The stern voice made everyone around her freeze.

Astrid froze, her face turning pale instantly. She turned her head with a look of surprise that quickly turned to fear.

Arwen could only see the shadow of a man standing behind Astrid, but it was enough to make the girl lose her courage.

Arwen tilted her head, trying to find out who had grabbed Jessica's hand and prevented her from slapping him.

It turned out to be Professor Zion.

The man, about thirty years old, stood between them with a cold, piercing gaze.

His black hair glistened in the sunlight, and his body was tall and sturdy, making anyone near him feel small.

His silvery-gray eyes stared at Astrid expressionlessly, but something in them made the hairs on the back of her neck stand on end.

"Take your hands off her!" Zion said in a deep, calm baritone, but it sounded like thunder in the middle of a clear sky.

Astrid swallowed hard. Zion still held her hands, and pain began to spread through her wrists. "Pr-Professor..." her voice trembled.

Zion slowly released his grip, but his gaze remained unchanging. "You should know better, Astrid," he said, this time sounding colder. "Whatever your problem with Arwen is, it's no excuse for being violent. This is a college, not a fighting ring."

Astrid felt her face flush, embarrassment spreading throughout her body. All of her friends fell silent, afraid of incurring the same wrath. "B-But, Professor..."

Zion raised an eyebrow, causing Astrid to decide not to continue her protest immediately.

His gaze was so intense, it seemed to pierce straight through her heart. Astrid bit her lower lip, then looked away.

Arwen just stood stiffly in place, not quite believing what had happened. Professor Zion... helped her? The man who had always been known as the cold figure in class intervened in a small matter like this?

Even though Professor Zio had directly taught her in his class.

However, news of his attitude and his female students' admiration spread throughout the campus.

Of course, this made Arwen feel flattered. She couldn't take her eyes off him as she looked at him up close. She began to feel strange feelings and a different scent on his body.

Zio turned his body slightly, looking at Arwen. "Are you okay?" he asked, his voice softening.

Arwen nodded quickly. "Y-Yes, Professor. Thank you..."

Astrid glared at Arwen with hatred, then clasped her hands together.

"Let's go!" she shouted to her friends.

They hurriedly left the park, even though Astrid glanced back with a look of anger.

At that moment, Zion looked back at Arwen. "You don't need to worry anymore. If anyone bothers you, report it," he said flatly.

But there was something in how he looked at the girl, as if he was assessing something deeper.

Arwen felt her heart beating faster than usual. The gaze made her feel confused and... warm at the same time.

"Thank you, Professor," she said again, trying to calm the fluttering in her chest.

Zion didn't respond. He merely nodded slightly before turning away and leaving the garden.

However, as he walked away, Zion felt something unusual inside him. A strange feeling was welling up inside him, something he had never felt before. The bond was undeniable.

'She is my Mate,' he thought

to himself. His eyes narrowed sharply, his jaw hardened.

*

In the garden behind the main building, Astrid hurriedly walked with a red face, her anger still boiling from what had happened earlier.

"Why did Professor Zion have to interfere? Does he think Arwen is special?" she muttered, stepping on the grass with her high heels.

She couldn't accept that Professor Zion, the man she had admired and often tried to approach, was defending the girl she hated the most.

As she approached the sports field, she saw Lionel sitting on the bleachers, twirling a rugby ball in his hands.

His face looked calm, but his lips were curled into a meaningful smile, as if he was planning something.

Astrid approached him without hesitation. "You won't believe what just happened," she said, folding her arms.

Lionel glanced at her casually, his mischievous smile still plastered on his face.

"What's the problem this time? You're wasting too much energy on unimportant matters."

Astrid glared. "Unimportant? It's about Arwen! You know, Professor Zion is protecting her. He even humiliated me in front of everyone!"

