05

I had lost.

The realization settled like ice in my veins as the wolves dragged me through the darkened forest. My heart pounded against my ribs, but I knew struggling was pointless now. Kael walked ahead, his shoulders stiff, his presence suffocating.

I had fought. I had kicked, clawed, and screamed. But against trained warriors, my strength had meant nothing. Now, my wrists were bound with thick leather straps, my bare feet scraping against the cold earth as we moved through unfamiliar territory.

I was back.

The pack’s borders came into view, towering trees giving way to the fortified walls of Kael’s domain. Torches lined the perimeter, their flickering flames casting ominous shadows against the towering wooden gates. My pulse quickened as realization settled in—I wasn’t just being taken back. I was being paraded.

Wolves emerged from the shadows as we approached, their eyes gleaming with curiosity and suspicion. I caught murmurs in the air—whispers of disbelief, of recognition.

“She’s back…”

“The rejected Luna.”

“She ran from the Alpha—why would he bring her back now?”

I clenched my teeth, humiliation burning beneath my skin. I wasn’t just some runaway being dragged home. I was the mate Kael had once rejected, the she-wolf who had fled and hidden away. And now, I was being brought back against my will.

The gates creaked open.

Inside, the village was bustling, wolves pausing mid-step as they caught sight of me. Some were wary. Others… curious.

I refused to let them see me break. Lifting my chin, I walked forward on my own, forcing my legs to carry me instead of letting the guards drag me.

Kael noticed. He slowed his pace, casting me a glance over his shoulder, his golden eyes unreadable.

I hated him. I hated that he still affected me.

At the heart of the pack lands stood Kael’s house—no, his fortress. The massive log-and-stone structure loomed over everything, a silent reminder of the power he wielded.

“Inside,” he ordered, his voice sharp.

I didn’t move.

The wolves flanking me shifted, waiting for my reaction. A challenge.

Slowly, I turned to face him. “And if I don’t?”

Kael exhaled, his patience wearing thin. “You’re not in a position to defy me.”

I tilted my head, my expression calm despite the storm raging inside me. “I never was, was I?”

For the first time, his gaze flickered with something… regret? No. I wouldn’t believe that.

Before he could answer, I walked past him, stepping inside on my own terms.

The door shut behind me, the finality of it settling into my bones.

I scanned the room, my breathing shallow. It hadn’t changed much. The large space was a mix of rustic and brutal strength, dark wood and stone dominating every surface. The fire in the hearth crackled softly, casting shadows against the walls.

This used to be my home.

Now, it felt like a prison.

Kael moved behind me, his presence a force I couldn’t ignore.

“You’ll stay here,” he said, leaving no room for argument.

I turned sharply. “Like hell I will.”

Kael’s jaw ticked. “Ayla, you’re not leaving.”

“You have no right—”

“I have every right.” His voice was low, dangerous, sending a shiver through me. “You disappeared. You took something that belongs to me.”

I stepped closer, rage vibrating through every part of me. “They are NOT yours.”

Kael’s eyes flashed. "They are."

A thick silence stretched between us, heavy and suffocating.

Then, Kael exhaled sharply, dragging a hand through his hair. “You don’t understand what’s happening.”

“Then make me understand,” I snapped.

Kael stepped closer—too close—his heat pressing against me, his scent stirring something I wanted to bury.

I hated how my body still reacted to him.

“They want our children, Ayla,” he said, his voice quieter now. “The Northern Clans know what they are. What they will be.”

A chill ran down my spine. “What do you mean?”

Kael’s golden eyes locked onto mine. “They’re not normal pups.”

My heart stilled. I had felt it. The way my babies moved in ways that didn’t make sense. Their energy, their presence. I had ignored it out of fear.

“They’re powerful,” Kael continued, his voice barely a whisper. “More powerful than any Alpha-born wolves before them. And that makes them valuable.”

The blood in my veins turned ice-cold.

“Which is why,” he said, his voice hardening, “you’re not leaving this house. You’re staying under my protection. Whether you want it or not.”

I shook my head, taking a step back. “No.”

Kael reached out, gripping my wrist before I could move farther. “Yes.”

His grip wasn’t bruising, but it was firm. Controlling.

I ripped my arm free, breathing heavily. “You can’t do this.”

Kael’s expression was unreadable, but something burned behind his golden eyes.

“I already have.”

I backed away, my chest rising and falling rapidly. “This isn’t about protecting them. This is about you wanting control over me.”

Kael didn’t deny it.

That was the worst part.

I turned toward the door, but before I could take another step, he spoke.

“If you try to leave, Ayla, I’ll stop you.”

I froze.

His voice was quiet. Deadly.

“You can hate me,” he continued, his tone even. “But you won’t put them at risk.”

My nails dug into my palms, my body shaking with rage.

Kael took a step back, nodding toward the second door—his bedroom.

“You can sleep in there,” he said.

I laughed bitterly. “You think I’m sharing a room with you?”

Kael’s lips curled slightly, something dark flashing in his gaze.

“The bed’s big enough,” he said. “Unless you’d prefer the floor.”

I wanted to throw something at him.

Instead, I stormed toward the door on the opposite side—a smaller guest room. I slammed it behind me, locking it.

I heard Kael chuckle.

Then, silence.

I pressed my back against the door, my hands shaking.

I was trapped.

And worse—Kael was right.

My children weren’t safe out there.

But inside this house, with the Alpha who had rejected me, who now claimed me as his prisoner...

Were they any safer here?