beautiful in your wolf form, absolutely stunning," I tell her.

After a long pause, she pads back to me, sitting by my side. I don't push it. She lifts her head and releases a howl. It moves me. Something in my chest twists as I'd witnessed her experiencing her first transformation into a wolf.

Other howls echo in the distance, a chorus responding to her call. I grin as she glances at me.

"You've shown your respect to the wilderness, to embracing your true form," I say.

She gives a shake, then settles down, her front legs draped over my lap as I sit on my ass, legs stretched out in front of me. Her chin rests on my legs, and she stays there.

I stroke her head, marveling at the super thick fur and her graceful ears. I'm in awe of her magic form, her power.

"You do realize how magnificent you are," I say. "It's not many who can hold two forms they can shift into—let alone two as powerful as a wolf and a mermaid."

She makes a groaning sound but doesn't move, seeming content, and I don't want to disturb her. We sit there together, the silence around us comforting and serene.

I take a deep breath and continue, wanting her to know how much she means to me.

"I know I can be pushy, and I know it scares you," I admit. "But I've never felt this way for anyone. When I want something, I take it. And I want you to know that we are an item, no matter what. I'll be by your side, always."

She shifts slightly, her eyes meeting mine with a softness that wasn't there before. It's a small gesture, but it speaks volumes, and I feel a warmth spread through my chest, knowing she's starting to trust me again.

We sit there, me stroking her fur, her breathing long and calming. I study the woods, at the beauty of nature surrounding us, thinking back to when I was in prison, where I never thought I'd leave. Fuck, but those days were filled with darkness and despair, a time when hope seemed out of reach. Now look at me!

With my fated mate.

Free.

And while I haven't yet found who betrayed my grandfather, I'm getting closer… I feel it.

"I've been given a second chance," I murmur, more to myself than to her. "And I'm going to make the most of it. I promise you, Sasha, I'll always be by your side."

She lets out a soft sigh, her eyes closing as she rests her head on my lap, and I know she's found comfort in my words.

An hour, maybe more, has passed, and Sasha's fallen asleep, her wolf form nestled against me, warmth radiating off her. I know it's the exhaustion of everything she's been through today that has her passing out. The weight of the transformation, both physically and emotionally, must have taken its toll on her.

As the air grows colder, I shift carefully, lifting her in my arms. She's heavier in this form, her muscles thick and powerful, but there's a softness to her, a warmth that soothes me. With her pressed against my chest, I tighten my arms around her body, under her tail and head. She slumps against me, trusting even in sleep.

"Well, let's get you back to our room," I whisper softly. "Then you might find it easier to come back to me in your human form."

The trek back up the hill is slow and deliberate, and I keep finding myself burying my face in her fur, taking in her sweet wolf scent; beneath it all is the smell of the sea. She's got me fucking hypnotized.

As I reach the mansion, the warm glow from the windows spills out onto the lawn. I push open the door with my shoulder, careful not to jostle her. Waiters inside pause, their eyes widening slightly at the sight of the wolf in my arms, but they step forward to help, holding doors open as I pass.

"Thanks," I mutter, grateful for their assistance.

Finally, we reach our quarters, and I close the door behind us, shutting out the world. I walk to our room, then lay her gently on the bed. Her body shifts slightly, settling into the softness of the mattress, and I can't help but smile at the sight of her so peaceful and serene. There's no smart-ass commentary either, which has me grinning more.

The pitter-patter of tiny feet catches my attention, and I turn to find Chowder standing in the doorway, staring at the wolf, his head tilted with curiosity. His nostrils twitch as he sniffs the air.

"Why does wolf smell like Sasha?" Chowder asks, his brow furrowing.

"This is her, buddy," I explain, crouching down to his level. "Tonight, she discovered her other ability, but now she needs to sleep."

"She hurt?" he asks, stepping into the room, his attention on her.

I scoop him up quickly, not wanting to risk Sasha's wolf instincts taking over if she wakes disoriented and thinks of him as a snack.

"She's fine, just tired," I reassure him. "We need to give her time."

Chowder's eyes never leave her. Even as I shut the door, he continues to stare in her direction.

"I worry for her," he admits.

"I know. Me, too," I say, setting him down gently. He scrambles up onto the couch, leaning on the armrest, his gaze fixed on her door.

To distract him, I grab a bowl of fruit from the table—grapes, pears, and mandarins—and bring it over. "Enjoy. It'll keep you busy."

He doesn't hesitate, digging in with enthusiasm. I've never seen something so small eat so much, but it's a welcome distraction.

With Chowder occupied, I slip back into the room to find Sasha still sleeping soundly. I don't want her to wake up afraid and alone, so I climb into bed alongside her. I rest my hands behind my head, feeling the purr of her heavy breathing, the warmth from her body beside me.

"I meant what I said before," I whisper into the silence, my voice barely audible. "I love you, Sasha."

The words hang in the air. It's a promise, a declaration I don't give lightly.

I close my eyes, allowing myself to relax, to savor the peace after a long day.

Sleep already tugs at my thoughts…

I wake up to a sudden splash of water hitting my face. It's cold and sharp, shocking me awake. I snap upright in bed, growling, "What the fuck!" My eyes are wide as water runs down my face, soaking my shirt and the bed—where I'm alone.

In front of me stands Sasha, holding an empty glass with a triumphant grin.

"I see you're back in your human form," I say, wiping my face with my hand.

"Thanks for looking after me," she says, a teasing edge to her voice. "It means everything that you brought me back here."

"Strange way of showing it by throwing water in my face," I reply.

She grins, spreading her lips, and I notice Chowder at her leg, scrambling up her body to sit in the crook of her bent arm. He looks at me with bright, curious eyes.

"Oh, the water is for pushing me too far in the pool, for not listening to me, and for forcing my wolf out with your alpha asshole command," she states. "Don't ever do it again!"

I struggle to keep a serious face and smile instead.

"Oh, little mermaid, I know you're mad, but that command was completely accidental. But now we know you can transform into your wolf." I push my legs out of bed, wiping the water dripping into my eyes.

She stares at me deadpan, not giving an inch.

"They're expecting us downstairs for a catch-up in ten, so, you know…" She turns on her heel and walks out, Chowder now perched on her shoulder, gawking back at me.

"Why you wet the bed?" Chowder chirps, his laughter a high-pitched sound that makes Sasha chuckle.

I shake my head, loving that we're back to our playful taunts. As I get up, I know that one way or another, I'm going to get her to break down those walls and realize she can't live without me.

Her strength and resilience inspire me, and as I dry off and change clothes, I'm more determined than ever to show her that we're in this together. Her smile, her spirit, and the fire in her eyes are things I will cherish forever. And I'm ready to prove that I'm the one who will never leave her side. Whether she likes it or not, she's stuck with me for life.