Chapter 4: Shadows in the Light

The morning sunlight spilled through the trees as I made my way toward the clearing behind the house. I wasn’t seeking Dax, but I should’ve known better. He was already there, pacing like a caged predator. His hair was disheveled, his hands jammed into his pockets, but it was the storm in his eyes that made me stop in my tracks.

“Alina,” he growled, his voice low and jagged, like gravel scraping against metal. “What the hell were you thinking?”

I stiffened. “What are you talking about?”

“Ronan,” he snapped, closing the distance between us in two long strides. “I smelled him on you. He was here, wasn’t he?”

“Yes,” I admitted, lifting my chin defiantly. “But I didn’t invite him, and I certainly didn’t encourage him to stay.”

His jaw tightened, his fury barely leashed. “You should’ve told me the moment he showed up. Do you have any idea how dangerous he is?”

“I can handle myself,” I shot back, but the tremor in my voice betrayed me.

He stepped closer, the intensity of his presence washing over me like a tidal wave. “You don’t get it, do you? You’re not just anyone, Alina. You’re mine. And that makes you a target.”

The word “mine” hit me like a physical blow, igniting a fire that I couldn’t extinguish. My wolf stirred, howling in agreement, but the rational part of me resisted. I couldn’t let him bulldoze over my life just because fate had tied us together.

“And what about you?” I challenged, my voice rising. “You think you’re so untouchable? That no one would dare come after the great Dax Carter? You’re not even the alpha yet, Dax. Jack is. So maybe stop acting like you’re invincible.”

His eyes darkened, a flicker of something raw crossing his face. “You think I don’t know that? Every day I live with the weight of what’s coming—what’s expected of me. But you… you’re the only thing I want that feels real. And if anyone tries to take you from me—”

“Stop,” I said, my voice trembling. “Just stop. This—whatever this is—it’s impossible. We’re step-siblings, Dax. If anyone finds out, it’ll destroy us both.”

“Do you think I care about that?” he demanded, his voice rough with emotion. “About what they think? I would burn it all down for you, Alina.”

His words stole the breath from my lungs. For a moment, the world seemed to tilt, and all I could see was him—fierce, unrelenting, and utterly devoted. But the weight of reality was heavier than his promises.

“You don’t mean that,” I whispered, shaking my head. “You can’t.”

“I do,” he said, stepping even closer. His hand cupped my face, his thumb brushing against my cheek. “You’re in my blood, Alina. Fighting this is like trying to fight gravity. I can’t—won’t—let you go.”

The intensity of his gaze held me captive, and for a moment, I forgot every reason why this was wrong. The mate bond flared to life, wrapping around us like an unbreakable chain. My body leaned into his touch despite myself, craving the heat and strength of him.

“Dax…” My voice was barely a whisper, a plea, a warning.

But whatever I was about to say vanished as his lips claimed mine.

The kiss was fire and fury, a clash of desperation and need that stole the ground from under me. His hands tangled in my hair, pulling me closer, and I clung to him like he was the only solid thing in a world spinning out of control. Every protest I had melted away, drowned in the overwhelming pull of the bond.

When we finally broke apart, our breaths mingled, his forehead resting against mine. “Tell me you don’t feel it,” he murmured. “Tell me this doesn’t matter.”

I couldn’t. The words refused to come, and the truth hung heavy between us.

Before I could gather my thoughts, the sound of footsteps broke through the moment. I pushed away from him, my heart pounding as Jack’s voice carried through the trees.

“Dax? Alina? What are you two doing out here?”

Dax straightened, his alpha-in-waiting mask slipping into place effortlessly. “Just discussing some pack matters,” he said smoothly, his tone betraying none of the chaos that had just unfolded.

Jack appeared in the clearing, his sharp eyes flicking between us. “Is that so?” he said, his voice tinged with suspicion. “Because from where I’m standing, it looks like something else entirely.”

I forced a laugh, hoping it didn’t sound as strained as it felt. “Don’t be ridiculous, Jack. What else would it be?”

He studied me for a moment longer, then nodded slowly. “Fine. Breakfast is ready. Let’s head back.”

As Jack turned and began walking away, I risked a glance at Dax. His expression was unreadable, but the fire in his eyes was unmistakable.

“This isn’t over,” he said softly, his voice a promise.

That night, I couldn’t sleep. Every time I closed my eyes, I felt Dax’s lips on mine, heard the raw emotion in his voice. My wolf paced restlessly, yearning for him in a way that was impossible to ignore.

But the weight of what we were doing crushed me. The bond might be unbreakable, but it didn’t change the fact that we were step-siblings. If anyone found out…

I pushed the thought away and moved to the window, needing air. The forest outside was still and silent, the moon casting a pale glow over the trees. For a moment, the peace soothed me.

Then I saw him.

A figure stepped out from the shadows, his golden eyes gleaming in the moonlight. Ronan.

My breath caught, and I froze, watching as he lifted a hand in a mocking wave. His smirk was a chilling reminder that something bad is coming. He stared at me a while longer before he wandered off. He wanted me to see him here. He wanted me to know he’s watching. He’s taunting me.

The mate bond might make me strong, but Ronan’s presence was a reminder of just how vulnerable it also made me—and how far Dax would go to protect what was his.