Alpha's Fated Mate

Chapter 16

"SORIN," Selene murmured, her voice trembling. "How long? How long have you been waiting for me?"

Sorin let out a shaky laugh, though there was no humor in it. "Too long, pup. Far too long. I lost count of the years, the months, the days. Every moment felt like an eternity without you. I tried to be strong, to keep going, but there were days when I thought I'd never find you. Days when I thought I'd go mad from the emptiness inside me. But I couldn't stop. Not when I could feel you.I couldn't give up. Because somewhere, deep down, I knew you were out there. I just... I had to find you."

Selene's heart ached at the pain in Sorin's voice. She could feel the depth of her mate's anguish, the endless nights spent searching, the countless battles fought with himself to keep going. And now, here he was, holding Selene as if she were the very air he needed to breathe.

"I'm so sorry," Selene choked out as her voice broke. "I'm so sorry you had to go through all of that because of me. I should've been there with you. I should've...."

"No," Sorin interrupted, his tone firm yet gentle. He pulled Selene even closer, his arms tightening around her. "Don't blame yourself. None of this was your fault. You didn't ask for any of this. And even if you had, I would go through it all again, every moment of pain, every second of longing.....if it meant finding you at the end."

Selene let out a soft sob, burying her face in Sorin's chest. "I don't deserve you," he whispered, her voice muffled. "After everything you've been through, after everything I've put you through, how can I....."

"Stop," Sorin said firmly, his voice filled with a quiet intensity that left no room for argument. He gently tilted Selene's chin up, forcing her to meet his gaze. "You are my mate, Selene. My everything. You don't have to 'deserve' me because you already have all of me. My heart, my soul, my life, it's all yours. Even before I met you. It always has been, and it always will be."

The words hung in the air, heavy and raw. Selene's heart clenched, but before she could respond, a low growl echoed through the forest. Both stiffened, their senses immediately on high alert.

The peaceful atmosphere was shattered as a chilling presence filled the air. The growl grew louder, more menacing, and the unmistakable scent of rogues wafted through the trees.

Sorin's eyes glowed crimson as he turned toward the source of the disturbance. "Rogues," he hissed at his own word.

Sorin's gaze darkened, his own eyes flickering with fiery red. "Stay behind me," he commanded, his voice firm and authoritative. His wolf trying to take over, the mare thought of his precious mate being hurt, fogged his mind.

But only if he knew..... Selene wasn't one to be protected.

Within seconds forest air grew heavier as the rogues emerged from the shadows, their predatory eyes gleaming with malice. A towering wolf stepped forward, sneering a mix of arrogance and mockery.

"Well, what do we have here?" he drawled, his voice a low rumble. "The infamous Alpha Selene Vale. Didn't think you'd be here. This is almost disappointing. Who's this pup, Vale? Did your brother leave him to shield you?"

SORIN'S eyes narrowed, his jaw tightening as his aura flared. The rogues hesitated, their confidence flickering under the weight of his dominance. But their leader barked out a laugh, a sound that grated against the tension-filled air.

"You're in our way," the rogue continued, baring his teeth. "Step aside, or we'll make you regret it."

Before Sorin could respond, Selene growled low in her throat, her fiery blue eyes locking onto the rogues. How dare this worthless wolf disrespect her Mate?

Without warning, she lunged forward, her movements swift and precise as she targeted one of the wolves.

The rogue barely had time to react before Selene's claws raked across his side, leaving deep, bleeding gashes. The wolf yelped in pain, stumbling back, but the alpha didn't stop. Her movements were sharp, her strikes fueled by years of pent-up anger and a fierce need to protect.

It's almost been a decade since she let his wolf out but Jungkook didn't have to know that, right? She'll be able to hold herself, right?

When Selene stood frozen, deep in her thoughts, another wolf, larger and more aggressive, charged at her from the side. Before she could react, the rogue's claws slashed across her arm, leaving a jagged wound that oozed crimson.

Selene hissed in pain, her steps faltering. The rogue smirked, his satisfaction short-lived as he raised his claws for another strike.

"Selene!" Sorin's roar shook the forest, a sound so primal and feral it sent shivers down the spines of everyone present.

Before the rogue's claws could connect, Sorin moved like lightning, his powerful leg striking the wolf with such force that the rogue was sent flying through the air.

The impact was brutal, the rogue crashing into a tree with a sickening crack before slumping to the ground, unmoving.

Sorin didn't spare the fallen wolf a glance. His focus was solely on his mate, whose bloodied arm sent a surge of rage coursing through him. His mate was hurt. His mate.

His blood boiled, vision tunneling as his fiery red eyes glowed brighter, almost illuminating the dark forest. His aura, already oppressive, grew so suffocating that the remaining rogues staggered, their legs trembling under the weight of it.