Lionel put the ball beside him, now paying full attention to Astrid. "Zion? You mean Professor Zion? That man hardly ever pays attention to anyone on this campus. "

Astrid sighed in frustration, slumping down next to Lionel." I know! But today, he appeared out of nowhere and stopped me when I was about to beat Arwen up. You should have seen how he looked at her, as if she were a fragile porcelain doll that needed protection."

Lionel chuckled, a hint of sarcasm evident in his voice. "You're jealous of Arwen? That's funny."

Astrid hit Lionel's shoulder in exasperation. "This isn't a joke, Lion. Arwen is annoying enough with her intelligence and how she draws attention to herself. And now Zion is on her side?"

Lionel just shrugged. "Well, if that's true, maybe she has a certain appeal. Some people like Arwen's type-quiet, smart, a little mysterious."

Astrid glared, her face growing redder. "Don't tell me you're interested in her too."

Lionel smiled, teasingly. "Interested? Maybe. But not to have. A girl like Arwen is fun to play with. She's too serious, too stiff. Seeing how she reacts when someone approaches her just for fun would be fun. "

Astrid was silent for a moment, deep in thought. Then an idea popped into her head, making her smile slowly widen." Then why don't we work together?"

Lionel furrowed his brow. "Work together? For what?"

Astrid leaned forward, her eyes full of mischief. "There's going to be a big campus party soon. Everyone will be there, including her. We can use that opportunity to trap her. You can approach her and make her believe you're interested in her.

Then we can humiliate him in front of everyone. "

Lionel was silent for a moment, thinking about Astrid's suggestion. Then he laughed softly, a low laugh that told Astrid he liked the idea." You're dangerous. But I like the way you think."

Astrid smiled smugly. "So, you're in?"

Lionel nodded, his eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Of course. But you know, I have my way of making sure Arwen comes to the party. Let me handle that."

Astrid leaned back in her seat, feeling satisfied with their plan.

"What's your plan?"

Lionel stood outside Arwen's apartment right next to his luxury car.

"I'll make sure you won't be able to refuse, and tonight will be unforgettable," Lionel muttered as he stepped into the simple apartment building.

Arriving on the seventh floor, where Arwen's room was, Lionel patiently knocked on the door. When the girl opened the door, the man grinned widely.

"You look beautiful even in just a sweater, Arwen. But you'll look even more charming at the party."

Arwen sighed heavily. "I don't want to go, Lionel. I'm not comfortable with this."

Lionel put on a disappointed look, but his tone turned sharp.

"Arwen, I already bought this party dress for you. You know it's not cheap. You have to wear it and come with me. Besides, if you don't come, I'm not sure my father will hire you again."

The threat silenced Arwen. She desperately needed her job at the cafe to pay for her college tuition. With a heavy heart, she nodded.

"Does that sound like a threat?" Arwen asked with a bit of courage.

"Tsk..." Lionel smiled crookedly as he clicked his tongue in annoyance.

"It's not a threat, but a fact and a warning." Lionel sneered, "That is, if you understand what I'm saying."

Arwen thought hard, her eyes seeming to assess the young man's expression in front of her. However, she thought again about her fate.

"Okay, I'll come," said Arwen, whom Lionel had been waiting for.

The young man finally smiled triumphantly. Spontaneously, Lionel touched Arwen's chin. However, the girl quickly backed away.

"Excellent decision. I'll pick you up later tonight."

Lionel handed Arwen a paper bag. He winked at the girl before turning around and leaving the apartment.

Arwen stood before her apartment door, clutching a small party dress bag. Her expression was troubled, her mind torn between anger and helplessness.

She had never liked parties. The crowds, loud music, and noise only made her feel more isolated.

However, Lionel's threat left her with no choice.

***

The party was held at a luxurious villa owned by their friend, the son of a wealthy family.

Sparkling lights decorated the spacious yard, which had a swimming pool in the middle. Loud music blared, and college students mingled with drinks in their hands.

Arwen stepped out of the car hesitantly. She was wearing Lionel's dress-a light blue dress that was too revealing for her taste.

Her body felt stiff, and she felt like a small fish thrown into the vast ocean.

