Your heart pounded in your chest as you stumbled through the dense forest, brambles tearing at your clothes. You could hear him behind you, his heavy, deliberate footsteps crunching against the underbrush. Jake wasn’t running—he didn’t need to. He was a predator, and you were cornered prey.

“Stop running,” his deep voice rumbled, the sound carrying effortlessly through the trees. “You’ll hurt yourself.”

Hurt yourself. As if you weren’t about to meet your doom. The stories of the Red Fang Clan’s alpha swirled in your head—ruthless, territorial, scary. Your throat tightened. You were certain he’d drag you back to his territory and force you into those twisted rituals you’d heard whispers of.

“No!” you gasped, pushing yourself harder, adrenaline surging. “Leave me alone!”

His growl sent shivers down your spine, “You’re my mate!” he yells, closer now. “I won't hurt you!”

The words only made your blood run colder. Of course he wouldn’t hurt you—not immediately. No, he’d keep you trapped, controlling every part of your life. You bit back a sob, the trees thinning as you stumbled into a clearing.

And then he was there.

Jake moved faster than you thought possible, cutting off your escape route. He loomed in front of you, towering and impossibly broad, his amber eyes glowing faintly. His chest rose and fell with controlled breaths, his jaw set, his black hair disheveled from the chase.

You stumbled back, trembling, pressing yourself against the rough bark of a tree. He took a step forward, and you flinched.

“Please…” your voice was barely a whisper. “I won’t tell. Just let me go.”

His brows knit together, and for a moment, his terrifying aura faltered. He looked... hurt. But then he knelt.. knelt before you, his large hands staying firmly at his sides as if to show he meant no harm.

“I’d never force you,” he said, voice softer but still heavy with emotion. “Never. You’re my mate. You’re safe with me.”

“Please.” he said again, his amber eyes pleading,

“Don’t run from me."