Ruthless Alpha and His Hard Heart DAOB Wife

Kane stood on the edge of the forest, his keen senses alert for any sign of danger. His pack relied on him to keep them safe, and he took that responsibility seriously. As an alpha werewolf, he was a dominant and respected leader, feared by all who knew him. But despite his reputation, Kane was not invincible. He had weaknesses, just like any other wolf.

It was his weakness for his fated mate that Kane feared the most.

"Kane, what are you doing out here?" A deep voice interrupted Kane's thoughts, and he turned to see his second-in-command, Logan, approaching.

"Just keeping watch," Kane replied, his eyes scanning the trees for any sign of movement. "We can't afford to let our guard down, not with the rival pack so close."

Logan nodded, his expression serious. "Agreed. But you can't be out here all night. You need to rest, Kane. You're running yourself ragged."

"I'll rest when we're safe," Kane said, his tone brooking no argument. "Until then, I need to stay alert."

Logan sighed, knowing better than to argue with Kane when he was in this mood. "Fine. But at least let me keep watch for a while. You need to take a break."

Kane hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Alright. But don't let your guard down, Logan. We can't afford any mistakes."

Logan nodded again and took up position on the edge of the forest, his eyes scanning the darkness for any sign of danger. Kane watched him for a moment, then turned and headed back to the pack's camp.

As he walked, Kane's thoughts turned once again to his fated mate. He had known for years that he would eventually find her, but he had never expected her to be a human. Humans were fragile, and they had no place in the world of werewolves. But fate had other plans, and Kane knew he could not defy the pull of the mate bond.

"Kane!" A voice called out, and Kane looked up to see Sophie, the human woman who was his fated mate, approaching.

"Sophie," Kane said, trying to keep his voice neutral. He knew he had to be careful around her, to keep his possessive instincts in check.

"What are you doing up so late?" Sophie asked, her brown eyes sparkling with curiosity.

"Just keeping watch," Kane replied, his gaze wandering over her delicate features. She was so small and fragile, and yet he knew she was stronger than she looked. "What about you? Shouldn't you be sleeping?"

Sophie shrugged. "I couldn't sleep. Too many thoughts swirling around in my head."

Kane nodded, sensing that there was more to her restlessness than she was letting on. "Is something bothering you?"

Sophie hesitated, then shook her head. "No, it's nothing. Just...thinking about everything that's happened."

Kane knew better than to push her. Sophie was still getting used to the world of werewolves, and he didn't want to overwhelm her. "Alright. But you should try to get some rest. We have a long day ahead of us tomorrow."

Sophie nodded, then hesitated for a moment. "Kane, can I ask you something?"

Kane tensed, sensing that this was not going to be a simple question. "Of course."

Sophie took a deep breath, then blurted out, "Do you ever think about leaving the pack? Running away with me, and starting a new life somewhere else?"

Kane was taken aback by the question. He had never considered leaving his pack, his family, for anyone or anything. But as he looked into Sophie's eyes, he felt a twinge of doubt. Could he risk everything for her?

Before he could answer, a scream echoed through the forest, shattering the peaceful night. Kane's instincts kicked in, and he turned to face the direction of the sound. He could sense danger, and feel the adrenaline pumping through his veins.

"Stay here," he growled, then took off towards the source of the scream.