Stephan

One hour had passed, and I found myself standing on the forest's edge, patiently waiting for Killian. After tidying up from breakfast, he had hurried off to the pack house to attend to urgent matters, promising to meet me in thirty minutes.

Uncertain if I truly desired to run with him, an activity I had previously enjoyed with Stephan, I recognized the importance of putting in effort to make our relationship work. Running together could potentially be one of the few shared interests we had.

The day was a picturesque autumn scene, with trees adorned in shades of orange, red, and gold, and a clear, azure sky above. Although the morning mist was receding under the warmth of the sun's ascent, delicate tendrils of fog still danced near the ground, lending an ethereal touch to the surroundings.

This place truly felt like paradise to me, and I couldn't fathom ever finding such comfort and tranquility elsewhere.

"Where the hell is he?" I muttered under my breath, taking a long, deep breath to allow the crisp air to rejuvenate my body and uplift my spirits.

Killian's delay had begun to stir restlessness within me, prompting me to engage in a series of stretches and movements to quell my impatience.

My gaze shifted towards the house, my thoughts filled with uncertainty. How much longer would I have to wait? As Alpha, Killian's responsibilities often consumed his time, but did that mean I had to passively wait, twiddling my thumbs? The enchanting forest beckoned to me, whispering its allure and tempting me to venture ahead without him.

Yet, the memory of my father's strict warning resurfaced in my mind, the danger of navigating the woods alone, with potential hunters lurking and the deadly traps they set. My own mother had tragically fallen victim to such a trap. Going against my father's orders sparked fear within me, but the eagerness to immerse myself in the untouched beauty of nature tugged at my heart.

With a heavy sigh, I decided to give Killian a few more minutes. If he didn't appear, I would have to make peace with the idea of exploring on my own, cautiously and within the limits my father had set.

Just as my thoughts swirled in turmoil, a familiar voice shattered my inner conflict.

"Good morning." Startled, I spun around to find Stephan standing a few steps away, his sandy brown hair illuminated by the sun, casting a radiant golden hue.

"Stephan!" My heart soared with joy, and I rushed towards him, ready to embrace my friend. But as I closed in, he stepped back, halting me in my tracks. Confused, I looked at him and asked, "What's wrong?"

His words cut through me, carving wounds of bitterness. "What's wrong? Don't play innocent with me, Hailey. You know what the fuck is wrong," he seethed with rage, clenching his jaws and balling his fists.

"I don't understand," I murmured, my brow furrowed with genuine confusion. The mating ceremony, forced upon me by the Elders for the sake of pack unity, had not been my choice. Stephan had been present, hearing the same speeches I had.

"We both know this isn't my fault," I argued with a frown.

Without meeting my hazel eyes, Stephan tightly clenched his fists, engaged in a battle with his own personal demons. The air between us grew heavy with unspoken turmoil during the tense silence.

Finally, he released a deep sigh, his scowl fading away to reveal a profound sorrow. "I had wished to be your mate," he confessed, his voice brimming with unfulfilled desires.

"I love you Hailey, I can't stand to watch you with another man," He added

My broken heart tugged with pain upon hearing his words, comprehending the pain and yearning evident in his tone. Taking a small step closer, I extended my arm to gently touch his, offering comfort.

"I understand," I whispered, my voice tinged with sadness and empathy. "I held the same hope." I delicately interlocked my fingers with his, a tender gesture of solace.

"But this union was necessary for the well-being of our packs. It doesn't mean that my feelings for you have changed."

Stephan met my gaze, his eyes filled with longing, intently studying the contours of my face. "Let's run away," he softly spoke, his touch tenderly caressing my cheek before settling on my lips.

"You know I can't," I said, lowering my gaze and biting my lip.

"I know," Stephan said with a sigh. "Fuck, I feel so helpless."

"Stephan," I tilted his gaze to meet mine, and for a moment, the world seemed to disappear. "I love you, I always will, but I think it's best we move on."

"I don't have the strength to move on, Hailey," he ran his hand through his brown hair and groaned in frustration. "I'd rather die than let anyone take you from me."

