THE ALPHA'S FORBIDDEN FLAME.

TALIA'S POV

I had always loved the forest at night,the way the leaves danced in the breeze, the way the air smelled of earth and rain. Tonight, I was here to collect herbs for my potions. This was my life, and I found great joy doing it. My satchel was heavy with bottles and parchment, my hands stained with soil. The forest was peaceful... until I saw him.

At first, I thought he was just a man asleep against a tree, maybe resting. But who would be resting in the forest at this ungodly hour?

Then I noticed the blood. Fresh, dark, glistening across his shoulder and arm. My stomach clenched. I couldn't just leave him.

Fuck, I should have turned back. I should have just ignored him and gone home, but something in me couldn't resist seeing him so helpless.

I stepped closer, cautiously, whispering, "Hello... Are you... are you hurt badly?"

He lifted his head, and my breath caught. Tall, broad, with dark hair falling into stormy eyes, he radiated power even in pain. His gaze fell on me, sharp and commanding.

"Go," he said, voice low, almost a growl. "Get the hell out of here. Now."

I hesitated. "I... I can help you."

He shook his head. "No. It's not safe. You shouldn't be here. Leave me the fuck alone. Get the hell out of here, now."

Damn my stubbornness and my need to control everything.

But I couldn't leave him. I couldn't just leave a wounded man to bleed alone. I knelt beside him, brushing my hands over his torn clothing, inspecting the gash. As I worked, I whispered soothing words, trying to ignore the tension that coiled in the air around us.

Then came the sound of growls. Low, menacing, circling us in the shadows. My blood ran cold.

"Wh... what the hell? What's that?" I asked, my voice trembling.

He didn't reply immediately. "Stay behind me. And whatever happens... just shut the fuck up. Do not say anything," he muttered, his eyes narrowing.

Before I could protest, he sprang forward like a predator, moving with impossible speed and strength. Two more shapes emerged from the darkness. I watched, frozen, as he fought them, his movements precise, brutal, lethal. One fell with a final, wet growl. The others vanished into the forest, leaving only the scent of blood and fear behind.

I stumbled back, heart hammering, voice shaking. "Who... who are you?What was that"?.

He was covered in more blood than before, but somehow I wasn't afraid of him.

"Come, lay down. Let me take a look at the wound, and you can tell me what's going on," I said, trying to sound helpful and not freak out.

He looked at me as if I'd gone mad. His voice cut harshly through the night air.

"Lady, are you serious right now? Do you realize the amount of trouble you're in?"

"The... the fuck is wrong with you?!" he continued. "You should have left when I