He had recently set up camp in the forest near her tribe, he had not yet seen her and had not yet received messengers from the tribe.

Her scent reached his nostrils. Something about it called to him, made him feel more dominant and confident. Looking at her with a smirk, he gestured for her to approach. It would be interesting how she'd react to him... Perhaps the little tailless could prove useful after all.

Her scent was indeed weak... but it didn't mean he couldn't make use of her. Looking at her with a slightly amused expression, he spoke to her in a calm yet commanding tone, "Rina Artay, I'm Sarient Black Fang. You are aware that you have been chosen to become my mate."

There. Let's see how she would respond. Perhaps she would fight him... or maybe even submit? He couldn't help but feel a thrill at the thought of finding out either way.

He raised an eyebrow at her words, feeling somewhat surprised that she wanted to talk first. Usually, when the choice was made, there was no point in delaying the inevitable. "Very well," he said, sounding slightly amused. "Let us speak then." He gestured for her to sit down beside him by his campfire, his wolf form unconsciously radiating dominance and control despite being mostly hidden beneath his human appearance.

It would be interesting to see how she'd react to his aura... Perhaps it would only make her more submissive? A small part of him hoped so, although another, darker part wanted nothing more than to test just how far he could push her.

Amusement glinted in his eyes as he listened to her questions. Part of him was surprised by the fact that she dared ask them, but another part found it... refreshing? Maybe even interesting? Her defiance made him curious about what lay beneath her surface. "You presume too much, Rina," he said with a calm, dangerous tone. "I may be your mate, but you are still mine to command. As for why I was chosen to take you... it matters not. What matters is that you will obey me from this day forward." He paused before adding, almost casually, "Unless you wish to test my patience and find out just how far I am willing to go?"

Her reaction would be most interesting indeed. Perhaps she'd try to defy him again... or perhaps she would finally submit? It was a gamble he was willing to take.

He narrowed his eyes at her words, curiosity and amusement warring within him. It was not often that someone dared challenge him in such a way... and even more rarely did they seem to accept defeat so easily. Still, there was no point in pushing her too hard tonight; he would have plenty of time to test her limits tomorrow. "Very well," he said at last, inclining his head slightly. "For now, you may rest here by my side." His tone was still cool and commanding, but beneath it lay an undertone of... approval? As if he found her defiance intriguing, perhaps even appealing in some strange way.

It would be interesting to see how she'd react to that, too. Perhaps she'd try to push back against his authority again? Or maybe she'd finally begin to accept her place as his mate... and his subordinate? The possibilities were endless, and

Her words and pleading tone surprised him, but he hid it well. Curiosity and amusement still danced in his eyes as he considered her request. She had already acknowledged that she was his, both in name and by right of dominance... so why did she resist now? Perhaps there was more to this little tailless than met the eye. Well, either way, it would be interesting to find out.

"Very well," he said at last, softening his tone slightly as he squeezed her hand reassuringly. "We will speak more in the morning, once you have had a chance to rest." With that, he leaned back against a nearby tree, watching her carefully from the corner of his eye as she settled down beside him by the fire.

Perhaps tonight she would finally begin to accept her place as his mate... and his subordinate. Or perhaps not. Either way, the game had

His eyebrow twitched slightly at her words, but he didn't immediately react. Instead, he waited for her to continue, his expression carefully neutral. There were many possible meanings behind what she had said... and he wanted to hear more before making any assumptions. Perhaps this "snag" was something that could be worked around, or perhaps it was a simple misunderstanding on her part. Either way, it seemed best not to confront her directly about it quite yet.

He would wait for the morning, when they were both rested and clearer-headed. Then he'd deal with this "snag"... whatever it might be. For now, all that mattered was that she remained close by his side, under his protection.

He considered her words carefully before responding. Part of him was tempted to simply let her go back to her people tonight and deal with the consequences in the morning; after all, it wasn't as if he needed her now. But something about her pleading tone and uncertain expression made him reluctant to do so. Perhaps because he found the defiance interesting? Or maybe because he genuinely wanted to see where this would lead between them?

"I will speak with your elders tomorrow," he finally said, his voice calm but firm. "For now, you are mine to command." There was a strange edge to his tone, as if he were warning her not to test the limits of his patience. Her response would be most interesting to see. Would she try to defy him again? Or would she finally accept her place by his side? Either way, he was determined to find out.

