Chapter 5
741words
A soft knock at the door. "Selene? You awake?"
Thea enters with two steaming mugs. "Thought you might need this."
I sit up, accepting the coffee gratefully. "What time is it?"
"Almost noon. Kieran said to let you sleep."
"Noon?" I haven't slept past sunrise in years. Marcus never allowed it.
"Come on. Breakfast is waiting."
Downstairs, the kitchen buzzes with activity. Several wolves move around preparing food, talking, laughing. They pause when we enter, curious eyes taking us in.
A woman with copper hair approaches. "You must be Selene. I'm Nora, pack second." She gestures to the table. "Eat. Kieran wants to see you both after."
The food is plentiful—eggs, bacon, pancakes. I eat cautiously at first, then with growing hunger as my body demands fuel to heal.
"Where is Kieran?" I ask Nora, trying to sound casual.
"Perimeter check. Marcus's scent was detected near the east boundary at dawn." She studies me. "He was up most of the night. Those wounds were deeper than he let on."
My chest tightens with guilt. "Because of us."
"Because of his choice," Nora corrects firmly. "That's what being Alpha means—making the hard choices and bearing the consequences."
After breakfast, Nora leads us to Kieran's study—a warm room lined with books, a large desk by the window.
Kieran stands examining a map, fresh clothes hiding the wounds from last night, but I notice the stiffness in his movements, the careful way he holds himself.
He looks up as we enter. "Sleep well?"
I nod, suddenly aware of my borrowed clothes and messy hair. "Better than you, from what I hear."
He arches an eyebrow, his composure never faltering. "I'm fine."
"Liar," I say softly, but without heat. "Thank you. For everything you've done."
My directness seems to catch him off guard, but instead of taking offense, his lips curve into a smile. "You're welcome.”
He gestures to the map. "Marcus and his wolves are camped here, just outside our territory. They haven't left."
"He won't," I say. "Not without me."
"Then he'll be waiting a long time." Kieran's voice is calm but final. "I've called a pack meeting for tonight. You'll both be formally placed under protection."
Thea smiles. "Thank you, Alpha."
"What about the bond?" I ask, my hand unconsciously rising to my neck. "I don't want him to be able to use it against you—against the pack."
Kieran's eyes follow the movement. "There's a ritual. It requires preparation." He hesitates. "And it must be done under the full moon."
"Three days," I murmur.
"Yes. Until then, the bond remains." His expression darkens. "He can still sense you, though distance weakens it."
"Can he use it to find me?"
"Not exactly. But he can sense your emotions, especially strong ones." Kieran studies me. "Has he used it against you before?"
I look away. "He always knew when I was afraid. It... excited him."
Kieran's growl is so low I almost miss it. "The ritual will sever that connection permanently."
"What do I need to do?"
"For now, rest. Heal." He moves to a cabinet and removes a small vial. "This will help mask your scent and dampen the bond temporarily. Three drops in water, twice daily."
I take the vial, our fingers brushing. A jolt of something—not unpleasant—races up my arm.
Kieran clears his throat. "Nora will show you around. You're free to go anywhere within the house and immediate grounds. But—"
"Don't go into the forest alone," I finish. "I know."
A ghost of a smile touches his lips. "Smart wolf."
As we turn to leave, he calls my name. "Selene."
I look back.
"The pack meeting tonight—it's formal. There will be questions about your status." His eyes are serious. "They need to know about the forced bond."
My chest tightens. "You want me to tell everyone?"
"Not details. Just the fact of it." His voice softens. "My pack won't judge you for what was done to you. But they need to understand what we're facing with Marcus."
I want to refuse, to keep my shame private. But I understand pack politics enough to know he's right.
"Okay," I agree quietly. "And Kieran? Please have someone look at your wounds again. I—the pack needs you at full strength."
He looks surprised at my concern, but nods.
