Chapter 6
666words
Wolves come and go, some curious, others friendly. No one mentions Marcus or the mating bite, though I catch occasional glances at my neck.
In the afternoon, Thea and I sit in the garden, soaking in rare sunshine. For the first time in years, I feel my wolf relax, stretching contentedly inside me.
"You like it here," Thea observes.
"It's… different.” I watch a group of young wolves training in a nearby clearing, Kieran among them, demonstrating a fighting move.
His movements are fluid and powerful, but I notice him wince slightly when he turns left. "He shouldn't be training while he's still injured.”
"That's Kieran," Thea says. "Always putting everyone else first."
"He's a good alpha," I admit. "Nothing like—" I stop myself.
"Nothing like Marcus," she finishes. "That's why the pack would follow him anywhere."
I watch as Kieran patiently corrects a young wolf's stance. "He fought for us. Took wounds that should have been mine."
"That's who he is," Thea says simply. "It's not about you specifically. It's about what's right."
Her words should be reassuring, but something in me feels oddly disappointed. I push the feeling away, confused by my own reaction.
Before I can examine it further, a howl cuts through the air—the signal for pack gathering.
The great room fills quickly, wolves of all ages taking seats or standing along walls. Kieran stands at the front, power radiating from him without effort.
When everyone is settled, he begins. "Last night, our territory was violated by Silver Lake wolves. Their alpha, Marcus Reed, kidnapped one of our own in an attempt to reclaim what he believes is his property."
Murmurs ripple through the crowd.
"Thea Winters is now safely returned and under pack protection." Kieran's eyes find me. "As is her sister, Selene."
I feel the weight of every gaze turn to me.
"Selene carries a forced mating mark from Reed. Under moon law, such bonds are invalid and will be broken at the full moon." His voice hardens. "Until then, Reed may attempt to reclaim her. Any Silver Lake wolf who crosses our borders is to be considered hostile."
A older wolf stands. "What of the alliance? Will they stand with us if it comes to war?"
"They already have," Kieran confirms. "The Blackthorn wolves remain until the full moon."
Another wolf speaks up. "And after the bond is broken? What then?"
Kieran's eyes meet mine across the room. "That will be Selene's choice."
The meeting continues, patrol schedules adjusted, security measures discussed. Through it all, I'm struck by how different this is from Marcus's pack meetings—no fear, no blind obedience, just respect and cooperation.
Later, as wolves disperse, Kieran approaches. "You okay?"
"Yes." I'm surprised to realize it's true. "Thank you for not... making me explain."
"It wasn't their business." His eyes search mine. "The next three days won't be easy. Reed will try to reach you, through the bond if nothing else."
"I've resisted him before."
"This will be different. As the moon grows fuller, the bond strengthens." His hand rises, hovers near my face, then drops.
"If you feel anything—anger, fear, anything that doesn't seem like your own—tell me immediately."
I nod, suddenly aware of how close he stands, his scent wrapping around me—pine and smoke and alpha power, but nothing like Marcus's suffocating presence.
"Why are you helping me?" I ask, the question that's been burning since last night. "Really?"
Kieran is silent for a moment. Then, "Because no wolf should be bound against their will. Because your sister is pack." He pauses. "And because it's what an alpha should do."
Simple. Honorable. Nothing more, nothing less.
"Your wounds," I say, changing the subject. "How bad are they really?"
His eyes meet mine. "They'll heal.”
"Let me help,” I offer. "I know about treating wolfsbane-laced wounds. It was… a necessary skill with Marcus.”
Kieran studies me for a long moment. "Alright."
