Chapter 3

Pain had been my closest companion for as long as I could remember, so wrapping itself around me like a second skin had been me. But this was different. This was new.

Not the sharp sting of a whip that I had always gotten every day.

Not the dull ache of hunger I always endure every day.

This was something else—something warmer, heavier. Something that made my chest feel tight.

It was him, Killian Blackwood.

I could still feel the imprint of his hands on my skin, as he pulled me on the bed. He had held me—not like an Alpha taking what was his, not like a man claiming ownership. But like someone who had no intention of letting me fall.

And I didn’t know how to handle that, so I was frozen in his arms.

I forced myself to breathe, to think about the incident and I made my conclusion.

I needed to leave.

Before I lost myself in whatever dangerous illusion Killian was offering to me. I was not okay with his act. I had not been treated that way before and adjusting to it would be dangerous for him.

The door creaked open almost immediately.

I stiffened, my body tensing on instinct as I pulled the duvet up covering my body and face then peeped.

He stepped inside, moving in a quiet and gentle way. He had changed into a black sweater this time, with the sleeves pushed up, exposing the corded muscles of his forearms.

Raising the duvet off from my view slightly, his golden eyes were locked onto me.

“Are you still awake?” he asked.

I clenched my hands in my lap, then pulled the duvet down. I shook my head indicating “no”! 

Killian studied me for a long moment. Then, without a word, he sat down beside me on the bed.

I swallowed hard as he came closer to me. Too close that I felt sweats build up on my palm.

I had learned long ago that men didn’t waste time with words. They got what they wanted by force.

So why hadn’t he touched me?

Why did he keep his distance like I was something fragile that can break easily?

Staring at him, I was determined to ask him, but I couldn't speak.

 “What did he really want from me!” I questioned myself.

 I opened my mouth to respond to him, maybe to ask him questions, but I couldn't speak

just then —the door slammed open and a woman in her late 20s walked in hastily but suddenly stopped and grasped.

“She is a human”

 and broken,” she added. “How can she be your mate?” She asked him with her hands crossing around her chest.

My heart hit my rib hard.

Mate? How did she know about that?

No. No, that can’t be right. It can't be true either.

Killian’s jaw ticks, with his golden eyes darkening as his gaze met mine.

 “You think I don’t know what a mate bond feels like, Elara?” he paused then dropped the bombshell I hated the most.

“ I Alpha Killian has chosen her Selene as my mate” 

Elara. His Beta.

She doesn’t back down, instead she replies to him. 

“She’s weak. She’s nothing but a shattered thing. How is she supposed to stand beside an Alpha?” She asked him.

Barely before she could say another word, whispers rose from the hallway behind her, as murmurs of agreement, and that of doubt rolled in.

The sharp pain runs through my stomach, hearing words from people outside.

My hand was trembling over the duvet as I sat up, frightened has taken the best part of me, I don’t belong here.

I never belonged anywhere.

Killian didn't turn toward them, and didn't acknowledge the pack’s quiet disapproval. Instead, he steps closer to me unexpectedly. I stiffen hard, every instinct in me screaming to retreat. But there’s nowhere to go.

He didn't touch me.

He didn't try to force anything on me.

Instead, I saw his gaze flicking over me, as if it was sharpening and assessing, and then—he saw them.

The scars I had. 

And then the moment his eyes met the scars, he was shocked.

Slowly he moved his hand over there, shivers ran down my shoulder. And then his facial expression changed!

Rage.

Not at me.

At whoever did this.

And that was no other person than Sebastian.

I don't understand why that realization makes my chest tighten.

I expected him to say something. Maybe to ask. To press for answers. But he doesn’t.

Instead, he just stood there.

Then, just as suddenly, he exhales and forces his shoulders to relax.

“Elara, leave.” His voice is pure command, it was laced with the power of an Alpha.

Elara hesitates for a while as she takes her gaze at me, then lets out a sharp breath. “You’re making a mistake. I pray you don't regret, Alpha.” she spat.

But she obeys.

As soon as she’s gone, silence stretches between us.

I was confused about what to do. I wanted to look away, but my head couldn't move. Something in Killian’s stare holds me in place but in silence.

For a terrifying second, my fingers twitch—an old instinct, a ghost of a time when I used to reach for warmth before the world taught me better.

However, I caught myself back. I curl my hands into fists instead and just then. ….

Killian notices.

His expression showed something unreadable, but he didn't speak again. He simply nods once, then turns toward the door.

It’s only after he’s gone that I realize something strange in me.

For the first time in years, I wasn’t afraid of the man standing in front of me.

Not the way I should’ve been all my years with Sebastian.

I pulled the duvet over to sleep, I haven't slept in such a bed before and the excitement in my face as I rested my head down was massive but shortened when I felt a hand drag me up forcefully.

My breath hitched as the hand dragged me up. I turned my face only to see the figure I least expected, leaving my jaw dropped and opened.

 I wished to scream, maybe Killian would save me, but I couldn't scream.

Turning back again, no one was there. Perhaps my imagination and allusion has taken the best in me.

 Staring at the darkness my mind was filled with Killian’s words.

“ I Alpha Killian choose you Selene as my mate”