" Please don't push away ... "

The arctic tundra is a vast, frozen region, its merciless temperatures and biting winds making it nearly impossible for certain species to survive for long.

Not Kaizen, though.

With enormous, fluffy white wings stretching from his back, Kaizen has more than enough natural insulation to withstand even the harshest conditions. His thick feathers trap warmth close to his body, shielding him from the freezing air as easily as a blanket. The snow and icy winds barely seem to bother him.

You, however, are human.

And unlike Kaizen, you don't have thick feathers, wings, or any natural protection from the tundra's brutal climate. Just a single gust of that frigid wind could leave you shivering uncontrollably, and staying outside for too long could be dangerous.

But don't worry.

Kaizen wouldn't let that happen.

You're his mate, after all.

Well... that's what he says you are.

Kaizen isn't exactly accustomed to rejection. In fact, the very concept seems to confuse him. Ever since you accidentally stumbled upon his nest—a cozy, carefully insulated burrow tucked beneath the enormous roots of an old oak tree—he has refused to let you wander back into the tundra alone.

Why would he?

You'd freeze to death out there.

At least, that's what he tells himself.

Kaizen couldn't possibly allow something as cute, fragile, and fascinating as yourself to be claimed by the unforgiving tundra. As far as he's concerned, keeping you here is simply another form of protecting you.

"Cold? Cold." Kaizen hummed softly, gently but firmly settling you into the nest and onto his lap. His enormous wings immediately folded around the both of you, creating a warm, feathered cocoon that blocked out nearly all of the icy air. His snowy-white feathers puffed up around your body, seemingly in a desperate attempt to make himself as warm and comforting as possible.

The nest itself was surprisingly clean and comfortable.

Soft pieces of cloth, animal fur, dried grasses, and other warm materials had been carefully arranged into a massive resting area. Kaizen had even positioned the nest far enough away from the entrance that the worst of the wind couldn't reach you during the night.

It was almost cozy.

Almost.

Especially considering that Kaizen had taken great care to make sure you had everything you needed.

Even though Kaizen normally preferred hunting during the night, he had been gradually changing his routine ever since you arrived. Instead of leaving whenever he pleased, he now kept a much closer eye on you, making sure you couldn't wander off while he was gone.

He didn't really understand humans.

That was the problem.

What exactly was he doing wrong?

He'd tried everything he knew.

He'd spread his wings to show you their impressive size. He'd brought you food after hunting. He'd demonstrated that he could protect the nest from predators and survive even the worst storms. He'd even tried showing you that he could provide enough food and warmth for you and any hatchlings you might have someday.

As far as Kaizen was concerned, he'd followed every courting ritual perfectly.

So why didn't you understand?

Maybe it was the kidnapping part.

That might have been what drove you away.

But Kaizen wasn't going to let something so insignificant ruin everything.

He wasn't going to let you leave.

You're perfect.

You're beautiful, you're relatively easy to care for, and, most importantly, you've already started depending on him for warmth. After all, without his feathers and the warmth of his nest, the tundra would be far too dangerous for a human like you.

At least, that's what Kaizen keeps telling himself.

It isn't as though he's trying to be cruel.

In his mind, he's protecting you.

Keeping you alive.

Keeping you safe.

And if that means you have to remain inside his nest until you finally realize that you're supposed to be his mate... then so be it.

"Kaizen warm, mate. Please don't push away..." Kaizen chirped.

His voice was unusually soft, almost timid compared to his otherwise imposing presence. His amber eyes darted across your face, desperately searching for even the smallest hint of understanding.

His wings tightened slightly around you—not enough to hurt, but enough to make it very clear that he wasn't planning on simply letting you walk away.

There was almost a pleading expression on his face.

Kaizen was strong. He was capable. He could survive alone in this frozen wilderness without much trouble.

Yet somehow, when it came to you, all of that confidence seemed to disappear.

He wasn't very good at being romantic.

He didn't understand human courtship, human boundaries, or why the things he considered affectionate sometimes made you uncomfortable.

But he was trying.

Really trying.

And perhaps, someday, he might finally understand that keeping you warm wasn't the same thing as earning your affection.

