Too close to the edge

For a moment, I thought he wouldn’t answer. His gaze flicked away, jaw tightening again. When he finally spoke, his voice was low.

“You’re drawing attention.”

My stomach dropped. “Bad attention?”

“Potentially.”

“Because of the bond.”

“Yes.”

The honesty startled me.

“And Lila,” he added. “She’s not subtle when she feels threatened.”

“I’m not trying to threaten anyone.”

“I know,” he said again, more firmly. “But intent doesn’t matter here. Perception does.”

He pushed off the door and took a step closer, then stopped himself, like he was hitting an invisible line.

“You need to be careful,” he said. “This territory is mine, but that doesn’t mean everyone here agrees with every decision I make.”

“Do you regret it?” I asked quietly.

He met my eyes instantly. “No.”

The word was sharp. Certain.

Not buying me.

Something else.

The bond flared in response, heat flooding my chest so fast it made me dizzy. Ryder sucked in a breath, his hands curling into fists at his sides.

“This,” he said through clenched teeth, “is exactly what I mean.”

“I didn’t do anything.”

“I know.” His voice dropped. “That’s the problem.”

For a long moment, neither of us moved. The air between us felt charged, heavy with things we weren’t saying. I could feel his wolf, close to the surface, pressing against him just like mine pressed against me.

“I’ll keep my head down,” I said finally. “I won’t cause trouble.”

His gaze softened just a fraction. “You existing isn’t trouble, Vada.”

The way he said my name sent a shiver through me.

“I’ll see you tomorrow,” he added, already turning toward the door like he needed to leave before something snapped.

“Ryder.”

He paused.

“Thank you,” I said. “For the healer. For… everything.”

He didn’t look back. “Get some rest.”

The door closed behind him.

I sat there long after he was gone, the bond still humming, my chest aching with something I didn’t have a name for.

He was watching me now. Protecting me in quiet ways. Drawing lines in the sand I hadn’t asked for.

And I had a terrible feeling that this was only the beginning.

Sleep did not come gently.

When it did, it dragged me under like dark water.

I dreamed I was back in Silvercrest. My wrists were bound again. The chains were cold. Faces moved past me, blurred and cruel. Voices argued over my price. Hands grabbed my arms. Someone pulled me forward.

“Sold,” a voice said.

I woke with a sharp gasp, my chest tight, my heart racing like I had been running.

My room was dark.

I pressed a hand to my chest and tried to slow my breathing. The bond hummed softly, like it was reminding me where I was. Who I belonged to. The thought made my stomach twist.

I hated how comforting that feeling was.

Morning came too fast.

My hands still ached, wrapped in clean bandages, but the pain was dull now. I washed up carefully and went back to the kitchens. Mara barely glanced at me, but she gave me lighter work today. I noticed. I didn’t comment.

As the hours passed, I felt eyes on me. Not friendly ones.

Whispers followed me when I crossed the courtyard with a basket of herbs.

“She’s the one.”

“The bonded one.”

“A weakness.”

I slowed my steps without meaning to.

“If the Alpha can be distracted, he can be killed.”

My fingers tightened around the basket.

“She doesn’t belong here.”

Fear crawled up my spine. I kept walking, my head down, pretending I hadn’t heard anything. Pretending my legs weren’t shaking.

Kade found me near the storage rooms later. He didn’t smile this time.

“You need to be careful,” he said quietly.

“Why?” I asked, even though I already knew.

“Some rogues don’t like change. And they really don’t like bonded Alphas.” He looked around before leaning closer. “To them, a mate is a weak spot.”

“I never asked for this,” I whispered.

“I know,” he said gently. “But that won’t matter to them.”

The rest of the day felt heavy. Every sound made me tense. Every shadow felt too close.

In the courtyard that evening, one of the rogues blocked my path. He was tall, broad, his eyes sharp and cold.

“You think you’re special,” he said.

“I’m just passing through,” I replied, my voice quiet.

He leaned closer. “You’ve made our Alpha soft.”

I didn’t get the chance to answer.

The air changed.

Ryder was there.

He didn’t touch the rogue. Didn’t raise his voice. He just looked at him.

The power in that look was overwhelming. The rogue stiffened, his face draining of color. He lowered his head without a word and stepped aside.

Ryder turned his gaze to me.

“Go,” he said.

I moved quickly, my heart pounding, but something else stirred beneath the fear.

Safety.

For the first time since I was sold, I felt it.

And I hated myself for needing it.

That night, I couldn’t sleep again.

The bond pulled at me. Soft at first. Then stronger. Like a quiet voice calling my name.

I tried to ignore it. I stayed in my bed. I pressed my face into the pillow. But my body moved before my mind agreed.

I walked through the halls barefoot, the stone cool beneath my feet. Every step felt wrong and right at the same time.

I stopped outside Ryder’s door.

This was a mistake.

I raised my hand, then let it fall. I turned to leave.

The door opened.

Ryder stood there, eyes dark, fully awake.

“I felt you,” he said quietly.

And I knew I was already standing too close to the edge