Chapter Twelve

Cassiopeia Nyx

Mate.

The moment I uttered that word out, I could feel a change in the air and the dynamic. The Alpha Kings aura was usually consuming and present but never so potent as it was in this moment, it saturated the entire room, making it thick with power.

Suddenly, he moved.

In a blur of motion, he was on me, pinning me to the bed with his weight, his face inches from mine and his fangs slightly caressing my collar bone. His eyes, glowing red with a feral intensity, stared down at me, and I felt his presence receding leaving behind just the feral and unrestrained lycan and I could feel his hunger, his desire, and it terrified me.

I gasped, my breath hitching as his scent flooded my senses, igniting something primal inside me. Something in me howled with need, but my fear—

and soul shattering —was stronger. I thrashed beneath him, panic swelling in my chest as I screamed, “Let me go! Please, just let me go!”

However, he remained immobile. His hold grew stronger, and I observed the fierce struggle in his gaze—his inner Lycan striving for dominance, craving to possess me. I kicked and clawed at him frantically, trying to break free. My chest pounded with fear as I was reminded of the terrifying memories of feeling trapped and powerless.

"I'm sorry, please!" Tears streamed down my face, my voice faltering as I sensed myself descending into that well-known pit of fear. "I'll be good, I promise."

All of a sudden, there was a change within him. His bright eyes grew dim, and I sensed a slight relief as his heavy presence lessened. Confusion spread across his face as he blinked and released me. He moved back, his face showing confusion, as though he couldn't grasp the events that had unfolded.

I curled up in a fetal position, crying, my body trembling uncontrollably. I was unable to prevent the tears streaming down my face, unable to halt the trembling. The strong presence that was here just moments ago has now retreated, overwhelmed by the fear running through me.

"I'm so sorry," he murmured while gazing at me, shocked by what he had done, his voice hoarse and almost drowned out by my cries. "I didn't intend to... I would never..."

Although his words grew quieter, I could still sense his lingering presence, overshadowing me. I felt a sharp pain in my chest while I struggled to breathe, feeling tense and on edge.

"We have been looking for you... for such a long time." His softly spoken words during my panic contained an unexpected quality - vulnerability “I never knew where you were, but I could feel you. And when I finally found you, I swore I would protect you.”

I wiped at my tear-streaked face, trying to focus on his words. His tone wasn’t harsh or commanding. It was… hesitant.

“I didn’t know I would lose control like that,” he continued, his gaze flickering with guilt. “I just… you don’t understand how hard it’s been, Cassie. Knowing you’re my mate, but seeing you so afraid of me.”

I lifted my head, meeting his eyes for the first time since he’d pinned me to the bed. His face was raw with emotion, and it was strange to see someone so powerful look so uncertain. He wasn’t what I expected. He wasn’t the monster I feared. At least, not in this moment.

“Why?” I whispered, my voice cracking. “Why do you care?”

He seemed startled by the question, as if the answer should have been obvious. “Because you’re my mate and i was born to protect you ,” he said quietly, his gaze unwavering. “And I’ll do whatever it takes to earn your trust.”

I stared at him, my sobs dying down as I tried to make sense of it all. His words felt genuine, but after everything I had been through, how could I believe him? How could I trust him?

Yet, despite my doubts, despite the fear still gnawing at the edges of my mind, a strange warmth settled in my chest. I didn’t understand it, but for the first time in a long time, a part of my walls chipped down, leaving space for a little ray of light to pass through.

He stood there for a few minutes, fumbling over his words, looking less like the ruthless Alpha King and more like a man trying to make things right. And as much as I wanted to push him away, a part of me—deep down— was tired and wanted to accept it all even if it was a lie at the end.

"A..Alpha King," I stuttered, pulling the blankets closer to my chest. "How is your wound?"

My question dawns on me to be foolish as he was shirtless and there was no sign of any state wound on his body. I was too distracted by it that I hadn't even noticed what was bothering me all this time.

"It's perfectly healed, Angel," He replied with a deep sigh escaping his lips.

We stared at each other awkwardly, and he made sure to keep his distance away from me.

"What were you trying to do earlier, mark me?" I asked tentatively. He rushed to dissuade my worries, attempting to come closer but took a step back when I shuffled father into the bed.

"Nox is primal and he doesn't understand the situation fully, He just wants to be bound to you forever," He replied. "And please call me Xeros"

I wanted to test the name out in my mouth but thought against it, who knows, I may just awaken something else again.

He hesitated for a moment, then took a step back. “I’ll… I’ll give you some space,” he said quietly. “You should take a shower. I’ll be just outside.”

I nodded, not trusting myself to speak. My body was still trembling, but I could feel the tension easing slightly as he left the room.

I was alone again, but this time, it felt different.