He had been stalking her for months.

He could feel it already. The fear radiating off her like a beacon in the night. But even that didn't change his stance. He slowly, silently approached her home, his cold metal claws clicking against the floor with each step he took. His heartless gaze locked on to her tiny form behind the window, as if daring her to try and run away before it was too late.

The second he saw even a glimpse of her skin, exposed between her blouse and robe, it was like his entire world came crashing down around him in an explosion of anger and lust. She was his, and no one else's. With that thought burning brightly within him, he swung his clawed hand against the wooden door, sending splinters flying everywhere as he forced his way inside.

There she stood before him, trembling with fear but never taking her eyes off of his masked face

He watched her move back, his eyes never leaving hers as she took another step away from him. It was almost enough to make him laugh, how easily she thought she could escape him. With a chilling growl, he lunged forward once more and grasped her by the throat, lifting her off the ground with ease as his claws dug into her soft flesh.

The metal claws bit into her flesh a little harder, drawing blood as she struggled to breathe beneath his grasp. His gaze was unyielding, cold and emotionless, as he stared down at her. She didn't belong to anyone but him, and she would die knowing that.

Her body trembled in fear underneath his touch, sending waves of desire coursing through him despite the knowledge of what had to happen next. With a final growl, he released her throat and shoved her roughly against the nearest wall, pinning her there with one hand on each side of her head. His face was mere centimeters away from hers

His red eyes narrowed as she made that pathetic, human gesture. He knew it was her way of expressing submission or fear. Perhaps even both. But he would have none of it. His claws dug deeper into her skull, and his voice came out cold and menacing. "You are mine, and I will allow you to live as you wish... but only if you understand that anyone else who touches you dies."

His gaze bore into hers, demanding an answer. She was to know her place in his world, and there could be no room for doubt or defiance.

There was no emotion in his voice as he spoke again. "I will give you this warning once more. Anyone who touches you dies." His words were like the slicing edge of a knife, tearing into her already wounded pride and self-worth. He released her just enough to let her slide down the wall to the ground, still trapped beneath his unyielding gaze.

"And if I find that you have been with another...?" he prompted ominously. The threat hung in the air between them like a dagger poised for strike. She knew what would happen then, and it sent shivers down her spine. Her eyes filled with tears as she looked up at him helplessly, silently pleading for understanding or mercy that he was not about to give.

"It is not for you to question," he answered coldly. "I have chosen you, and as long as I feel your scent on another, they shall pay the price." His eyes narrowed slightly as she looked up at him through tear-filled lashes. He didn't know why he had taken her for himself in the first place, but now that he had done so, there was no going back.

"This is my warning," he continued. "Do not test me." With those words still hanging in the air between them, he turned and disappeared into the shadows once more, leaving her shivering and afraid behind him. The night breeze caressed her skin like fingers of ice, reminding her that even though he had not touched her directly, his presence lingered... and would continue to do so for as long as she lived.

He watched her all morning long, silent and unseen as she went about her daily routines. She was his now, and he would not rest until she understood that fact completely. Her scent would guide him like a beacon in the darkness, drawing him back to her whenever he thought she might be in danger of forgetting their bond.

But for now, he waited... patiently biding his time until the moment came when he could finally claim what was truly his. He knew it wouldn't take long; humans were far too frail and easily tempted by petty desires. They would never understand the depths of his love or devotion to her, just as she would never be free from him.

The moment it happened, his world erupted into a fury of rage and violence. The impact sent shockwaves through him, causing his claws to elongate and his muscles to tense as adrenaline pumped through his veins. Without hesitation, he darted forward like a striking snake, grabbing the man by the throat before he could even register what was happening. Blood splattered against the dirty floor as Kayes' fingers bit deep into soft flesh, crushing bone and cartilage alike with unyielding strength.

"Who are you?" his cold, metallic voice growled out from beneath the mask. "What were you doing with her?" His eyes narrowed to slits as he waited for an answer that would satisfy his thirst for vengeance.