Alexei's POV

My wolf was pacing a jagged circle behind my ribs, his claws scraping against my psyche. Mate. Secure. Claim. The commands were a constant, rhythmic thrum in my blood, making it nearly impossible to focus on the road as I drove Novel toward the estate. I glanced at her in the passenger seat. She looked so fragile, her head lolling against the headrest, her skin pale against the dark leather. The scent of hospital antiseptic clung to her, making my hackles rise. I wanted to bury my face in the crook of her neck and drown out that sterile stench with my own scent. I wanted to mark her so clearly that every predator in a hundred-mile radius would know she belonged to the Alpha of the Red Moon. But I couldn’t. Not yet. She was human, and she was fragile.

“Viktor,” I growled into my Bluetooth as the massive iron gates of the estate swung open.

“The room is ready, Alpha,” Viktor’s voice came through, crisp and professional.

“But you should know Mario already knows she’s your mate.”

My grip tightened until the steering wheel groaned under the pressure.

“If he touches a hair on her head, I won't just exile him. I’ll tear his throat out in front of his daughter.” I ended the call and pulled up to the front of the mansion. I didn't wait for her to wake up. Stepping out, I walked around to the passenger side and lifted her into my arms. She was frighteningly light. She stirred, her small hands clutching at my shirt as she pressed her face into my chest.

“Mine” my wolf roared, his spirit settling into a heavy, satisfied thrum. I carried her through the grand foyer, ignoring the startled gasps of the staff. They were all pack members, they could smell the human blood and the fated bond. They knew better than to speak or do anything that would frighten my girl their Luna. I reached the master wing and laid her down on the silk sheets of the suite I’d prepared. I stayed there for a long time, watching the rhythmic rise and fall of her chest. The full moon was three weeks away. I had twenty one days to make a woman who wrote about media ethics believe that the man she was falling for was a beast of legend. If I failed... my vision went red. The Council would force me to marry Ava to secure the lineage. They called it tradition. I called it a death sentence. A soft knock at the door broke my trance. I didn't turn, I knew the scent of sweet almonds anywhere.

“Maya.”

“I see you brought a human home,” she said quietly.

“My mate,” I corrected, finally looking at her.

“Good to hear. I will prepare something for her,” she said, her eyes softening before she disappeared. I wondered how Novel would react when she found out what I was. I wouldn't blame her if she rejected me, but for now, I just needed to be near her. The sharp beep of my phone shattered the silence.

“Yes, Viktor?”

“Alpha, the guard assigned to watch the Luna has been killed.”

The growl that ripped from my throat was purely animal.

“I’ll be right there.”

I looked at Novel one last time, my heart aching at the peace on her face, before rushing out. I drove like a madman to the edge of the territory where Viktor waited by a lifeless form.

“It looks like the work of a rogue,” Viktor said, gesturing to the body.

“He went too far this time.” I stared at the carnage, my mind racing. Mario was testing my boundaries.

“I need someone her age this time. Someone to be by her side constantly. She needs a friend, not just a guard. Find the youngest, most powerful female in the pack.”

Viktor looked at me with confusion, but I didn't care. Novel was alone in a world of monsters.

“Kill them” my wolf snarled.

“We don't have evidence yet,” I muttered, as much to myself as the wolf.

“But when we do, I’ll make sure to tear his head off in front of his precious daughter.”