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She has managed to inflame my fury and protectiveness in a way I have not felt for untold lifetimes. I do not fully understand this mortal's power over me, only that I will keep her safe now, whatever battles that may entail.

I seethe recalling her carelessness tonight, yet I cannot deny her bravery and fire. When she punched that scum, joy surged through me. Bashing him in the alley? She's a fighter with iron strength and will—precisely what I crave in a woman.

She is a masterpiece, even distraught. When she fainted, I grabbed her purse from the parking lot. Max more than likely chucked it out of his car to rid any evidence of his intentions, and I checked the name and address on her ID card.

Danica Pierce—a Doctor from the GeneTech Institute. Interesting. My angel has not only beauty but also intelligence. However, she lacks the social wisdom to recognize a bad situation.

After I brought her home, I stayed to ensure she was alright after the traumatic experience. And also to soak in more of my otherworldly beauty. I wasn’t quite ready to leave yet.

As soon as she opened her eyes, I wanted her immediately. My whole body shook with anticipation as I moved closer to her. The scent of her skin is like a drug that makes me crave it. Nothing else in the world seems to compare. I only wanted to take a bite out of her and enjoy it.

Her flesh tasted of sweet sunshine. My cock stirred with desire, an unexplainable force captivating me, taking away all logic and control.

Fuck, her body's a work of art. My hands were itching to tear into her, but I held back and took it slow. No woman's ever hit me this hard—she's in a league of her own, and the idea of any other bastard laying hands on her has me seeing red.

Trying to keep my head while answering her innocent questions, with all these hot, wild thoughts tearing through me—that was pure hell. The second we stepped apart, it felt like a punch to the gut. Left me hungry for more, aching for it.

I bailed on her fast. My burning needs bulldozing over common sense. But this dance ain't over, not even close.

Erik and I had talked countless times about finding our true mates, but I never thought it could happen—or feel all-consuming. Now, I'm left warring internally, unable to reconcile my obsession with Dani against a lifetime of believing such a bond was likely impossible.

The intensity of my feelings hints at cosmic forces beyond my comprehension. I want to believe our meeting was written in the stars. Yet a cynical part of me remains distrustful, mainly because my desires are making me a fool.

This is only the start. I will take my time with her to get to know her better, observe her from a distance, and figure out what these feelings of mine are all about.

There’s no fucking way I'll let this go.

Danica

13

My headache is like a hammer in my head, and I almost scream when I open my eyes. I groggily sit up, trying to make sense of the fog that clouds my brain. I shake my head.

What the fuck?

I reluctantly stumble off the couch, my feet clambering against the hardwood floor as I drag myself up. As I pad to the kitchen, the cold tile floor sends a chill up my spine. I shiver, thoughts of the shadowy stranger still fresh in my mind. Who is he, and why does he haunt me so? The morning sunlight streams through the curtains, creating a dreamy ambiance. I need water to quench my intense thirst and shake away my weird daze.

Reaching for a glass from the cupboard, my eyes fly to the clock on the microwave. I do a double-take. Noon! Seriously? How had I slept for so long? It was like time evaporated into thin air while I had wild dreams.

My dreams. A shady stranger, doing the craziest things to me. His warm kisses left me blushing, and his hands were like fire as he stroked my body. I recall flashes of Max carrying me to his car last night, then down an alleyway for some not-so-nice activities. Then I remember the huge dark figure suddenly grabbing Max and scolding him for coming near me. The intruder has been in my house; he knows where I live.

But why was I feeling so dizzy? It seemed like I was under a spell.

Did I seriously let him kiss and lick without putting up a fight? Is this all an illusion? My head is swirling with questions.

I guzzle my water, trying to ease my throbbing head. My phone lies abandoned on the kitchen island, so I hastily snatch it up. I jab at the numbers to call Emily. The ensuing ringtone shakes the room, and an exhausted voice answers wearily on the other end.

“Yo—”

Thanking the heavens, she picked up; I breathed a sigh of relief and threw my eyes to the ceiling in thankful prayer.

“Hey! Thank GOD. Are you okay?” I inquire, my throat tight with anxiety.

Emily has no idea what is going on, her sleepy confusion evident in her response of a lazy “What’s up? Weren’t you the one who drove me home?”

I exhale into the phone, relieved she's okay. Thoughts resurfacing of what Max did in the back alley fill my mind.

“Wait,” Emily interjects. Her voice betrays her worry. “What happened? Are YOU okay?”