Dario audibly gasped on hearing those words. It struck him so hard that he had to rethink whether or not he was truly the apex alpha that he was, as a sharp pain cut through his chest, an immediate headache and the sparks he usually felt when she was close, were like an electric shock.
His gasp and and were foreign to his own ears as he himself couldn’t remember the last time he gasped or winced out loud.
‘These are just mere words. She didn’t even fully reject me and I already feel like my heart was ripped out of my chest’. He thought to himself as he winced again, feeling searing pain in his chest, like the air was knocked out of his lungs.
His mind wandered thinking of how vulnerable he already was, and he didn’t like it one bit.
Vulnerability was one of the reasons why he didn’t keep anyone by his side.
As long as he’d lived, he had no weaknesses, nothing that the enemy could prey on, and that was one of the main things that made him feared by many.
He had nothing to loose.
“Dario, she doesn’t know our ways. I’m sure she doesn’t even understand the gravity of what she just said”. James sputtered, panicked at the emotions displayed on his best friends face, and also trying to calm his best friend down clearly seeing the effect the human’s words had on Dario.
It was a known fact that the longer it takes a wolf to find his mate, the more desperate, clingy, and emotionally attached the wolf will be when they finally find their mate, and Dario was no exception.
He was the first of his kind. No wolf had ever not found his mate in more than 10 years but he stayed without his for over a decade.
The impact of those words were bound to sting a million times worse than it would a normal wolf.
“What’s your name?”. Dario rasped out, comporting himself despite the pain in his chest still being very much present.
He knew that he had to do something connected to her, even as little as hearing her voice to help with the stinging in his heart.
“M-Marissa”. She stuttered, pure confusion and fear written all over her face, wondering why the man reacted so weirdly and intensely to her simply saying no.
‘These monsters are more than weird’. She thought to herself as she settled her eyes on Dario as if wanting to study him.
She took a good look at him for the first time and boy, was he handsome.
She had seen so many men, more than she even wanted to see, as it was men who mostly bought slaves from her previous owner, but none of them have ever looked half this good.
‘Was it normal for a person to be this handsome?’. She asked herself as her eyes ran through his features. His lips were plump and pink, his hair the perfect shade of brown, his golden eyes drew her in, and his physique was no joke. She couldn’t see much of his body but anyone could tell that he was perfect underneath those clothes.
Oblivious to the pair of golden eyes that watched her, she continued shamelessly checking him out, when a low growl escaped Dario’s lips, the guttural sound whipping her back to her senses.
She felt like he could tell she was checking him out.
‘He is a monster, you fool!’. She reminded herself of who exactly he was, the memories of the day before came flooding in. She had never seen such a brutal scene in her entire life.
The sounds and smell of flesh and blood being torn apart by this man’s bare hands.
A shudder left her, and only now did she properly take in her surroundings
All eyes were in her. She could recall that only 2 people were in this space. How all these people got in and when, she couldn’t tell.
They had come out because of the shift they felt through the mindlink. They knew something was wrong with their alpha and came in ready to defend him with their lives.
She started to shrink into herself and let her long dark hair cover her almost completely when she had the thought:
‘I didn’t do anything wrong’ and raised her head, meeting their stares defiantly.
Many of them stared at her like they wanted to harm her, some looked like they were fascinated by her, while some looked wary of her. The last bunch almost making her snort out loud.
‘Who should be afraid of who?’. She thought to herself as she couldn’t say it out loud and risk her head coming off her body.
“What’s funny human?”. Amelia asks, anger clouding all her features as she began to take a step towards Marissa who for some reason, unintentionally scooted closer to Dario.
The stares alarmed her but one thing she knew was that he was familiar and was the one that took her here.
‘Many captors didn’t like any other person or people torturing their captive, and loved to do it themselves’. She thought to herself.
None of the options were pleasing but it was better to be tortured by one person than many.
On the other hand, Dario was just thinking about how lovely her name sounds and how soft her voice was.
He couldn’t even believe himself.
How could he be thinking of this right now. She basically just told him she would never be his and although it hurt him, he couldn’t help but think she was perfect.