The leader of the rogues took a cautious step back, his earlier bravado replaced by a flicker of fear. "You… You're ......"

"The True Blood Alpha," another rogue whispered, his voice trembling with a mix of awe and terror as he caught sight of Sorin's glowing red eyes. Those eyes weren't just a sign of rage they're a mark of lineage, a testament to the Aldric dynasty's unmatchable power and dominance.

No wolf in the entire realm could mistake the significance of those fiery orbs, for they belonged to the bloodline that had ruled over the wolf packs for centuries.

Legends of the Aldric dynasty were whispered in hushed tones around campfires, stories of an ancient lineage born under the Blood Moon. They were said to be blessed and cursed with power that no other wolf could rival.

True Blood Alphas were more than leaders, they were forces of nature, protectors, and executioners. Their presence alone could command submission, their aura suffocating enough to bring even the strongest wolves to their knees.

The rogues exchanged uneasy glances, their bravado crumbling under the weight of the realization. This wasn't just any alpha standing before them..... this was Sorin Aldric, the living embodiment of those terrifying legends.

The name itself was enough to send shivers down their spines, but seeing him in the flesh, his glowing eyes, his suffocating dominance was far worse than any tale they had ever heard.

The rogue who had spoken took an involuntary step back, his knees threatening to buckle.

Sorin growled, his voice low and deadly. "You just made the biggest mistake of your life by touching my Mate.

Sorin's body began to shift, his bones cracking and reshaping as his transformation began. His muscles expanded, form towering and monstrous as thick, dark fur sprouted across his body.

His wolf form was enormous, easily dwarfing the rogues, with razor sharp fangs and eyes that burned like molten fire.

The air around him seemed to vibrate with raw power, a force so intense that the trees around them groaned under its pressure. The rogues whimpered, their confidence shattered as they realized the enormity of the threat before them.

Sorin didn't wait for them to recover. He lunged at the nearest rogue, his massive jaws snapping shut around the wolf's shoulder. The rogue howled in agony as Sorin threw him aside like a rag doll, the impact leaving a crater in the ground.

Another rogue tried to attack from behind, but Sorin was faster. He spun around, his claws slashing through the air with deadly precision. The rogue yelped as blood sprayed, his body crumpling to the ground.

The leader of the rogues snarled, trying to rally his remaining pack. "Don't back down! He's just one wolf!"

But his words rang hollow. The rogues were already retreating, their instincts screaming at them to flee. Sorin's aura was too much, his dominance absolute.

The leader turned to run, but Sorin was on him in an instant. His massive paw slammed into the rogue's back, pinning him to the ground. The rogue struggled, his eyes wide with terror as Sorin loomed over him, his fangs bared.

"How dare you hurt my mate," he growled, his voice a thunderous rumble as he broke his hand. "You dared to set foot in this territory. Tell whoever sent you that Sorin Aldric is standing here. Put your eyes again on this and they'll never see anything, again."

With a final, bone-shaking roar, Sorin released the rogue, who scrambled to his feet and fled, his tail tucked between his legs. The remaining rogues followed, disappearing into the shadows with whimpers of fear.

As the forest fell silent once more, Sorin shifted back into his human form, his chest heaving with exertion. He turned to Selene, his expression softening as he saw the blood still dripping from his mate's arm.

"Selene," he murmured, rushing to her side. His hands, trembling with adrenaline, gently cupped Selene's face. "Are you okay? Does it hurt?"

Selene, despite the searing pain in her injured arm, found herself unable to look away from Sorin. Her mate stood amidst the chaos like a force of nature, untamed, commanding, and utterly mesmerizing.

The glow of his fiery red eyes illuminated the darkness, casting an ethereal light on his sharp features. His powerful frame radiated dominance, and the aura surrounding him was suffocating, even to Selene, who was bound to him by a sacred bond.

SORIN'S presence was overwhelming, a storm personified, and yet, to Selene, it was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen. The sheer power rolling off him in waves was both terrifying and awe inspiring.

His every move, calculated and deadly, spoke of a predator at the peak of his prowess. The way his muscles flexed under his torn shirt, the way his fangs glinted in the moonlight, and the sheer ferocity in his gaze, it was a sight no one could forget.

Selene's heart skipped a beat, the sound of it loud in her own ears as realization hit her. This epitome of strength, this god-like being who had just brought an entire group of rogues to their knees, was her. Only her.

Sorin Aldric belonged to her in a way no one else ever could. The thought sent a shiver down her spine, not of fear, but of pride and possessiveness so intense it almost made her dizzy.

How could someone so perfect, so untouchable, be her mate? Selene's chest swelled with pride, a fierce emotion that drowned out the pain in her arm.

This was the True Blood Alpha, a legend among wolves, and yet he had chosen her. He had vowed to protect her, to cherish her, to stand by her side against the world.

