Page 22 of Sun's Roar

“I want answers. Now,” she insisted, crossing her arms over her chest.

Sol’s lips quirked into a half-smile. Her fire matched his own, and it only made him want her more. “And you’ll have them. But first, won’t you join me for dinner?” He gestured to the elaborately set table.

Helena’s eyes narrowed. “I’m not sitting down until you explain what’s going on.”

Sol sighed, running his large hand through his dark locks. Patience had never been his strong suit, but for her, he could try. “Very well. I apologize for the confusion at the restaurant. I had no intention of deceiving you. As for the fire, I couldn’t stand by and watch you perish in those flames.”

“That doesn’t explain why I’m here,” Helena pressed.

Sol’s eyes locked onto hers, intensity radiating from every pore. “You’re here because you belong here, Helena. With me.”

She scoffed. “What are you talking about?”

“It’s not stalking when the object of your desire is your fated mate,” Sol declared, unable to hold the truth back any longer.

Helena’s brow furrowed. “Fated mate? I don’t know what that means.”

Sol took another step closer, his deep voice lowering to a husky whisper. “It’s like soul mates, or love at first sight. Only infinitely more powerful.”

“That’s ridiculous,” Helena shot back, though Sol noticed the slight catch in her breath. “And it’s certainly not a reason to kidnap a woman!”

“Kidnap?” Sol’s eyebrows shot up. “Helena, you’re not a prisoner here. You’re my guest, my destiny.”

Helena shook her head, taking a step back. “This is crazy. I don’t believe in destiny or soul mates or whatever you’re talking about.”

Sol’s wolf growled within him, urging him to make her understand. He closed the distance between them in two long strides, stopping just short of touching her. “Then let me prove it to you,” he murmured, his eyes searching hers. “Sit, enjoy this meal with me, and I’ll explain everything.”

For a moment, Helena seemed to waver, her gaze flickering between Sol’s face and the door. Sol held his breath, every muscle in his body tense with anticipation. He’d waited lifetimes for this moment. For her. He couldn’t bear the thought of her walking away now.

“I assure you,” he said, a smile spreading across his face, “our chef is one of the best. You’re in for a treat.”

As if on cue, servants entered with trays of steaming dishes. The aroma of perfectly seared meat and aromatic herbs filled the air. Sol noticed Helena’s nostrils flare, her resolve wavering.

“Well,” she said, her tone softening slightly, “I suppose I could stay for a quick bite.”

Sol’s smile widened as he pulled out her chair. “Excellent choice.”

As they settled into their seats, Sol found himself acutely aware of Helena’s proximity. Her scent was intoxicating. It took every ounce of his considerable willpower not to lean in and bury his face in the crook of her neck.

Instead, he focused on explaining more about his world. “Shifters, like myself, have a... heightened awareness, you could say. When we meet our fated mate, we know instantly through the mate bond.”

Helena raised an eyebrow, her fork paused midway to her mouth. “Mate bond?”

Sol nodded, his eyes intense. “It’s a bond deeper than anything humans experience. A connection between two souls no matter the distance or circumstance.” He paused briefly, studying her face. “Also, if these true mates separate, they’ll never have children or be sexually satisfied again. That pleasure, that fulfillment, can only come from each other?—“

“Hold up a second,” Helena interrupted, setting down her fork. “What exactly is a shifter?”

Sol leaned back, a predatory glint in his eye. “My pack, the Sunflare pack, can all turn into wolves.”

“Pack?” Helena echoed, her brow furrowing.

“My community,” Sol explained, his voice taking on a note of pride. “As their alpha, I’m responsible for their well-being and protection.”

He paused, watching her carefully. “And you, Helena, are our Luna. The woman destined to lead the pack alongside me.”

Sol could see the moment it became too much. Helena’s eyes widened, her breath quickening. Through their nascent bond, he felt the fire and heat simmering inside her, threatening to boil over.

“Right,” she said, her laugh tinged with hysteria. “Wolves and Lunas and magical bonds, oh my. Next, you’ll be telling me Hogwarts is real.”

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