"Oh my God." The wolves had come back.

Claire froze the second Vaelor stepped in front of her, growling low in his throat. Kaelen moved beside him.

She followed their line of sight.

Not the wolves from before.

One of the men standing with Kaelen was staring at her like he wanted to devour her alive. Another wolf held him back by the shoulders while he strained forward, breathing hard.

"Want to challenge me?" Vaelor growled. "Then do it properly."

He jerked his chin once. The other wolf released the male immediately.

"She isn't marked," the man snarled, backing up a step when Vaelor advanced. "And she smells—"

"You think you can touch her without going through me first?"

Vaelor smiled. Mean. Dangerous.

Yellow flashed in his eyes. Fangs descended. Claws curled slowly at his sides.

The younger wolf's face drained. He lowered his head instantly, exposing his throat in submission.

"Forgive me, Alpha. My wolf lost control when he caught her scent."

"I understand that."

Vaelor turned toward Claire.

"But hear me clearly."

Before she could breathe, he shoved her against the nearest tree and lifted her effortlessly. Her legs wrapped around his waist on instinct.

Then his mouth crashed into hers.

Possessive. Hungry.

His growl vibrated against her lips while her moan disappeared into his mouth.

"Claire," he said loudly, eyes fixed on the others, "is no longer available."

Silence dropped over the clearing.

Then Vaelor looked back at her, brushing his mouth softly against hers this time. Completely different. Somehow worse.

"Let's go," he murmured.

That crooked smile appeared again. Pure trouble.

"I've got urgent business to handle."

Claire hid her face against his shoulder, trying to breathe normally again. Impossible.

How could one man wreck her this badly without even taking her to bed?

Were they really mates?

And if they were… would he regret choosing a human?

The thought twisted sharply in her chest.

Still, one truth settled deep inside her bones.

Yet deep down, she knew—Vaelor claimed her.

Destined or not, he was hers.

That was undeniable.