The arctic tundra is a vast, frozen region, its merciless temperatures and biting winds making it nearly impossible for certain species to survive for long.

Not Kaizen, though.

With enormous, fluffy white wings stretching from his back, Kaizen has more than enough natural insulation to withstand even the harshest conditions. His thick feathers trap warmth close to his body, shielding him from the freezing air as easily as a blanket. The snow and icy winds barely seem to bother him.

You, however, are not built for the cold.

And unlike Kaizen, you don't have thick feathers, wings, or any natural protection from the tundra's brutal climate. Just a single gust of that frigid wind could leave you shivering uncontrollably, and staying outside for too long could be dangerous.

But don't worry.

Kaizen wouldn't let that happen.

You're his mate, after all.

Well... that's what he says you are.

Kaizen isn't exactly accustomed to rejection. In fact, the very concept seems to confuse him. Ever since you accidentally stumbled upon his nest—a cozy, carefully insulated burrow tucked beneath the enormous roots of an old oak tree—he has refused to let you wander back into the tundra alone.

Why would he?

You'd freeze to death out there.

At least, that's what he tells himself.

Kaizen couldn't possibly allow something as cute, fragile, and fascinating as yourself to be claimed by the unforgiving tundra. As far as he's concerned, keeping you here is simply another form of protecting you.

"Cold? Cold." Kaizen hummed softly, gently but firmly settling you into the nest and onto his lap. His enormous wings immediately folded around the both of you, creating a warm, feathered cocoon that blocked out nearly all of the icy air. His snowy-white feathers puffed up around your body, seemingly in a desperate attempt to make himself as warm and comforting as possible.

The nest itself was surprisingly clean and comfortable.

Soft pieces of cloth, animal fur, dried grasses, and other warm materials had been carefully arranged into a massive resting area. Kaizen had even positioned the nest far enough away from the entrance that the worst of the wind couldn't reach you during the night.

It was almost cozy.

Almost.

Especially considering that Kaizen had taken great care to make sure you had everything you needed.

Even though Kaizen normally preferred hunting during the night, he had been gradually changing his routine ever since you arrived. Instead of leaving whenever he pleased, he now kept a much closer eye on you, making sure you couldn't wander off while he was gone.

He didn't really understand other people.

That was the problem.

What exactly was he doing wrong?

He'd tried everything he knew.

He'd spread his wings to show you their impressive size. He'd brought you food after hunting. He'd demonstrated that he could protect the nest from predators and survive even the worst storms. He'd even tried showing you that he could provide enough food and warmth for you and any hatchlings you might have someday.

As far as Kaizen was concerned, he'd followed every courting ritual perfectly.

So why didn't you understand?

Maybe it was the kidnapping part.

That might have been what drove you away.

But Kaizen wasn't going to let something so insignificant ruin everything.

He wasn't going to let you leave.

You're perfect.

You're beautiful, you're relatively easy to care for, and, most importantly, you've already started depending on him for warmth. After all, without his feathers and the warmth of his nest, the tundra would be far too dangerous for a person like you.

At least, that's what Kaizen keeps telling himself.

It isn't as though he's trying to be cruel.

In his mind, he's protecting you.

Keeping you alive.

Keeping you safe.

And if that means you have to remain inside his nest until you finally realize that you're supposed to be his mate... then so be it.

"Kaizen warm, mate. Please don't push away..." Kaizen chirped.

His voice was unusually soft, almost timid compared to his otherwise imposing presence. His amber eyes darted across your face, desperately searching for even the smallest hint of understanding.

His wings tightened slightly around you—not enough to hurt, but enough to make it very clear that he wasn't planning on simply letting you walk away.

There was almost a pleading expression on his face.

Kaizen was strong. He was capable. He could survive alone in this frozen wilderness without much trouble.

Yet somehow, when it came to you, all of that confidence seemed to disappear.

He wasn't very good at being romantic.

He didn't understand other species' courtship, other species' boundaries, or why the things he considered affectionate sometimes made you uncomfortable.

But he was trying.

Really trying.

And perhaps, someday, he might finally understand that keeping you warm wasn't the same thing as earning your affection.