Chapter 5: The King’s Cage

"I... I don't know what you're talking about," I stammered, stepping back until my spine hit the rough bark of a pine tree.

Killian pushed off the tree he was leaning against. He tossed the half-smoked cigarette onto the wet ground and crushed it under his boot.

"Don't lie to me, Elena. It insults us both," he said, his voice deceptively soft. He took a step closer, the moonlight catching the dangerous glint in his eyes. "I heard your heartbeat change the moment you saw me. And I can smell the change in your scent. Milk and honey. It’s faint, but to a King? It’s unmistakable."

He stopped right in front of me, placing one hand on the tree trunk beside my head, boxing me in.

"You are carrying my pup."

It wasn't a question.

"It's a mistake," I whispered, my voice trembling. "It was one night. I'll... I'll get rid of it."

The air temperature dropped instantly. Killian’s hand shot out, his fingers wrapping around my throat—not choking me, but holding me in a warning grip.

"You will do no such thing," he growled, his face inches from mine. The playfulness was gone. This was the monster everyone feared. "That child inside you is of Royal blood. It is the only thing keeping you alive right now."

"Why do you care?" I choked out, tears stinging my eyes. "You're the exile. You hate this pack. Why would you want an heir with... with your son's reject?"

Killian’s expression shifted. The anger faded, replaced by something darker. Something possessive.

"Because Liam is a weakling. He is not fit to lead," Killian murmured, his thumb stroking my jawline. "But this child? Born of my blood and your... fire? This child will be a true King."

He leaned down, his lips brushing against my ear. "And you, little mother, are coming with me."

"No! I won't go back to the Forbidden Wing!" I struggled, pushing against his chest. "I won't be your prisoner!"

"You think you're safe out here?" Killian laughed darkly. "Do you think Chloe will let you live once she finds out you're pregnant? She'll poison you before you even show. Or Liam... do you think his ego can handle raising his father's bastard?"

I froze. He was right. I had nowhere to go.

"I'm offering you a deal, Elena," Killian said, pulling back slightly to look me in the eye.

"A deal?"

"You come with me. You live in my wing. You carry my heir to term in safety and luxury. No one touches you. No one disrespects you. Not Liam, not Chloe, not your father."

"And in return?" I asked, wary.

"In return," Killian smirked, a cruel, handsome twist of his lips. "You belong to me. In every way. Until the pup is born, you are mine to command. Mine to touch. Mine to keep."

He held out his hand. It was a devil's bargain.

I looked at the dark forest behind him—cold, dangerous, uncertain. Then I looked at the man in front of me—a monster, yes, but a monster who offered me power.

If I went with him, I would be the most hated woman in the pack. The whore who slept with the King.

But I would also be untouchable.

I thought of Chloe’s mocking face. I thought of Liam’s betrayal.

I want them to pay. I want to see them kneel.

Slowly, I raised my hand and placed it in his. His large fingers closed around mine, warm and engulfing.

"Good girl," Killian purred.

Before I could react, he swept me up into his arms, bridal style. I gasped, clinging to his broad shoulders.

"Where are we going?" I asked.

He didn't look down. He just strode back towards the towering, dark mansion that loomed over the pack house.

"Home," he said.

As we walked out of the shadows and into the moonlight, I saw a figure standing on the balcony of the main house.

It was Liam.

He watched, pale and horrified, as his father carried his ex-girlfriend—carrying his future sibling—into the darkness.

Killian saw him too. He didn't stop. He just tightened his grip on me, a silent message to his son:

Game over.