Lionel put his arm around her waist, pulling her closer. "Relax, Arwen. Enjoy the night."

However, the opposite happened. Arwen felt like she was being watched. The glances from Astrid and her friends from the corner of the room made her even more uncomfortable. They spoke in whispers, but the small laughs that followed were directed at her.

Lionel left Arwen in the middle of the crowd, saying he wanted to talk to someone.

"I'll be right back, wait here," he said as he walked away.

Arwen stood awkwardly, not knowing what to do. A waiter came with a tray of drinks.

"Drinks, miss?"

Arwen shook her head, but the waiter smiled kindly. "Just juice, for those who don't drink alcohol." Hesitantly, Arwen took the glass.

From a distance, Astrid smiled slyly as she watched. "Good, she drank it," she muttered to her friends.

Arwen felt dizzy instantly. Her vision blurred, and her body felt light, as if floating.

She tried to find Lionel, but her steps faltered. The party was getting more confusing, and laughter and music echoed in the distance.

Suddenly, she felt a rough push on her back. "Oops, sorry, Arwen," said Astrid mockingly, greeted by laughter from her friends.

Arwen tried to keep her balance, but her weak body caused her to fall into the pool.

Cold water welcomed her, submerging her body. She struggled, but her strength was gone. Her vision grew dark.

Before she completely lost consciousness, she felt someone pulling her to the surface.

Lionel patted Arwen's pale cheeks. "Arwen, wake up," he said in a slightly panicked tone. The girl's body was soaking wet and trembling.

Astrid approached with a concerned look on her face. "What happened? I just saw her too close to the pool earlier."

Lionel lifted Arwen into his arms and carried her into the villa. "I'll take her to one of the rooms. She needs to rest."

Astrid smiled slightly behind him. "Make sure you help her, Lionel. Don't let anyone know."

***

Arwen woke up in a spacious room with thick curtains. Her body was still weak, and her head felt heavy.

The girl saw Lionel sitting on a chair near the window, staring at her with an ambiguous smile.

"Are you okay? You almost drowned earlier," asked Lionel.

Arwen tried to get up, but her body felt heavy. "What happened? I feel strange."

Lionel approached her and sat on the edge of the bed. "You just need to rest. I'm here to watch over you."

However, there was something in his tone that made Arwen feel uncomfortable.

"Lionel, stop," Arwen pleaded weakly. She was still affected by whatever had been mixed into her drink earlier.

"Arwen, don't be a hypocrite! You're going to enjoy my touch!" Lionel insisted, touching her more intensely.

Lionel's rough palms began to uncover Arwen's thighs, tracing every curve of her lower body.

Arwen fearfully tried to push the young man's hands away. "I said stop!"

Lionel touched her shoulders and tried to tear her clothes in that area. However, the young man pressed Arwen's weak body even harder until the girl was back in bed.

"You think you can escape my grip, hhm?" Lionel looked even more violent. The young man even lowered his face, trying to kiss her by force.

Arwen continued to fight even though she was almost out of strength. The drink was blurring her vision.

"Help! Anyone, help me!" Arwen's scream was stuck in her throat.

SMACK!

There was a loud slap. "Scream all you want, but no one will come to help you!"

Arwen let out a loud sob. Perhaps that night she began to accept her fate. It wasn't just her body that was in pain. Her heart hurt even more.

But before Lionel could do anything else to Arwen, the window suddenly opened violently.

A cold wind blew in, shaking the curtains. Then the sound of breaking glass was heard, and a large wolf jumped inside.

Its yellow eyes stared intently at Lionel. Its sharp teeth were visible, and its growls filled the room.

Suddenly, Lionel was thrown away from Arwen's body, and the young man was slammed roughly onto the floor of the room.

With a pale face and a body that ached, Lionel slowly got up. "What the hell is this?!"

"Damn wolf!" Lionel cursed, breathing heavily.

