Chapter 9 - Mine
POV: Nyla
I gazed into the river's surface—at the new me.
I'd accepted the evolution my master chose for me. Chosen's Lupine.
Even the name made my heart flutter. It sounded like I belonged to him. I loved that. I longed for it.
I ran a hand along my waist, then up to my chest. These protrusions were new—and large for my frame. An assassin didn't need breasts like these. But they were soft. Responsive. Warm beneath my fur.
My reflection rippled slightly as I leaned closer. My wolf features were still there, but… softer. More human. I still had fur from head to toe, my three tails waving gently behind me. I stood on two legs now, shorter than my master, but only just. My body was sleek, toned—stronger than ever before. My hair had grown long and silver-black, cascading down my back like a curtain of moonlight. Under the starlit sky, my fur shimmered beautifully.
He did this. Master made me this way.
His words echoed in my heart even now. The message I'd received over our link… it still pulsed through me. I'd only managed to send back one word, choked through tears. I was glad he hadn't seen me in that moment. It was… unbecoming.
Not that I deserved to be by his side anyway. I'd wounded him.
Twice.
Once was already unforgivable. A second time, so soon after…
I was a failure.
His smile haunted me. That gentle, pained expression as his blood spilled from wounds I gave him.
"There's my girl,"
he said, even as he dropped to his knees.
That moment plays every time I close my eyes. Every blink is punishment. I'll carry it until my dying day.
⸻
I turned away from the river, walking deeper into the forest. I let my feet carry me, my thoughts twisting and looping like the branches overhead. The rustling in the trees, the broken twigs underfoot, even the stench in the air—it all should've set me on alert. But I noticed none of it.
My mind was lost in a storm of guilt and longing.
Eventually, I reached my favorite spot. A clearing bathed in moonlight, centered by a wide, flat stone. I often came here to stargaze, to think. Close enough to the den to return quickly… far enough to be alone.
I climbed onto the stone and sat, tilting my head to the sky.
Three moons hovered overhead, glowing in hues of violet, blue, and pearl-white. The sky looked painted. It was beautiful.
For a moment, the storm inside me quieted.
That's when I felt it.
Too late.
A presence. Heavy. Hot. Hungry.
The scent hit me next—thick musk, male hormones. My fur bristled instantly.
I growled. "Come out. Let's make this quick—I'm not in the mood."
Whether he understood me or not, the beast emerged from the trees.
He was massive—six feet tall, fur thick and unkempt, muscles bulging. He stood on two legs like me. Wolf-like, but wild. Savage. His body was covered in battle scars, each one a story written in blood. He stared at me like I was prey. Or worse—breeding stock.
His intent was clear.
I moved first. I kicked at his leg with a force that could shatter stone. He grimaced, but held his ground. Sturdy brute.
He swung his massive fist. I sidestepped, circling behind him. He roared and turned. I leapt, flipped into a somersault midair, then came down with a brutal axe kick aimed for his skull.
Thud.
He staggered, dazed. Now was the moment. I extended my claws and charged. I was going to end this. Clean, fast, precise—
—but my body froze.
I saw my master again. On his knees. Bleeding.
From my claws.
My hand shook. My strength drained.
The beast recovered.
Before I could react, he grabbed me, lifted me high, and slammed me into the earth. The impact jarred me, but didn't break anything. Still—I couldn't move.
I couldn't stop seeing it.
My master—wounded. By me.
Tears blurred my vision.
"I'm sorry… Master…" I sobbed aloud.
This was it. I was done. I couldn't fight. I couldn't run.
And no one was coming.
The beast howled in victory. His hulking form loomed above as he positioned himself, hands sliding beneath my hips.
Claiming his prize.
This is what happens when you lose,
my mind whispered.
I clenched my eyes shut.
I wish it had been you, Master.
I wish I could have given myself to you…
"Please…" I whispered, voice trembling. "Master…"
⸻
CRACK
The sound was thunder.
The beast was gone—hurled into the brush like a broken doll.
I gasped, staring in disbelief.
And then…
He was there.
Towering over me.
My master.
But in his eyes, I saw something I'd never seen before—
pure, burning hatred.
⸻
⸻
POV: Kai
I don't remember how I got here.
No—more like my body brought me here on instinct alone. I've never moved like that in my life. It wasn't conscious. It wasn't thought. It was the bond.
All I remember is her voice echoing through it.
"Please… Master…"
She sounded broken. Tears tangled in every word.
She and I weren't in a good place—but she was still my Nyla. My first companion. Nothing could change that. The tug of our link guided me to her.
What I found?
Was unforgivable.
Some monster loomed over her. A massive Beowyr. Savage, scarred—and trying to mount her.
Nyla had evolved, somewhere far from my eyes. But it was her. I could feel it.
The beast had her hips raised, his face twisted in disgusting satisfaction.
I snapped.
I flew forward and drove my fist into his jaw with a crack like thunder. He launched across the clearing, bounced three times before finally crashing into the underbrush.
I looked down at her. She was trembling, soaked in tears.
"Master…" she whimpered, before turning her face away and sobbing.
My rage boiled.
I turned to the creature as it stumbled to its feet, dazed but rising.
Beowyr Brute (Male)
A monster forged through countless battles and even more conquests. In heat, relentless, and violent in his pursuit of a mate.
HP: 700/1000
Strength: 150
Defense: 75
Agility: 45
MP: 30
Status: In heat (major), Angry (major), Concussed (minor)
His stats were nasty. That strength could kill me in one hit.
Didn't matter.
He tried to take my Nyla.
I lunged, the ground cracking under my feet.
My left uppercut slammed into his gut, knocking the air from his lungs. He doubled over, and I followed up with a savage kick to his ribs.
Crack.
Then another.
And another.
The brute howled and fell to one knee, spitting blood.
I grabbed his ears and drove my knee into his face.
Once.
Twice.
A third.
By the fifth blow, his ears ripped free in my grip.
He collapsed, clutching his head.
I mounted him and unleashed a storm of punches. My fists, wrapped in mana and rage, struck bone and flesh until there was nothing recognizable left. I could feel my arms tearing themselves apart—but I didn't stop.
His claws slashed at my sides. I didn't move.
"Miiiiine!"
I screamed as I brought my fists down over and over.
Suddenly—warmth on my back. Arms around me.
"Master, please! No more!"
Nyla. She was crying into me.
Her voice trembling.
Begging me.
"You can't take anymore…"
What?
I'm fine. I feel fine.
Wait—I can't move my arms.
I looked down. My arms were destroyed.
Muscle shredded. Bone protruding.
I'd punched until there was nothing left.
And the monster?
Still breathing—barely.
I stood on shaking legs and placed a foot on its throat.
Pressed down.
Its chest rose once more.
Then stopped.
Snap.
I pressed harder. Neck shattered.
It was done.
I collapsed beside Nyla, vision swimming. Blood pouring down my sides.
But it was over.
My Nyla was safe.
Only mine.