Chapter 4

Selene's POV

The moment I walked away from Kieran, I felt the bond strain inside me like a thread about to snap.

It didn't break. Not entirely.

But it hurt.

I clenched my jaw, refusing to let the pain consume me. I had made my choice. I had to stand by it.

My legs carried me deeper into the forest, away from him, away from the weight of his burning stare.

The air was cool, but my skin felt too hot, like my body was waging a silent war against itself.

I knew why.

Rejecting a mate wasn't natural. It went against every instinct woven into a werewolf's being.

And yet, I had done it.

I just hadn't realized how much it would cost me.

A sharp ache pulsed in my chest, but I ignored it, forcing myself to focus on the path ahead. I needed to get back to my pack. I needed to remind myself why I had chose this.

Why I had chosen freedom over fate.

But as I pushed forward, a strange sensation crept over me. The tiny hairs on my arms stood on end, my wolf stirring uneasily beneath my skin.

We were being watched.

I stopped walking, my ears straining for any sound beyond the rustling trees.

Silence.

Too much silence.

The forest had gone still in a way that wasn't natural. No insects. No wind. No movement.

I exhaled slowly, my fingers twitching at my sides. "Who's there?"

For a moment, nothing.

Then -

A dark laugh. Low. Mocking.

I spun around just as a figure emerged from the trees.

He was tall, his presence heavy with something dark and ancient. He moved with the confidence of a predator who knew his prey couldn't outrun him.

And when his golden eyes locked onto mine, a shiver ran down my spine.

"Selene Everhart," he mused, his voice a lazy drawl. "I was hoping we'd meet."

My heart slammed against my ribs. "Who are you?"

The man's lips curled into a smirk. "Darius Nightshade."

The name sent ice through my veins.

Alpha of the Nightshade Pack.

Ruthless. Dangerous. And known for destroying anyone who stood in his way.

What the hell was he doing here?

Darius took a slow step forward, hands in his pockets like he had all the time in the world.

"You made quite the bold move tonight," he said. "Rejecting Kieran Blackwood? That takes guts."

I forced my expression to stay neutral. "It was my choice."

His smirk deepened. "Oh, I know. That's what makes it so interesting."

I didn't trust the gleam in his eyes.

I took a careful step back. "What do you want?"

Darius titled his head, studying me like I was a puzzle he was trying to solve.

Then, to my horror, he chuckled.

"You, little wolf."

My pulse spiked.

No.

Darius took another step forward, his voice almost amused. "You rejected Blackwood, which means you're fair game now. Unclaimed. Vulnerable."

A growl built in my throat. "I don't belong to anyone."

"Not yet."

Before I could react, he was suddenly in front of me, moving faster than I thought possible.

I gasped, stumbling back, but he didn't touch me. He just watched, as if waiting to see how I'd react.

My breath came too fast. My wolf thrashed inside me, but she was weaker than she should have been.

Darius noticed.

His smirk widened. "You feel it, don't you?" he murmured. "The way rejecting the bond is breaking you?"

I clenched my fists, refusing to show weakness.

Darius exhaled through his nose, like he was almost disappointed. "Don't worry, little wolf. I'm not here to take you. Not yet."

I swallowed hard. "Then why are you here?"

He stepped back, but his golden eyes gleamed with something that made my stomach twist.

"To warn you."

I frowned. "Warn me about what?"

His smirk faded. "Kieran Blackwood."

My heart stuttered. "What about him?"

Darius leaned in just enough that I could feel the heat of his breath against my skin.

"You think you rejected him? You think that means you're free?" His voice dipped lower, almost taunting. "He's an Alpha, Selene. And Alphas don't let go."

The words sent ice down my spine.

Because no matter how much I wanted to deny it...

I knew he was right.

Kieran wasn't done with me. Not by a long shot.