Chapter 5

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?