Lena's Pov
"Didn’t expect to find me here, did you?” Theo’s voice was like a sneer, filling the hallway with tension as I took a step back, eyeing him warily. I hadn’t expected to run into him so early, and I definitely wasn’t in the mood for one of his games. “I was just going to get things done,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady and slip past him, hoping he’d be satisfied enough to let me go. But he didn’t move. Instead, he sidestepped in front of me, blocking my path. Before I could react, his hand shot out, gripping my neck, not hard enough to choke me, but firm enough to hold me in place. I gasped, feeling the roughness of his fingers pressing against my throat as he leaned in closer, his breath warm against my cheek. “The way out is there,” he said, his eyes cold as he jerked his head toward the end of the hall. I swallowed, my heart pounding as I tried to maintain my composure. “If you really want me to leave, why don’t you throw me out yourself?” Something crossed his face, anger, frustration, maybe both. But he released me, his grip loosening as he gave a derisive laugh, clearly unwilling to risk his father’s wrath. I coughed, rubbing my sore neck, trying to catch my breath. “Pathetic,” he muttered, shoving me aside with a cold smirk before striding down the hallway without a backward glance. Moments later, the bell rang, echoing through the halls. I straightened, forcing myself to push the encounter out of my mind as I joined everyone heading toward the dining room. Breakfast was already set, and the table gleamed with polished silver and crisp white linens. I took a seat, grateful to be out of Theo’s sight, and tried to focus on the food instead of my bruised pride. Just as I began eating, the room’s energy shifted. A woman entered, every eye drawn to her as she moved with effortless grace. She was stunning, dark hair cascading over her shoulders, eyes sharp with an air of confidence that came naturally to someone who’d clearly been pampered her whole life. Her clothes were refined, her posture regal, as if she’d been molded to fit this world. “Killian!” Theo’s voice held a note of excitement I hadn’t heard before. He rose from his seat and crossed the room to embrace her, his face lighting up in a way that stung, even if I didn’t know why. She smiled warmly at Alpha Gideon, bowing her head in respect, then turned her gaze on Riley, who gave her a nod of acknowledgment. I tried to ignore them, focusing on my meal, but I barely managed two bites before Alpha Gideon’s voice cut through my thoughts. “Lena, I’d like you to meet Killian. She and Theo grew up together; they’re close, practically family.” I glanced up, my gaze meeting Killian ’s as she gave me a polite but distant smile. I forced myself to nod, trying not to feel awkward, like an intruder in their close-knit world. But before Alpha Gideon could continue, Theo interrupted, his arm casually slung around Killian ’s shoulders. “We’re heading for a walk after breakfast. Alone,” he added, throwing a pointed glance my way. Killian seemed to notice, stepping in quickly. “It’s fine, really,” she said, her voice smooth and easy, as if she didn’t want to make a scene. After breakfast, I wanted to leave, only to hear Killian call out, suggesting I join them in the garden. Before I could even hesitate, Theo had smirked at me, obviously relishing the discomfort this little outing would bring. Part of me wanted to refuse, but something in Killain’s gentle smile and soft request had me nodding reluctantly. We all had blindfolds on, and Killian ’s laughter rang through the air as she and Theo darted between the hedges, calling to each other in a playful chase. I took a few tentative steps, unsure why I was even here. I heard Theo’s footsteps close by, and before I could react, his arms wrapped around me, pulling me close. “Found you,” he murmured, a mocking satisfaction in his voice. He lifted the blindfold from my eyes, and before I could react, his lips were on mine. The kiss was brief, rough, filled with something I couldn’t identify, anger, perhaps, or control. But just as suddenly as it began, he pulled back, his face twisted in a scowl. “You did that on purpose,” he sneered, shoving me back. “You stayed there, waiting, hoping I’d find you, just so you could throw yourself at me. That’s how pathetic you are, Lena.” His words cut like knives, each one digging deeper than the last. I staggered back, hurt and humiliated, but unable to respond. He was already walking away, hand in hand with Killian , leaving me alone in the middle of the garden, trying to hold myself together. The only reason I’d joined the chase was because Killian had asked. But clearly, that didn’t matter. My feet dragged through the dirt as I found my way back to the main house. I barely registered the mud caking my dress, or the stray leaves clinging to my hair as I walked up the stairs, my heart heavy with frustration. I wanted nothing more than to lock myself away, to hide from the world, and somehow forget the sting of Theo’s words. Once back in my room, I went straight to the bathroom, scrubbing away the dirt and dried leaves. The hot water did little to soothe the ache inside, but I was determined to pull myself together. I stepped out, wrapped in a towel, only to freeze at the sight before me. A guy was standing by the dresser, his gaze sweeping over me, a small smirk on his lips. I could feel the heat creeping up my neck, shock and embarrassment flooding through me. “Hey!” I snapped, pulling the towel tighter. “What are you doing here?” He didn’t answer, instead stepping forward, closing the distance between us. I tried to back up, but there was nowhere to go. And then, before I could react, his lips pressed against mine, the kiss soft yet filled with an intensity that left me