Chapter 4

4

Liza's heart raced as she stood face to face with the man who had just appeared out of nowhere, the Alpha of the Ironwood pack—Rylan Stone. She had done her research before attending the festival, wanting to know exactly who she might encounter in this world of werewolf shifters. But no amount of preparation could have prepared her for the reality of standing before him.

Rylan was tall, towering over her with a presence that was impossible to ignore. His broad shoulders and muscular frame spoke of strength and power, the kind that made her feel like a fragile little thing in comparison. He had the rugged, chiseled features of someone who had seen and done much in his life. His eyes—dark and intense—held a depth that both unnerved her but also made her feel safe. She knew that no one, including Rob, would mess with her if they had to face Rylan's glare.

There was also the fact that she felt an instant attraction to him. He was older, clearly more experienced, and there was something almost predatory in the way he looked at her. It made her feel like Little Red Riding Hood in the face of the big bad wolf.

But the strangest thing was, she didn't mind. She didn't mind the way his gaze seemed to pierce through her. She didn't mind the way his presence dominated the space between them. A shiver ran down her spine, a mix of fear and something else, something she couldn't quite name.

"Liza," he said, his voice low and rough, sending a thrill through her. The way he said her name made her feel like he had known her for years, like there was something between them that defied explanation.

She should have been afraid—she was, after all, a human in a world of werewolf shifters. She was standing before the Alpha of one of the most powerful packs. But instead, she felt a strange sense of calm, a certainty that he would protect her, even though they had just met.

When he reached out his hand, she hesitated for only a moment before placing her smaller one in his. The warmth of his touch sent a jolt through her, and she felt a sense of security that she had been missing for nearly a year.

Rylan gave her hand a gentle tug, and she followed obediently. She knew the path they were taking wasn't back to the cabin she was sharing with her sister. It wasn't the way to her grandmother's house either. But she followed him without another question.

The night air was cool against her skin, carrying the scents of earth and animals and something distinctly wild. The sounds of the festival faded behind them, replaced by the quiet rustling of leaves and the occasional distant howl. Though she was human, Liza's senses felt heightened. Every sound and scent were magnified, making her hyper-aware of the man beside her.

As they walked deeper into the forest, she stole glances at him. He moved with a grace that was almost otherworldly, his every step purposeful and silent. His eyes constantly scanned their surroundings, always alert, always vigilant. He was shielding her with his body, placing himself between her and any potential danger.

Her mind raced with questions. Why was he helping her? What did he want from her? But she couldn't bring herself to voice them, afraid of breaking the strange, fragile connection that had formed between them.

"Stay close to me," he commanded, but his voice was soft. "I'll keep you safe."

She didn't doubt him, not for a second. The forest closed in around them, the trees tall and imposing, but she wasn't afraid. Not with him by her side.

Inside her chest, her heart was racing. She was certain he could hear the rapid beating. Did he know it was because of him? Did he feel the beginnings of a tug between them?

It was the same tug she had sensed between Elijah and that woman. The same tug she'd seen with Maize and Gideon. Could it really be happening to her? Could she truly be feeling that same connection with Rylan, the Alpha of the Ironwood pack?

She'd lied to herself before, convincing herself that what she felt for Rob had been real. But this was different. What she had felt for Rob seemed like a childish infatuation compared to the all-consuming need she now felt to press herself against Rylan, to breathe in his scent and never let his hand go.

Could she trust him? She had to. Rylan was the one who had hired her and her sister for this job, and he was Gideon's Alpha. She trusted Gideon, and by extension, she had to trust Rylan.

There was still the nagging at the back of her neck about feeling watched. She knew that if anyone was watching her with malicious intent, it could be no one but Rob. As though he heard her, Rylan asked, "Who is Rob?"

Liza stiffened. The name said aloud sent a ripple of unease through her. "Rob is… he's my ex-boyfriend." The memories of her time with Rob flooded back, bringing with them a wave of shame and anger. "He told me I was his fated mate."

Rylan stopped walking, causing Liza to bump into his back. Her cheek met with a cord of muscle, but also a soft cushion she wouldn't mind snuggling into. Too bad Rylan stepped back to peer down at her with an intensity that made her breath hitch. The moonlight filtered through the trees, casting shadows across his face, but she could see the fire in his eyes. That was anger there. But it wasn't directed at her.

"He lied to you," Rylan said, his voice a low, dangerous rumble. "It's impossible for Rob to be your mate."

"How do you know that?"

Rylan's gaze locked on to hers, his eyes dark and full of possessiveness. Liza knew that look because she'd seen it in Rob's eyes. But looking up at Rylan, the possessive look didn't scare her. Not even slightly.

"Because I'm your mate," he said, the words spoken with such certainty, such finality, that it left no room for doubt.