"How did your ancestor get the name for this place? Snake's Canyon? Such an odd name for a gorgeous place?"

They had agreed to put the mate thing aside for the time being to work on more important things. It was going okay so far without Ryder mentioning a single thing about them being mates in the passed twenty four hours.

Alisa came to sit down on the armchair in Ryder's room, looking over at him. He was perched on the end of his bed, looking down at an old book.

His grey eyes seemed hard and calculated.

A look she had never seen before.

"You better come sit down here for this," he murmured, more for his comfort than anything else.

This was not a story he loved sharing, for the simple fact it was brutal and totally unnecessary.

"I'll tell you...It was like this...

In a time when the land was fruitful and bore plenty for all, our pack thrived amongst the humans. Hidden in plain sight, our home was a haven.

Any human who visited called it utopia, believing it to be one of the most breathtaking landscapes they had ever had the pleasure of laying their eyes on.

Greedy little things they had always been.

While we lived in harmony once, it didn't seem to be the ultimate outcome some people were hoping for.

Some species hate to share.

One day, after growing tired of having to say goodbye to the beautiful scenery each night, they came together. Devising a plan to extinguish us as a species so they could conquer our land.

They gathered their forces, unknowing to us.

The plan must have been to show up as normal but instead of their bags holding gifts in return, they would hide something far more sinister inside.

The day came and while our people were busy bringing out lavish clothing and food to swap with our neighbours, they had ambushed us all at once.

The moment we shared our bounty, they showed theirs.

Thousands of snakes erupted around the paradise lands.

The naturals were stupid to think that because we were civilised that the snakes would be just as easy to control.

However, that wasn't the case.

Snakes turned on everyone in the vicinity. Launching their deadly teeth onto any flesh it could find.

Most of our ancestors were clever enough to shift quickly, to allow any injuries to phase us less and to ensure they healed faster.

It wasn't long before all the towns people who had showed up were slaughtered or had fled.

It was a chaotic scene.

Everyone against everything - but somehow we came out victorious.

Not quite unscathed, but definitely the clear winner.

After that...

We swore never to cooperate with anyone that wasn't a pack member."

Alisa's eyes were wide the entire story, remembering that even back at her tribe, the naturals were known to be vicious if they found out you weren't human.

Every supernatural knew this to be a fact and that's why they hid for safety.

"That is why we have a 'kill on sight' rule," Ryder sheepishly added with a shrug.

"But I got lucky so times are changing, eh?" Alisa joked a little, feeling that it was quite easy to open up more around him now.

She couldn't help it at times.

Ryder made it incredibly easy to be a little vulnerable and feel comfortable around. He had this inviting presence, that welcomed and not judged.

"You definitely got lucky, that is for sure," chuckled the eighteen year old.

"But it is kinda funny they thought snakes would help," she suddenly said and stifled another laugh.

Ryder shrugged, "It was pretty stupid, right? I don't know what those naturals were thinking. We are clearly faster and we heal impeccably well."

"Definitely underestimating the wolves," she added with a little nod.

Her eyes fluttered back over to connect with his. She could almost feel how sad he was when telling the story. She didn't know what made her do it but before she knew it, her hand was enveloped with his.

She squeezed his fingers tight.

"Blood shed doesn't have to be the future," she whispered softly, batting her long eyelashes at him.

"With this looming war, I fear there isn't any other choice. The Herytics are known for their brutal ways as well - hardly anyone has survived ever meeting one."

"What about the humans they visit?"

"Always disposed of discreetly, they got what they needed from them," he solemnly replied, staring back at her with sadness.

The small flickers of sparks lightly buzzed up their arms from the mate connection.

Ryder loved every second they were touching. He felt closer to his mate, but the moment she pulled away, he felt instant chillness.

"What do they get from the naturals?"

"Nobody knows that, unfortunately. That is the mystery we are all trying so hard to solve. It has to tie in with the prophecy somehow. I just don't know how," he continued with frustration.

He felt no closer to the answers they seek. A feeling that he was already failing as the next Alpha.

"Are you worried they will come near the pack lines?" Alisa asked again, probing Ryder for more information.

The eighteen year old knew far more than he was letting in and she was sure of it. If she just probed that little bit more, he might tell her.

Alisa couldn't be kept in the dark about everything forever.

There was more to this and she could feel it.

He shook his head quickly, "Nah I am more than sure my father has it under control. We needn't worry, my mate."

She scrunched her nose up at the word.

'I guess twenty four hours is his limit.'

"I don't get why you are so against us being mates. This means I can protect you. You really don't need to worry about this war," he suddenly commented with a shrug.

"You think that is what I have been worried about all this time? Hello," she said, gesturing to herself.

"I am quite capable of looking after myself. But I still don't think we are a good fit, especially at a time like this," added Alisa, shaking her head as she moved further back on the bed.

"And why not?" Ryder demanded, a little hurt and offended by that.

"You can't get better than an Alpha, sweetheart."

"Do you really think I give a Goddess ass about your title? Please. Don't flatter yourself," Alisa snapped back, narrowing her eyes at him.

"If you don't want it, then it intimidates you. What else could it be?" Ryder deducted, shifting closer to her on the bed.

"Just forget about what I am for a second," he started, not realising how he had exactly phrased it.

'Forget you are wolf and an Alpha... that's going to be quite hard.'

"And try to see who I am. I might surprise you, Ali. I could be a great mate, if you just give me a chance."

His second use of his invented nickname for her - it tugged at her heart strings.

"Why is it always about 'mates' with you? Can't you see its the entire concept that makes me uncomfortable! How can I love someone just because the Moon Goddess said so?"

Alisa had a point and Ryder could see it which tore him.

"Nobody is expecting you to love me right away. I get that. It is scary and a lot to ask, especially because you are still fairly new to our customs and ways," he replied, softly.

"I am willing to be patient, Alisa. We can take it slow and at your pace."

"Then respect that I don't want to talk about this with you right now or anytime soon. Please just forget about it," she replied back in a rush before getting up and leaving his room in a flash of brown hair.

Alisa knew that those reasons were only half of why the discussion made her a little queasy.

She's a witch for god sakes and she can't forget that. If Ryder ever found out, he would never forgive her let alone ever love her. Now wasn't the time to start becoming delusional.

The young girl's time was slowly but surely running out.

There was just too much involved to ever risk her heart.

Not even for a mate.