---- We just feel that an outsider like her shouldn't..." "Shouldn't what?" Kael cut her off. "Shouldn't live here? Shouldn't be protected?" The warriors looked at each other, not daring to answer. "Listen to me," Kael said, his gaze sweeping over them, his authority as heavy as a mountain. "I brought her here. Every day she is here, she is under my protection." "She is under my protection," he said, his voice dropping to a low growl. "Anyone who harms her, answers to me." The color drained from Vera's face. "Alpha, we know 'we were wrong..." "Get out." The warriors fled as if they had been granted a pardon. Only Kael and I were left by the lake. "You didn't have to make enemies of them for my ---- sake," I said softly. "They are my subordinates. It's my responsibility to discipline them." "But they were right," I said, looking up at him. "I am auseless, abandoned wolf. I shouldn't be here." His eyes instantly deepened. "You are not useless." "Then what am I?" He was silent for a long time. "You are my fated mate," he finally said, speaking the truth we both knew but had been too afraid to admit. My heart hammered in my chest. "T know you've been hurt," he continued. "I know you're afraid to trust anyone." "But I am not him." "How do you know?" I challenged him. "How do you know you won't get tired of me one day, find someone new, and cast me aside?" ---- "Because," he said, his voice softer than I'd ever heard it, "I have waited for you for thirty years." His voice was soft, but every word was clear. "For thirty years, I never felt this bond. I never met a 'woman who moved my heart." He took a step closer. "Until I met you." I looked into his eyes, searching for any sign of deception. But all I saw was sincerity and resolve. "T will not leave you," he said. 'No matter what happens, I will stand by your side." "Even if I'm nothing? Even if I have nothing?" "You are not nothing," he breathed, his thumb gently stroking my cheek. "You are my world. My everything. " The dream ended there. I slowly opened my eyes.