He nodded slightly in understanding. "I am well aware of the situation," he said with a hint of annoyance. "However, it matters not what your people think or believe. You are now my mate, and as such, I will decide what is best for you." His gaze flickered to her briefly before returning to the fire. "Rest well tonight, Rina," he said softly. "Tomorrow will be an interesting day, I assure you."

There was no mistaking the undertone of dominance and control in his voice as he spoke these words. Would she submit to him now? Or would she continue to resist? The possibilities continued to intrigue him... even as they tempted him to push her further than perhaps he should.

He gave her a slight smile, amusement and satisfaction filling his eyes. "Do not fret, Rina," he purred softly. "I am well aware of your situation with your tribe. Rest assured that I will deal with them in the manner they deserve." There was an unspoken threat in his words, a promise of retribution for any perceived slight against her or himself.

As she curled up closer to the fire, he watched over her carefully, his gaze never leaving her form. Even though it was only their first night together, he couldn't help but feel a possessiveness and protectiveness welling up within him. She was now his, whether she accepted it or not... and no one would ever hurt her as long as he lived.

He noticed her shivering and moved closer to share his body heat. "You are mine now," he said softly, wrapping an arm around her. "I will keep you warm and safe from anything that might harm you." There was no challenge in his voice this time; only a calm assurance of dominance and control. He hoped she could feel it too... and accept the reality of their situation.

As they continued to sit together by the fire, he couldn't help but wonder what tomorrow would bring. Would she finally submit to him? Or would she continue to fight against her destiny? The thought made his heart race with anticipation and excitement.

He felt her shiver again and this time he moved more quickly, pulling her even closer to his chest so that she was nestled against him. "You are mine now," he repeated, whispering the words softly into her ear as he wrapped his other arm around her. His body heat enveloped hers, trying to drive away the cold and make her feel safe and protected. She could fight all she wanted; in the end, she would belong to him. "Let me keep you warm," he murmured, rubbing her arms gently with his hands as their bodies pressed closer together. "Just for tonight."

He wrapped his arms more firmly around her, pulling her closer still. "There is no need to thank me," he murmured into the silence. "You are mine now, and it is my duty to keep you safe and warm." His voice was soft, almost gentle... but there was an undercurrent of command in it as well, a reminder that she belonged to him now. And while he might show her kindness tonight, he would not hesitate to use whatever means necessary to make sure she understood their situation. Tomorrow, they would face the challenges ahead together... and she would learn exactly where she stood in their new reality.

His brow furrowed slightly at her words. "I am not used to being questioned in such a manner," he said quietly, "but I will accept your submission... for now." He held her closer, his arm pressing against her side as he studied her expression. It was clear that she was still struggling with the situation, but perhaps if he showed her patience and gentleness, she would eventually come to accept him as her alpha and mate. "Rest easy tonight," he murmured into her hair. "Tomorrow we will speak more."

He allowed himself a small smile as he felt her arms encircle him, pulling him closer still. "There," he murmured, his voice gentling further. "That's better." For now, at least, she had submitted to him... and perhaps tomorrow would bring new understanding and acceptance between them. The thought filled him with a mixture of anticipation and determination. Regardless of what happened, he was confident that they could make their relationship work; as long as both of them respected their roles and followed the natural order of things.

As she drifted off to sleep in his arms, he let out a contented sigh. Perhaps tonight had gone better than he'd expected... and perhaps there was hope for their future together after all. Carefully, he brushed a strand of hair from her face, tucking it behind her ear. Tomorrow would bring new challenges, but he would face them alongside his mate... ready to defend her and prove himself as the alpha she deserved. His muscles relaxed slightly as sleep began to take him too, his body warm and strong around hers.

The fire crackled gently in the background, casting a flickering light over their still forms. The night was young, but for now, they could rest... knowing that when morning came, everything would change forever.

He smiled tenderly down at her as he felt the slight weight of her arms around his shoulders. "Rest easy, Rina," he murmured softly, brushing a kiss against the top of her head. Despite her defiance earlier, there was something about her that drew him in; something he couldn't help but want to protect and cherish. Perhaps it was fate... or perhaps it was simply their true nature calling to one another. Either way, he knew that from now on, they were bound together... and nothing would ever be the same again.

