Finally, with a frustrated sigh, he stepped back, breaking the contact. “I can’t give you that, Laura. Not yet. You need to stay away from me and this situation. For your own sake.”
He turned to leave, but I couldn’t let him go. “Mateo, wait!”
But he was already retreating into the shadows, disappearing before I could reach him. I stood there with my hand outstretched and my heart pounding. The pull towards him was stronger than ever, but so was the barrier he had erected between us.
Mateo’s POV
I shouldn’t have gone to the library. I shouldn’t have allowed her to get that close, to see me like that. But despite my efforts, I couldn’t stay away from her.
Laura was like a magnet, irresistibly drawing me in even though I knew I should maintain my distance. Every instinct urged me to protect her, to shield her from danger, to hide the truth at all costs. Yet the bond between us was intensifying, making it increasingly difficult to resist.
She was my fated mate. The realization struck me the moment I saw her, an undeniable connection older than time itself, primal and unbreakable. But it was also dangerous for her, for me, for everyone.
I had witnessed the consequences when a human became entangled with our kind. The risks were too high, the repercussions too severe. Laura didn’t deserve to be thrust into this nightmare.
Yet, the more I attempted to push her away, the more she fought to stay. Her stubbornness and persistence were driving me to the edge. Part of me wanted to surrender, to reveal everything, to embrace her and never let go. But I couldn’t.
I couldn’t let her see the monster within me.
As I retreated into the forest, I tried to clear my mind, to concentrate on the imminent threat. The full moon was only nights away, heightening tensions within the pack. The rival pack’s attacks were growing bolder and more frequent. I needed to be prepared to defend my territory and my people.
But my thoughts kept returning to her—her voice, her touch, the way she looked at me as if she could see through my defenses.
I was losing control. The bond between us was pulling me closer despite my better judgment. Each encounter with her made it harder to suppress the beast inside.
I wanted her. I needed her.
But I couldn’t have her.
Not without endangering her.
Not without risking everything.
And that was something I could never allow.
As night fell around me, I made a vow.