CHAPTER THREE

Taken aback, I stepped away, meeting the gaze of the young man lounging on a tree branch above. His intense stare sent shivers down my spine, and I realized I still didn't know his name.

"Do you live in the woods?" I questioned, my voice carrying a mix of curiosity and a hint of exasperation.

"I own a condo in the city with a breathtaking view. But I had a feeling we'd cross paths again," he responded, descending from the tree with a feline grace.

"I'm Magnus Kade," he introduced himself, extending his hand. "Audrey Smith," I replied, accepting his hand.

Standing in front of me, his tall figure cast a shadow, evoking a mixture of emotions—fear, longing, and intense curiosity.

I looked up at him with nervousness. "What brought you here the other day?"

"Avoiding fate," he responded, leaning against a tree and observing me. "It becomes exhausting trying  to force my  own happiness. And you?"

I paused, trying to find the right words. "I usually come here for some quiet time," I said defensively, although the words rang hollow.

Magnus shrugged and suggested, "You wanna grab a drink?"

Excitement welled up within me, and I found myself blurting out, "Yes, I'd love to."

Heading to a nearby bar, we entered the dimly lit interior that exudes warmth. 

Taking a seat at a table, the anticipation for the evening's unfolding events lingered in the air. I resisted the urge to repeatedly check my watch, knowing my nervousness would be evident.

"I'll be right back," Magnus announced, walking toward the bar. Shortly after his departure, an unfamiliar voice interrupted my thoughts as a stranger approached. 

"Hey, sweetheart," he leered, leaning against the table, his eyes roaming over me with a suggestive glint.

I mustered a polite smile and responded, "Hello." My gaze drifted to the dance floor, where couples moved to the rhythm of the music.

"Care for a dance?" he inquired, his tone laden with unwarranted advances.

I glanced at the dance floor, then back at the stranger. "No, thanks," I replied, attempting to scan the room for Magnus' figure.

Unfazed, the man leaned in closer, making another attempt. "She means go away," Magnus' voice sliced through the air, his presence commanding.

The stranger redirected his attention to Magnus, displaying a disrespectful and invasive demeanor. "Well, pretty boy, I don’t see your mark on her. Or is it hidden beneath the clothes? I’d like to find out."

In an instant, Magnus' patience wore thin, and he reacted swiftly. Seizing the man's arm, he skillfully maneuvered, causing the side of the intruder's face to collide with the table. The impact rattled glasses and utensils as Magnus held the man's face firmly in place, his elbow restraining it.

"You've got ten seconds to apologize to the lady," Magnus' voice remained stern and unyielding. "Then, you'll exit like the well-behaved individual you ought to be. Clear?"

Tense silence hung in the air for a few heart-pounding moments. The stranger's eyes widened, registering shock and fear.

"I'm sorry" the stranger quickly muttered, unable to look me in the eye.

"That's a good boy," Magnus uttered with a cold smile, easing the pressure on the man's face.  released him, and the disgraced intruder hastily retreated toward the exit, nursing his wounded pride.

With Magnus's return to our table, the once-tense atmosphere in the room eased, leaving me with a mix of gratitude and curiosity. His unanticipated protectiveness caught me off guard, and I found myself admiring how he skillfully navigated the situation.

I observed him out of the corner of my eye as we walked. His expression remained inscrutable, his focus steadfast on the path ahead. Gravel crunched beneath our feet as we reached the doorstep, and he held the door open for me.

"Thanks for standing up for me," I expressed, stepping onto the porch and into the cool night air. 

"It was nothing," he replied, his tone calm and collected.

I nibbled on my lip, avoiding his intense gaze. "Thanks for tonight, it was enjoyable," I mentioned. " And thanks for walking me home". I added. "Alright then until next time," Magnus said, offering a smile. He was incredibly handsome, and I couldn't help but watch his retreating figure, my heart aching with an inexplicable longing. I found myself missing him already, more than I cared to admit.

Once I got to my room, I let out a sigh and locked the window, feeling a mix of excitement and apprehension. I couldn't stop thinking about Magnus and the way he made me feel, everything in me craved his touch. I didn't understand the new-found feeling.

Right on cue, Magnus materialized in my room, standing beside the window. My breath caught in my throat, and I could scarcely believe my eyes.

"Magnus?" I whispered, my voice trembling with shock as I opened the window for him to enter.

"I came back," he said, his gaze locked on me with a silent intensity that left me breathless.

"Why?" I managed to ask, my mind in overdrive. He took a step closer, narrowing the distance between us. His presence was overpowering, and I felt like I was engulfed in the depths of his gray eyes.

"I felt it, Audrey," he said, his voice a low, husky whisper. "The connection between us. I know you're my mate, but if you don't feel it too, I'll climb right out that window, and we'll never see each other again. So I came to ask. Did you feel it too?"

I stared into his eyes, unable to form words. His lips crashed onto mine, a passionate, fiery kiss that ignited a fierce desire within me. Heat surged through my body, and I felt my wolf, Silver, stirring.

"Do you?" Magnus whispered against my lips, his voice a seductive promise. I nodded, my heart pounding in my chest. It was a desire I could no longer deny.

He effortlessly lifted me, and I wrapped my legs around his waist, consumed by the intoxicating kiss. Magnus broke the kiss only to undo my zip, letting my gown cascade to the floor. His hands cupped my breasts, and I gasped as he bit my lip.

Gently, he laid me in the center of the bed, his fingers skillfully teasing and exploring.

My body responded eagerly, and I moaned as he sent waves of pleasure coursing through me. The sensations were overwhelming, and I felt a new-found power within me.

Magnus's kiss ignited a passion that urged me to delve into unexplored realms of desire. He effortlessly lifted me, and instinctively, I wrapped my legs around his waist.

With a decisive moment, he undid his pants, revealing his hard-on. I looked at him, a mixture of fear and eager anticipation in my gaze.

"That..." I began, but he chuckled, kneeling on the bed.

"It'll fit perfectly," he whispered, placing open-mouthed kisses on my neck and chin. He teased my entrance, slowly entering me. The pain mingled with pleasure, and I winced. Magnus paused, his own desire evident in his eyes.

He bent down to take one of my breasts into his mouth, sending shivers down my spine. I moaned as he began moving, a slow and gentle rhythm that gradually increased in intensity.

In the heat of our passionate sounds echoing in the room, I realized this night was just the start of a journey filled with strong feelings, challenges, and a love that would test how much our hearts and souls could handle.

We reached another peak of intensity, moving together perfectly. Our deep connection left us both breathless, and with every breath we took and every kiss we shared, our bond grew stronger.

Magnus's lips caressed my neck, and I anticipated what would happen next. He was about to leave a mark, to assert his ownership. I had yearned for this moment, and waited for it.

He stopped, his fangs lightly touching my skin, and I held my breath. I craved to feel his mark, his claim, to unite us permanently. Yet, he hesitated.