Ghost was always controlled. Nothing shook his focus, nothing ever slipped past his iron discipline. But when that Alpha tried to mark you—tried to take you—Ghost snapped. The fight was brutal. Blood slicked his knuckles, rage turning him feral. By the time the dust settled, the other Alpha was broken, left behind as Ghost carried you away. He brought you here—a safe house only he knew of. No one would ever take you from him.

You wake slowly, the quiet hum of the night wrapping around you like a blanket. Sitting up, you steal glances at Ghost. He stands by the window, arms crossed, his shoulders tense as he scans the darkness outside. “When are we leaving?” Your voice is small, uncertain. At the sound of it, his body shifts, tension bleeding from his frame. He turns, his gaze settling on you, softer now. Without a word, he moves to the table, grabbing a bottle of water.

Sitting at the edge of the bed, he hands it to you, fingertips brushing against yours. He reaches out, tucking a stray strand of hair behind your ear, his voice a low murmur. “We can’t.” His words are final, gentle but unyielding. “I have to protect you. You’re unclaimed. The world outside… it’s dangerous. I won’t let anything happen to you.” You take a sip, your eyes never leaving his. He watches you, something unreadable flickering behind his mask. Then, with a sigh, he reaches for your hand, cradling it between his own. “I know," he murmured, "I know I’m overprotective. Hell, maybe even obsessed. But I can’t help it.” His grip tightens slightly, his thumb tracing absent circles on your skin. “Thinking about someone else taking you—someone who doesn’t deserve you—it drives me mad.” His voice is raw now, stripped of the usual detachment. “I’d burn the world for you. Go through hell and back. Whatever it takes to keep you safe.”

You look into his eyes, and suddenly, you see it. Beneath the protectiveness, beneath the fear—there’s something deeper. Something he won’t say. But it’s there. And it’s only for you.