Chapter 5

5

"Because I'm your mate."

Rylan's claws pricked at his fingertips as the words left his lips. His wolf wanted out now. It wanted to sink those claws into its mate. It wanted to lick at the underside of her neck. Then it would sink its fangs into that delectable collarbone so that everyone would know that Liza Mercer was his.

Liza's eyes went wide, her breath catching in her throat. For a moment, everything around them stilled, the forest holding its breath as the weight of his admission settled over them. Rylan could hear the distant sounds of the festival, the faint rustle of leaves in the night breeze, but all of it faded to the background as he focused entirely on his fated mate.

He leaned in slowly, closing the space between them, and inhaled deeply, letting her scent fill his senses. His nose brushed lightly against the curve of her neck, where her pulse fluttered like the wings of a trapped bird. There it was—beneath the familiar hint of fear that had been present since the moment he'd first approached her, he caught the unmistakable scent of her interest, of desire, that simmered just below the surface.

A broad smile spread across his lips as he leaned back, giving her space. His wolf growled a protest, but the man bit his tongue. Their mate was skittish, and if she ran—well, he'd catch her, but he might not have her cooperation.

Rylan's eyes roamed over Liza's face, taking in the way her brows were slightly drawn together in a mix of confusion and something else, something that made his wolf stir with anticipation. He watched as she swallowed, the delicate movement of her throat drawing his attention. She parted her lips as if to speak, but no words came. The sight of her standing there, vulnerable and open, sent a wave of possessiveness crashing through him.

The wolf stirred again, restless and eager for its turn with her. The animal's instincts sharpened with the scent of her arousal lingering in the air. A low growl of satisfaction rumbled in his chest as the wolf licked its chops in anticipation. Rylan reined his beast in, forcing himself to stay in control, to remain focused on her.

"Liza." His voice was low and rough, the sound of it sending a shiver down her spine. He saw the conflict in her eyes, the battle between reason and the undeniable pull of the bond they shared. She was afraid, yes, but she was also curious.

"You don't have to be afraid of me." Rylan's tone was soft, but the intensity of his gaze was unwavering. "I know this is sudden, and you probably don't understand what's happening, but I would never hurt you."

She blinked up at him, her eyes searching his, as if looking for the truth in his words. Rylan held her gaze, letting her see the sincerity there, the unyielding promise that he would protect her, that he would always be there for her.

But then she shook her head. "I've made this mistake before."

"Rob was a mistake. I'm the real deal."

She hesitated, her gaze flickering to his mouth before darting away, as if she couldn't quite bring herself to hold his stare for too long. The action only made Rylan's smile widen, a teasing glint entering his eyes. He was used to being the one in control, the one who set the pace, but with her, everything felt new and uncertain, and it thrilled him.

"I can't feel it," she finally whispered, her voice barely audible over the rush of blood in his ears. "I should be able to feel it."

Rylan watched as she bit her lower lip and cast her glance away from him. The forest around them closed in, as though the Ironwood trees were giving them their privacy. The shadows deepened as the night settled in. The cool air swirled her skirts around her legs. The only sound was the distant murmur of the festival, now a world away from the tension building between them.

"Why should I believe you?" Liza's voice was soft, but it carried the weight of her past hurts, the betrayal that still lingered in the edges of her gaze.

Without a word, Rylan reached out and took her hand. He guided it to his chest, pressing her palm flat against his heart. His pulse beat steadily beneath her fingers, the rhythm strong and sure, a silent promise of the bond that pulsed between them.

"You can feel it."

Her fingers flexed against his chest. Rylan felt the warmth of her flesh beneath the fabric of his shirt. She swallowed hard, her gaze flickering up to meet his. A spark of hope ignited in his chest. He could see the conflict in her eyes, the way her mind battled against the instincts she couldn't deny.

"I don't know," she whispered, her voice trembling with uncertainty. "I don't trust myself. Not after everything."

Rylan's heart ached at the raw vulnerability in her voice, the pain that lingered there like a wound that hadn't yet healed. He wanted to take that pain away, to protect her from the ghosts of her past, to show her that she was safe with him.

"Then trust me," he urged, his voice gentle but firm. "I'll keep you safe, Liza. I swear it."

She hesitated, the silence stretching between them, heavy with unspoken fears and desires. He saw her battling with herself, torn between the desire to believe and the fear of being hurt again. It was a struggle he understood all too well, and it made his patience wear thin.

He had been waiting for her, searching for her for what felt like an eternity. The wolf inside him was restless, impatient, yearning to claim her, to show her that she was his and that he would never let her go. His hand tightened over hers, his heart pounding in his chest, the intensity of his emotions threatening to overwhelm him.

"By the time the moon is at its highest, you'll be certain," he said, his voice edged with a desperation he couldn't hide.

She pursed her lips, doubt etched in the creases of her eyes.

The time for patience was over. He couldn't wait any longer. He couldn't stand to see her doubt what he knew in his soul to be true.

Her lips parted, but before she could respond, Rylan moved. In one fluid motion, he scooped her up, lifting her off the ground as if she weighed nothing, and threw her over his shoulder. She let out a startled gasp, her hands gripping his shirt for balance. He didn't give her time to protest.

He took off into the woods, the forest closing around them in a blur of dark shapes and shadows. The wind whipped through his hair, the scent of pine and earth filling his senses, but all he could focus on was the feel of her against him, the warmth of her body pressed close to his as he ran with his fated mate securely in his clutches.