chapter 8

Sierra pov..

I can't shake the unease I feel as I listen to him speak. His tone is gentle, but something about it feels off. Fear still grips me tightly. I look away and mumble, "Please, I just want to be alone." As I try to walk away, he grabs my arm. "I said stay!" he demands.

My heart races. Fear freezes me in place. The sudden change in him leaves me unsure. Then, almost begging, he says, "Please."

I'm confused, unsure of his intentions. He leads me to the front door, and we sit on the stairs. The quiet world outside doesn't calm me. Even though I could run, I stay, torn inside. Why can't I leave?

"I'm sorry I hurt you," he says, his voice filled with regret. "I just feel so lonely and wanted someone with me."

I look at him, searching his eyes for answers. Unease washes over me, and I move a little farther away from him.

We sit in awkward silence. I finally ask, "Don't you have any family?"

His eyes flash red, and I instinctively pull back in fear. But then, just as quickly, his eyes return to normal. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry," he mumbles, clearly upset.

He suddenly stands and runs into the woods, leaving me confused. Why did he react that way to a question about his family?

I sit on the stairs, torn between following him or staying. My mind swirls with questions, and I feel helpless.

Time passes, and he doesn't come back. A wolf's howl echoes in the distance, making me shiver. I can't tell where it came from, but it makes me feel even more uneasy.

Finally, I stand and walk back inside. My eyes wander, searching for answers I can't seem to find.

Why does he live alone? Why is he so desperate for a bride?

I return to the room he brought me to earlier. A small box near the bed catches my eye. Curious, I pick it up and open it slowly.

Inside are tiny toys and photos of a young boy. His past flashes before me, and I can't help but feel a little sad for him.

"What are you doing?" His sharp voice startles me. I drop the box, holding a photo in my trembling hand. I try to explain, but he grabs my hands, anger in his eyes.

"How dare you!" he yells.

"I'm sorry," I plead. But before I can say more, he drags me out of the room, pain shooting through my hands.

Confused and angry, I can't understand why he's so upset.

Gathering my courage, I pull my hands free. He turns to speak, but fear takes over. I slap him across the cheek without thinking. My hand shakes as I step back.

"I'm sorry," I whisper, my heart pounding.

His eyes turn fiery red, and I can feel his rage. I have to run.

Without thinking, I turn and bolt into the room we just left. I slam the door and lock it, collapsing onto the bed. My heart races, terrified of what he'll do next.

Suddenly, the growling stops. There's a soft knock on the door. His voice, calm and apologetic, comes through. "Mate, Love, please open up. I'm sorry. I won't hurt you again."

I sit in silence, torn between believing him and protecting myself. My chest aches with fear and confusion.

The knocking stops, and I wonder if he's left. This could be my chance to escape.

Slowly, I stand and walk to the door. My heart races as I reach for the lock. I take a deep breath and open it cautiously.

He's still there, staring at me. Before I can react, he closes the space between us and kisses me, leaving me stunned and overwhelmed.