He tried to crawl, his legs dragging weakly across the cold marble floor. His hands trembled as he tried to reach the doorknob, but his fingers couldn't get a firm grip.

Heavy breathing and low growls could be heard right behind him. The creature's breath was hot, caressing Lionel's neck like a gust from hell.

He turned slowly, and his eyes widened as he stared into a pair of sharp, glowing golden eyes-eyes that did not belong to a human being.

"Don't... don't come near me..." Lionel muttered, cold sweat covering his face.

But the creature did not move. It just stared. Its gaze penetrated Lionel's mind, peeling him from the inside without touching his skin.

There was pressure, an invisible force that hit Lionel's body, rendering him immobile.

"What... is this..." he muttered softly.

His body was stiff. The next second, the young man's gaze darkened. Lionel fell. He was unconscious.

On the bed, Arwen was still lying limp. Her eyes were half open, her gaze blurry.

However, as the prominent figure approached, her lips moved slowly, as if rejecting the fear beginning to fill her heart.

"Don't hurt me..." she whispered.

The wolf approached slowly. His footsteps were silent, but his presence was very real.

His breathing was heavy but calm. He looked down at the girl. And for a moment, time seemed to stop.

Arwen stared at him, her weak gaze shrouded in confusion. But inside her heart, something stirred, not out of fear or threat. There was something else-an odd vibration that made her chest feel warm amidst all her weakness.

The wolf did not growl. It did not hurt her. It just stood there silently.

As the last of her consciousness slowly faded from Arwen's eyes, she whispered, "You... who are you?"

Her body went completely limp. She fainted.

The wolf raised its head. Then in an instant, its body changed-its skin curved, its fur disappeared, its muscles and bones moved like magical music. In a matter of seconds, a man stood there.

Tall, with broad shoulders and golden eyes that radiated an aura of authority. His body was solid like a stone sculpture, and every movement exuded strength and power. He wore a long black robe that appeared to cover his body.

"She... is too fragile," he muttered softly as he approached.

His hand gently lifted Arwen as if her body were nothing more than a light fabric. He held her close to his chest, as if carrying something irreplaceable.

The man turned toward the window he had broken. The night wind blew in, carrying the scent of earth and dust from outside.

His steps were light. He jumped out, silently traversing the night. In an instant, they disappeared into the darkness.

A few seconds later.

Astrid quickly opened the door. Her high heels clicked on the floor. Behind her, her two friends looked panicked, following with tense faces.

"Why... is it so quiet?" muttered Astrid, staring into the messy room. "I'm sure I heard something noisy coming from this room."

Her eyes immediately fell on Lionel lying motionless on the floor. The window was broken, and the curtains were fluttering in the wind. The bed was empty.

Astrid approached, staring at Lionel's unconscious body.

"Arwen..." she whispered.

"Where is that damn girl?" one of her friends asked, her voice trembling. "Why did Lionel faint?!"

Astrid clenched her jaw. She glanced toward the window.

"Did that damn girl escape?" she muttered. "But that's impossible..."

***

Alpha Zion Mansion, The Moonstrike Pack.

"You'll be okay..."

The voice slipped softly from Zion's lips as he sat on the side of the bed, his fingers tracing Arwen's pale cheek. His gentle demeanor contrasted with the stern figure he usually presented in the lecture hall.

The touch was not just a caress, but a silent statement from a man who had lost control of his heart.

But suddenly, Arwen's eyelids fluttered. The girl blinked softly, staring at the ceiling, which was covered in intricate carvings and decorated with crystal chandeliers.

The scent of fresh roses greeted her sense of smell, not the smell of alcohol and strong perfume from the party a few hours ago.

Reflexively, she raised her hand to her temples. "What... is this...?"

"Calm down." His baritone voice sounded steady. "Rest. You're safe now."

Arwen turned her head, and her eyes widened when she saw the figure sitting beside her.

"Professor Zion?!"

She immediately stood up, even though her body was still unsteady. The thick blanket slipped down to her stomach. "Where am I? Why are you here? Lionel, where is Lionel?!"

