Chapter 0300

"This is my place." I say as we stop outside my apartment building. Aurora could have warned me about becoming this man's Guardian. The term still feels foreign, but she insists we're irrevocably tied to him now. A man who looks old enough to be my father yet is supposedly my destined mate.

He's not unattractive. Quite the opposite. His entire presence screams danger - midnight skin, obsidian eyes, hair black as a moonless night. Even through his leather jacket, I can see the defined muscles. Shoulders broad enough to carry the weight of the world. Thighs like ancient oaks straining against his dark jeans.

But none of that matters. I've seen firsthand how poisonous the mate bond can be. Watched my mother wither away under my father's cruelty until there was nothing left. I won't let history repeat itself.

"Thanks for the escort. Conversation was... enlightening." I reach for the door handle when his fingers wrap around my wrist.

"This isn't over. We have more to discuss."

"My part in this discussion is finished. You got more of my time than most strangers do. I've got things to do. Goodnight." I wrench my hand free and slam the door before he can respond.

An hour later, I venture outside. The night air carries his lingering scent - sandalwood and something distinctly wild. Damn the Moon Goddess for making mates smell this intoxicating. As if their unnatural attractiveness wasn't enough temptation.

At the forest's edge, I strip quickly and let the shift take me. The familiar prickle of unseen eyes makes my fur stand on end, but the wind reveals no intruders. Aurora takes control, following our usual patrol route along the territory borders until we reach the river.

She's drinking when I spot him. A massive black wolf, easily Alpha-sized, melting into the shadows. Only the full moon's glow gives him away.

Aurora inhales sharply. 'It's him.' Her voice purrs through my mind.

'Who?'

'Victor. Our mate.' She takes a step forward.

'What are you doing?'

'Introducing ourselves properly.'

'Like hell we are. Home. Now.'

We engage in our usual mental tug-of-war before she reluctantly concedes. Back at my clothes, his presence still prickles along my skin. Shifting with an audience feels violating, but I have no choice. Turning away from the unseen gaze, I change quickly and jog home, locking every bolt behind me.

'He's protecting us,' Aurora insists. 'Keeping us safe.'

'Explain what he meant about Alphas forcing Guardians into bonds.'

Her hesitation speaks volumes. 'Guardians amplify pack strength. For centuries, Alphas have... acquired us through less than voluntary means. He's right - once word spreads about your awakening, every Alpha will be hunting you.'

'Then we keep doing what we've always done. Stay invisible.'

Next morning at the diner, his scent hits me before the bell finishes chiming. I can't exactly ban him from a public place. He orders coffee and proceeds to occupy a booth through my entire shift.

"Most customers don't camp out for eight hours," I remark while refilling his mug for the fifth time.