The Alpha's hybrid mate

Ava’s eyes remained shut, her lids heavy as lead. Her head throbbed like a bass drum, each beat reverberating through her entire body. She winced, her dry lips parting in a silent groan. Her legs ached, as If she’d run a marathon in her sleep. “Ugh…what happened?” she whispered, her voice barely audible. As she spoke a hand settled on her forehead. But it wasn’t gentle. The touch was detached. “You’re awake,” a deep voice stated, devoid of warmth. Ava’s eyes fluttered open, and she was met with a sight that stole her breath. A strikingly handsome man sat beside her, his piercing green eyes locking onto hers. Chiseled features, sharp jawline, and full lips that seemed carved from stone. But his expression was icy, guarded. For a moment, Ava’s pain was forgotten. She was drawn to his beauty. But his cold demeanor chilled her. “Who…?” she started, her voice trailing off. The man’s expression didn’t change. “You’re safe. For now.” Ava’s mind raced, but her memories remained shrouded in fog. Panic set in, her heart racing. A creeping sense of dread clawed at her chest. “I…don’t remember,” she stammered, her voice laced with fear. The man’s gaze didn’t waver, but his jaw clenched. “You will.” Ava’s eyes widened as realization dawned. She didn’t know her name, her past, or how she got here. Terror gripped her. “No…no, this can’t be.” she whispered, her breath catching. “I don’t know who I am.” The man;s expression remained impassive, but his eyes flickered. For an instant, Ava glimpsed something deeper, something painful. Then, it vanished. “You’ll recall,” he repeated, his tone unyielding. Ava’s gaze drifted to her surroundings, taking in the unfamiliar room. Where was she? How did she get here? Who was this man? As she tried to piece together her fragmented thoughts, the man’s cold demeanor enveloped her, making her feel vulnerable. “Who are you?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. He paused, his eyes narrowing. “Someone who’s keeping you alive.” Ava’s thoughts swirled, questions piling up. But before she could ask another question, exhaustion claimed her, and her eyelids drooped. The last thing she saw was the man’s piercing green eyes, watching her with an unnerving intensity. Ava woke again, this time to an empty room. The handsome stranger was gone, but his eyes still lingered in her memory. She tried to sit up, but her head spun. “Ava,” she whispered, that was her name. She waited for the dizziness, hoping another memory will resurface, but none was forthcoming. She sighed in frustration as she swung her legs over the side of the bed, testing her strength. Her legs ached, but she stood, determined. She looked around, noticing the cabin’s rustic charm. Wooden beams, soft curtains, and a fireplace crackling with dying embers. It was cozy and beautiful - just like the owner. She smiled. Limping toward the door, eager to explore, she opened the door, revealing a breathtaking vista: towering trees stretched towards the sky. Ava stepped onto the porch, taking in the crisp evening air. The scent of pine and earth filled her lungs. As she ventured deeper into the woods, the silence grew oppressive. Ava’s unease blossomed into fear. Suddenly, a figure burst from the underbrush. “Stop!” a deep voice boomed. Ava’s heart skipped a beat. She gasped, her hand flying to her chest. “You scared me!” she screamed, after sighting Thane with some firewood. Thane’s expression remained stern. “Go back inside. The woods are heavily trapped.” Ava’s fear gave way to defiance. “Why? What’s going on? Why is it trapped?” Thane’s jaw clenched. “I set the traps. For protection.” Her eyes narrowed. “Who are you?” she demanded, her voice firm. “Go back inside,” Thane urged, his gaze sweeping the surrounding trees. “It’s not safe out here.” Ava’s defiance flared. “No, tell me what’s going on. Why are you in these woods with traps everywhere?” Thane’s expression darkened. “Traps are necessary. Now, go inside.” Ava hesitated, but his urgency was contagious. She retreated to the cabin, the man following closely. Inside, Ava spun to face him. “Answer me. Who are you? How did I get here?” Thane deposited the firewood, his movement economical. “My name is Thane, I found you at the base of the cliff, unconscious. Looks like someone pushed you. You’re not safe until you regain your memory.” Ava’s mind reeled. Pushed? Someone wanted her dead? Thane’s eyes narrowed. “You should rest. Your memories will return.” Ava’s frustration boiled over. “That’s not enough! Tell me more.” Thane’s gaze lingered on hers before he nodded. “Ask your questions. I’ll answer.” Ava’s eyes locked onto Thane’s. “What do you mean someone pushed me? Why would they do that?” Thane’s expression turned guarded. “I don’t know. You were unconscious when I found you.” Ava pressed on. “How long have I been here, and where is this place?” Thane hesitated before responding. “You’ve been here a few days, and this is Pineville.” Ava’s frustration grew. “What’s going on with me? Why can’t I remember anything?” Thane’s gaze dropped, his voice low. “You’ve been through trauma. Your memories will return when you’re ready.” Ava sensed Thane was hiding something. “Who are you, really? Why do you live out here?” Thane’s eyes flashed with warning, “I’m just a recluse. I like solitude.” Ava’s intuition screamed there was more to Thane’s story. “What’s going on in these woods? Why the traps?” Thane’s jaw clenched. “Protection from…wild animals.” Ava’s eyes narrowed. She didn’t believe him. She needed to know the man in the same room with her. “Do you live here alone?” Ava asked, her voice laced with skepticism. “Do you have family nearby?” Thane’s gaze flickered, his expression tightening. Just then a loud crash echoed outside, making Ava jump. The sound was primal, like the snapping of wood by a snarling beast. “What was that?” Ava’s voice trembled, her eyes wide with fear. Thane’s expression turned grim. “That’s the wild animal I was talking about.” Ava’s skin crawled. The darkness outside seemed to press in, amplifying her fear. “Stay inside,” Thane commanded, his voice firm. “Don’t step out for any reason.” Thane grabbed a nearby flashlight and moved toward the door. “Wait!” Ava called out, but Thane was already disappearing into the night. The door creaked shut behind him, leaving Ava alone in her fears.