‘I’m finished’. He said to himself knowing that he had already given a part of him to her, the second he found out she was his mate.
Hell, he could even say he liked her before knowing that she was made for him.
The thought of killing her had crossed his mind several times already but he couldn’t bring himself to do it.
A mate is something he had been secretly wishing for and now that she’s here, how can he kill her?
Noticing his pack members and knowing how intense they can be, he walked to her and carried her like she was a bag of chips. The action already becoming a second nature to him.
He carried her out, knowing that she may be overwhelmed by the crowd.
He also knew that what he just did was bound to raise rumors. Yes, he had carried her before but then, she was unconscious.
Now, so many people had seen him carry a woman, bridal style in front of so many people.
He knew that this would be the topic of the kingdom in a few hours because he had never been seen with a woman in a romantic way.
He was always so platonic with women, and rejected every advances no matter how pretty the woman was, which gained him the name ‘wooden alpha’
“You’re not fighting like you do every time I carry you”. He says to her, genuinely curious but also wanting to hear her voice again, but she said nothing.
It was so obvious that she had so many walls surrounding her heart. It would be impossible for her not to with all that she had been through.
He wanted to break those walls but not sure if he was ready to.
He wanted to have her all to himself but not sure if he could protect her from all harm.
He wanted a lover, but didn’t want a weakness.
However, he had waited for so long to have a chance to be with his mate and he was not going to pass it up for any reason.
“Are you planning on carrying me forever? Please put me down”. She said, her voice very calm and low but he could hear her heart beat so fast and smell her fear, so he knew her voice was not showing what she was feeling at all.
He gently put her back on her feet but the stare in her eyes confused him as much as it hurt him.
There was so much pain, hatred and fear in it, directed at him.
Marissa turned away and walked towards the room she slept in earlier. She had been on edge the whole day waiting for the torture or pain that she had been expecting would come but nothing like that happened.
‘There’s no way they kidnapped me to feed and clothe me’. She thought to herself, as she turned back ready to confront Dario who was still standing in the same spot.
‘The worse he can do is kill me’
“What’s your plan? To play with me, feed me, clothe me and when I feel comfortable, you kill me?”. She spat at him, finally vomiting everything she had wanted to say since the first day she was brought here.
“Just do it already!”. She yells, her eyes squeezed shut as she waited for something to happen.
He made no move, but could hear the wind whizz like an arrow was headed towards him, but It was aimed at Marissa.
‘No!’.
A sigh escaped Dario’s lips as he crouched down with his elbows touching his knees, and one hand running through his hair.He pondered on that emotion he felt yesterday ‘fear’.His heart had almost stopped from running too fast and panicking. He knew he could stop the arrow but still panicked and due to that, it came too close to Marissa which caused her to faint. Dario had never made such a silky mistake in all the time he had been existing and he felt so guilty that his silliness almost cost his mate her life, as capable as he was. “Your sigh could be heard from a mile away Aro”. Claire, Dario’s younger sister stated as she walked in closing the door behind her. “I know you’re beating yourself up again like you always do when anything goes slightly wrong. She’s fine!”. Claire said with a sigh of her own, emphasizing on the last words. She knew for sure that her brother would beat himself up for days, if not months because he was a perfectionist that thinks he can stop anything a
“You shouldn’t have done that!. How is she supposed to warm up to you when you’re like this Aro?!”. Claire yells as walks fast behind a fuming Dario, trying to keep his fast pace. “You can’t treat her like one of your subjects. She’s your mate!”. Claire continues to yell as she follows her brother.He doesn’t reply and keeps walking at the same pace, trying to calm his anger but he was quite overwhelmed. He was angry, his wolf was scratching and doing everything to come out as he did not agree with what Dario did to their mate, and Claire was screaming at him. He felt frustrated.Still silent, he walked into his office, Claire hot on his tail but as soon as she touched the door handle to walk in, Dario yelled at her. “Get out of here Claire!”. The booming voice carrying a sound wave that threw Claire 3 feet in the air across the passage way.A loud crack resounded, and only then did he realize that fucked up.Regret immediately settled in Dario as he realized what he had just don
