Hani became aware of a strange cold.
Not an ordinary cold.
A cold that made her hair stand on end, as if the air around her resented her presence.
She tried to open her eyes… but they felt heavy.
A foreign scent drifted into her senses—the smell of forest, damp earth, and something masculine. Strong. Dominant. Pressing against her chest even though she was lying down.
"He's awake."
A male voice.
Deep. Rough. Not Aiman's. Completely different.
Hani flinched and opened her eyes.
A rough wooden ceiling greeted her sight. A small campfire flickered in the corner. The walls were made of logs—a wooden house? Cabin?
She tried to sit up, but her body ached.
"Don't move."
The tone… was not angry. But firm. Absolutely.
Hani turned her head.
And her heart almost stopped.
The man from the forest stood not far from her. Tall. Broad-shouldered. Slightly long black hair tied roughly. Those gray eyes—sharp and cold—staring at her without blinking.
Alpha.
His aura filled the cramped space so completely that Hani struggled to breathe.
"Who are you?" Hani asked softly, her voice still hoarse.
The man crossed his arms over his chest. Muscles were clearly defined beneath the dark clothing he wore.
"I should be asking that question."
Hani swallowed hard.
"I… My name is Hani Zuhayra. I didn't mean to enter this territory. I'm lost."
The Alpha stayed silent.
A long silence.
Too long.
As if he were assessing—not just her face, but her existence.
"I smelled you at the border," he finally said. "You're human. But…"
He paused.
"You don't smell empty."
Hani frowned.
"What do you mean?"
The Alpha stepped closer. Each step made Hani's heart race.
He stopped right beside the wooden bed.
Too close.
Hani could see the faint scar along his jaw. Could feel the heat radiating from his body. Could hear his breathing.
"You don't know what you are, do you?" he asked softly.
Hani shook her head.
"I'm just a university student. Physiotherapy major. I have nothing to do with your world."
The Alpha chuckled softly. Cynically.
"My world found you."
He turned toward the door and spoke firmly, "Come in."
The wooden door opened.
Two men entered. One Alpha, one Beta. They froze when they saw Hani, their faces clearly shocked.
"Alpha… she—"
"I know," the gray-eyed man cut in.
Hani looked between them. Fear crept in.
"Who are you really?" she asked again.
The Alpha turned back to her.
"My name is Idz Fareeq."
The name hit Hani's ears heavily.
"I'm the Alpha of the Black Fang pack."
Hani felt her blood run cold.
Black Fang.
The most feared pack in the northern territories. A pack known for strength, brutality… and never compromising with enemies.
And she was in the middle of their den.
"I… I'm going to leave." Hani tried to stand.
Idz pressed his hand against her shoulder, holding her down.
The touch was hot. Commanding.
"Not that easy."
Hani froze.
"My territory is not a place for outsiders to wander freely," he said coldly. "Especially someone who…"
He paused again.
"…smells like fate."
Hani held her breath.
"What do you smell from me?" her voice trembled.
Idz released his hand, stepping back slightly.
Hani was allowed to sit in the main area of the cabin. They gave her water and a simple meal. But no one took their eyes off her.
As if she were a threat.
Or something that needed to be controlled.
"Alpha," the Beta spoke quietly. "We can't keep her long. Southern pack—"
"I know," Idz cut in without looking. "But I also know what I feel."
Hani swallowed hard.
"What do you feel?" she asked softly.
Idz turned to her. His gray eyes piercing straight into her soul.
"Disturbance."
Hani let out a humorless little laugh.
"Trust me. My life's already a mess."
Idz studied her face for a long moment. Pale, tear-stained eyes. Emotional wounds too clear to hide.
"Who made you run like prey?" he asked suddenly.
The question struck her heart directly.
Hani clutched her cup.
"Someone I trusted."
Idz didn't push. But his aura shifted—heavier.
"An Alpha who abandoned his mate?" Idz guessed.
Hani froze.
"How—"
"I smelled betrayal," he said simply.
Hani looked down. Tears fell into her cup.
"She found her true mate… in my best friend."
Silence enveloped the room.
Idz clenched his jaw.
"Weak."
Hani flinched, feeling humiliated again.
"Not you," Idz continued quickly. "Her."
Hani lifted her face.
"An Alpha who shames his old mate for a new fate… doesn't deserve to be called an Alpha."
There was something in Idz's voice.
Controlled anger.
Hani stayed silent.
For the first time since everything fell apart… someone wasn't blaming her.
"But that's not your biggest problem," Idz continued.
Hani frowned.
"Your biggest problem is… your body is awakening."
"Awakening?" Hani froze.
"Your scent has changed since you passed out," Idz said softly. "You're almost reaching maturity."
Hani shivered.
"What do you mean?"
Idz stepped closer again. This time he kneeled so their eyes were level.
"That means…" his voice was low, "…you're not fully human, Hani Zuhayra."
Hani felt the world stop.
"And if other packs smell you…"
Idz stared at her sharply.
"You won't have time to run."
Hani fought back tears.
"I want to go home," she whispered. "Please."
Idz remained silent for a long moment.
Finally, he stood.
"For now," he said.
"You are under my protection."
Hani looked at him.
"Why?"
Idz stopped at the door.
Without turning, he answered,
"Because I've never been wrong about one thing."
"What?"
Idz tightened his fist.
"Fate doesn't come twice."