The Wolf, Her Master and Her Lover

The storm lashed against the small cottage, drowning the cries of the wind with deafening thunder. Selene tightened her cloak around her shoulders, her hands trembling as she latched the shutters.

The forest beyond the cottage loomed like a dark sea of shadows, but the real fear lay inside her. Tonight, she felt it-a pull deep in her chest, primal and unrelenting, as if something ancient stirred within her.

"Selene!" her mother hissed from the hearth. "Come here, child."

Selene obeyed, her bare feet silent on the cold wooden floor. Her mother, a frail woman with eyes haunted by secrets, clutched a dagger glinting in the firelight. The blade was old, etched with symbols Selene didn't understand.

"They're coming," her mother whispered, her voice trembling. "The wolves."

Selene's breath hitched. The wolves. The tales were enough to keep most villagers locked indoors after sunset. They spoke of men who turned into beasts, of Alphas who claimed women with a single bite, binding them in body and soul.

"But we're safe here," Selene said, though her voice lacked conviction. "The cottage is protected."

"Not tonight," her mother said, her eyes darting toward the door. "Tonight, they're coming for you."

Selene stepped back, the weight of those words crashing down on her. "For me? Why?"

Her mother didn't answer. Instead, she pressed the dagger into Selene's hands. "Run. Don't look back. The forest may be dangerous, but it's safer than staying here. Do you understand?"

Before Selene could argue, the door splintered open with a deafening crack. The storm surged in, accompanied by the scent of pine and something darker-predatory. A figure stood in the doorway, towering and menacing, his golden eyes glowing like twin flames in the night.

"Selene," the man growled, his voice a mix of silk and steel. "I've come for what's mine."

She froze, the dagger slipping from her fingers. The man stepped into the room, and with the faint light from the fire, Selene saw the truth. He wasn't just a man-he was a wolf in human form, his presence radiating dominance.

"Ragnar," her mother spat, venom dripping from the name. "You will not take her."

Ragnar ignored her, his gaze fixed on Selene. "The mark has chosen her. She belongs to me."

Selene stumbled back, shaking her head. "I don't belong to anyone!" But Ragnar moved faster than she could react, his hand gripping her wrist with iron strength. "You'll understand soon enough," he said, his lips curling into a predatory smile.

Selene struggled, but his other hand brushed her neck, and a searing pain shot through her body. She screamed as a fiery sensation bloomed where his fingers touched, spreading like wildfire beneath her skin.

"Stop!" her mother cried, lunging at him, but Ragnar swatted her away like she was nothing more than an insect.

Selene dropped to her knees, clutching at her neck. The pain subsided, replaced by a strange heat that pulsed with her heartbeat. When she looked up, Ragnar's eyes were triumphant.

"It's done," he said, his voice low and satisfied.

Selene's fingers found the mark-an intricate crescent burned into her skin. It glowed faintly in the dim light, as if it were alive. "No," she whispered, tears streaming down her face.

Ragnar crouched before her, his hand lifting her chin so she couldn't look away. "You're mine now, Selene. No one can change that."

A deafening howl erupted from the forest, followed by another and another. Selene's heart pounded as she realized they weren't alone. Ragnar smiled, his sharp teeth glinting.

"Run, if you like," he said, releasing her. "It'll be more fun to hunt you."

Selene bolted without thinking, the storm swallowing her as she plunged into the forest. Branches clawed at her skin, and the wind roared in her ears. Behind her, the howls grew louder and closer.

Her legs burned as she pushed forward, her mother's words echoing in her mind: Run. Don't look back.

But then, through the cacophony of the storm, she heard another sound-a growl, deep and menacing, ahead of her. She skidded to a halt, her chest heaving, as glowing green eyes pierced the darkness.

Another wolf.

And this one wasn't Ragnar.

Selene stood frozen, trapped between the Alpha hunting her and the mysterious wolf blocking her path. Her instincts screamed to run, but the wolf in front of her stepped closer, its low growl vibrating through her very bones.

"Selene," a voice rumbled from the shadows. It wasn't Ragnar's. It was someone else entirely.

"Who are you?" she whispered, her voice barely audible over the storm.

The wolf shifted, and before her stood a man, lean and scarred, his piercing green eyes locked on hers.

"I'm the only chance you have."