The Alpha's Unclaimed Mate novel Chapter 101

Chapter 101: Holy Shit, Shadowclaw (Part 1)

The reason Garrett wanted to speak with her alone had nothing to do with strategy or Agnes. He wanted to offer a portal to Fin’s tent and Serena took it.

The Master Mage of Darkhowler created it and she stepped through.

As soon as Serena crossed, Fin looked up, relief cracking through the composure he wore like armor.

Fin strode across the tent and pulled her into a hug.

A hug she didn’t realize she needed until she had it. He was so good at that.

She breathed in his scent, surprising herself with how she did that on instinct. How much it affected her.

Fin kissed the top of her head. Then his lips found hers. She hadn’t expected him to do that, but she didn’t stop him.

The kiss deepened. His hand slid to the back of her neck. Electricity detonated through every nerve ending she had left.

She pulled away, stiffening. Too many things happening at once. His scent, the taste of him still on her lips, and none of it making sense.

"Serena ... let me explain ..." he began. He picked her up and carried her to his bed chambers in his tent. Him doing that surprised her, but her reaction lagged behind the motion.

"You need to lie down," he said. "I can feel it."

She didn’t argue. Her head was throbbing. He set her down on his bed above the covers and lay next to her, pulling her close.

She allowed herself to relax in his arms. He made her feel safe.

"Serena... you are my second chance fated mate. I felt your pain the other night, and that’s how I found you."

She didn’t stiffen, which he was fully expecting.

He continued. "When you broke your matebond with Dexmon, it hurt your wolf. You were dying and needed to be marked. Multiple people tried to get Dexmon to, but he wouldn’t."

"I’m sorry I didn’t ask you first. I couldn’t let you die." His voice cracked. "Dexmon marked over my mark."

Serena heard it already tonight. But when Fin said it too, that’s when it sunk in. She didn’t know what to think or do. Confused didn’t cover it.

"Serena, I can feel your emotions," he said, voice steady. "You’ve done nothing wrong. Let me take some of this burden from you. Actually, let me carry all of it."

He gently wiped away a tear from her face and his arms tightened around her.

"I know what I want. I’ve known since the moment I felt you. Let me burn for you. Give me a chance, Serena. Give me that, and I’ll give you everything."

Serena swallowed, more hot tears forming in her eyes. She took in a steadying breath, deciding honesty was the best policy here.

"Fin ... I’m not mate material at the moment. I’m not myself. You’d be better off—"

"No." He cut her off with zero hesitation. "You don’t need to worry about that."

"I don’t want to make any promises," she said, voice raw. "I don’t even know what to believe with Dexmon."

"You’re still sorting out Dexmon. I understand. That is between you and him." He laced his fingers with hers, and brought her bruised knuckles to his lips. "For the record, I’ve heard enough about Agnes to know she deserves her own circle of hell."

Serena laughed through the tears.

"My wolf loves it when you laugh." Fin grinned. "Honestly, he’s been useless since he met you."

The laughter faded, but the warmth of it lingered on her face. His expression softened, and his thumb wiped another tear.

"I’m not asking for forever tonight. I’m asking for a chance to earn it."

His lips found hers again, softly, and she kissed him back. It was so easy with him. He pulled away from their kiss, pressing his forehead against hers.

"Will you stay with me?"

"Of course," she whispered.

"My wolf just did a backflip. Thought you should know."

She laughed again at that and something in his expression softened.

"You’re shivering," he said after a moment.

Serena looked down, just now noticing her combat suit was still soaking wet from the rain. Her mind was so distracted that the cold and wet was the least of her concerns.

He found the zipper on the back of her suit, and began to unzip it slowly, eyes not leaving hers.

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