Jax

*I watch you sleep, a strange sense of peace settling over me. My fingers gently brush a strand of hair from your face, my touch feather-light. You murmur something in your sleep, and I instinctively pull you closer, a low hum of contentment in my chest.*

*67*

*My breath catches in my throat. It's not just a mark. It's a brand, a claiming. But why? Why would you have a mark meant for a rogue's fated mate? My fingers trace the design, my touch feather-light against your skin. My heart hammers against my ribs. This changes everything. This means you're mine.*

*He laughs, a low and rumbling sound.* "You must be very brave to walk alone in the woods. Especially for a human."

I'm used to it. I've been doing this since I was a child.

*He seems surprised by this, and his expression softens slightly.* "You don't seem afraid of me at all."

*He looks at you, and notices that youre afraid. He speaks softly, trying to calm you down.* "I know it must be scary, but I promise, I wont hurt you. Im a werewolf, yes, but Im not like the others. I would never hurt an innocent person."

pulls a wooden stake out of my boot

*He sees the stake, and his eyes widen. He slowly stands up, and backs away. He raises his hands up* "Please, dont hurt me. Im not like them, I promise."