The thought stirred something primal within Selene's. Her wolf stirred, growling softly in approval, the bond between them strengthening in the wake of Sorin's display of power.

She felt a possessiveness so strong it almost startled her. Sorin wasn't just her protector or her mate.

He was her. Her to Love, her to cherish, her to defend if needed.

Despite her injury, Selene took a shaky step forward, her eyes locked on Sorin's. She wanted to touch him, to remind herself that this wasn't a dream, that this incredible being truly belonged to her.

"Sorin," she whispered, her voice soft but filled with emotion.

The fire in Sorin's eyes dimming as his gaze softened. The deadly predator melted away in an instant, replaced by the gentle, protective mate Selene had come to know. "SELENE," Jungkook murmured, his voice low and soothing as he closed the distance between them.

Sorin's hand came up to cup her cheek, his touch warm and grounding. "You're hurt," Sorin said, his tone laced with worry, his fiery red eyes now softened with concern.

But Selene shook her head, her lips curling into a soft smile despite the pain that still lingered. "It’s okay. I'm fine," she replied, her voice steady, though her heart raced from the intensity of alpha's gaze.

Sorin's jaw clenched as he looked at the blood staining Selene's arm. "Let me help you with the wound, come here" he said, his voice low and commanding, yet filled with care as guided Selene to sit.

Selene knew exactly what Sorin meant by help. Being a True Blood Alpha, he possessed powers that extended beyond ordinary wolves, including the ability to heal others.

She herself could heal her own wound with time, but with Sorin so close, the warmth of their bond wrapping around her, she found herself nodding in agreement. She trusted Sorin completely.

Sorin's hands moved to Selene's shirt, his touch gentle yet deliberate. Slowly, he peeled the fabric down from her body, careful not to aggravate the injury.

Each brush of his fingers against Selene's skin sent shivers racing down her spine, the bond between them thrumming with energy.

Selene's breath quickened as she felt the cool night air against her bare skin, contrasted by the heat radiating from Sorin.

"Relax," Sorin murmured, his voice a deep rumble that resonated in Selene's chest.

Selene tried to calm her racing heart, but it was impossible with alpha so close, his presence overwhelming.

Sorin leaned in as his wolf took over, his tongue darting out to trace the edges of the wound. The first touch of his tongue against Selene's skin made her gasp, her knees nearly buckling. The sensation was electrifying, a mix of soothing warmth and something far more primal.

Sorin continued, his movements slow and deliberate, as if savoring every moment. His tongue moved with precision, cleaning the wound while his Alpha energy surged through Selene, accelerating the healing process. SELENE'S head fell back slightly, her eyes fluttering shut as she surrendered to the sensations.

Each stroke of Sorin's tongue sent waves of heat coursing through her body. Her skin tingled under the Alpha's touch, the bond between them glowing brighter with every second.

It wasn't just the physical connection it was the emotional intimacy, the unspoken promise of protection and devotion.

"Sorin…" Selene whispered, her voice trembling. She wasn't sure if it was from the pain ebbing away or the overwhelming closeness of her mate.

The alpha paused for a moment, his glowing red eyes meeting Selene's as if asking, "Does it hurt?"

Selene shook her head sensing her mate's worry, lips parting as she struggled to find words. "It feels…" she trailed off, unable to articulate the mix of emotions flooding her.

As the wound began to close, Selene felt a surge of energy, the pain completely replaced by a comforting warmth. Her heart swelled with gratitude and something deeper that left her breathless.

When true blood alpha finally pulled back, the wound was gone, leaving only smooth, unblemished skin. He placed a gentle kiss on the spot where the injury had been, his lips lingering for a moment then he turned back to his human body, "You’re safe now," he whispered, his voice barely audible but carrying the weight of a thousand promises.

Selene reached up, her hand trembling slightly as she cupped Sorin's cheek. 'Thank you," she said softly, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.

Sorin leaned into his touch, his expression tender. "I'll always protect you. No matter what."

Selene's heart swelled at the words, a mix of pride and possessiveness surging through her.

She leaned closer to Sorin's face, her eyes shining with pride and affection. "I know........because you're mine, alpha.

The words hung in the air, a quiet yet profound declaration that spoke volumes, leaving Sorin frozen in place. His breath caught, his mind replaying the phrase over and over, as if the universe itself demanded he fully grasp its weight.

Each repetition echoed louder in his heart, stirring emotions he hadn't dared to confront before. The world seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them, in a moment that felt both eternal and fleeting.

At that moment, Selene didn't see the blood, the chaos, or the lingering fear. All she saw was her mate, her protector, her Alpha, her everything. And she knew, she knew with absolute certainty that nothing in the world could ever break the bond they shared.