Chapter Five
Malik (Mal-ick)
There she was. The woman I had waited eighteen years for. Even from miles away, I could smell her intoxicating scent—flowery, like fresh spring. My mate. My reason for existing. I had nearly given up hope of ever finding her—until today. I watched quietly. Her hair, a deep midnight blackish-blue, framed her delicate face, falling in tight, messy curls. As she sat on the porch, mist from the rain lightly dusted her pale skin. She was breathtaking. Perfect in every way. Curled up in a swing, she rocked back and forth, her soft pale blue eyes gazing at the rain like it was the most mesmerizing thing in the world. She had no idea I was watching. No idea I had been drawn to her the moment I caught her scent this morning. Carefully, I crept closer, my paws sinking into the mud, leaving a silent trail behind me. I was mere steps from the tree line when the porch creaked, and the sound made me freeze. A boy, with straight, messy black hair and eyes like hers, stepped outside. "Hey, Audra. Dad's calling you inside. You know what they say—stay in the rain too long and you'll catch a cold," he teased. I scoffed inwardly. As if she could even get sick. My perfect angel. "Oh, Kai. We both know that's an old wives' tale," she said, slightly amused. "I'll be in soon. I'm not ready yet." She turned back toward the trees—toward me—completely unaware. "Dinner's almost ready, so don't stay out too long," he said before heading back inside. As the door creaked shut, I exhaled slowly, taking one more moment to drink in her beauty. But in my excitement, I shifted my weight too carelessly—and a branch snapped beneath me. Her head snapped in my direction, and our eyes met. I didn't need to look into her eyes to know she was my mate. I had known the second I caught her scent. But now, staring into them, I felt something primal stir within me—a desperate urge to run to her. To claim her. To never let her go. But just as quickly as the moment came, it was gone. Her gaze flickered with hesitation before she turned and disappeared inside. Her scent lingered in the air, and I reveled in it until the wind finally carried it away. I should have left. But after waiting years for her, how could I? So I stayed, watching from the shadows as she moved through the house. Creepy? Maybe. But I couldn't tear myself away. Hours passed. One by one, the lights in the house flickered off—except for hers. I waited, ready to leave for the night. But just as her light clicked off, movement caught my eye. She was coming outside. I retreated further into the shadows, watching as she found a hidden path and followed it into the woods. My pulse quickened. Why was she out here alone? I gave her a small head start before following her muddy footprints. They led me to a clearing, where I spotted her lying in the grass, staring up at the stars. I inched closer, breath catching as I took in her delicate features. The way the moonlight kissed her freckled skin. She was so small. So fragile. And yet… she was mine. Her breathing slowed as she drifted into a light slumber. I moved closer, lowering myself beside her, my large body easily twice her size. Carefully, I rested my head against her stomach, savoring the warmth of her body and the steady rhythm of her breath. She stirred—but didn't wake. I could have stayed like that forever. Breathing in her scent. I'd never met someone who smelled so naturally like fresh spring flowers. A sound rustled behind me. My ears perked, twisting toward the source. I listened intently, waiting. Suddenly, her heart rate picked up. She was waking. Reluctantly, I pulled away, retreating back into the trees. But then—my fur bristled. A presence. Danger. I turned sharply, ears up, muscles tensed. And there, standing between the trees, was another wolf. A rogue. Dark brown fur. Predatory eyes. And they were locked on her. "She's mine," he snarled. A deep growl rumbled in my chest. I bared my fangs and lunged at him, full force. But he dodged—then bolted straight toward her. I hit the ground hard, pain bursting through my ribs. Panic surged through me as I pushed up and shook off the dizziness. Blood dripped from my muzzle, but I ignored it. "SHE IS MINE!" I roared, sprinting after him with everything I had. My paws tore through the mud, wind whipping through my fur. By the time I reached them, she was on the ground, crying. The rogue loomed over her, teeth bared. No. He thrust his body toward her, aiming for her shoulder. Did he miss? Rage exploded inside me. I lunged, this time landing my mark. My teeth sank deep into his scruff, yanking him off her. He yelped in pain as I hurled him into the mud. He stood, snarling. "Is that all you've got, prince?" he mocked, recognizing me. I growled, snapping my teeth as we circled each other. The air crackled with the promise of violence. She sat frozen, watching in shock. Go, Audra. Run! I screamed in my mind, praying she could somehow hear me. And as if she did, she scrambled to her feet and ran. The rogue snarled. "You just cost me my meal." His mistake was thinking he still had a fight to win. With nothing left to hold back, I unleashed my fury. I lunged, clamping my jaws around his throat. He thrashed, but I held fast. A sickening crunch echoed through the trees as I tore side to side, ripping him apart. His body slumped to the ground. Lifeless. I took a deep breath. The air was thick. Charged. Something had changed. The scent of blood lingered… and something else. Something different. I couldn't place it. But I had won. That was all that mattered. Satisfied, I turned back toward the house, chest swelling with pride. She was safe. I crept back to my original spot, just out of view, and waited. Minutes passed. Then, her silhouette appeared in the window. Relief flooded through me. She made it. I lowered my head and began licking the blood from my paws. But then—her gaze met mine. She tensed. Then, slowly, she stood and drew closed the thin lace curtain. Fear flickered across her face. I stood and crept closer to the house, sitting beneath her window, scanning the area. Nothing. No threat. She peeked through the curtain again and let out a small scream. I looked around, confused. Why was she scared? Then… realization hit me. It was me. I whimpered softly, lowering my ears. She turned away and disappeared into her room. I stayed there all night. Watching. Waiting. The sky lightened, dawn breaking over the horizon. But I didn't move. I would keep watching. Because she was mine. And I would protect her. No matter what.