Chapter 14

Just as the tension between us grew stronger, Kieran suddenly let go of me and walked to the door. The absence of his warmth left me feeling strangely empty. We stared at each other for a long moment, neither of us speaking.

"Come with me," he finally said, holding out his hand. "There's a bonfire tonight to celebrate the successful hunt. As my mate, you should be there."

My stomach growled loudly, reminding me I hadn't eaten since breakfast. My face flushed with embarrassment.

Kieran's serious expression softened slightly. "There will be food there too."

I grabbed a hair tie from my backpack and quickly pulled my damp hair into a messy bun. "Lead the way," I said, stepping toward him but not taking his hand.

The evening air was cool against my face as we walked through the pack grounds toward a large clearing. The smell of woodsmoke and roasting meat made my mouth water instantly. My wolf perked up, suddenly alert and eager.

Around a massive bonfire, at least a hundred werewolves gathered in small groups. Some sat on logs arranged in circles, while others stood talking and laughing. Children chased each other, darting between the adults with happy squeals.

The scene was so normal, so... human. I don't know what I had expected—maybe something wilder or more primitive—but this looked like any summer barbecue, just with really gorgeous people.

As soon as we entered the clearing, everything changed. Conversations stopped mid-sentence. Heads turned. Eyes widened. A path cleared for us automatically as Kieran guided me toward the bonfire.

I'd never felt so self-conscious in my life. With my wet hair, borrowed hoodie, and shorts, I must have looked like a complete mess next to Kieran's powerful presence.

"Alpha King," people murmured as we passed, bowing their heads slightly. Some added, "Luna," with curious glances at me.

Scattered around the bonfire, I noticed other couples holding hands or leaning against each other. One pair couldn't stop staring into each other's eyes, completely lost in their own world. Another couple sat with their fingers intertwined, the woman resting her head on the man's shoulder.

They all looked so... connected. So in love.

I glanced at Kieran walking beside me, his face expressionless, his hands at his sides. Not once did he reach for my hand or put his arm around me. There was at least a foot of space between us as we walked.

The question rose in my mind before I could stop it: Did he even like me? Or was I just the mate the Moon Goddess had chosen for him—a duty rather than a desire?

A wave of doubt crashed over me. Maybe this wasn't about romance for him. Maybe this was just about securing a Luna for his pack, fulfilling a requirement of his position.

We reached a section near the bonfire where several ornate wooden chairs had been arranged. Kieran gestured for me to sit in one, then took the larger chair beside me. Still no touch, no smile, no warmth.

I watched the other couples again, feeling an unexpected ache in my chest. I'd never been the romantic type—I'd always been too practical for that—but something about seeing those pairs so obviously in love made me long for a connection like that.

What would it feel like to hold Kieran's hand properly, not just in moments of crisis? To have him look at me the way that man was looking at his mate across the fire?

He doesn't seem to understand romance at all, I thought, watching Kieran from the corner of my eye as he nodded at something an older wolf was saying to him.

Maybe he doesn't really want me. The thought hurt more than it should have, considering I barely knew him.

While Kieran was distracted, I closed my eyes and tried to focus inward, seeking that connection to my wolf that had been growing stronger since I arrived.

What do you think? I asked her silently. Does he actually want me as his mate?

My wolf stirred restlessly. I could feel her confusion and frustration.

I tried to link with his wolf, she responded, her voice a soft growl in my mind. But I couldn't reach him. Something's blocking me... or someone.

I opened my eyes, startled. He's blocking you? Can he do that?

If he wants to, my wolf confirmed, sounding sad. But why would he? We're mates.

My throat tightened with emotion. First, he wouldn't touch me, wouldn't show any affection in public. Now this—actively blocking the connection between our wolves?

Maybe he doesn't want me after all, I thought miserably. Maybe he just needs any Luna, and I'm convenient because the Moon Goddess chose me.

The happy atmosphere of the bonfire suddenly felt suffocating. Everyone else seemed so joyful, so connected, while I sat here wondering if my supposed mate even liked me.

So, in his heart, what am I? I asked myself sadly, staring into the dancing flames of the bonfire.

Then, like a bolt of lightning cutting through storm clouds, I heard a deep voice in my mind:

Someone who cares about me.

I gasped out loud, my hand flying to my throat. The voice was undeniably Kieran's, but he hadn't spoken aloud. He was still sitting beside me, apparently focused on whatever the elder was saying.

Kieran? I thought tentatively.

Yes, little wolf? His voice in my mind was different somehow—warmer, softer than when he spoke aloud.

A mind link. He had opened a mind link with me! My wolf howled with joy inside me, nearly making me dizzy with her excitement.

You can hear my thoughts? I asked, amazed.

Only what you direct to me, he responded. Your private thoughts remain your own.

Relief washed over me. At least he hadn't heard all my doubts about him.

This means... I started.

That I accept you as my mate, he finished for me. Yes.

Just then, a tall, elderly woman with striking silver hair approached us. "Alpha King," she said, bowing deeply. "I see the Moon Goddess has blessed you with a true mate at last."

Kieran nodded. "Elder Freya, this is Lena Blackwood. Lena, this is Elder Freya, the oldest and wisest member of our pack."

I stood quickly, not sure of the proper protocol. "It's an honor to meet you," I said.

The old woman's eyes crinkled as she smiled. "The honor is mine, Luna. We have waited many years to see our Alpha King find happiness."

Before I could respond, Elder Freya lifted her hands to the sky. "Brothers and sisters!" she called out, her voice surprisingly strong. "Tonight we celebrate not only a successful hunt, but the blessing of our Alpha King and his true mate!"

A cheer went up from the crowd, startling me. Hundreds of eyes turned to us, and I fought the urge to hide behind Kieran.

"May the Moon Goddess bless this union," Elder Freya continued. "May she grant them strength, wisdom, and many strong pups!"

My face burned hot at the mention of "pups." I hadn't even thought that far ahead!

"Many blessings!" the crowd called back. "To the Alpha King and Luna!"

Suddenly, Kieran's arm was around my waist, pulling me against his side. The contact sent a jolt of electricity through me, making my knees weak. He looked down at me with an expression I hadn't seen before—something soft and almost... tender.

My heart pounded so hard I was sure everyone could hear it. This was the affection I'd been craving, the connection I'd been missing. In that moment, with his arm secure around me and his eyes locked on mine, I felt truly claimed.

But as quickly as the moment came, it vanished. A group of warriors approached, followed by what appeared to be visiting Alphas from other packs. Kieran immediately released me and stepped forward to greet them, all business once again.

Just like that, I was alone, standing awkwardly as Kieran walked away with the other men.

The emotional whiplash was disorienting. One minute he was holding me, looking at me like I was precious, and the next he was walking away without a backward glance.

A hollow feeling settled in my stomach. I sank back into my chair, suddenly not hungry despite the delicious smells wafting from the cooking fires.

What is wrong with him? I wondered, watching Kieran's back as he talked with the other men. Why can't he make up his mind about how to treat me?

Maybe he just wasn't the affectionate type. Maybe this was how all Alpha Kings behaved. But somehow, that explanation didn't satisfy me. There was something else going on—something he wasn't telling me.