Chapter 12
1022words
"How do you feel?" he asks finally.
"Free." The word comes easily now. "Thank you."
He nods, his expression unreadable. "The bond broke cleanly. Better than I expected."
"Because of you." The words slip out before I can stop them.
Something flickers in his eyes. "Because you were ready to let it go."
I step closer, needing him to understand. "What you did for me—for us—I can never repay that."
"I don't want repayment, Selene." His voice is low, almost rough. "That's not why I helped you."
It's the same answer he's given before, and just as unsatisfying. But before I can press further, he changes the subject.
"I need to prepare for the meeting." He moves toward the door, then pauses. "Stay inside the house while I'm gone. Just in case."
"You think he'd try something? Even after the bond is broken?"
"I think Marcus is unpredictable now." Kieran's expression darkens. "A wounded alpha is dangerous. Especially one who's just lost what he considered his property."
The thought sends a chill through me. "Be careful."
Kieran's gaze softens as it holds mine for a moment, then he nods once before leaving.
I spend the next hour pacing, too restless to sit still. My wolf is anxious, sensing danger even from within the safety of the house.
When I can't stand it anymore, I find Nora in Kieran's study, reviewing maps.
"Has he left yet?" I ask.
She nods. "Ten minutes ago."
"I want to go." The words surprise us both.
Nora frowns. "Kieran said—"
"I know what he said." I meet her gaze steadily. "But this is about me. I should be there."
"It's too dangerous."
"I'll stay hidden. Just close enough to hear." When she still looks unconvinced, I add, "Please, Nora. I need to know what Marcus says."
She studies me for a long moment, then sighs. "Fine. But we stay in the trees, downwind. And at the first sign of trouble, we run. Clear?"
"Clear."
Ten minutes later, we're moving through the forest, following Kieran's scent. Nora leads until we reach the old bridge, where we hide behind thick bushes.
Kieran stands at one end of the bridge, alone as promised. His posture is relaxed but alert, power radiating from him even at a distance.
A figure emerges from the trees on the opposite side. Marcus. Even from here, I can see the change in him—his movements jerky with barely contained rage, his usual smooth confidence shattered.
"Ravenhollow," he snarls as he approaches the bridge.
"Reed." Kieran's voice is calm, controlled. "You requested this meeting."
"You know why I'm here." Marcus stops at his end of the bridge. "You stole what's mine."
"Selene was never yours." Kieran doesn't move. "The bond was forced. Against pack law."
"Pack law?" Marcus laughs, the sound harsh and brittle. "You hide behind rules while stealing another alpha's mate?"
"She's not your mate." Kieran's voice hardens. "She never was."
Marcus takes a step onto the bridge. "Where is she?"
"Safe. Free of your bond."
"Impossible." But uncertainty flickers across Marcus's face. "The ritual requires a full moon."
"Apparently not." Kieran's tone is almost casual. "The bond is broken, Marcus. Go home."
"I want to see her."
"That's not happening."
Marcus takes another step forward. "You think this is over? That I'll just walk away?"
"That would be the smart choice." Kieran remains perfectly still. "Your pack has already violated my territory once. There won't be a third time."
"Is that a threat?"
"A promise." Kieran's voice drops lower. "Leave my territory. Don't return. Forget about Selene."
Marcus's face contorts with rage. "She's MINE!"
"No." Kieran's power fills the word. "She belongs to herself now."
For a moment, I think Marcus will attack. His body coils, hands curling into claws. But something in Kieran's stance must give him pause.
"This isn't over," Marcus spits. "Tell her that. Tell her I'll be watching. Waiting."
"Is that your message?" Kieran sounds almost bored. "Threats from a distance?"
Marcus snarls. "Tell her the bond may be broken, but I still remember her scent. Her taste." His lips curl in a cruel smile. "Tell her I remember how she whimpered when I—"
Kieran moves so fast I barely see it. One moment he's standing calmly, the next he has Marcus by the throat, lifting him off the ground.
"You don't speak of her," Kieran growls, his voice barely human. "Not ever again."
Marcus claws at Kieran's arm, his face purpling. "Kill me," he chokes out. "Prove what kind of alpha you really are."
"She's watching, isn't she?” Marcus wheezes, a knowing gleam in his eyes despite his predicament.
"I can smell her desire for you. She thinks you're different—noble, righteous.” His lips curl into a cruel smile. "Show her what alphas really are. Show her the monster beneath your control.”
From my hiding place, I freeze, heat rushing to my face. My wolf stirs uncomfortably within me, recognizing the truth I've been trying to deny.
The pull I feel toward Kieran isn't just gratitude or respect—it's something deeper, more primal. Something that terrifies me because I promised myself I'd never be drawn to an alpha again.
But Kieran isn't like Marcus. Is he?
For a heartbeat, I think Kieran might do it. His arm trembles with the effort of restraint. Then, slowly, he lowers Marcus to the ground.
"I'm not like you," Kieran says, stepping back. "I don't need to kill to prove my strength."
Marcus rubs his throat, hatred burning in his eyes. "No. You're weak. And weakness gets punished."
"Leave," Kieran says, his voice deadly quiet. "Now. While you still can."
Something in his tone must finally penetrate Marcus's rage. He backs away, still rubbing his throat.
"This isn't over," he repeats, the words becoming a mantra. "Not by a long shot."
Then he turns and disappears into the trees.
Kieran stands motionless on the bridge for several long moments. Then, without turning: "You can come out now. Both of you."
