Chapter 90: Wooing His Chosen Mate
"No," she said, her hand raised, palm facing him. "Hold on, let me process this." Mirian took a step back, her eyes searching his face as if seeking answers. "You’re asking me to be your mate, but...but we barely know each other."
"Live with me in my pack and you’ll know me, you’ll have everything you need," Detroit said, his voice filled with conviction. "Protection, safety, a family...and me." He took another step closer, his eyes burning with intensity. "I’ll take care of you, Mirian. I’ll keep you safe. And I’ll love you, if you’ll let me."
Mirian’s laughter burst forth like a sudden storm, her eyes shining with mirth. "I didn’t say I’m an orphan!" she exclaimed, her voice trembling with amusement. "I have parents, I have a pack, and I love my pack. I’m not some lone wolf looking for a place to belong."
Detroit stayed silent for a while, his eyes never leaving Mirian’s face as he absorbed her words. The only sound was the soft rustling of the wind through the trees, and the quiet lapping of the water against the shore of the pond. Finally, he spoke, his voice low and measured. "I’m sorry."
"Wh– what?" Mirian blinked, confused by his sudden apology.
"For misunderstanding," Detroit said, his eyes lowered slightly. "I thought...never mind." He shook his head, "You’re right, you do have a pack, a family. I shouldn’t have assumed..."
"No, wait," Mirian said, her voice soft but urgent, as she reached out to touch Detroit’s arm.
Detroit’s eyes met hers, a question flickering in their depths as he paused, waiting for her to continue. But Mirian pulled her hand back, fist clenched.
Truth be told, Mirian liked him too - really liked him. Had he been a member of her pack, or even just a fellow wolf from a neighboring pack, she wouldn’t have thought twice about exploring the sparks that flew between them. But he was an outcast, a member of the Dark Snow Pack!