James immediately dashed through the woods, chasing after Dario knowing fully well that everything could go south with that determination he saw on his face.There were only two ways this could go with Dario: He apologizes, admits his mistake and works towards being a better mate to Marissa or He ends everything, rejects or tells her to reject him so he could continue being his powerful sovereign self without a weakness. The second option seemed more like what Dario could do, and that was the driving force of James’ speed. He was determined to do all he could to save this relationship because he knew how good it was for Dario. He had never seen his best friend really live with emotions and that has worried him for the longest time. It always felt like Dario was a stone wall, not just because of his zero affairs with women but with the way he was with everything. He seemed like he didn’t feel pain, had never expressed emotions except anger, had never really smiled and was never sa
He was hurt but he understood. The truth was that he brought her here against her will and that was kidnapping. She also had no idea about what was going on as she was human and didn’t feel what he felt. He also hadn’t given her a resin to even look at him as anything but a monster. What that realization, he knew he had to take things slow and calmly. She had suffered so much that she couldn’t easily trust anyone, believe in anyone or even dare to love anyone.She also hadn’t lived all her life and only knew how to survive.‘James, Please come to my office right now’. Dario mindlinked his best friend, seeking advice for the first time. He felt weird, and wanted to change his mind about talking to James but he needed help if he wanted to keep his mate. Marissa on the other hand had been thinking of last night. She couldn’t get Dario out of her head for whatever reason and it frustrated her. He was such a beautiful monster to her. She knew he was everything bad, but his eyes dr
“What should I do. Anything, I’ll do it”. Dario said in a tone of emergency as he paced around, his restlessness taking over him. He had finally accepted that he would do anything to keep Marissa with him. This past week took a toll on him as he wasn’t used to all these feelings but he couldn’t deny that he still loved it. He loved the way he felt like a teenager with a crush whenever he sees Marissa, he loved that his heart still new how to race at the sight of a woman, he loved her eyes, he loved the sparks that danced on his skin at every contact with her, he loved her hair, her eyes, her beautiful pale skin and just her overall. The only problem now was that she knew nothing about werewolves, mates, and also sees nothing but a kidnapper when she sees him. She had been through a lot and all he wanted to do now was to erase those bad experiences with good ones whether it will make him look weak or not. “She only sees me as a monster and kidnapper but I can’t blame her because
“I’m sorry”. Dario whispered, sounding as broken as his heart felt, hugging her tighter. Dexter had been whimpering nonstop.“I’m sorry”. He repeated again, like the first one didn’t suffice. He just felt everything so intensely at this point, and as foreign as these feelings were, he embraced them.All those years he yearned for his better half, for a partner, his mate had been struggling and suffering so much. The thought brought another whimper from Dexter. Dario buried his face in the crook of her neck, basking in her scent as it calmed him down but also wanted to provide comfort to her, however, her scent drove him mad. She felt so perfect in his arms, and oh her scent.His head began to spin from the effect of her scent and being this close to her was not helping matters. He knew this was the worse time to think about anything like this but he couldn’t help himself. He wanted to kiss her, to touch her everywhere, he wanted his mark on her.The image of her in an intimate p
As soon as Dario was out of view, all the strength in Marissa’s legs gave up. Her mind was boggled with confusion, questions, and the weird flutter in her heart. She sat right there on the fooor, staring into space trying to decipher the reason why her handsome captor just kissed her senseless. The butterflies in her stomach In her stomach still running wild. “Marissa, are you okay?”. Claire asks running towards Marissa’s room. “What happened? Your door is never opened and why are you sitting on the floor?”. Claire asks all at once and the fast talking and worried yelling made Marissa’s head spin a little. I mean she just got kissed by Dario. Of course her head was still spinning. “Your A-Alpha kissed me”. She said, stuttering as she told Claire what just happened. Claire eyes widened almost two times its original size at the words that just came of of Marissa’s mouth. “What?!”. She exclaimed as she ran to lock the door, excited to hear all about it, and also not wanting every
