The sound of water stopped. Kyle tensed, trying to keep his composure, but frustration gnawed at him. Ashlee hummed contentedly in the bathroom. Why did she sound so delighted?

Had he spoiled her too much? Maybe she needed a reminder of her limits. She couldn’t be wandering in the woods at night. He suspected Esyn might have influenced her, but with no sign of Esyn nearby, his frustration only grew. At least then, he’d feel certain she was safe.

The door opened, and Ashlee emerged, eyes downcast as she toweled her hair dry. She had no idea Kyle was back, silently watching her every move from the bed.

“Anyone could fall for that. She needs more than protection,” he thought, watching her in the robe. The droplets on her neck trailed downward, disappearing into her cleavage.

“Damn it!” Kyle muttered, shaking his head. He was getting heated, his desire held back only by his resolve not to scare her. He wanted her close, safe—to be the only one who could see her like this.

Ashlee jumped at the sound of his voice, stifling a shriek. “God! You scared me,” she whispered, her hand sliding from her mouth as she smiled, and he felt himself melt.

She was making him go crazy, and he knew it.

“How was your day?” She stepped closer, her eyes curiously searching his as if hoping he’d say he missed her.

He smirked, and she tilted her head in confusion. In a swift motion, his hand slipped around her waist, pulling her closer, between his legs. She grasped his shoulders for balance, stunned.

His smirk never faded as he inhaled her fresh scent. She wore no perfumes or creams, yet her natural fragrance was intoxicating.

“I missed your scent,” he whispered, making her heart flutter. How could he say that so directly, and with such a seductive tone?

His hand tightened on her waist, while the other brushed strands of hair from her face, gently covering her eyes as his fingers traced her skin.

Her nervousness showed as she fidgeted with his shirt, her hands trembling. She didn’t know what to do.

Kyle’s hand rested on the side of her neck. He could hear her heart thundering. She was nervous. Nervous to death. Her lip-biting wasn’t making this any easier.

“Take a deep breath,” he murmured, tugging her closer, his gaze dropping to her quivering lips.

How could she breathe properly with him so close? He’d have to let her go for her to calm down. This was too much.

“I…” Her voice barely a whimper, he ignored her faint protest.

“Shh…” Shushing her, he guided her onto his lap, pulling her closer each time. Resting his forehead against hers, he whispered, “Why do you have to be so beautiful?” He was overwhelmed by her innocent beauty.

“Wh… What are you doing, Kyle?” she murmured, her shoulders tense as he slowly began to untie her robe, his eyes closed, seemingly unaware of anything but his desire.

“Kyle…” She whispered again, making a small movement. But his hold was firm—he had no intention of letting her go tonight.

‘Is this really happening? That’s all? He never even told me he liked me, yet he wants this?’ Her mind raced. ‘Should I give in? Am I overthinking? But he’s so hot and irresistible…’

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Kyle wasn’t the only one losing control. Her thoughts echoed his intensity, but something deep down resisted.

It wasn’t the right time. She wanted more with him—a life together—before giving him everything. Her innocence was precious, and she feared losing it too easily. What if things went wrong later?

Her insecurities crept in. What if he left her after this? Would she end up more miserable?

“Kyle… I… don’t think we should be doing this right now,” she muttered, worry etched on her face. She hoped he wouldn’t be angry.

Her words silenced his wolf, his desire suddenly quelled. Her robe was loose, but she held it firmly around herself. Kyle’s astonishment showed in his eyes.

“You don’t want to do it, do you?” he asked, his gaze piercing as he waited for her answer.

“I… I don’t mean it that way.” The rejection she’d feared seemed to unfold. She stepped back, tightening her robe, keeping a tense silence.

Kyle watched her, surprised. If she liked him, why would she resist? Right time? Is there ever a right time? Deep down, he knew he’d never force her.

He knew he was acting out of jealousy. He wanted to claim her, to ensure she was his alone. But it was too sudden.

She was just starting to cherish life again. Her mother’s death, the abuse she’d endured—her heart hadn’t healed yet. But she still cared deeply for him.

“I…” Kyle stood up abruptly. “I’ll stay in my office tonight. You should get some sleep,” he said curtly, his frustration unmistakable.

“But…” Before Ashlee could stop him, he was gone, slamming the door behind him.

“But I do like you,” she whispered to herself, feeling a pang in her heart. Being ignored by someone you care about is the worst.

Kyle retreated to his office, restless as he paced around the study. Ashlee filled his mind, her face, her scent—she was all he could think about, even if he believed she didn’t feel the same.

Unaware of his intentions, he growled, “Ciara! Come to my office now!”

A knock sounded on the door. Ciara entered, wearing a short, seductive dress. Her long legs gleamed under the dim lights, her exposed cleavage a blatant invitation.

“Alpha Kyle,” she whispered in her sultry tone, approaching him and sliding her fingers over his shoulders.

He didn’t hesitate, grabbing her wrist. She looked surprised—he’d never been so rough with her before.

“You’re more eager tonight, Alpha Kyle,” she whispered in his ear, her tongue flicking out to lick his earlobe.

“I don’t want to kiss you.” His eyes glowed, deep and bright—a dangerous warning. She realized not to toy with him in this state.

“I know what you want,” she whispered, hiding her apprehension. She removed her clothes, striding toward him, helping him strip as well.

Her hands roamed over his chest, a finger trailing down to his boxers. A soft kiss landed on his navel before she moved lower.

Ashlee waited all night, hoping Kyle would come back. She wrestled with herself, torn between apologizing to him and letting him cool off. Her heart ached with regret.

Eventually, she dozed off on the couch by the window, unaware of the cold night settling in around her.

Morning arrived at Warbite Pack’s doors. Kyle returned to their room, his mind clearer now. Last night had been a mistake—he’d scared her. He shouldn’t have left her alone.

“Ashlee.” Worry filled him when he didn’t see her on the bed. The covers were untouched, as he’d left them.

His eyes found her, curled up on the couch by an open window. Was she crazy?

“What if she caught cold sleeping there?” he muttered, shaking his head. Gently, he picked her up and laid her on the bed, careful not to wake her.

She rolled over, comfortably snuggling under the sheets. Unable to resist, he removed his shirt, slipping into bed beside her, holding her close.

“I’m sorry,” he whispered, pressing a soft kiss to her head. She instinctively relaxed, both of them finding peace as they drifted off.

Meanwhile, Collin and his pack discussed their plans for revenge. He’d seen Ashlee and knew she was beautiful—perfect, even.

“I’m going to take her,” he declared, slamming his fist on the table. His pack members looked on, intrigued and confused.

“What do you mean, Alpha Collin?” His beta asked, intrigued.

“I’ll go after his mate. I’ll make her come to me willingly.” Collin sipped his whiskey, a twisted plan forming in his mind.

“But she’s Alpha Kyle’s mate. How will you break their bond?” one of the members asked, curious.

“He’s invited us to an annual event,” Collin replied, snuffing out his cigarette in an ashtray. “We’re not fighting that day.”

“But why? It’s the perfect chance—they won’t be prepared.”

“We don’t attack unannounced,” Collin growled, his alpha authority silencing the room.

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I’m so bad at naming the chapters lmao >0<