Zion just stared at her with dark, unreadable eyes. He didn't answer right away. Instead, he took a glass of water from the nightstand and handed it to Arwen.

"Drink this first. Your head is still heavy, isn't it?"

Arwen gently pushed the glass away, her eyes still fixed on him anxiously. "Please answer my question."

Zion took a slow breath, then leaned back in his chair. "You're in my mansion, Arwen."

"Mansion...?" Arwen muttered softly.

Zion nodded. "I brought you here because Lionel was about to do something unforgivable. He conspired with Astrid to trap you that night. They had it all planned out. "

Arwen bit her lower lip, her hands trembling as she hugged herself. Her gaze fell on the white linen sheets covering the large bed.

" I don't believe it... "she whispered.

" I know you don't want to believe it, "Zion interrupted." But I saw everything with my own eyes."

"And you saved me?"

Zion looked at her. Silence. Then, a faint smile spread across his face-a smile he had never shown anyone before.

"I won't let anyone touch you, Arwen."

Arwen stared at him in questioning silence. She took a slow breath, then tried to sit up straight.

"Why?" her voice trembled. "Why are you doing all this for me?"

Zion closed his eyes momentarily, as if weighing every word coming out of his mouth. Then he stood up. His steps were calm but authoritative.

"Because I have to protect you."

But he didn't say that.

Instead, he looked at Arwen intensely. "Because you are mine."

Arwen froze. "What do you mean?"

Zion approached her. His left hand reached out, stopping a few inches from her face. "I know it sounds crazy. It might even disturb you. But my body, my soul, react only to you. It's as if you were meant to be by my side. "

" No... "Arwen shook her head, her voice barely audible." I don't belong to anyone, Professor. "

" Zion, "he interrupted softly." Call me Zion."

Arwen held her breath. "I don't understand..."

"You don't have to understand," whispered Zion. He lifted Arwen's hand slowly, taking her small fingers in his. "But I can prove it."

"What are you-"

But before Arwen could finish her sentence, a soft golden light appeared from their clasped hands.

Thin but radiating incredible warmth, a strand of light bound their wrists together. Arwen was shocked. She gasped when she saw it.

"What is this...?" she whispered.

Zion stared at the strand calmly. "A bond. Something beyond human logic."

Arwen tried to pull her hand away, but the light did not waver. Instead, it felt comforting. However, she quickly dismissed the strange feeling.

"No," she whispered. "This isn't real."

"It is real, Arwen."

She managed to pull her hand away, and the light slowly faded. Arwen got up from the bed, though her legs were still unsteady.

"I don't believe it. This is wrong. This is very wrong!"

Zion remained silent, letting her stand there. He didn't chase after her. "You can deny it. I won't force you. But you can't run away from the truth."

"I don't belong to you," Arwen roared.

"I just want you to know I will always come when you need protection."

Arwen bit her lip, holding back the tears starting to well up in her chest. She didn't want to believe it. Not that man. Not the string of light. And not the strange feeling that was now pulsing inside her.

She looked down. "I want to go home..."

However, Zion's intense gaze made Arwen feel something strange. Her body felt hot, and the heat spread throughout her entire body. She also smelled a familiar scent. The sharp aroma of cedarwood, cloves, and amber wafted from Alpha Zion's body.

This made Arwen suddenly feel her passion rising.

"This scent..." she muttered to herself.

The girl approached Alpha Zion. She touched his chest and reflexively sniffed it. That sensation made Arwen want to get closer, so she pulled the collar of his coat.

Zion..." she whispered.

She touched her left chest, where her heart was beating fast. The passion in her body danced, ignited, and burned even stronger when their eyes met.

Arwen's gaze softened momentarily, but her eyes remained dark, filled with burning desire.

"I can't control this," she sighed, her soft palm touching Zion's jaw.

Zion looked at her with satisfaction. His gaze was so deep, it seemed to strip her soul bare.