Chapter 17
719words
I freeze, suddenly acutely aware of my partial nakedness. Heat rushes to my face as I clutch the robe tighter, fumbling with the tie.
"It's nothing," I murmur, fingers trembling slightly. "Old wounds."
Kieran's eyes lift to mine, something fierce and protective in their depths. "Not nothing. Never nothing."
The intensity in his gaze makes my breath catch. We stand there, too close, the air between us charged with something I'm afraid to name.
Then awareness seems to dawn on him—our state of undress, his near-touch, the intimacy of the moment. He steps back, a flicker of what might be embarrassment crossing his features.
"I'm sorry," he says, running a hand through his hair. "That was... inappropriate."
"It's okay," I manage, finally securing the robe properly.
His eyes remain on my face now, carefully avoiding looking lower. "Are there many? Scars like that?"
I nod, not trusting my voice.
Something dangerous flashes in his eyes before he masters it. "I should have killed him when I had the chance."
The raw honesty in his voice sends a shiver through me that has nothing to do with the night air.
"It's in the past," I say, though we both know Marcus is very much a present threat.
Kieran seems to collect himself, his expression returning to its usual careful neutrality. "You're right. And you're safe now."
He's seemingly unbothered by his own nakedness in a way I'm trying hard to emulate. "How was your first run with us?" he asks, smoothly changing the subject.
"Different," I admit, accepting the robe he offers from a hidden cache nearby. "Good different."
He pulls on pants, leaving his chest bare. "The pack welcomed you. I felt it through the bond."
"I felt it too." I secure the robe around me, suddenly shy. "Thank you for being my guide."
"It was my pleasure." His voice is low, sincere.
We stand in silence, the night alive around us. I'm acutely aware of him—his scent stronger after the run, his skin gleaming with sweat, his eyes still holding a hint of wolf gold.
"We should join the others," he says finally. "The feast will be starting."
I nod, not trusting my voice. As we walk back toward the house, close but still not touching, I wonder if I imagined the regret in his tone.
The great room has been transformed again, now filled with tables laden with food. Wolves in various states of dress laugh and talk, the energy high after the successful run. I find Thea, who hands me proper clothes with a knowing smile.
"Good run?" she asks as I return from changing.
"The best I've ever had," I admit.
"Looked like it." Her eyes dance with mischief. "You and Kieran seemed... in sync."
Before I can respond, Elena joins us, a plate of food in hand. "Selene, you run well. Like you were born to this pack."
"Thank you," I say, surprised by the compliment.
"Kieran was right to choose you as his partner for the night."
I blink, confused. "He didn't choose me. I chose him as my guide."
Elena's eyebrows rise slightly. "Is that what he told you?"
"What do you mean?"
"Traditionally, yes, new wolves choose a guide." She takes a sip from her cup. "But for this moon, Kieran announced his choice days ago. Before you even knew to ask."
I stare at her, processing this information. "Why would he do that?"
"That," Elena says with a small smile, "is the interesting question."
She moves away, leaving me stunned. Across the room, Kieran watches me, expression unreadable. When our eyes meet, he raises his cup slightly before returning to his conversation with the elders.
"Don't overthink it," Thea advises, noting my confusion. "Just enjoy the night."
I try to follow her advice, joining in the feast, accepting congratulations on my first run from various pack members. But my mind keeps returning to Elena's revelation and the question it raises.
Why would Kieran claim me as his running partner before I even asked? And why not simply tell me the truth?
As celebration continues, I watch him—moving through the pack, attentive to everyone, carrying natural authority without effort. So different from Marcus in every way.
And yet, just as difficult to understand.
