Chapter 18
427words
I hesitate, then knock softly.
"Come in," his voice calls.
He's standing by the window, looking out at the forest, a glass of amber liquid in his hand. He turns as I enter, surprise flickering across his face.
"Selene. I thought you'd be resting after the run."
"Soon." I close the door behind me, gathering my courage. "I wanted to thank you again. For tonight."
"You already did." His head tilts slightly. "Is something wrong?"
"Not wrong, exactly." I move further into the room. "Elena mentioned something interesting. About you choosing me as your running partner before I asked."
Kieran's expression doesn't change, but I notice his grip tighten slightly on his glass. "Elena talks too much."
"Is it true?"
He sets the glass down, considering me. "Yes."
"Why?"
"Does it matter?" He sounds genuinely curious.
"It does to me."
Kieran is silent for a long moment. "I wanted to ensure your first run with us was a positive experience."
"And it had to be with you? Not anyone else in the pack?"
"Yes." The word is simple, definitive.
"Why?" I press, needing to understand.
He moves toward me, stopping when just a few feet separate us. "Because I'm the alpha. Because your experience with alphas has been... damaging. I wanted to show you it could be different."
It's a good answer. Logical. Considerate, even.
So why does it feel incomplete?
"That's all?" I ask, searching his face.
Something shifts in his eyes. "What more are you looking for, Selene?"
The question hangs between us, loaded with possibilities I'm not brave enough to name.
"I don't know," I admit finally.
Kieran nods, as if I've confirmed something. "Get some rest. It's been a long night."
I recognize the dismissal, gentle as it is. "Goodnight, Kieran."
At the door, I pause, looking back at him. He's returned to the window, his profile strong against the fading moonlight.
"I've decided," I say suddenly. "About staying."
He turns, his expression carefully neutral. "And?"
"I want to join the pack. If the offer still stands."
Something flashes in his eyes—satisfaction, relief, something more I can't identify. "It stands."
"Good." I open the door. "Goodnight, Alpha."
As I close the door behind me, I catch a glimpse of his face—the careful neutrality giving way to something warmer, more intense. Something that makes my wolf sit up and take notice.
Something that feels dangerously like hope.