The hiccups and cries of Marissa could be heard all through the hallway even as quiet as she tried to be. For the first time in a very long time, she cried out. Mourning herself and the life she had.‘So, my destiny is to be in captivity all my life?’. She asked herself as the hot tears ran down her cheeks, curling into a ball still on the floor.Her life was so unfair. ‘The one chance I have at love happened to be with a monster. Not just that but with a monster that will keep me locked up forever’. She thought to herself as she cried and cried, crying her heart out.It started from crying about being imprisoned, to crying about the abandonment by her family, to being sold by her aunt, to all the torture she endured all those years. ‘I have never done anything to harm anyone. Nothing! Why this grave fate?’ She asked herself as the tears rolled down nonstop. “Marissa”. Claire called, knocking on the door, but got no answer. Claire panicked knowing fully well that her extremist brot
Marissa had dreamed of this day for as long as she could remember. A far fetched dream that was now her reality. The morning sun streamed through the sheer curtains of her childhood bedroom, casting a golden glow that danced across the walls. She could hear the soft rustle of her mother in the kitchen, preparing breakfast and bustling about with a mix of excitement and nerves. Today was the day she would finalize her marriage with Dario, the love of her life. As she sat up in bed, Marissa took a deep breath, letting the reality of the moment wash over her. Today, she would step into a new chapter of her life, one that she had envisioned countless times. Her heart raced as she thought about the ceremony, the vows, and the promises they would make to each other. She could already picture Dario standing at the altar, his warm smile lighting up the room, and she felt a rush of happiness. According to their tradition, only now can she finally move in with him in a house separate fr
In the heart of a dark, enchanted forest, where the trees whispered secrets and the moonlight barely pierced through the thick canopy, a coven of witches gathered. Their leader, the old formidable sorceress, had been watching the unfolding romance between Alpha Dario and Marissa, the beautiful daughter of the Moonlight Tribe. The ongoing and impending wedding was the talk of the supernatural world, and while many were excited, the witches had a different plan in mind. Seraphina, with her long, flowing robes and hair as dark as midnight, stood before her sisters. “We shall send them a gift,” she declared, her voice a melodic blend of authority and mischief. “But not just any gift. It must be something that embodies the essence of our power and serves as a reminder of the balance between love and fear.” The witches murmured in agreement, their eyes glinting with a mix of excitement and trepidation. They began to conjure, their hands weaving intricate patterns in the air as they chant
Alpha Dario stood at the edge of the forest, the crisp morning air wrapping around him like a familiar cloak. The sun filtered through the trees, casting dappled shadows on the ground, and he took a deep breath, letting the scents of pine and earth fill his lungs. Today was a significant day, one that would mark the beginning of a new chapter in his life. He was preparing for his wedding to Marissa, the woman who had captured his heart and soul. As the Alpha of his pack, Dario felt the weight of responsibility on his shoulders. His role was not just to lead but to protect, nurture, and provide for his people. Marissa had been a beacon of light in his life, her laughter echoing in his mind as he thought about the vows he would soon recite. They had faced numerous challenges together, and each trial had only strengthened their bond. Now, as he prepared for their union, he wanted to ensure that his vows reflected the depth of his love and commitment. He had spent several nights and
Claire stood at the mouth of the stream with a gentle smile on her face, her heart swelling with joy. Today was a day of celebration, a day to honor the love between her brother, Alpha Dario, and his mate, Marissa. The air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming jasmine, and the sound of laughter echoed through the woods as friends and family gathered to witness the union of two souls destined to be together. Claire had always looked up to Dario, her older brother, who had taken on the mantle of leadership in their pack with grace and strength. He was not only a fierce protector but also a caring brother, always ensuring that Claire felt loved and cherished. As she watched him interact with Marissa, Claire could see the deep bond they shared, a connection that seemed to radiate warmth and happiness. Marissa was a perfect match for Dario, complementing his strength with her kindness, compassion and even more strength. As the sun began to dip lower in the sky, and the woods qui