The silence stretched between us, pregnant with tension, as I realized Stephan was inching closer, his intent to kiss me becoming unmistakable.

"No! No! No! Stephan, don't!" My conscience pricked at me, reminding me that Stephan wasn't my mate, Killian was.

Nervously, I knew I had to step away. Before I could act, the snap of a twig shattered the moment, causing Stephan to hastily retreat and release my hand. We both turned to find Killian standing nearby, his gaze narrowing into a glare as he took in the scene before him.

"Hailey, it seems you found a little dog to play with," Killian's voice was laced with an undercurrent of anger, sending a shiver down my spine and igniting anxiety within me.

"Who does he think he's calling a dog?" Stephan thought with a glare. However, knowing Killian's position as an Alpha, he refrained from making any remarks.

"I... I was just talking to Stephan," I stammered, my voice filled with fear as Killian's expression grew increasingly frightening. I instinctively took a step back, seeking distance from his intensity. It seemed the rumors weren't farfetched, Killian looked as intimidating and frightful as one's nightmare when angered.

"Yes, I can see that. I'm not blind," Killian shot me a fleeting glance before fixing his gaze on Stephan, a visible disdain shaping his features.

"So, this is the 'friend' you mentioned earlier?" His tone dripped with sarcasm.

I tried to clarify, my voice trembling with apprehension. "Yes, Stephan and I have been friends since childhood." I hoped my explanation would soften the tension.

Killian's eyes narrowed further, his nostrils flaring with an ominous aura. "Friends, huh? It seems there was more going on than mere friendship from what I witnessed just now."

Panic surged through me as I desperately searched for the right words to defend myself.

"No, Killian, it's not like that. Stephan and I were just talking. I promise you, there's nothing else between us."

Killian nodded at Stephan, his gaze cool and distant. "I'm glad you found companionship in my absence. However, please remind your 'friend' that as my mate, you are off-limits to all others." His words carried a hint of possessiveness, fueling the heat that now rose in my cheeks.

Desperate to defend my actions, I spoke hurriedly. "We were only talking, nothing more!"

But Killian's stern gaze silenced me, leaving me trembling with a mix of guilt and apprehension, uncertain of what consequences this encounter would bring.

"I don't fancy other dogs taking a bite of what is mine," The words rumbled from his throat and Stephan retreated, instinctively acknowledging his dominance.

"Find some bone to play with and get the fuck out of my sight, Wormling!" He glared at Stephan as his eyes turned shades redder and darker.

"I should probably go now, Hailey... I... I'll see you around," Stephan's voice quivered with regret, angered by his state of being powerless.

I nodded, my heart heavy with sadness. I knew deep down that our friendship would never be the same, that this would likely be our last encounter. In that moment, anger surged within me, but i focused my gaze on Stephan retreating figure, keeping my emotions in check as i turned to face Killian.

"There was no need to drive him away like that, you were too rude,"

Killian expression hardened. "I did not drive him away, I simply made it clear that you are my mate now, and boundaries must be respected."

"He was just, " I attempted to voice my objections, but Killian cut me off sharply.

"I know exactly what he was doing," Killian voice carried a sharp edge. "I could scent his desire for you, and I will not tolerate any other male vying for your attention. We are bonded, and you are mine. No other male is allowed to encroach upon our territory."

"Encroach?!" My eyes widened with outrage.

"Yes. That boy needs to remember that you are off-limits before he makes a grave mistake," Killian's tone remained firm, unwavering, "I'd burn him if he gets too close,"

Exasperated, i huffed indignantly. " Stop treating me like a slave...i can make my own deci..."

"This conversation is over," Killian voice held a finality that brooked no argument. "You are my mate. That silly dog will stay away. End of discussion. Now, are we going for a run or not?"

I paused, considering storming off in frustration, but i knew it would only be cutting off her own nose to spite her face. I loved to run, and deep down I knew Killian was right.

As much as it pained me to admit it, i could no longer encourage a relationship with Stephan, just as Killian couldn't to the woman he loved, It wouldn't be fair to him. With a small nod to Killian, i shifted into her wolf form and dashed into the forest, fully aware of the complicated path i had chosen.