chapter 3

Lexi pov...

The hunger burned inside me, growing stronger with every moment that passed. I had waited so long for a bride, someone fresh and sweet, and the endless waiting filled me with frustration. How much longer would these foolish people test me? Did they truly want me to continue the killing?

The sound of the gate opening snapped me out of my thoughts. Strange—no one dared to leave their homes, too terrified to step outside. Without a second thought, I shifted into my wolf form and sprinted into the woods, driven by the need to know what was happening.

As I neared the gate, I stopped abruptly. There she was—a girl standing alone, vulnerable but strikingly beautiful. In that moment, I knew she was the one. My bride.

I watched her from the shadows, my heart pounding as I admired her. Her cold eyes scanned the area, but all I could think about was making her mine. As I emerged from my hiding place, our eyes met, and she stumbled back in fear, collapsing onto the grass.

Realizing my wolf form terrified her, I shifted back into my human form. A smile crept onto my face as I took slow steps toward her. She was perfect, and now she was mine.

"Welcome home," I said softly, but she only shrank back, her fear clear. She tried to plead with me, but I wasn't listening. I grabbed her hand, pulling her closer.

"You belong to me now," I said firmly. "You're mine."

Tears welled up in her eyes as I dragged her into the woods, ignoring her cries to go home. Her words irritated me, and when I couldn't take it anymore, I turned her around and grabbed her face, forcing her to look at me.

"You are mine now, and your home is with me," I growled, the frustration bubbling inside me.

I lifted her into my arms and began walking. She fell silent, and that pleased me. As we reached my home, I led her to the room I had prepared long ago, waiting for the day my bride would arrive.

I placed her gently on the bed and studied her, desire burning in me. I wanted her now, but I held back. She was so beautiful, so perfect.

"Open your eyes, my love," I whispered, leaning close to her. I grazed her ear with my tongue, feeling her shudder beneath me. Her fear only excited me more.

But she wouldn't look at me, and that angered me. I grabbed her roughly and shouted, "You are my mate! You will obey me. Open your eyes!"

Slowly, she did, and the sight filled me with happiness. I placed my hands on her head and whispered, "Welcome home, my love."

Her eyes darted around the room, clearly displeased. She met my gaze for a second, then quickly looked away. I tilted her chin up and whispered again, "Don't look away. I am devoted to you."

I kissed her forehead, but she recoiled, her fear clear. I couldn't help but laugh as I stood and looked down at her.

"Take your time," I said. "You'll see how much I love you. And when you do, you'll love me too."

I left the room, locking the door behind me. Why was she afraid of me? I was giving her everything.

The anger boiled inside me, and I shifted into my wolf form. I needed to hunt, to provide for her. I scoured the forest, bringing back the best fruits I could find. Maybe this would please her.

When I returned, I transformed back and unlocked her door. She recoiled the moment she saw me, but I ignored it.

"I brought you something to eat," I said softly, placing the fruit beside her. She looked at it uncertainly. When she didn't move to eat, frustration surged through me. I picked her up, my eyes glowing with rage.

"Do you understand what I did to get this for you?" I hissed, my voice filled with anger. Without waiting for her to respond, I pushed her to the ground. She trembled as she picked up the fruit and began to eat.

"Eat," I commanded, watching her closely. As she finished, a strange warmth spread through me. I sat beside her, pulling her close.

"Relax, my love. I won't hurt you," I murmured, leaning in to kiss her.

But she pulled away, tears in her eyes as she cried out, "Please, I'm just eighteen!"

Her words hit me like a blow. Eighteen. She was still so young. The anger and confusion overwhelmed me, and without thinking, I pushed her to the floor again. The sound of her body hitting the ground echoed in the room.

I stormed out, frustration coursing through me. How could I love her when she was only eighteen?