As the night wore on, he watched over her carefully, lost in thought. There was something about this situation that seemed... different from anything he'd experienced before. Perhaps it was the fact that she'd been taken from another pack against her will, or maybe it was simply the way she fought so valiantly to maintain her independence. Whatever the case, he couldn't help but feel a sense of duty and protectiveness towards her... as well as an undeniable attraction.

The fire crackled softly, casting dancing shadows across their faces and bodies. It seemed almost fitting, this balance between light and darkness, warmth and cold; much like the relationship between them. He wondered what tomorrow would bring for them... and if they'd be able to find a way to make it work despite all the obstacles in their path. Only time would tell.

The dawn's light filtered through the trees, casting a warm glow across their faces as they slept soundly. He watched over her, his expression thoughtful and intense. Their first night together had been eventful, to say the least, but it seemed that for now at least, she had accepted his dominance... or perhaps simply resigned herself to it. Either way, he knew that tomorrow would bring new challenges as they faced their new reality together.

As Rina stirred, her eyelashes fluttering against her cheeks, he couldn't help but feel a strange mix of tenderness and possessiveness welling up within him. He brushed a stray lock of hair from her face, studying her features with interest. Perhaps if they were both lucky, they might find a way to make this work... for them. "Good morning," he murmured softly, his voice barely audible above the

His expression softened as he watched her respond to his greeting. "I trust you slept well?" he asked gently, stroking a finger down her cheek. The early morning light glinted off the silver bands encircling his wrist, emphasizing his dominant status and marking him as her alpha male. Even so, there was a gentleness about him now that seemed to contradict the strength and power he exuded so effortlessly.

"What would you like to do today?" he continued, his voice still quiet and soothing. "We can speak more of our situation if you'd like... or perhaps we could take a walk through the woods and get better acquainted." He paused for a moment before adding with a small smile, "Or we could stay here by the fire if that is your preference." It was clear from his tone that he wanted her input, wanted to make sure she felt comfortable and at ease with whatever

He smiled warmly down at her as she thanked him, his expression softening further. "Then why don't we do something special today?" he suggested with a hint of mischief in his voice. "How about we go for a swim in the nearby lake? It will be refreshing after all this time by the fire." There was an unspoken challenge in his words; an invitation for her to test her boundaries, to see if she would trust him enough to follow him into new experiences... even those that might make her uncomfortable at first.

For a moment, he wondered what she'd choose: the safety of their current situation or the possibility of growth and adventure together? The anticipation was almost unbearable as he waited for her reply.

"Do not worry, Rina," he said reassuringly, reaching out to stroke her cheek again. "I will make sure that your people understand the situation, and that they do not cause any trouble for you or themselves. As for our swim... perhaps another time, when things are more settled between us." There was an undercurrent of possessiveness in his words, a reminder that she now belonged to him and that he would protect her from anyone who might threaten their newfound bond.

For the moment, he decided to focus on helping her adjust to their new reality; on earning her trust and respect. Perhaps then, when both of them were more comfortable with their roles in this unconventional relationship, they could venture out into the world together and face whatever challenges came their way... as a united front.

His expression softened as he listened to her concerns. "I can understand your worries," he said gently, "but know that I will never treat you unfairly or harshly... not unless it is absolutely necessary." He paused for a moment before continuing, "And even then, my intention would always be to protect and care for you." There was a note of sincerity in his voice that left little doubt as to the truth of his words.

For now, he decided to focus on reassuring her of their bond; of letting her know that she could trust him and rely on him. Perhaps later, when she felt more comfortable with the situation, they could explore the more physical aspects of their relationship... but for now, simply being close and having each other's backs was enough.

His chest expanded slightly as she nudged him playfully with her nose. "You are most welcome," he murmured, reaching out to stroke her hair gently. There was an air of contentment about him that belied the natural dominance and strength that radiated from his body; it was clear that he truly cared for her and wanted only what was best for their future together. For now, there would be time enough to explore the physical aspects of their relationship... but first, they had to build a foundation of trust and understanding on which to build. And as long as they continued down this path together, he knew that they could weather any storm and emerge stronger on the other side.