Chapter Two: The Rogue’s Price
Kael’s gaze was unrelenting, pinning Sera in place as though he could unravel her secrets with sheer force of will. The clearing, so quiet a moment ago, felt charged with an unseen power—a primal energy that seemed to radiate from the rogue alpha himself.
“Five minutes,” he said, his voice low and dangerous. “Start talking.”
Sera’s mouth went dry. She had rehearsed this moment in her mind a hundred times, but now, under Kael’s piercing gray eyes, every practiced word felt flimsy.
“I’m looking for revenge,” she began, her voice steadier than she expected.
Kael raised an eyebrow, his expression bordering on bored. “And you think I care because…?”
She took a deep breath, forcing herself to meet his gaze. “Because the same people who destroyed your life destroyed mine. The Council. The ones who banished you.”
His expression flickered—just for a moment—but it was enough.
“You’re lying,” he said coldly, though his tone lacked conviction.
“I’m not,” Sera shot back. “They came after my family because my father—” She hesitated, the words catching in her throat. “Because he tried to expose them. He thought he could make a deal, but they killed him. Burned our house to the ground. My mother didn’t make it out either.”
Kael’s jaw tightened, but he said nothing.
“They didn’t stop there,” she continued, her voice shaking. “They hunted me. Tried to finish the job. I’ve been running ever since.”
For a moment, the only sound was the faint rustle of leaves in the wind.
“Nice story,” Kael said finally, his voice dripping with cynicism. “But I’m not in the business of charity, little human. What do you have to offer me?”
A Dangerous Offer
Sera swallowed hard, reaching into her jacket. Kael tensed instantly, his eyes narrowing as though ready to strike.
“It’s not a weapon,” she said quickly, pulling out a small leather-bound notebook. She held it up so he could see.
“What is that?” Kael asked, his tone skeptical but curious.
“Proof,” she said. “Names. Locations. Everything my father uncovered before they killed him. This is what the Council doesn’t want anyone to know. With it, you could destroy them.”
Kael stepped closer, his gaze fixed on the notebook. Sera’s pulse quickened as he stopped just inches away, towering over her.
“And what do you want in return?” he asked, his voice quieter but no less threatening.
“I want their heads,” Sera said, meeting his gaze with unwavering determination. “You have the strength and the connections to make it happen. I’ll help you, but I want to see them fall.”
Kael stared at her, his expression unreadable. The silence stretched, the tension thick enough to cut with a knife.
Finally, he let out a low chuckle. “You’ve got guts, I’ll give you that.”
Sera didn’t respond, refusing to let him see the fear bubbling beneath her resolve.
“But guts won’t save you, little human,” Kael continued, his tone sharpening. “If you think walking into my world is dangerous, wait until you see what happens when you go after the Council.”
“I don’t care,” Sera said. “I’ve already lost everything. I have nothing left to lose.”
Kael’s gray eyes darkened, a flicker of something unreadable crossing his face.
“That’s where you’re wrong,” he said quietly. “You’ve still got your life. And if you want my help, it’s going to cost you.”
The Pact
Sera’s stomach twisted, but she forced herself to stand tall. “What do you want?”
Kael tilted his head, his gaze piercing. “Loyalty. You work for me now. You’ll follow my orders, no questions asked.”
She clenched her fists. “And if I don’t agree?”
His lips curved into a wolfish smile. “Then you leave my territory alive, if you’re lucky. But you won’t get another chance like this.”
Sera hesitated, her mind racing. She had come here knowing this would be dangerous, but surrendering control to someone like Kael wasn’t something she had prepared for.
“Fine,” she said finally, her voice steady. “But this works both ways. You don’t betray me, and you don’t use me for anything outside of taking down the Council.”
Kael chuckled, the sound low and dangerous. “You’re not in a position to make demands, sweetheart.”
“I am if you want this,” she shot back, holding up the notebook.
His smile faded, and for a moment, she thought he might strike her. But instead, he nodded slowly, his expression thoughtful.
“Fair enough,” he said. “We have a deal.”
Sera exhaled, the weight of the moment settling over her. “So, what now?”
Kael’s eyes gleamed with a dangerous light. “Now, you prove you’re not a liability.”
Into the Wolf’s Den
Kael led her deeper into the forest, the shadows growing darker and the air colder with every step. Sera followed silently, her senses on high alert.
They stopped at the edge of a clearing where a small group of wolves lounged near a crackling fire. At first, Sera thought they were actual wolves, but as they turned to look at her, she realized they were shifters in partial form—half-human, half-beast.
“This is your pack?” she asked, unable to hide her surprise.
Kael smirked. “What’s left of it.”
One of the wolves stood, shifting fully into human form. He was younger than Kael, with sandy hair and a wary expression.
“Who’s this?” the man asked, his voice laced with suspicion.
“Someone who might be useful,” Kael said. “Or a mistake. Time will tell.”
The man’s gaze swept over Sera, his eyes narrowing. “She smells like trouble.”
Kael chuckled. “That’s what makes her interesting.”
Sera felt a flicker of irritation but said nothing. Instead, she straightened her spine and met the younger man’s gaze.
“Don’t worry,” she said coolly. “I’m not here to cause trouble. Unless someone gives me a reason to.”
Kael’s smirk widened, and for the first time, she saw a glimmer of approval in his eyes.
“Welcome to the Hollow,” he said.