Killian ran a hand through his hair, letting out a slow breath before his gaze darted away. He couldn’t let his father see the turmoil raging inside him.“Father, I… I’m… considering—” he began, voice clipped, but his father interrupted, no patience for hesitation.“Killian, you must choose her before it’s too late,” his father said, urgency in his tone.Killian’s head snapped toward him, lips curling slightly in a controlled scowl. “Why do you always push me?” His voice was low, dangerous. “I am the Alpha King now. I make the decisions. Not you. Not anyone.”His father leaned forward, unflinching. “I’m just reminding you of the reality, son. Every Alpha needs a Luna. Strength, unity… and without her, your pack is weak. Decide. Set the date for the marking and the mating ceremony—soon.”Killian’s gaze hardened, cold and unyielding, but he gave a curt nod in acknowledgment.“I wanted to discuss one more thing,” his father added. “The Harvest Moon Festival is coming up. As the head Alp
Killian mind-linked Ethan. ‘Send a bed to my room. Now.’‘What’s the matter?’ Ethan replied instantly.‘Just send it—before I have to come find you myself,’ Killian growled in his mind.‘Okay, Alpha. On my way,’ Ethan answered.A few minutes later, there was a knock at the door.Killian opened the door to find Ethan waiting, flanked by four men carrying a king-sized bed. He gestured for them to come in. Within minutes, the old bed and mattress were replaced with a brand-new king-sized set. Ethan gave him a mischievous wink before leaving, making Killian glare coldly at his Beta’s playful audacity.Isabella stood in the corner, arms crossed, still frowning. “Here’s your new bed,” Killian said, gesturing toward it. “Now make yourself comfortable, princess.”Exhausted, he wanted nothing more than to pull her into his arms and sleep, inhaling her sweet scent—but he knew he had ruined that chance. Instead, he lay on his side, turning his back to her, and closed his eyes, pretending to sl
Isabella’s eyes widened in panic as she grabbed at his hand, trying desperately to pry it away while her breath hitched.“Fuck!” Killian’s senses snapped back instantly, and he released her neck. Isabella gasped, clutching her throat, the skin already marked by his fingers.“Baby… I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to,” he murmured, his hand hovering over her neck, checking the injury with concern.“Don’t… touch me. Stay away,” she choked out, her voice trembling, tears brimming in her eyes.He hadn’t intended it. It had been a reflex, pure instinct—an involuntary reaction born of anger. He hadn't meant to choke her. Not like this. Not ever.He had ways to dominate her when it was meant to bring pleasure, when she was beneath him—but in anger? Never.The next moment, she moved toward the door, as if she intended to leave, but Killian stepped in front of her.“Baby, please… I said I’m sorry. I’ve never said sorry to anyone before, but I truly mean it. You shouldn’t have slapped me…” His words fa
“Divorce?!” Killian growled, his voice low and rough with anger. “How the hell do you even think of saying that?”Isabella stood her ground, her eyes fierce with hurt. “Because… you can’t have me and your girlfriend at the same time. You want both, don’t you? So I’m just making it easier for you. Divorce me… let me go. Then go be with her.”His jaw tightened, and his eyes darkened. “I’m not letting you go. And… no. I don’t want anyone else but you. You’re my Luna. Only you… always.”Isabella’s lips trembled, and her eyes filled with tears. Enough. She had endured too many lies and fake promises. She knew better than to trust a playboy’s words.“No,” she spat, voice breaking but fierce. “I don’t want to be with you. I don’t want you, Alpha Killian.”“You don't want me, huh?!” His eyes narrowed dangerously. Without warning, he stepped forward, his hands tightening around her waist, pulling her close. She froze for a moment—but before she could resist, he covered her lips with his own.
The hurt on Isabella’s face terrified Killian more than anything else ever had—it felt as if his heart had stopped beating. He wasn’t afraid of anything in the world—not even death—but the mere thought of losing Isabella…He wanted to leap after her, to stop her, to explain what had just happened. But Maya’s arm was still around his neck, holding him back, preventing him from moving toward his wife.Earlier, when Killian had been waiting for Isabella in their bedroom, Maya had barged in. She’d smelled Isabella’s scent on him and immediately started arguing. Killian, not wanting to ruin the night, dismissed her, saying they would talk in the morning. But instead of leaving, Maya grabbed his shirt collar and threw herself onto the bed, pulling him down with her before he could react or even process what was happening.Just then, Isabella had entered the room—and seen him lying atop Maya.No. No! No! This can’t be happening! Killian’s heart screamed in desperation.He’d called out to her
Isabella couldn’t believe her eyes for a moment. It wasn’t just her eyes—her mind and heart both refused to accept what she was seeing. How could he… after everything he had promised her?Her husband. Her mate. He was lying on top of his girlfriend, his head buried in her neck as if completely lost in her touch.Before she could even cover her mouth, a sharp gasp tore from her throat as reality struck her like a physical blow. Killian’s head jerked toward her, his eyes wide with shock the moment he saw her standing at the door.“Isabella…” he whispered, trying to rise, but Maya’s arms tightened around his neck, holding him back.The sight was unbearable. The betrayal burned through her chest, sharp and suffocating. Without thinking, she spun on her heels and fled the room, leaving them to their affair without a word.Her steps were frantic as she hurried down the stairs, then burst out of the pack house into the night. Tears streamed down her cheeks without her consent, unstoppable, n