do that," he said, the sincerity in his voice making Elena's heart flutter, and yet, it also tigh

g to inject some levity into the moment.

tense gaze locked onto hers. "Let's start simple. I'll show you around the grounds, let you se

of stepping outside again. "But I need you to prom

ss crossing his face. "I would never force you

steeling herself as she no

orned with rich tapestries and flickering candles that cast dancing shadows on the walls. He walked with a confidence

streamed through the large windows, illuminating the intricate details of the stonework and the subtle scent of aged wood mixed with fres

king it all in. "This p

s been in my family for generations. It's not just a ca

he weight of what he was suggesting sinking in. "Let's no

ng. "Fair enough. But trust me, you'll find t

stretched out before them, filled with vibrant flowers and lush greenery. Pathways meandered through the f

ely impressed as she took in the surr

d through the garden. "The pack helps maintain it, and I do my part when

he passion in his voice. There was something undeniably charming about the way he con

she teased lightly, hoping to ease the t

linting with mischief.

to tug at her lips. "So, what's next? Are you going

hand gently, a surprising gesture that sent a

hedges. In the center stood a large oak tree, its branches sprawling wide and inviting. Beneath it, there was

releasing her hand to sit on one of the benches

closeness igniting a thrill of apprehension with

eaves, casting patterns on the ground. "A lot of things," he replied slowly.

ck?" she asked,

cludes you now. I never wanted to be an alpha, but I've taken on the role out of

ps-at the burden he carried. "It sounds lonely

But it's worth it if it means keeping those I love safe. An

inking in deeper than she cared to admit. "And if I

atures. "Then I would respect your decision, even if it kills me to do

, her voice trembling slightly. "I'm

care, Elena. You're not just any human. You're mine, whether you accept it or

e weight of them settling heavily i

know I've put you in a position you never asked for. But please, give me a chance to

elt the intensity of his emotions. She could see the turmoil within him, the battle

nfessed, her voice b

re that sent a shiver down her spine. "You don't have to be. I'll

er. It was in that moment, beneath the shelter of the oak tree, that she began to realize the depth of w

istance, breaking the fragile bubble they had created. Kael's demeanor shi

at?" Elena a

voice low and firm as he rose fr

a surge of panic as she remained alone beneath the oak, the shadows lengthening arou

ick with tension. Just when she was about to stand and lo

osture betrayed him. "But we need to be cautious. There ar

s words settling heavily in her

ere are rival packs, humans who don't understand. They see

re?" she asked, a mix of fear and

and through his hair. "But I won't take

began to creep back in, overshadowing the warmt

ow, we need to keep you safe. I'll talk to the pack,