He didn't seem surprised by my guarded stare . " Your scent is chaotic , " he said , voice low . " Rejection . Rogue despair . But something else , too . " His silver - gray eyes met mine , sharp and unwavering . " There's a scent I can't ignore . You know what it means . " Heat rose in my cheeks . That scent - bond pheromones - marked me as his fated mate . No amount of denial could hide it . " I don't plan to act on it , " I said , more defensive than I intended . " But your wolf already has , " Asher replied . " She's happy to be near me . I can feel it . " I said nothing . He was right . My wolf pulsed with joy , eager to move closer . There was no use hiding it , not from someone like him . " Drink , " he said again , gently nudging the bowl toward me . I hesitated , then took it . Hunger overruled pride . The warmth of the broth spread through me with every sip , steadying my hands and quieting my nerves . He sat beside me in silence , watching . His gaze was intense which was too much for me . It felt possessive , as if I already belonged to him . Embarrassed , I turned my face away , cheeks burning . " Why did you help me ? " I asked . I needed to know why someone like him had cared . " Because the Moon Goddess brought you to me , " he said simply . " You're mine . " 1/2 Chapter 6 +25 BONUS " I don't belong to anyone , " I snapped , my voice sharper than I'd meant . He only chuckled , unfazed . " We'll talk more when you're stronger , " he said , standing . " Rest . Eat . Then we'll see where this bond takes us , whether you resist it or not . "