Chapter 16

I pushed open the door to Kieran's cabin, my heart pounding so hard I could feel it in my throat. The warm light inside was a stark contrast to the cold night air, but it didn't make me feel any better about facing him.

The cabin was huge and luxurious—all wood and stone with high ceilings and a massive fireplace. I stepped inside nervously, searching for Kieran. The sound of the door closing behind me made me jump.

"So you finally decided to come back."

I whirled around to find Kieran leaning against the wall, arms crossed over his chest. His face was a mask of controlled anger, his jaw tight. The way he stood there, so casually powerful in just jeans and a black t-shirt, made my mouth go dry.

"You're the one who walked away from me," I shot back, finding my voice despite the butterflies in my stomach. "You left me standing there all alone."

Kieran pushed off the wall and stalked toward me slowly, like a predator. "I expected you to follow me."

"How was I supposed to know that?" My voice cracked a little. "You didn't say anything!"

He stopped right in front of me, close enough that I could feel the heat radiating from his body. Instead of answering, he leaned down, his face moving to the crook of my neck. I froze as I felt him inhale deeply.

"Tsk tsk tsk tsk," he whispered right against my ear, his breath hot on my skin. "Little girl! What did I tell you about listening to me? This is the first strike."

My whole body shivered at his closeness. I couldn't think straight with him this near.

He inhaled again, his nose tracing a line up my neck. "Why do I smell another man's scent on you?" His voice darkened. "And there are very strong pheromones on your clothes? Look at this, the second strike." His lips brushed against my ear as he spoke. "One more strike and you're out."

Before I could respond, he wrapped his arms around my waist from behind, pulling me flush against his chest. His scent—pine, rain, and something wild that I couldn't name—filled my senses. My wolf practically purred inside me, recognizing her mate.

"Answer me, puppy," he whispered, his lips at my ear again. "Who were you with just now? Have you forgotten that you are my mate?"

My breath caught in my throat. "M-my brother," I stammered, hating how weak my voice sounded. "I was with my brother, Ethan. The scent on me is his. He's here for the summer, and I ran into him at the bonfire."

Kieran's arms tightened around me. "Your brother?"

"Yes. I swear. You can ask Maya and Damon—they were there too."

He was quiet for a moment, his breath warm against my neck. "Let me go," I said, trying to sound firm even as my body betrayed me by wanting to lean into his touch.

"No," he said simply, his voice low and commanding. "You're mine, Lena. If I want to hold you, I'll hold you. No one can stop me—not even you."

My heart skipped a beat at his words. They were possessive, controlling even, but something about the raw need in his voice made my stomach flip with excitement. He was jealous. The most powerful Alpha in the territory was jealous over me.

Just as I was processing this realization, Kieran abruptly released me and walked toward the door.

"Where are you going?" I asked, suddenly feeling cold without his arms around me.

He didn't answer, just pulled the door open and walked out, leaving me standing there confused and frustrated. Again.

I collapsed onto a nearby couch, running my hands through my hair. My emotions were all over the place—angry one minute, breathless the next. I couldn't understand how one person could make me feel so much at once.

My stomach growled, reminding me that I hadn't eaten since lunch. I was about to look for the kitchen when the door opened again. Maya burst in, followed by Damon and, surprisingly, Kieran himself.

"Are you okay?" Maya rushed to my side, sitting next to me. "We saw Kieran storming out."

"I'm fine," I said, though I wasn't sure if that was true. "Just confused."

Maya glared at Kieran. "You can't keep doing this to her! She's not some toy you can play with and then ignore whenever you feel like it."

"Maya—" I started, but she wasn't finished.

"No, he needs to hear this," she insisted. "You keep saying you'll leave her alone, and then you do exactly that! She's not your private property. She's your mate, your equal, and you're being a total jerk!"

Kieran's face darkened, but before he could respond, Damon stepped between them.

"Maybe we should all calm down," he suggested, always the peacemaker.

I realized I was trembling slightly. The day's events, the lack of food, and the emotional rollercoaster were catching up to me. I needed a moment to myself.

"Is there somewhere I can clean up?" I asked quietly. "And maybe get something to eat?"

Kieran's expression softened slightly. "There's a bathroom attached to the main bedroom upstairs. I'll have food brought up."

I nodded and stood, avoiding everyone's eyes as I headed for the stairs. Behind me, I could hear Maya and Kieran still arguing, their voices low but intense.

The bathroom was as luxurious as the rest of the cabin—all marble and glass with a shower big enough for four people and a tub that looked more like a small pool. I stared at my reflection in the mirror. My cheeks were flushed, my eyes bright. I looked... different somehow. Changed.

I splashed cold water on my face and tried to sort through my feelings. Part of me was angry at Kieran for his hot-and-cold behavior. Another part—a part I wasn't entirely comfortable with—was thrilled by his possessiveness.

After washing up, I found a clean t-shirt laid out on the bed—clearly one of Kieran's. I changed into it, the soft fabric hanging to mid-thigh. His scent clung to the shirt, wrapping around me like an invisible embrace.

When I came back downstairs, I found Maya waiting alone.

"The guys went to get food," she explained. She patted the couch beside her. "Come here. We need to talk."

I sat next to her, pulling my knees up to my chest. "I don't know what to do, Maya. One minute he's all over me, the next he's gone."

"Listen to me," she said, taking my hands in hers. "You're about to become the greatest Luna this territory has ever seen. It won't be easy. You need to be strong—stronger than you've ever been."

"But what if I can't do it?" I whispered, voicing my deepest fear. "What if I'm not what he needs?"

"That's not the question," she replied firmly. "The question is, is he what you need? You deserve someone who values you, Lena."

The door opened again, and Damon entered carrying several containers of food. The smell made my mouth water instantly.

"Where's Kieran?" I asked, noticing he wasn't with Damon.

"Pack business," Damon said vaguely, setting the food down on the coffee table. He pulled out containers of grilled meat, roasted vegetables, and fresh bread. "Eat something. You look like you're about to fall over."

I didn't need to be told twice. I dove into the food, realizing just how hungry I was. The meat was perfectly cooked, still warm and juicy.

"My brother is a cruel bastard sometimes," Damon said after a while, watching me eat. "He's been alone for so long, I think he's forgotten how to be with someone. Don't be too angry with him."

I swallowed a bite of bread. "I just wish I understood him better."

"Join the club," Damon sighed. "I've been his brother for twenty-five years, and he still manages to surprise me."