breathless. My mind screamed that I should push him away, but my body… my body didn’t resist. For one fleeting moment, I let myself melt into the kiss, let myself feel something other than anger and fear. When he finally pulled back, he looked at me, his eyes glinting with satisfaction. “I knew you’d be the one,” he murmured, a teasing smile on his lips. “And for the record, your lips taste… sweet.” I cleared my throat, flustered, trying to regain my composure. “What….what are you doing in my room?” He shrugged, still watching me with that same infuriating smile. “Just wanted to check on you. Heard you had an… interesting time with Theo and Killian .” The reminder of Theo’s harsh words and Killian ’s quiet elegance filled me with a fresh wave of embarrassment. He was still looking at me, as if waiting for me to react. What do I do to the kiss from a strange man?Lena's Pov "Didn’t expect to find me here, did you?”Theo’s voice was like a sneer, filling the hallway with tension as I took a step back, eyeing him warily. I hadn’t expected to run into him so early, and I definitely wasn’t in the mood for one of his games. “I was just going to get things done,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady and slip past him, hoping he’d be satisfied enough to let me go.But he didn’t move. Instead, he sidestepped in front of me, blocking my path. Before I could react, his hand shot out, gripping my neck, not hard enough to choke me, but firm enough to hold me in place. I gasped, feeling the roughness of his fingers pressing against my throat as he leaned in closer, his breath warm against my cheek.“The way out is there,” he said, his eyes cold as he jerked his head toward the end of the hall. I swallowed, my heart pounding as I tried to maintain my composure. “If you really want me to leave, why don’t you throw me out yourself?”Something crossed hi
Theo's Pov "Get out of my bed before I throw you out myself." My voice was a low growl as I shielded my eyes, trying to shake off the shock of finding her, Lena, curled up on my bed. The sheet barely covered her, draped over her like an invitation. I clenched my jaw, trying to rein in my anger… or maybe something else.“Then get out so I can make sure I’m not naked,” she shot back, her voice firm and unashamed.I lowered my hand just enough to glare at her. “You are supposed to be embarrassed, not blunt.”“Maybe I would be if you hadn’t barged in here without knocking,” she countered, sitting up and clutching the sheet closer. “Besides, it’s not my fault you didn’t make it clear this was your room.”I took a step forward, shaking my head at her defiance. I expected her to look away, to be apologetic, or at the very least, to show some fear. Instead, she held my gaze with that steady, irritating fire that seemed to never leave her eyes. Who was this girl?I snorted, half-amused desp
Lena's Pov “Where are you taking me?” I asked, keeping my voice down. “To the Lord’s Quarters,” she replied, not sparing me a glance.The Lord’s Quarters. I swallowed, dread knotting in my stomach. Whoever this Lord was, I doubted I’d be welcome. I was an outsider, a stranger, and I had no idea why Gideon had chosen to take me in. I wasn’t sure I wanted to know.We turned another corner, and my eyes darted to the tapestries on the wall, anything to distract myself from the tension pooling in my chest. Suddenly, she stopped in her tracks. A tall figure stepped out of the shadows, blocking our way. He was dressed in dark clothes that matched the hardened, bitter look in his eyes.“Leave us,” he ordered with a cold tone.The lady's mouth tightened as she bowed and hurried away, leaving me alone in the narrow passage with the stranger. He took a step closer, his eyes went around me, so much disgust and irritation written all over his face. He reached up, his fingers brushing my hair a
Lena's Pov "Where am I?” My voice was a hoarse whisper, echoing in the silence of the unfamiliar room. My head throbbed, a dull, relentless ache that pulsed behind my eyes.I blinked, trying to clear my vision. I didn’t remember coming here. Was I….in paradise? I was so sure hell wouldn't be as beautiful as the room I was in.A creak broke the silence, the sound of a door opening somewhere nearby. I panicked, jolting me fully awake. I stumbled, clumsy in my disorientation, and threw myself behind a thick, dark curtain hanging by the side of the room. I pressed my back against the wall, trying to steady my breaths. Who was here? And where was I?Heavy footsteps approached, crossing the floor with a confident, unhurried pace. I held my breath as a voice, deep and calm, spoke from somewhere nearby.“You don’t need to hide. I know you’re awake.” My heart raced as I pressed closer to the wall. How did he know I was up? I hadn’t made a sound. Before I could even think of an escape, a s
Lena's PovI didn't know what life laid ahead for me, but I was damn sure it was hell. My life as the daughter of an Alpha linked to a prophecy of doom was nothing short of miserability. And in the cold night, both of my parents were killed, right in front of me. …what could I have done wrong?"Lena, listen to me, hide! Don’t let anyone find you." My mother’s voice was a fierce, trembling whisper as she clutched my shoulders, her eyes were wild with fear and my legs wobbled. "You need to run, Lena. Don’t look back, just…."A thunderous howl cut through the night, and my mother flinched, her gaze darting behind her. She let go of me and took a step back, standing between me and the sound. The shadows moved, revealing him, our Beta. A trusted face that was once full of warmth, now twisted into something unrecognizable, cold and monstrous. He was like a bloody monster looking for whom to devour and he found them…. My parents. “Why?” That was all my little child brain could think of.