"Mate!" 

All I could hear was yelling and growling. I twisted my neck to see a wolf coming at me at full speed. My first instinct was to run but that would make things worse, but I ran anyway. I don't know how fast I was going, but it was faster than the wolf, and I have no idea how. I was starting to get tired. I knew I couldn't keep this up for much longer. Even though, it was essentially pointless. This guy could go for miles without getting tired. "Mate!" 

Okay. This needs to stop. I began to slow down before I stopped abruptly. I turned to face him and I saw the red eyes piercing back at me. I cleared my throat and talked with as much authority as I could, "Mate? Are you...t-talking about me?" I forgot I was out of breath and my heart was pounding against my rib cage. 

The wolf started to transform into a human. He stood on his two legs, his path towards me not stopping and pushing me up against a tree. I felt his breath against my neck and face as a growl kept passing his lips. I was about to take in every detail of his face. Every curve and turn on his sharp jawline that would tense and relax with every breath. The silver piercing that hung from his nostril that flared with very exhaling breath. And his smooth, tanned skin that looked as if it was browned evenly in an oven. His silky black hair fell over his emerald green eyes that looked me up and down, studying my own features. 

The world around us stopped. The only thing I could hear was the heavy breathing of both of us. I think I could even hear his heart beating from his toned, sculpted...beautiful..."Mate." 

I was brought back to reality by the word. I started to shake my head, trying to create more space between us, "No, no. Y-you must be mistaken..." 

He growled louder. I turned my head and closed my eyes. I was expecting him to hit me or something. Then the growling had stopped. I opened my eyes. Nope. Still not a dream, but I looked back at the green-eyed guy. They were filled with earnest caring and concern, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to scare you." The back of his hand began to stroke my cheek in comfort. I liked it, but not enough to be his mate. I could still feel my heart beating wildly. "I don't understand. Don't you feel the pull of a mate?" 

I avoided eye contact with him, "Well...uhhh..." I've told plenty of guys before that I don't wanna be with them, but how do you tell someone I don't wanna be their mate? The likelihood of having another mate in the entire world is virtually zero. I don't even know this guy. "I-I'm not a wolf." 

His eyes stared at me for a long moment, then a weak chuckle passed his lips, "Not a wolf? Th-that's impossible." He leaned in closer to my neck and I felt my body go stiff. I heard him smell me, then he looked back up at me, "Are you...rejecting me?" 

I don't know. Was I? I definitely wasn't repulsed by him. I mean, he was chiseled by the gods. But.... "I don't feel the same attraction as you do. I don't have a wolf." 

He finally stepped back and I took a sigh of relief. I watched his body language, to make sure he wouldn't snap at me. He ran a hand through his hair frustratingly. I felt a bit bad, but what could I do. I wasn't lying. I haven't felt my wolf for years..."I know, without a doubt, you're my mate. I don't have to make up this intricate story. If you don't wanna be my mate--" 

Now I was getting frustrated. I started to raise my voice at him, "I'm not making up a complex story for you. I don't have my wolf. She died. It's been like this for years. I don't know what you want me to do!" The trees rustled with fleeing birds as my voice echoed through the trees. I calm down and sighed, "I don't wanna do this to you, but...I'm sorry." 

He looked at me, skeptical, "Dead? H-how'd she die?" 

I shrugged. I've never been able able to answer that question myself, "When I was forced from my pack, she simply never woke up again." I admitted. I looked down. Only Aunt Shelly knew about this. That was the day I started my world of ignorance. There was a silence between us. I felt it in my soul. I don't think I like it. I needed to get back to Montavius. He was probably worried about me by now. I started walking where I came from, "I gotta get back. It's my turn to make breakfast." I started trudging through the fallen leaves and tree trunks. 

"Wait!" 

I turned back around towards the guy. He wasn't so scary at a distance, he actually looked rather sweet, "Let me walk you home. Please." 

I sighed. At least he was caring enough for my safety. Maybe I should cut him some slack. I gently smiled and nodded. He got so excited it was cute. He ran over to me and that's when I noticed he was much taller than me. I had to say at least 6ft. He smiled down at me and I noticed he had a pretty smile. It was strong and bright. Maybe I could give him a chance. He doesn't seem like a bad guy. Simply hot headed. But, I'm used to that. 

We walked our way on the street. I had to guess it was about 8.30. There were a few people moving around, but they didn't pay us much mind. I don't even think they noticed us. "So you're a rouge?" The question seemed to come out of nowhere, but I guess it was reasonable. 

I nodded, "Yea. I guess you could say that." I stuffed my hands in my pockets and kicked some rocks as we walked down the street. 

"My name's Zannic by the way" 

I gently chuckled, "Zannic? It sounds demonic."

He shrugged, "Well it's a mix of my parents names." 

"What are you parents' names?" 

"Zane and Annie." 

I nodded and smiled, "Those are very pretty. Well, I'm Tavyra."

"Tavyra..." I heard him repeat my name, and I think I rather liked it. "Beautiful name." I smiled once again. Maybe he was a little bit of a charmer. We got to Montavius' house and sat at the door for a moment. "Tavyra, I know you don't think we're mates, but can you at least give me a chance? Please." 

I sighed. We're back on this again. I rubbed the back of my neck, "Well..." The look in his eyes seemed desperate. I'd hate to hurt him so bad and not even give him a chance. But I just met this guy. I'm not gonna fall in love with him in a day. How are you suppose to do this? 

"There's a cookout tomorrow afternoon for the pack. Would you like to come?" He had little puppy dog eyes. How could I say no to that. 

I sighed with a smirk, "It wouldn't hurt I suppose..." He grinned so hard at me. He was cute, I had to give him that. Pulled out a pen from my sweats and took his hand. He was watching my every move and I could just hear his heart pounding. "Here's my number. Text me the address." He simply nodded like a mad man. I smiled and gave him his hand back. 

He quietly looked down at the number, looking at it over and over again, "I..I will. Hope to see you there, Tavyra." 

I smiled at him and went inside the house.