The Alpha's Forbidden Vow novel Chapter 95

POV: Selene

The sun had completely set. The power of the full moon was a palpable thing, a silver, humming energy that filled the cave and amplified the storm raging within Zane.

He had me backed into the nest of furs he had created, his powerful body a cage, his golden eyes blazing with a possessive, primal need.

He hadn't hurt me, but his low, constant growl was a clear warning. I was his, and he would not let me go.

“It is time,” Cora’s voice cut through the tense silence, sharp and urgent.

She stood by the cave entrance, a leather pouch in her hand, her face pale in the moonlight.

Zane’s head snapped toward her, and the growl in his chest deepened, becoming a clear, deadly threat.

“Selene, the Moonpetal is blooming,” Cora said quickly, her eyes darting between me and the feral Alpha. “We must go now. Its magic is only potent for the first hour.”

She took a step toward me. “You are not safe here. Come with me. I will protect you.”

It was a logical offer. A sane offer.

But Zane reacted instantly.

He let out a definitive, possessive roar, a sound of absolute, non-negotiable ownership.

He physically moved, blocking me from Cora’s sight, pulling me tighter against his chest. His actions, his scent, his entire being screamed one word: MINE.

She would not be taking me anywhere.

This was my moment of choice.

Cora was offering safety. A logical escape from a dangerous, unpredictable situation.

But I looked up at Zane.

I saw the agony and confusion in his feral eyes. He was lost, trapped, and terrified. His only anchor in this storm was me.

Cora finally nodded, a look of grim respect on her face. She reached into her pouch and pulled out the small, black amulet she had shown me before.

“Then take this,” she urged, tossing it to me. I caught it. “If I am wrong, if the beast truly is all that is left, crush it. It is your only chance.”

And with that, she turned and disappeared into the moonlit forest.

I was alone.

I turned back to face my mate.

The roar that erupted from him was not one of rage at her, but of triumph, of possession.

I was his. I had chosen to stay.

He lowered his head, his nose brushing against the mating gland on my neck, his hot breath a promise of the wild, uncontrollable night to come.

And I did not pull away.