Dave's proposal

Dave pulled over at the side of the road, hoping to soothe Charlotte's nerves before they entered the pack territory. Charlotte stepped out of the car and walked away, kneeling down as tears welled up in her eyes.

Exiting the vehicle, Dave stared at her, guiding himself to the other side of the car, as he leaned against it for support. As he observed her, a myriad of thoughts swirled in his mind regarding the prospect of being her mate. Could he truly be the partner she needed?

Recalling a painful past, Dave had once fallen deeply for a girl during their high school years, only to be heartbroken without any apparent reason. The experience left him wounded and determined to never allow himself to love again. This emotional baggage translated into his mistreatment of Charlotte, neglecting her needs and feelings without remorse.