Amaris POV
The moment Amaris met his eyes, everything else faded.
Deep, dark, stormy pools–of gray eyes — intense, unreadable — pulling her in without permission.
A long, curved scar ran from one cheek to the other.
His black hair was tied in a messy bun.
And… he was shirtless.
She tried not to stare, she really did, but her gaze followed the thin trail of sweat sliding down his chest.
He wasn't clean–cut handsome — he was rugged, built from battles, scarred, dangerous… beautiful in a wild, untamed way.
And he was supposed to be hers.
It didn't seem like such a terrible idea anymore — at least not while she was looking at him like this.
She forced her mind to behave. Lust wasn't enough. Not for a lifetime bond.
She wanted love… or at least the chance to grow into it.
She straightened her shoulders, ready to speak — but he beat her to it.
"I know you find me repulsive," he said quietly. "I have no intention of forcing you into anything. And I don't want Miandra's words making you feel obligated."
The way he said it… he looked like a man trying very hard to sound detached.
He wasn't convincing.
He looked hurt.
"I don't find you repulsive," she said immediately. "And… Miandra was right. I know what rejection feels like. I just threw it at you without thinking, like it meant nothing. I'm sorry."
Her voice wavered but she kept going — she came with a decision and she wasn't backing out.
"I'm not like other wolves… obviously," she said with a small, nervous laugh. "I don't feel the pull. Right now, I don't feel anything for you romantically. So I can't abandon everything I've known for… all this."
She gestured vaguely at the world around them.
"I don't really believe in the fated mate thing — maybe because I'm human. But I do believe in getting to know someone. Spending time. And if we're truly meant for each other… maybe I could fall in love, even without the pull."
Silence.
He didn't say a word.
She looked up at him — and he was staring at her like she had spoken a language he didn't understand. Shocked. Confused. Almost… hopeful.
Her phone buzzed.
A text from her mother: We need to leave.
She swallowed.
"Um… I guess we'll talk another time. I have to go. My family's waiting."
She turned to leave.
"I'll see you sooner than you expect," he said.
She paused, glanced back, gave him a small smile, and walked away — heart strangely light.
But as she left the training grounds, one question stuck in her mind.
What does sooner than expected even mean?
Was he planning to come to her pack?
If so, he was in for a surprise.
He wouldn't find her there.