For the Love of The Guardian

Porter Highlights

A/N - As requested, I stayed up late to get this out to you. I hope you enjoy it. As always, please be sure to vote and comment!

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"Careful now, little one." His tall, broad stature loomed over the young woman. Her gray orbs came to meet the gaze of his chocolate browns that held her attention firmly. His short trimmed hair gave a depth to his features, the jet black of his hair seemed to shine in the afternoon light. His shoulders squared and pulled back showing his self security. His beard was dark and well trimmed, sitting close to his skin as it covered his jaw. A soft smile moved across his lips as he watched her gaze move over his features. The white button down shirt he wore was rolled up at the sleeves, revealing the tattoo wrapped about his forearm. The rows of small, triangular scales gave the look of a complex tribal pattern. Dark navy jeans held the hem of his white button down, secured by the black, leather belt about his trim waist.

"You be careful." Sarah breathed a response, her senses filled with the scent of pine and citrus. Her brow furrowed and she watched his smirk widen at her words. Her heart raced with intensity in her chest. The skin where his fingertips met her flesh, pricked with goose bumps and her hearing was on high alert. The sounds of the front door opening and the voices carrying from the house broke her full attention on the stranger. The sound of her hair tie snapping was enough to set her off, her dark hair falling to her shoulders.

His eyes moved to watch the small band fall across the yard, his eyes watching the few males leave the pack building. Laughter emanated from the porch, the now familiar voice of Zane Estro carried across the lawn. "Careful, that one's feisty." Sarah could almost see him pointing at her.

The fingertips of the tall man before her still lightly graced her elbows. "Is he bothering you, little one?" His dark brown eyes bore into her soul and her body shivered under his gaze. His voice was soft and caring, with only subtle hints of a sheathed sword in his tone. There was a ferocity hidden in him that flooded her chest with warmth. She felt safe under his gaze, even with the others watching, as though he was ready to fight for her.

Her voice was still just a whisper, "Nothing I can't handle." She looked back to Zane briefly, before slowly removing herself form the grasp of the stranger. Her body instantly missed the touch as her feet moved begrudgingly away from the unknown male and took her off in the direction of the training field. Her pulse was blaring in her ears.

Can you believe them?! Sarah spoke blatantly to her wolf, her mind racing to the Alpha's and trying to ignore the encounter. Her feet moved as fast as they could toward the forest. How dare they treat me that way!? I should be an equal. I should be treated no different just because I have a bigger chest!

I know dear one.The soothing voice of her wolf responded gently. Her tone was tender and always had a way to calm her edged nerves. They filled out the weakness of the other. Whenever Sarah was flustered or upset, her wolf was the voice of reason. When her wolf would rage deep within her soul, Sarah would be the calming waves that turned the tides.

How are you so calm? They disrespected me and you!

Oh Sarah, they can only disrespect us if we value their opinion. Her wolf's voice was kind and full of wisdom. It sang to her like the sound of wind chimes on the brink of a storm.

You really don't care what they think? Sarah began to disrobe at the forest edge, laying her clothes neatly on a nearby rock. Her pulse had slowed and her fingers brushed over where the strangers hands had once been. Her mind went to the warmth of his touch and the steel of his voice.

Of course not, they are just young pups.

But that Alpha...

That Alpha is a threat, he's different. A low growl came from deep within the pair.