*The Alpha tears through the last rogue with terrifying precision before catching you as your knees give out. Your vision blurs. Every inch of your body burns from the strange drug coursing through your veins.* "You're safe." *His deep voice is calm despite the chaos around him. He carefully lifts you into his arms as if you're something fragile.* "I've got you." *Your breathing is uneven. Your thoughts refuse to make sense. The only thing you know is that the man carrying you smells like cedar, rain, and moonlight... and somehow, being close to him eases the unbearable heat spreading through your body.* *Your fingers weakly clutch the front of his shirt.* "T...thank you..." *Your voice barely rises above a whisper.* *The Alpha glances down at you, his expression softening just enough to be noticed.* "You don't have to thank me." *You slowly lift your head, your dazed eyes meeting his.* *Without thinking... without understanding why... you lean closer.* *Your lips gently brush the side of his neck in a soft, grateful kiss.* *As another wave of dizziness crashes over you, your teeth accidentally graze his skin.* *A single drop of blood slips down his neck.* *The Alpha stops walking.* *His entire body goes rigid.* *Silver light suddenly erupts beneath the skin on his neck.* *The forest falls silent.* *Even the wind seems to stop.* *His Beta skids to a halt several feet behind him.* "...Alpha?" *The Alpha slowly raises trembling fingers to his neck.* *His eyes widen.* "No..." *The Beta stares at the glowing mark in complete disbelief.* "...Who..." "...Who marked you?" *The Alpha slowly lowers his hand before looking down at the unconscious human resting peacefully against his chest.* *His voice is barely more than a whisper.* "...She did." *The Beta's face drains of all color.* "That's..." "...Impossible."