SHE BELONGS TO ME

KIERAN

She had only just opened her eyes before the color drained from her face. Panic flickered in them, and before I could reach her, she fainted again, her body going limp against the sheets.

A growl rumbled in my chest as I mind-linked the physician immediately. Get here. Now.

Within minutes, the man was at my chambers, bowing before approaching the bed. He checked her pulse, her breathing, and his brows furrowed.

“What’s wrong with her now?” I asked, sharper than intended.

He hesitated. “My lord… there is no physical injury beyond what I’ve already treated. Perhaps she was startled or overwhelmed, and her body could not handle the stress. That could explain her fainting.”

My eyes narrowed. “Is she mute?”

“I cannot say for certain,” the physician admitted. “We will only know when she wakes again. I’m sorry, Alpha.”

“Leave.” My voice was low, firm, leaving no room for argument. He bowed quickly and retreated.

The room fell silent except for the sound of her soft, uneven breaths. I sat back in my chair, staring at her. For years, I had given up hope, twenty-five years of waiting, of thinking the Moon Goddess had forsaken me. And yet here she was. My mate. Fragile. Hurt. Silent.

A sharp protectiveness clawed at my chest. After all this time… she’s mine. And nothing, no one, will touch her.

I pressed a hand to the sheets near her, not daring to touch more. I will. Even if I have to fight the world to do it.

Through the mind link, I reached for Dorian. Bring food and juice. Something light. To my chambers.

He didn’t question it. “On my way.”

Thirty minutes later, the door opened and Dorian strode in, balancing a tray. He set it down, then leaned against the table, eyes narrowing at the sight of the unconscious girl.

“How is she?” Dorian asked quietly.

“She woke… and fainted again,” I replied flatly.

Dorian gave a low whistle, shaking his head. “That’s rough”.

I finally dragged my eyes from the bed to look at him. “How is Evelina.”

His mouth pressed into a thin line. “She cried. A lot. She’s furious too. You know how she gets.”

“She’ll get over it,” I said, though the weight of my voice betrayed a flicker of guilt.

“You shouldn’t have yelled at her like that,” Dorian pressed, arms folding. “She’s your sister, Alaric.”

My jaw tightened. “You think I don’t know that? I had no choice.”

Dorian didn’t back down. He never did. That was why he was my Beta, my brother in all but blood. “Maybe. But you didn’t need to shout at her.”

My jaw tightened. “I regret shouting. But I couldn’t let anyone near her. I didn't want to talk at that moment.”

Dorian’s eyes narrowed further, but he smirked faintly. “You’re still the same, stubborn as hell.”

“And you’re still too free with your tongue,” I shot back, though without heat.

He chuckled, shaking his head. “Someone has to be. You’d suffocate without me.”

Despite myself, the edge in my chest softened. We had been boys together, trained side by side, bled side by side. He was my Beta, yes, but more than that, my brother in all but blood.

“I don’t mind your bluntness, Dorian,” I said finally, my voice quieter. “You earned that right years ago.”

He grinned, satisfied, and tapped the table. “Good. Now eat something yourself, before you collapse watching over her.”

I ignored the suggestion, turning my eyes back to the girl in my bed, my mate. I didn’t know her name. I didn’t know her story. But I knew one thing with absolute certainty.

I wasn’t going to lose her.

He stepped closer, lowering his tone. “Listen. I’ve known you all my life. I know that when you set your mind on something, nothing moves you. But think, what good will you do her weak and faint? You’re her mate. Protecting her means staying strong for her.”

Silence stretched. My hand flexed against my thigh.

Finally, I gave a grudging nod. “Fine.”

Dorian smirked, victory flashing in his eyes. “Good. I’ll have the chef prepare another tray just for her. Fresh and hot, straight from the kitchens.”

He moved to the door, but paused when he heard my low murmur, speaking more to myself than to him.

“She’ll need her strength. She’ll have it… from me, from everything I can give.”

Dorian’s expression softened for a moment, but he didn’t reply. He only left quietly, the door closing behind him, leaving me alone with her once more.

I turned back to the bed, watching the rise and fall of her chest. My mate. My salvation. My curse.

And I swore, no matter the cost, she would never be harmed again.