Chapter 21
874words
"We were just discussing the joining ceremony," Elena says. "Kieran tells me you've decided to make it official."
"Yes." I settle on a bench across from them. "In three days."
"A wise choice." Elena's amber eyes, so like Kieran's, study me thoughtfully. "The pack bond will offer protection beyond what even an alpha can provide alone."
"That's what Kieran said."
"My cousin is nothing if not thorough in his protection," Lyra comments, her tone light but with an edge I can't miss. "Especially for those he considers... special."
I'm not sure how to respond to the implied question. "The whole pack has been welcoming."
"Indeed." Elena shoots her daughter a warning look. "Kieran has built something remarkable here. A true family, not just a hierarchy."
"It's very different from what I'm used to," I admit.
"I imagine so." Elena's expression softens. "Marcus Reed's reputation is well-known among the older packs. His methods are... outdated."
"Cruel, you mean," Caleb interjects. "No offense, Selene, but how did someone like you end up with a tyrant like Reed?"
"Caleb," Elena chides.
"It's a fair question," I say. "I was newly turned, alone, vulnerable. Marcus presented himself as a protector. By the time I saw his true nature, the bond was already in place."
"And yet you broke it," Lyra observes. "Few wolves manage that."
"I had help," I remind her, not wanting to take credit for Kieran's role.
"Don't diminish your strength," Elena says firmly. "The bond breaks from both sides. Kieran provided the means, but you provided the will."
Before I can respond, Thea appears, saving me from further discussion.
"There you are," she says. "I've been looking everywhere. Need your help with something."
I excuse myself, grateful for the rescue. As we walk back toward the house, I whisper, "Thank you."
"Looked like you needed an exit." She grins. "Lyra giving you the third degree?"
"Something like that." I glance back to make sure we're out of earshot. "What's her story with Kieran anyway?"
"Ah." Thea's expression turns knowing. "Interested, are we?"
"Just curious."
"Sure." She bumps my shoulder playfully. "They grew up together. There was an expectation in both packs that they might eventually mate, unite the bloodlines."
My stomach drops. "Are they promised to each other?"
"No, nothing formal," Thea says, leading me into the empty kitchen. "But Lyra's made her interest clear. Kieran's never reciprocated."
"Oh." I try not to examine why this information pleases me so much.
"Which brings us back to you," Thea continues, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "And your dinner date tonight."
I stare at her. "How did you—"
"Small pack, big ears." She shrugs. "So, what are you wearing?"
"It's not a date," I protest. "He said it's for pack business."
"In his private quarters? After hours?" Thea laughs at my expression. "Come on, Selene. Even you can't be that oblivious."
"He's the alpha," I remind her. "He's being thorough, like Lyra said."
"Thorough, my ass." Thea starts pulling ingredients from the refrigerator. "Help me with lunch and I'll help you get ready later."
"There's nothing to get ready for," I insist, even as a flutter of anticipation builds in my chest.
Thea just smiles knowingly and hands me a knife to chop vegetables.
The afternoon passes quickly. As the Blackthorn wolves depart, Elena embraces me briefly. "Trust your instincts," she murmurs. "They won't lead you astray."
Before I know it, it's seven-thirty, and I'm standing in my room while Thea rummages through my limited wardrobe.
"This is ridiculous," I say for the tenth time. "It's just a meeting."
"A private meeting, in his quarters, over dinner." Thea holds up a simple blue dress. "Wear this. It brings out your eyes."
"Where did that even come from? I don't own a dress."
"Nora lent it." She grins at my surprised look. "What? The whole pack is invested now."
"Great," I mutter, but take the dress anyway. It's pretty—simple but elegant, with a modest neckline and a hem that falls just above my knees.
"Perfect," Thea declares when I put it on. "Now, hair down or up?"
"This is insane," I protest, even as I let her style my hair. "It's not a date."
"Keep telling yourself that." She steps back to admire her work. "There. Beautiful."
I glance in the mirror, barely recognizing myself.
"He's just being kind," I say quietly, voicing the fear that's been growing all day. "You should know better than anyone—he helps everyone who needs it."
Thea's expression turns serious. "Selene, trust me. What Kieran feels for you isn't kindness. Or at least, not just kindness."
"How can you be sure?"
"Because I've seen how he is with everyone else." She squeezes my shoulders gently. "This is different. He's different with you."
I want to believe her. Part of me—a growing part—does believe her. But after Marcus, after years of manipulation and lies, trust doesn't come easily.
"Even if you're right," I say, "I'm not sure I'm ready for... whatever this might be."
"No one's rushing you." Thea's smile is gentle now. "Just be open to the possibility."
