Chapter 13

I looked into Kieran's intense amber eyes and suddenly understood. Amara's demand that I reject him had hurt him more than he wanted to admit. The thought that this powerful Alpha King—feared by so many—could be vulnerable because of me made my heart squeeze.

"Do you really think I would reject you?" I asked softly. "Is that what's bothering you?"

Kieran's expression darkened. "Would you?" he asked, his voice low and uncertain. "After what Amara said? After hearing the rumors about me?" He stepped closer, searching my face. "Do you not like me, Lena?"

I was stunned to see such vulnerability from him. This man who commanded respect with just his presence was now standing before me, worried about my rejection. It moved something deep inside me.

"No," I said firmly, reaching up to touch his face. "I'm not going to reject you, Kieran. I already told you that."

Relief washed over his features, but only for a moment before his expression turned serious again. His hands gripped my shoulders, not painfully but with unmistakable strength.

"Think carefully, Lena," he warned, his voice deep and solemn. "This is the only chance I'll give you to walk away. Right now—today—you can reject me and return to your pack with no consequences." His eyes held mine, intense and unwavering. "But if you stay, if you accept me, there's no going back. I will never let you go. You will always be mine."

A shiver ran down my spine, partly from fear and partly from something else—something that made my heart race and my skin flush hot. The possessiveness in his voice should have frightened me, but instead, it made my wolf howl with satisfaction.

"I..." I hesitated, the weight of his words settling over me. This wasn't just about today or tomorrow. This was forever.

Kieran's jaw tightened. "Think about it," he said, suddenly stepping back. "I'll give you time." Without another word, he turned and walked out of the cabin, leaving me alone with my thoughts.

I sank onto the couch, my legs suddenly weak. What was I doing? Yesterday, I'd been determined to escape the hunting party unmarked. Now I was considering becoming Luna to the most powerful Alpha in the region—a man I barely knew.

But my wolf knew him. Every cell in my body recognized him as my mate.

With a sigh, I stood up and looked around the cabin. If I was going to think clearly, I needed to wash away the dirt and sweat from the hunt. I found the bathroom easily enough—a spacious room with a huge shower and fluffy towels that looked softer than clouds.

The hot water felt amazing on my tired muscles. I washed away the day's events, trying to sort through my jumbled thoughts. By the time I stepped out and wrapped myself in one of those impossibly soft towels, I felt more centered.

In the bedroom, I found my backpack had been brought from my resort room. I pulled out a pair of denim shorts and a tank top—one of my favorite outfits for warm days—and slipped them on, feeling refreshed.

I had just finished brushing my hair when the cabin door opened and closed. Kieran was back. My heart immediately started racing again.

He appeared in the bedroom doorway, his eyes traveling from my wet hair down to my bare legs and back up again. His expression darkened.

"You're not wearing that," he said flatly.

I looked down at my outfit, confused. "What's wrong with what I'm wearing?"

"It's too..." He gestured vaguely at my exposed legs and shoulders. "You're showing too much skin. Other males will look at you."

"It's just shorts and a tank top," I protested. "It's normal summer clothes."

Kieran's jaw tightened as he moved to a dresser, yanked open a drawer, and pulled out a large, dark gray hoodie. He tossed it to me.

"Put this on," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument.

I caught the hoodie, surprised by his reaction. "Are you serious right now?"

"Very." His eyes flashed with something primal. "You're my mate, Lena. I won't have other males looking at what's mine."

I wanted to argue, to tell him that what I wore was my choice. But something in his expression stopped me. This wasn't just about clothes—it was about something deeper, something instinctual between mates.

With a sigh, I pulled the hoodie over my head. It was enormous on me, falling to mid-thigh and completely swallowing my upper body. It smelled like him—pine and smoke and something wild that made my wolf purr with contentment.

"Happy now?" I asked, crossing my arms.

The satisfied look on his face was answer enough. "Much better," he said, his voice softening. "You look good in my clothes."

Despite my irritation, I felt a rush of pleasure at his words. The hoodie was warm and comfortable, like being wrapped in his embrace.

Kieran moved toward me, his steps slow and deliberate. "You need to understand something, Lena," he said, circling around until he stood behind me. "In my pack, there are rules. As my Luna, you will be respected, but you will also be watched. Every move you make, every word you speak, will reflect on me."

His arms wrapped around me from behind, strong and secure. I could feel the hard planes of his chest against my back, his heartbeat steady and strong.

"You can't show off to other males," he continued, his breath warm against my ear. "You can't encourage their attention. Because you are mine."

His lips brushed the sensitive spot just below my ear, sending shivers down my spine. "You are mine," he repeated, his voice a low growl that vibrated through my entire body. "When you confirm to be my Luna, I must guarantee that you can only be mine."

My face flushed hot, and my heart pounded so loudly I was sure he could hear it. His words should have angered me—they were possessive, controlling. But instead, they awakened something primal in me, something that responded to his claim with a desire I'd never felt before.

But a small voice in the back of my mind whispered a warning: So, my days of freedom are about to end?

I had always been independent, making my own choices, following my own path. Becoming Kieran's Luna would change everything. I would gain power and status, yes—but at what cost?