The Alpha's Christmas Mate

The Alpha’s Claim

Scarlett's legs were burning, and she gasped for air in the cold. She barely noticed the snow under her boots as Caden pulled her deeper into the woods, moving fast. Her gut screamed at her to run—to get away from him and the crazy stuff he was dragging her into.

But she couldn't deny feeling drawn to him. The feeling was real, even if it made no sense. Despite freaking out, her body wanted to be close. It was like something inside her, she couldn't stop was pulling her in.

Caden's grip tightened as he led her through the snowy woods. He felt warm, like a heater against the cold. The dark seemed to close in, the trees like watching guards. Big snowflakes blurred their path, but Caden moved easily. He was in control here.

Scarlett's heart pounded, not just from running. She felt a buzz in her veins, matching Caden's steps. It was like her body knew him, and it was both scared and thrilled.

Where are we going? She asked, voice rough from the cold.

Somewhere safe, Caden said, voice low. He didn't look back, eyes scanning the trees, looking worried.

She was about to ask another question when a weird howl cut through the air. Her blood froze. It was like nothing she'd ever heard—a deep, sad sound that shook her to the core.

Caden tensed, stopping and spinning to face her. Stay close, he said, voice sharp.

I'm not going anywhere, she said, voice shaking.

He gave her a look, his amber eyes glowing a bit in the dim light. You don't have a choice.

Scarlett's stomach twisted as she looked around. The trees seemed endless, casting long shadows. The howl was closer, echoing like a to mean things.

What is that? she asked, hardly breathing.

Rogues, Caden said, voice low and rough. They've found us.

Before Scarlett could talk, she heard twigs snapping and a growl. A figure jumped out of the shadows. It looked like a person, but its eyes glowed yellow, and its teeth were like knives.

It was a werewolf.

Caden moved so fast Scarlett almost missed it. He pushed her behind him, blocking her from the thing. His muscles tightened, and he looked ready to fight. The werewolf snarled, eyes on Scarlett, but Caden growled back, and it scared her.

You're not taking her, Caden snarled, voice low and sure.

The werewolf paused, looking between Caden and Scarlett. Then, it attacked.

Caden was quicker.

Instantly, he was on the werewolf, claws slashing. The werewolf barely reacted before Caden bit into its throat, ripping it open. The wolf screamed and fell to the ground, dead.

Scarlett stood frozen, watching the awful thing. She'd never seen anything like it—so violent.

It was over fast. Caden stood over the body, breathing hard, looking disgusted.

They're getting bolder, he muttered, wiping blood from his mouth. This wasn't random.

Scarlett's mind was spinning, still shocked. What was that? she asked, voice shaking as she looked from Caden to the dead thing.

A warning, he said, eyes going dark. They want you, Scarlett. They know what you are.

She gasped. What I am?

He turned to her, amber eyes flickering. You're not just a human. You're something important. And they'll do anything to stop you from being who you're supposed to be.

Scarlett shook her head, trying to understand. What are you talking about? You're saying I'm… special? The… way into your world?

Caden's jaw tightened, but he nodded slowly. Yes. The prophecy has waited for you. Now they know you're here, they'll try to kill you before you can become what you should be.

Her heart pounded. But… I don't want this, she said, upset. I just… I want my normal life back. I want to go home.

I know, Caden said quietly, voice softening. But you can't run from this. You are the key, Scarlett. And I won't let anything happen to you.

His words hit her, and for a moment, she wanted to believe him. But how could she? She didn't know what to believe. Werewolves, prophecies, mates—it all felt like a bad dream.

I don't know how to trust you, she whispered, hardly able to speak. I don't know if I can.

Caden looked at her, his eyes showing something real that made her chest tighten. You don't have to trust me now. But you will, Scarlett. You will, later.

The words hung there, full of promise and doubt. Scarlett didn't know what to believe, but one thing was true—her life would never be the same. There was no going back.