I sat up quickly, gasping for air, coughing as air found itself in my lungs, the burning sensation of deep breathing causing me to wince.

My eyes looked up into Kieran's relieved ones as he sighed and held me tighter to his chest.

"It was poisoned." I said knowingly and Kieran nodded, fury still evident in his jaw as it clenched.

"If you hadn't thrown it up, you would've died and I would've annihilated every living thing in that building who I deemed guilty." Said Kieran.

"Why would someone try to kill me?" I asked confused. I hardly knew anyone.

"Isn't it obvious? You're my marked. They know I care for you." Kieran said.

I couldn't help but grin at his admission.

"So you do have a heart." I said as I sat up, staring at his face.

He growled lowly at my ability to read him like a book.

"That is where you're wrong, darling. For my heart has been yours to have since I've laid eyes on you." He said.

I was stunned into silence. I didn't know what to say. He wasn't how everyone believed him to be, but I still didn't completely know how I felt about him. I knew what he was capable of, what would happen if I did something to anger him? Would he just rid of me? I hoped he wouldn't. Admittedly there was something about Kieran that I was so enthralled with, but I couldn't help but be wary.

I watched as he read my emotions and stood up after placing me onto the couch lightly and I knew I had hurt him.

"Kieran. Don't-

I jumped at the slamming of the door, his growl echoing as he shifted out of anger.

I've only just met him and yet he confuses me in more ways than one.

I stood up, staring in the direction of his scent as it lingered still. I closed my eyes and inhaled it slowly, letting it overtake my senses, my thoughts, my brain, my body. I didn't know it was possible to want someone you barely know, someone everyone else was afraid of.

Everyone else. Not me. I was not afraid of him.

I knew he would never hurt me.

I turned around quickly, looking for a solution, sighing out at the sight of my father who stood relaxed and slumped against the hallway wall as he watched.

"Go get him. Do it before you regret letting him go." My father said.

I ran out immediately, expecting to see Kieran's retreating beast, but was stilled at the sight of his naked form staring right at me.

He stood sure and strong. His muscular frame giving off confidence as he stood bare before me in the light snow fall.

"Run with me darling?", He asked softly.

I smiled gratefully for his patience and understanding and stepped down the porch slowly, shifting smoothly alongside him.

I looked over, appreciating Kieran's wolf after he shifted.

He was breathtaking.

His beast had alluring hazel gold eyes that contrasted against his midnight black fur.

I nestled my head against his side, my actions mirroring my emotions apologetically.

Kieran closed his eyes, accepting my apology and opened his eyes slowly as he stared into mine.

He growled playfully and shoved me softly with his snout.

I growled in response and darted forward, Kieran trailing behind me, both of us blindingly fast as we distanced ourselves from the house.

We slowed to a trot after few minutes, the smell of fresh water luring me in, the sound of flowing water audible in the light snowfall.

I stopped when my eyes landed on a small wading pool with a waterfall, the glisten of the water calling out to me as an unspoken personal invite.

I waded into the water, smiling internally when it was warm as I expected from the steam that rolled off of it. I shifted human, hearing Kieran's low growl at my boldness.

I turned my head without revealing my front to him and I grinned at him and dove into the water, relishing in its warmth as I stretched out my limbs as I swam a few yards before coming up for air.

I turned, seeing Kieran not in the spot where he had stood when I went under. I spun until my eyes found him at the shallows, the water just at his hips as he moved slowly.

I let my eyes travel his intimidating frame, deciding not to fight off the curiosity to know the man who marked us.

To say Kieran was handsome was an understatement.

His presence was sulking and dominating, his features were those to be envious of, chiseled yet smooth.

His demeanor held a certain darkness and frightening impression, but contained an underlying kindness to those he cared for. For me. He was kind to me, he cared for me.

He grew quiet as he approached me.

I knew there was no changing things now.

I didn't want things to change. I wanted Kieran, but I knew I wasn't entirely ready for all that Kieran was. What he came with. Responsibility and expectations. I didn't know if I could handle the things that came with him being mine, but I knew I was going to try.

Kieran walked forward until he was mere inches from me, his hands slowly cupping my face. I nearly froze at the feeling of his hands on my skin, electricity skipping across my body and causing pleasurable tingles to linger beneath his fingertips.

His hazel eyes bore into mine.

I knew what he wanted.

He leaned in, his lips nearly touching mine when I placed my finger against his lips.

"Oh darling, you didn't think I'd make it that easy, did you?" I said mimicking the nickname he used for me.

He growled in frustration.

I chuckled lowly as he groaned in annoyance and grinned wickedly as he released me, laying backwards as he floated back on the surface of the warm soothing water.

"Challenge accepted, darling." He yelled over the light roaring of the water.