Chasing behind me, I hear Ryker’s footsteps on the gravel as I enter the dense woods. I stop running, mainly because of the pain, knowing he could easily catch me within seconds, but I don’t tell him that. Instead, I turn to face him, my voice tinged with exasperation. 'Why can't you leave me alone?' I argue, defiance flickering in my eyes.
Ryker assesses me from head to toe, taking one cautious step toward me. But I step back in response, maintaining my ground despite the obvious fear lurking in my gaze. He remains calm and collected, addressing me in a cautious tone. 'Because you're my mate, whether we both like it or not. That gives me the right to follow you and also makes it my business to know who hurt you.'
A scoff escapes my lips. 'You didn't care when you slammed your fist into the wall a moment ago, scaring me!' I retort, taking another step backward.
Ryker sighs deeply, his eyes momentarily dropping before locking onto mine with sincerity. 'Astrid, please, I'm sorry. I should never have done that. I didn't know you were hurt. I didn't know the traumas you've been through,' he admits, his voice full of remorse. 'I know that's still no excuse for my actions. I was desperate, struggling against my wolf, your scent overpowering me, and I didn't want you to leave.'
Confusion courses through me as he mentions his wolf once more, despite my failure to glimpse any such creature, and I certainly don’t intend on sticking around to find one.
Ryker turns around and stares at the moon. He takes a deep breath and continues to talk with his back to me. Seizing the opportunity, I quietly retreat further into the woods.
'I'm not perfect, Astrid, and I probably have many flaws I'll need to work on to keep you happy,' Ryker continues, his voice earnest. 'I will do whatever it takes for you. I just hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me, and perhaps we can start over. I had no idea you didn't know you weren't human,' he confesses, slowly turning to face me, realization dawning on him as he spots me a small distance away, trying to escape from him.
'Astrid,' he implores in a worried manner.
But I can't believe the crazy notions he's telling me. I shake my head at him, my disbelief evident.
I turn away and increase my pace, reaching further into the woods. Yet, in the blink of an eye, Ryker is behind me. His hand gently grabs my shoulder, sending a series of sparks down my arms.
I halt, turning to face him with a fierce glare. 'Okay, you've clearly lost touch with reality! Not being human?' I scoff, incredulous at his conspiracy theories. I take a mocking glance at his face. 'I suppose a tin-foil hat would suit that big head of yours,' I add sarcastically.
Ryker attempts to reason with me, his voice maintaining a level of calmness. 'I understand how all of this sounds crazy to you, but surely your parents would have mentioned something about your true identity?' he inquires.
My eyes narrow. 'Keep my parents out of this,' I snap, irritation creeping into my tone. Ryker runs a hand through his hair, and to my annoyance, I find myself wishing it were my hand running through those dark locks instead.
A sudden thought crosses his mind, and he shifts his focus. 'How old are you, Astrid?' he asks.
I raise an eyebrow, unsure where he's heading with this line of questioning. 'Not that it's any of your business, but I'll be eighteen in two weeks,' I reply cautiously.
'Hmm,' Ryker murmurs, nodding as if a revelation has dawned upon him. 'Well, that explains a lot. You won't meet your wolf until then. But because I'm twenty-one years old, I've already got my wolf. I want to show you my wolf if you would allow me to,' he offers.
My breathing grows heavier at the mention of his pet wolf once more. I try to maintain composure, but Ryker notices my trembling hands, which I attempt to hide behind my back.
'Astrid, you're shaking. What's wrong?' He asks, taking careful steps closer.
I shake my head, my back pressing against a sturdy tree. 'I don't want a pet wolf for my birthday, and I don't ever want to meet your pet wolf, or any wolf for that matter. In fact, I never want to see a wolf ever again!' I assert firmly.
Ryker gazes at me, puzzled. 'Wait, you've met a werewolf before?' he inquires.
I stare at him, dubiously shaking my head. 'A werewolf? What is wrong with you, Ryker? There's no such thing as werewolves. I'm talking about big, ferocious wolves in the wild.' I glance away briefly, then lock eyes with him once more. 'When I was little, my mother and I were playing in the woods near our house. We played hide and seek most days, and then one day, a giant wolf, so vicious and wild, appeared.' I rub my arms nervously. 'There was an altercation; something really bad happened, and I've been afraid of wolves ever since. I haven't even been able to go near anyone's pet dog. So, the fact that not only do you have a pet that's not a dog but a wolf just shows how incompatible we are. So please, give up, leave me alone, and go away,' I plead.
Ryker's gaze remains curious. 'What happened with the wolf, Astrid?' he asks, his voice filled with concern.
I frown at him, growing more frustrated. 'You know, you're not very good at minding your own business, are you, Ryker?' I retort.
A smirk tugs at the corner of Ryker's lips. 'No, not when it involves my mate,' he confesses, his eyes locked onto mine.
My annoyance mounts as I confront him. 'You just told me in the diner that I was a rogue, and you didn't sound thrilled about having one as a mate. So why do you keep referring to me as your mate when you don't even want me?' I demand, seeking answers.