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nDmitri embraced her in his arms and watched her sleep soundly. He didn't want to ever leave her.

nOver the days which he had known Adrianna, he had become more and more out of control. His wolf wanted to be with her crazily. His life had become miserable, and he had no clue as to what had changed so drastically. All he wanted was to stay near her no matter what.

nHe was the supreme alpha, and had acted very wisely all these years in order to keep so many packs under his control. He was always calm, in control, and someone people looked up to. His pack feared him, and no one had the guts to confront him, be it in his decisions or his physical ability. At a young age, he had showcased his ability to be their general, and as their general, he ruled with a cold aura. He was not there for show or to coddle people, but rather to be their leader, and he protected his pack, and all the other packs under him, with zeal.

nStrong and mature, he was a very level headed man who people relied upon. Others would often come to him for advice. Even chiefs of other packs would come seek advice from him.

nMany chiefs had offered their daughters to be his mate, but he had declined all of them. Keisha had supported him in his time of need, and with Keisha at his side, he had never felt the need to have another girl around him. Although he had never felt love or attraction for her, he was well aware of the fact that she loved him deeply.

nShe had even once suggested mating with him. She said,

"Dmitri, we have been friends for so long. I have been with you ever since you took over our pack and my father promised his unconditional alliance with you. It has been an honor to fight in so many battles with you.

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"Why don't we seal this relationship between us and become mates for life? Marry me Dmitri. You will not find a person more loyal to you than I am. I have watched you over the years, and I know each and everything about you and your habits. I am emotionally involved in this relationship, and would love to seal it with a bond.

"

nDmitri had been sitting in his study when Keisha had come to profess her feelings for him. He was not surprised at her disclosure, but he didn't want to hurt her either.

nHe replied,

"Keisha, I am not ready for this mating. I am aware of your predicament, but this is something I take very seriously. It cannot promise you this kind of relationship. However, out of respect for you, I will try my best to think over the possibility of us mating. Please give me some time to understand and possibly reciprocate your feelings.

"

nKeisha felt a stab of pain. She was sad and miserable, but she didn't have any option other than to wait for him.

nDmitri had refused her only because he couldn't accept her feelings at that point of time. He felt guilty because she was constantly selflessly dedicating herself to him, and would often suggest she marry someone else. He had even suggested that he would ensure that she is married to an affluent chief who would always take care of her, but she had refused his offer.

nOne day when they were dining together, he had mentioned,

"Keisha, there are many chiefs who have asked for your hand. If you are interested, I can accept one for you. I would be happy to assist you in selecting as well. Also, if you like, you can spend some time with each one of them. Who knows - maybe your mate is out there.

"

nKeisha loved him a lot and wanted to mate with him, so she stopped eating and looked up. She replied,

"Dmitri, why don't we mate? I want you to leave your mark on me…

"

nDmitri was repulsed by her suggestion. She wasn't his true mate, so even if he had left his mark on her, he would never ever imprint.

nImprinting was a tight bond between mates, and the process could not initiate unless there were very strong emotions involved. There were many wolves that had never imprinted and had waited hundreds of years to find their mates. When wolves imprinted, there had to be a lot of physical contact for them to start the process.

nDmitri just shook his head, left his food unfinished, and walked away. He was not ready for her…

nThe next day, a battle was announced between the blue and the red packs as Kuro refused to ally with Dmitri.

nKeisha fought bravely with him in the battle that ensued until the day she was injured by Adrianna. It was the first time he had seen Adrianna, and he was fascinated by her ability to churn so much wind energy around her. He didn't know how, but he could break her force easily while all the other wolves couldn't. When he looked at her for the first time, she was all bloody. But there was something about her that made him spellbound. He wasn't able to move his gaze from her. He was brought back to reality when he heard Keisha growl as Adrianna thrust a knife in her. In a swift move, he forced Adrianna away to save Keisha.

nHe could sense that she had been badly injured and felt a pang of pain. He mentally conveyed to everyone an order of retreat as he didn't want her to be further injured. After carrying Keisha to the doctors and without attending to himself, he left in a hurry, much to Nate's anger. He ran straight to Adrianna's cottage where he desperately wanted to sit near her and see if she was okay.

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