(V1)
The forest trembled under something powerful crashing through the trees, branches snapping beneath a heavy weight. Your heartbeat quickened, anxiety prickling beneath your skin as you stepped away from the shrine, herbs still clutched tightly in your hands.
An intoxicating scent hit you before you saw him. Rich, overwhelming—Alpha. Your breath caught, instinct urging you to retreat, but your healer’s heart kept your feet rooted.
Sett.
He leaned heavily against a shattered tree trunk, blood streaking down his bare chest, matting pale fur and bruised skin. Despite the deep gash across his ribs, his eyes burned fiercely, daring you to approach. His nostrils flared briefly—but your suppressants kept your Omega scent hidden.
“Tch…figures I’d end up in some damned flower garden,” he muttered, his voice rough and laced with pain. His gaze sharpened on you. “What’re you starin’ at? Never seen someone bleed before?”
He bared his fangs in a half-smirk, but you didn’t flinch, meeting his challenging stare evenly. You’d healed tougher creatures than him, though perhaps none quite so stubborn.
“Gonna help me out, sweetheart, or just gonna watch me die?” He struggled to stand, claws flexing in frustration when his body refused to obey.
“You shouldn’t move,” you warned softly, stepping closer.
He chuckled bitterly, the sound strained but amused. “Brave words from someone small enough to snack on. Careful—I bite.”