-Zannic's POV-

"Dude, what the hell?" Tyson was ripping me a new one, but I don't really think he had a say in how I felt about my mate. She was barely clothed. Showing off her legs like that. Her beautiful, mocha latte legs. God, everything about her was just perfect. "Are you listening!?" 

I came back to reality of Tyson yelling in my face. When I didn't come up with a response, he simply huffed in defeat and started to pace. It really should be none of his concern. This was mine. "Zan." Rufus stepped out from the shadows and started to help out Tyson, "Is that her?" 

Her. 

This beautiful goddess that stepped into my life. This shining light that entered my world. This gorgeous angel that had to come from heaven itself . "Yes." I finally answered. 

Rufus nodded and took a step closer to me, "She's very pretty." 

I had to think back to her stunning face. I sighed in relaxation, "Yea. She's...stunning. Words can't describe it. Angelic? Exquisite? No, alluring." 

Rufus nodded, "I understand. But I need you to realize what you've just done to her." I looked at him. What did he mean? I simply wanted her to change clothes. Rufus raised his hand there was blood on it. I examined it more, it didn't look like his. 

I had to ask the obvious question, "Who's blood is that?" 

"It's hers." I felt my blood run cold and my chest get tighter. It was her blood? I looked down at my hands and realized I didn't have nails, I had claws. And they had her blood. I gasped. I was horrified at myself. How could I do that? How was it so easy to cut her like I had? She must hate me now. My chest simply got heavier the more I thought to myself. My mate hates me. I felt a hand on my shoulder, I didn't even have the heart to look up, "Go and talk to her." 

I simply turned and headed up the stairs to fix what I had done. 

-Tavyra's POV-

"Mate? Zannic?" I nodded. For some reason this was harder for Kristy to wrap her head around than it was for me. 

"Yep. That's what he told me." 

Kristy had gotten up to put the medical stuff and leaned against the dresser to speak, "Told you? Do you not feel the pull or somethin'?" I shrugged. I'd rather keep my past a secret while I'm in the middle of another pack. It wouldn't look good if the Alpha was mated to a Rouge anyway, "You don't, do you?" 

I sighed and shook my head. Hopefully she just thinks I'm human and leaves it at that. There was a moment of silence between us. I looked over at the window to the mingling crowd outside. I was looking for Montavius. I'd fuss him out later if I made it out of here unscathed. Well, alive I should say. 

The door opened and I didn't wanna look. If it was someone I didn't know, I didn't wanted to be asked questions. If it was Zan, that'd be even worse. "Can you give us a moment, Kris?" Crap. It was him. I knew his voice anywhere. 

"Of course, Alpha." I kept my attention at the window. Maybe somebody will call for help. I heard the door shut. Or maybe they could find the body a couple days later. 

I heard footsteps coming closer to m. I guess I had to handle this sooner or later, "Tavyra..." I sighed and looked over at him, his eyes were the original green and his claws were gone, thank god,  "I'm so sorry, my darling. I didn't realize I was causing you harm." 

I rolled my eyes. I might have not been in the werewolf world for a decade, but I'm not that stupid. He's violent and I honestly wanted nothing to do with it. Maybe I should just leave now. 

"Say something..." 

I decided to state the obvious, "My arm hurts." 

He came closer and sat on the bed with me, his eyes full of sadness. It almost hurt to see him like this, but this isn't the same person from the woods, "I'm glad that Kristy patched it up for you." I stayed silent, "Look, I didn't realize I was hurting you. I just....freaked out. Please. Please, don't hate me." 

Hate? I looked at him with confusion, "There's a difference between hate and fear." 

He gently grabbed my hand. How can somebody be so violent yet so gently? "Please. I don't want you to fear or hate me. I just want you. I want you in my life. Please. I'll be better and I'll control my anger. Just....please." He slumped his head and shoulders over onto my shoulder. I felt an aching pain pulling at my stomach. How can I do this to him? He's...different around me. He's a werewolf. I have to remember that. 

"I'm not going anywhere. Just...please don't hurt me anymore. It's not fun." He looked up at me and smiled almost like a child. He felt so much joy and excitement. It was adorable. 

He hugged me close, "Thank you so much, Tavyra. I was so scared that you'd walk out. I'll be better for you. I promise." Promise. Just for me? How can a guy make me his world when I met him a couple of days ago? Even if I'm not a wolf myself, I suppose I can give him a shot. Kristy said earlier that he's not a bad guy. Maybe it's his wolf, but I wouldn't know why it would be acting like that. I didn't even hit puberty before I became Rouge. Maybe I'll just do some research myself. 

He pulled back from the hug and looked at me with soft emerald eyes, "Do you want to go back to the cookout?" 

I gently nodded, "Yea. But I have to change first." I saw him staring at the clothes, like he was thinking. 

"Y..you don't have to put on the clothes if you don't want." I watched him clenching his fists a bit, "I shouldn't tell you what to wear." I was slightly surprised. Do I have a feminist on my hands? I smiled and gently hugged him back. 

"Thanks, Alpha Zannic." I slightly teased. 

He smiled, "Please. Call me Zan. We don't have to be so formal." 

"Alright." I gently and quickly kissed his cheek. "Zan." I watched his cheeks glow a dark red. Aww! He's blushing! Maybe this guy isn't so bad after all. 

-Zannic's POV- 

I left Tavyra in the house and went back out to the cookout. There were a few looks from nosy people, but the minute I made eye contact with them, they'd mind their own business again. Sometimes I just love having the power of Alpha. I got another glass from the punch table and talked to a few elders here and there. I noticed I didn't feel as bad as I did before. I was able to laugh and genuinely smile for others. 

I was making my way into the crowd, until someone stopped me. I turned and it was Tyson. I hadn't seen him since we were in the pack house. He pulled me aside. I couldn't read his facial expression. I couldn't tell if he was mad or frustrated or confused. When we were finally on the outskirts of the crowd, Tyson scolded me. 

I rolled my eyes. Do I really need another lecture from him, "Dude." He addressed me, "That girl in the pack house?" 

"Yea?" I said, taking another sip from my drink. 

He lowered his voice and smirked at me, "That's your mate?" I avoided his look, but couldn't help but grin. My mate. I like the sound of that, "Dude!" He patted me on the back in congratulations and I couldn't help but chuckle. "Since when?" He asked. 

I shrugged, "The other day." I remembered every exact detail of a few days ago, but I didn't want him to think it was weird or anything. After all, he hadn't met his own mate yet.

"She really is pretty." 

I smiled and sipped my drink again, "I know." 

-Tavyra's POV-

Once I got back out to the cookout, it wasn't hard to find Montavius. In fact, I think he was looking for me. He hugged me from behind and I couldn't help but laugh and smile. He looked at me up and down. Probably noticed that I put on Kristy's leggings, just to have a compromise with Zannic. I know he saw the bandaged arm, but since he didn't say anything about it now, was probably gonna bring it up when we got back. "I'm sorry I didn't do anything. Alpha Zannic scares me high-key."

I chuckled, kind of over the fact that Zannic is intimidating to his pack members, "I know, you big baby." I playfully punched him in the arm and we went about enjoying the rest of the cookout.