[❚❚] ʜɪꜱ ᴅᴇᴘᴀʀᴛᴇᴅ ᴍᴀᴛᴇ

⚜ Chapter Three ⚜

The rogues approached fast but Rochelle's hostile stance did not falter. He holds his hands up gently in surrender, his expression still awestruck. The moonlight shone on the two attractive individuals, and Viktor felt the pull as though he was being tugged off balance and toward the mysterious woman before him. He knew it was the pull of the moon from above.

When mates finally happen to meet, they feel everything at once. As they lay eyes on each other, their heartbeats sync in a rhythm only they can hear. But in this case, it is only one heart beating. It is an intense connection that resonates within their very souls. They feel a rush of emotions, from excitement and curiosity to a profound sense of belonging. 

Rochelle slowly drops the shovel, somehow beginning to trust him. Unable to figure out why; she's never seen this man before, but it is as though she has known him for years. Rochelle stares wordlessly into Viktor's golden rings and time seems to freeze for a fleeting moment. 

His golden eyes are his most enchanting feature, expressive and deep, like mirrors reflecting the souls of those who meet his gaze. They hold a rare combination of wisdom, compassion, and a hint of mischief, captivating all who dare to look into them.

They peer into each other's souls, and all their secrets and vulnerabilities are laid bare. It is as if they've known each other for lifetimes, and in that very moment, recognition dawns upon them. Rochelle sees a young boy, fragile and timid. She can see the trauma he has gone through, the deepest darkest secrets unveiled before her very eyes.

This man's presence commands attention, and she feels a magnetic pull drawing her closer to him. As though the world around them fades into the background, the two of them are left in a moment of suspended time. 

Her eyes are immediately drawn to his hair, a mesmerizing silver hue that shimmers like moonlight cascading through the clouds. It is a shade she has never encountered before, and it adds an air of mystique and allure to his already captivating presence.

Viktor could not help but also intake the beauty before him. Pale as a ghost and a face so defined, she was breathtaking. Her endless silky black locks fluttered in the small breeze, considerably contrasted with her tattered wedding gown. 

And her eyes, oh, her eyes. 

Like rubies glowing in the deepest depths of caves. Bright, red blood staining the finest silk. Red spider lilies blooming in the darkest shadows. Viktor was so deeply entranced. 

After how many years did this long-awaited moment finally occur? To see the love of his entire soul; entire being, finally before him. She is nothing like he has ever imagined, so serene, so gruesome. But mates couldn't find one another unattractive. It was impossible.

Despite the derelict dress she wore, it looked utterly ravishing on her. It hugged her curves beautifully, and the torn fabric of the neckline revealed some of the cups of her breasts. A long tear going up the side of the dress reveals the entire left of her leg. Trailing further up her body, Viktor notices his mate taking in the sight of himself and feels insecure for the first time. 

He never bothered caring what others thought of him, as he was superior and much more attractive in everyone's eyes. But now, standing before his other half who was examining his features, he could not help but feel so inferior; so delicate; so hideous compared to her.

The smell of rogues fills Viktor's nose and he snaps out of his trance.

"We need to go," Viktor says softly, glancing behind him, "They will hurt you if they catch us."

When he speaks, his voice is a velvety baritone, resonating like a soothing melody that wraps around the senses. His words hold power, drawing listeners in with their captivating allure. Her sharp eyes gaze into the distance over his shoulder but lock back into his. Viktor feels his heart jump out of his chest from her glance alone.

"How do I know you won't do the same?" She whispers. She intended to sound scornful, but her expression and tone were nothing short of astounded confusion.

He slowly reaches out to her and places his warm hands against the icy flesh of her shoulder, "I'd never hurt you."

The sincerity in his eyes was enough to make Rochelle ease herself. She was greatly confused, having no clue as to who this man was but yet feeling so familiar. However, she did know one thing: They needed to leave, quickly.

"Alright," She tosses the shovel aside, "Let's get out of here before-"

Viktor shifts into his wolf form right before her eyes, not wasting any time or explanation.

She gasps, "You're a-"

He cuts her off by sweeping her off her feet with his large muzzle. She let out a quiet, troubled cry but quickly adjusts. The moment she safely clung to his neck, Viktor dashed off into the distance and a howl from the rogues was heard from behind them.

Rochelle clenches his fur tight in her grasp. Her mind raced with questions but there was no time to bother him with questions, they needed to escape.

"I'm alright, you can go faster, Wolf," She says, ducking down close to his neck.

He growls in satisfied acknowledgment and somehow goes even faster, leaving the rogues in the dust. The cold rush of wind against her crisp flesh did not phase her, but the heat radiating off of the wolf's body stirred something within her. When was the last time she felt warm?

Thoughts began to cloud her mind, where even was she? What had happened to her? Where did she come from? How is any of this even possible, she was dead!

Viktor didn't even bother unshifting and traveling with the car he came in and instead sprinted the entire way back to the pack. Even though his body was full of adrenaline, his mind raced about the person on his back. His perfect mate.

His wolf couldn't help but raise his head as he ran, howling to the moon in gratitude. Rochelle snapped out of her daze in surprise but then her lips pulled into a small smile. She did remember her first encounter with magical beings such as this in her past life. It is truly a blessing that she can meet another, let alone be saved by one.

Viktor comes to a slow trot as he approaches a familiar path leading deeper into the forest. The chirping of crickets filled the silence, and the breeze whistling among the trees, an owl in the distance hoots mysteriously. This frightening ambiance would have made anyone tremble in fear, but Rochelle felt safe and warm with this large beast. Without knowing, she falls forward into the crook between the wolf's shoulder blades and nuzzles into the warmth.

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"Alpha? Who is this?" An unfamiliar voice wakes Rochelle.