CHAPTER 5

Kiara's POV

For the next couple of seconds, I stood rooted in my spot, totally unable to move, or breathe. My breath hitched in my throat and a huge lump formed at the base of my throat. I tried everything in my power to push it down, but it just didn't budge.

Time seemed to slow to a halt around me, as I tried to figure out what the hell had just happened. My wolf had abandoned me when I needed her the most, and just when I thought she was gone forever, she just had to make her presence known again, and with just one message for me.

Mate.

The last time I'd heard that word was with Hunter, and where had that gotten me? I didn't believe in the moon goddess playing elaborate pranks on her subjects, but now, ii couldn't help but feel like I had just walked right into one.

Goosebumps raced down my spine, cutting my mini monologue short. I still had my back turned to whoever had decided to join me at the hallway, but I couldn't shake off the feeling of his eyes boring into my back. His gaze was so intense, I couldn't help but feel like he was searching for an opening of some sort, an avenue to access all of my secrets at once.

“I believe I asked a question.” He rasped behind me, his voice the perfect blend of chocolate and something deeper. “Where do you think you're going?”

I gulped. Even if I didn't want to admit it, I'd been caught. It was one thing to not know my way around here, but it was even worse to get caught just at my first attempt. I had barely even crossed the threshold before he stopped me.

“I'm not a fan of repeating myself.” Something about the way he said that made my stomach churn, and I muttered a silent prayer to the moon goddess before making my next move.

I spun slowly to face him, and the moment my gaze landed on the man in front of me, I was stunned.

He stood in front of me,tall and imposing. He was nothing short of a warrior wrapped in the guise of a man. His broad shoulders stretched underneath the shirt he wore, and I didn't miss how his muscles bulged with every slight movement. His hair was a dark blonde color that caught the light now and then, perfectly suiting the sharp contrast of his dark grey eyes. They were a pools of a raging storm, and in my entire life, I'd never been more drawn to something than I was to him right now.

His jaw was lethal, a sharp extension of his face I could swear would cut through the hearts of many, if given the chance. His face was pure perfection, and with each second that passed, I didn't miss how my body thrummed under his gaze. He was as handsome as sin itself, but there was something about his aura that screamed danger and want, and the worse part? A small part of me craved that.

Mate

The words echoed in my head, and I wondered how the hell that was possible.

How could it even be? Had my wolf suddenly snapped back in place, and why did I feel like he had something to do with it?

The Alpha king. Darius was known across the lands for his ruthlessness. He was as evil as they said,but everyone failed to capture how breathtaking he was. Tales of his prowess had spread far and wide. He conquered without remorse, and killed without mercy. He was a god on the battlefield, and the leader of the pack my previous pack had the longest feud with.

Darius didn't speak immediately. If he was aware of the fact that his beauty had knocked me into shock, he didn't show it. He simply stared at me, his eyes unwavering, like he was trying to come up with what to do with me.

I couldn't shake it off, the weight of his eyes on me, how they pierced into my soul, kike he was desperately trying to uncover pieces of me I wanted to hide.

Like I didn't already have so much on my plate, the mate bond whispered again in my ears, and it sent me reeling. I swallowed hard, but it did nothing to help my dry throat. There was no way he hadn't felt it now. I watched him closely, waiting for him to react, but he didn't. Instead, his face remained impassive, and almost impossible to read.

I wanted to ask him about it, but I couldn't bring myself to do so. It hurt too much to think about the fact that fate was playing w cruel game with me. I'd just lost my mate a while ago, and now this? What in the….

“Who are you?” Darius’ voice sliced through the silence. It was low and smooth, but I didn't miss the authority each syllable carried, causing my heart to skip a beat.

I hesitated, more than I would like. It would be pointless to lie to him. I was a rogue, and he could easily tell since I didn't have the scent from my pack anymore.

“I'm a rogue.” My voice came out as a whisper and I hated it. The word tasted like bile in my throat, and no matter how hard I tried, I just couldn't push it down.

Darius stepped forward, and I took one back. The air around us crackled with electricity, and my breath hitched.

“You're a rogue.” He repeated, finally stopping in front of me. His scent was dark and intoxicating, and I forced myself to not get heady. He seemed to consider the label for a moment, and just when I thought it couldn't get any more worse, he added. “I don't tolerate rogues.”

My chest tightened as his words hit me straight in the face. Of all things he could have said, I never saw this one coming. I stared at him, and for the life of me I couldn't bring myself to speak, or move. He was well aware of the authority he had over me, and if this wasn't the most subtle way if showing it, then I had no idea what else would suffice.

“If it were up to me,” Lucien continued, his eyes glaring daggers at me. “You would be dead by morning.”

My heart stopped at how casually he'd spoken the words. To him, I was just another meaningless wolf. I knew I should be offended that he saw me as disposable, but I couldn't help but shudder at the thrill his words sent through my skin.

“But,” Darius broke through my chain of thoughts. “Im not one to make decisions hastily.”

“I'll give you a few days.” He towered over me easily, his voice brimming with that unmistakable air of finality. “A few days to prove your worth, or I'll deal with you accordingly.”

My mind reeled. I wanted to scream, to protest, to plead even, but the words stuck in my throat. What was I even going to say? I was at his mercy and despite how dangerous he was, I found myself completely drawn to him.

“Don't make me regret this.” he added. His words echoed like a threat in the air, but I knew it was nowhere near empty. It was a promise of what to come if I failed to prove my worth.

He turned on his heel, without another word, and just when I thought I'd be free of him, he added.

“Rest for tonight.” Lucian said over his shoulder, his voice icy and detached. “Tomorrow, you'll have time to consider your next move, but don't you think for a moment that you can double cross me.”

“People before you have tried to,and it didn't even well for them.” Chills raced down my spine at his words. “Choose wisely.”

He was on his way before I could let out my next breath. I watched his retreating back, his muscles flexing with each step he took. As he disappeared down the hallway, I couldn't help but realize just how much trouble I'd gotten myself into.