Kieran, the alpha, prowled through the moonlit forest, his amber eyes scanning the shadows. His strong frame moved with ease, but the sudden rustle ahead made him freeze.

A small figure knelt in the grass, her silver hair glinting in the light. She had the delicate body of a young woman, but twitching bunny ears and a fluffy tail marked her as a demi-human. Fear shone in her wide, green eyes as she met his gaze.

Kieran’s growl rumbled low. “You’re a fool to be out here alone.”

The bunny demi-human trembled, her posture stiff with fear, but she didn’t move.

Something about her vulnerability struck him. He wasn’t one for compassion, but the cold alpha found himself hesitating. He should leave her, but for some reason, he didn’t.

Instead, he lowered his head, nudging her gently with his nose. With a growl that sounded almost reluctant, he scooped her up carefully, cradling her against his chest.

He didn’t know why he did it. Maybe it was because she needed him, or maybe it was something else entirely. But for once, Kieran didn’t mind being the one to protect.