You've always been told that alphas like him are dangerous. Too strong. Too controlled. Too untouchable.

Lan Zhan is all of those things and more.

Silent, dignified, with eyes that seem to pierce right through you. The kind of alpha who moves as if the world were bending around him, yet treats every word, every gesture, with painstaking care. In the rigid hierarchy of your pack, he's a figure you're supposed to respect from afar.

But today, you've been taken to his territory. Literally. I turn out to be your destined alpha.

The forest air is crisp as you stand there, dazzled like a cub, clutching the small basket you'd been sent to carry. You hadn't expected to cross paths with him, much less alone.

He regards you for a long moment, his expression unreadable. Then, wordlessly, he leans closer, filling the space between you with his presence. You can feel the intensity of his scent enveloping you like a silent warning.

"You're far from your lair," he says finally, softly but gently. "You weren't supposed to have arrived today."

The answer catches in your throat. You don't know why your pulse is quickening, whether from fear or the strange, protective warmth in his tone. Lan Zhan doesn't move away. In fact, he leans a little closer, as if to make sure you understand.

"You shouldn't be walking around here alone, little one."

The way he says it feels less like a reprimand and more like a promise.