James sat quietly on the edge of his bed, staring at the wall as the soft light of the afternoon sun streamed through the window. It was a beautiful day, the kind that made everything seem vibrant and alive, but his mind was preoccupied with thoughts of the upcoming main wedding. Alpha Dario and Marissa were finally tying the knot, and the excitement in the air was palpable. Yet, amidst the joy, James felt a swell of emotions that he couldn’t quite put into words. As he reflected on the journey that had brought them to this moment, memories flooded back moments of laughter, struggles, and the unwavering bond that had formed between them. Dario had always been more than just a friend; he was a brother, a mentor, and the kind of leader who inspired those around him. Marissa, with her infectious laughter and kind heart, had somehow become a sister to him. Regardless of the fact that he was still scared of her. Their love story was one for the ages, a testament to what it meant to tru
Dario stood in front of the mirror, adjusting his tie with a mix of excitement and nervousness. The sunlight streamed through the window, casting a warm glow over the room, but it was the sight of Marissa that truly illuminated his heart. She was in the other room, finalizing her own preparations, and he could hear her soft laughter mingling with the bustling sounds of their wedding day. He took a moment to admire the suit she had picked out for him. It was tailored perfectly, accentuating his broad shoulders and lean physique. The deep navy blue fabric shimmered subtly, hinting at a sophisticated elegance that was both timeless and modern. Marissa had insisted on the color, believing it would complement her dress beautifully, and Dario couldn’t help but agree. It was a bold choice, one that spoke to their shared taste for the extraordinary. As he ran his fingers over the smooth fabric, memories flooded his mind. He recalled the day Marissa had dragged him to the suit shop, her ey
Marissa stood in front of the full-length mirror, her heart racing with excitement and a hint of anxiety. Today was the day she would finally choose the dress for her wedding to Dario, the alpha of their pack. The sun streamed through the boutique's windows, casting a warm glow on the rows of beautiful gowns that surrounded her. Each dress seemed to whisper promises of love and happiness, but the pressure of making the perfect choice weighed heavily on her shoulders.As she stepped into the boutique, her best friend, Lila, was already there, flipping through a magazine while waiting for Marissa. Lila looked up and smiled brightly, her enthusiasm infectious. "I can't believe it's finally happening! You’re going to look stunning today, Marissa!"Marissa returned the smile, though her nerves still fluttered in her stomach. "I hope so. I just want to find something that feels right, you know? Something that captures how I feel about Dario."Lila nodded in understanding. "Of course! Let’s
As the sun began to rise over the quaint village of Eldoria, the air was filled with excitement and anticipation. Marissa, the beloved daughter of the village elder, was soon to wed the formidable Alpha Dario, a man known not only for his strength but also for his unwavering loyalty to his people. The wedding was fast approaching, and with it came a flurry of gifts from far and wide, each more extravagant than the last.Marissa had always dreamed of this day, imagining the grandeur of her wedding ceremony and the joy it would bring to her family and friends. However, she never expected the sheer volume of gifts that would arrive at her doorstep in the weeks leading up to the event. Every morning, as the first light broke through her window, she would find an array of beautifully wrapped packages waiting for her, each one a token of love and appreciation from those who wished to celebrate her union with Dario.The villagers, eager to contribute to the festivities, began to gather in he
The air was crisp, and the faint rustle of leaves whispered secrets of the night. He had always been a figure of strength and authority, the alpha who led his pack with unwavering resolve. Since finding the vampire child in the billionaire’s cellar, so many things had changed. She had been with the pack for a few months now, and he couldn’t shake the feeling that she was meant to be a part of their life. The thought had he could not just leave her by herself with no one in particular to take care of her, bothered him. He knew she was being taken care of, but she was still little and needed a family. The first time he had encountered her, Dario had felt a pang of sorrow. Curled up in a dark corner of the cellar, the child was trembling, her small frame barely visible in the shadows. He remembered the way her large, innocent eyes looked up at him, filled with fear and hope. It was a look that stirred something deep within him, her little hi, brought about protective instinct he