I Can Give You Everything

Chapter 5

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Elena

The trees disappeared behind us, and the bonfire came into view. The celebration was still going strong, but somehow, it felt colder now or maybe it was the name of Kael sitting heavy on my chest.

Rowan didn't speak, and I didn't ask questions. His steps were precise and sure, like he knew exactly where this was going.

I spotted Kael waiting for me at the largest bonfire. He stood with his back to us, hands behind him as he stared at the people dancing. The soft breeze made his coat sway slightly.

“You called for me?” I asked, trying to keep my voice as steady as possible.

He turned slowly, his eyes locking into mine with no hesitation.

“Elena,” he said calmly. “You disappeared from the celebration.”

I blinked. “I just stepped out for a while. I needed air.”

He took a step closer. And another. His eyes didn't leave mine. “With him?”

“I have no idea what you're talking about.” I got defensive.

He didn't say anything, instead he stared at me, as if he was trying to read me.

“The moon favours you tonight. When do you plan to shift for us?” He asked sternly.

“I will soon. I haven't found the perfect occasion to do so.” I said.

“Good, your strength hasn't gone unnoticed. You're strong,” Kael mused aloud. “Untrained, but you have a lot of potential.”

I bit the inside of my cheeks. Was this what he dragged me here for? To size me like some piece of meat?

He stopped directly in front of me, tilting his head, eyes narrowing.

“You're wondering why you're here,” Kael said, reading me too easily.

I didn't answer.

“You see,” he went on, his voice dropping low. “In my pack, strength is rewarded, loyalty is expected. And opportunities… well they are given to those who have proves themselves.

He reached out suddenly, brushing a lock off my face.

I flinched before I could stop myself.

Kael's eyes widened, dark amusement spreading across his face.

“I can teach you,” He said softly. “I can give you everything most would kill for. Safety. Power. Recognition.”

My throat felt heavy. “What do you want from me?”

He leaned in just close enough to me to catch his sweet smell of cologne clinging to him.

“Everything love,” Kael whispered.

For a long moment, neither of us moved. The world around blurred …The music, the bonfire, the laughter until it was only me and him and the sickening realization that whatever this man wanted, he always got it.

Before I could respond, another presence stepped into the circle.

A pack warrior.

He bowed low. “My Alpha. There are some unknown movements in the eastern sector. Could be rogues.”

Kael's expression didn't change, but I saw it – The flare in his nostrils, the flicker of irritation in his jaw. And then his attention drifted from me like a wind.

“Send a squad,” He said curtly. “Kill anything that doesn't kneel.”

“Yes Alpha.” The warrior disappeared as fast as he came.

Kael turned to me again. “Go enjoy the rest of the celebration, Elena. We'll speak again soon.”

And just like that, I was dismissed.

People watched me as I walked back. Some nodded. Some didn't try to hide their curiosity. One woman – a tall blonde haired in a purple silk gown pulled her mate closer as our eyes met.

What was that even supposed to mean? As if pulling her mate closer would protect him from a conversation. I couldn't help myself but to laugh.

Rowan had disappeared, probably hiding where snakes like him waited to receive orders from Kael. Good. I didn't want anyone near me at the moment.

My fingers tingled where Kael touched me. I rubbed my palm against my thighs, as if I could erase it.

I wandered off the main path and ducked under a tree line until I reached a slope overlooking the North cliff. The noises of celebration and laughter faded behind me, replaced by the hush of the wind.

I sat, knees pulled to my chest, letting the cold rock support me.

Strong he'd called me.

Untrained.

Potential.

Words that should have made me proud only made me nauseous. I didn't want Kael's approval.

The sound of footsteps crunched behind me.

I tensed.

“Thought I'd find you here.”

I turned, and to my suprise, it was Elara.

“What are you even doing here?” I said.

“Something wrong with me checking up on my little sister?”

Now I knew the wine was strong tonight.

I didn't respond.

Instead she sat beside me, her boots scraping the ground. She didn't look at me, just rested her arms on her knees and stared at the serene view.

Neither of us spoke for a while. We just listened to the sound of the wind.

Then she said, “You know he's just testing you right?”

I didn't reply.

Why was she even bringing this up?

“Trying to see if you would break.” She continued.

“And if I do?”

Elara gave a humourless smile. “Then he won't bother again. He doesn't waste his time on the weak.”

I swallowed. “And if I don't?”

She finally looked at me.“Then you have a bigger problem.” Her eyes weren't cruel… just tired.

I bit my lips. “ I didn't ask for any of this.”

Elara shrugged. “Doesn't matter, it's yours now.”

She stood up and brushed off her pants, then paused. “Be careful, Elena. Kael likes pretty things with potential. But he likes them better when they are obedient.”

And with that, she disappeared into the dark.

It took me few seconds to assimilate that I was actually talking to Elara about all this, and she responded without any traces of grudge or resentment. Was she possibly drunk?

I sat down there long after she left, the wind tugging at my hair.

Everything inside me itched – like my body wanted to shift again just to get out of it self.

I didn't want Kael's attention.

But I had it.

And the more I tried to ignore that truth, the louder it screamed.