Mine

Kieran's POV

She didn't notice the change in herself, but I did. Every bit of it.

The trembling little thing who once stared at me with wary eyes had learned to pout, to glare, to challenge me with those wet, pleading looks.

But what fascinated me most was how her body responded to me now.

She'd learned to crave it--my touch, my kisses, the rough drag of my cock against her.

 Every time I cleaned her up afterward, my fingers slid through her slick heat, proof of how much she wanted this.

"Kieran… enough…" Her hands pushed weakly at my chest, her voice too soft, too broken to be anything but a lie.

I pinned her wrists above her head and licked a slow stripe up her throat, right over her fluttering pulse.

She smelled like me.

Like mine.

She didn't have a wolf yet, so I couldn't mark her. But my wolf and I both knew--she was our mate. She had to be.

The thought made me fuck into her harder.

"Liar," I growled against her ear, biting down just to feel her shiver. "You're dripping for me."

A whimper escaped her, her cheeks flushing dark.

Maybe I shouldn't have gone to that pack meeting alone. Maybe I should've kept her with me--perched on my lap during discussions, chained to my bed at night.

"Open," I ordered, gripping her chin.

She turned her head, hesitant but willing, offering me her tongue like a shy little offering.

Fuck.

I crushed my mouth to hers, swallowing her moans as I drove into her faster, deeper, until I came with a groan, spilling between her thighs.

When I collapsed onto the bed, she curled into me instinctively, pressing close to my chest.

That unconscious trust--that need to be near me--hit harder than any victory ever could.

***

Lilith's POV

The alarm yanked me out of sleep.

I groaned, reaching out to silence it--only to touch cold sheets. I opened my eyes. The familiar scent of mint lingered in the air, but Kieran was already gone.

I glanced down at myself. The inside of my thighs was still pink, faintly warm to the touch. No bruises, no broken skin--just smooth, tender flesh. That ointment he insisted on using last night really worked.

"Your skin's so soft. Just a few rounds and it's already blushing."

Kieran's voice echoed in my memory, hot breath brushing the back of my neck.

Face burning, I pressed a hand to my cheek. I slipped quietly out of bed, hoping to sneak back to my own room before anyone noticed.

It had been three weeks. And the whole thing still felt like an affair. We were hiding from the maids. Hiding from Daegan, whose Alpha nose could pick up a lie from a mile away.

Like always, I moved like a thief, toes sinking into the thick carpet.

The lock clicked softly as I opened the door. I held my breath and tiptoed down the hallway.

I dodged the third creaky floorboard, only three steps from my room--

"Morning, Lilith."

I froze.

Daegan stood at the stair landing, leaning casually against the wall. Dressed in workout gear, his golden-brown hair damp with sweat. Morning run. Great.

My throat tightened.

Thank god I'd already scrubbed off every trace of Kieran's scent.

"M-Morning," I managed, forcing a smile. My nails dug into my palms. "I'll get ready. I'm heading to school soon."

He just gave a grunt in reply and stepped aside, brushing past me.

I let out a breath and bolted into my room, shutting the door behind me.

My heart was still racing.

***

Daegan's POV

By the time I came downstairs after my shower, Lilith was already in the car.

Typical. Quiet to the point of vanishing. No wolf, no presence.

And yet... impossible to ignore. Even my wolf wouldn't shut up about her.

I made myself look away, but something was off. She looked exhausted. Faint shadows under her eyes. The moment she got in the car, her head started to nod.

Annoying.

I slid into the far end of the seat, turning my face to the window. The passing scenery was way more interesting than her sleeping face.

At least, that's what I told myself.

But I could still see her in the reflection. The car rumbled to life and her head bobbed like a sleepy pup. Small. Unaware. Weirdly adorable.

"She's so cute," my wolf sighed.

Shut up.

Before I could stop him, there was a dull thud. Lilith's forehead smacked against the window.

Idiot.

I clenched my fists, nails biting into my palms.

Let her bash her head. Not my problem.

Then came another bump in the road. Her head tilted back this time, her neck arching, pale skin stretched and exposed--

That's when I saw it.

A red mark. Bold. Obvious. Right above her collarbone, barely hidden by her shirt.

A mark.

A damn mark.

Who the hell did this?!

"Who the hell did this?!" my wolf roared inside my head.

My hands curled into fists. The leather seat creaked under the pressure.

Then she tipped forward again, about to fall--and my body moved before my brain could catch up.

I reached across the seat, catching her head with my shoulder just in time.

It wasn't planned. It was pure instinct.

Her cheek pressed against me, warm and light. I turned my head slowly, afraid to even breathe.

Was she awake?

No. Thank god.

But now she was too close. Her hair brushed my neck, her scent curling in my nose--soft, unfamiliar, but maddening.

She shouldn't have a scent. Her wolf hasn't awakened yet. And still, she smelled like something mine.

Then, as if to kill me, she nuzzled in, like a kitten finding its spot.

I went stiff.

"Sorry…" The driver glanced at us through the mirror, looking awkward.

I shot him a look. Cold. Sharp. Warning.

He shut up fast. Smart move.

I didn't know what to do with the warmth in my arms. I should move her. Now. Immediately.

But my wolf was growling, "Hold her."

And somehow, my hands listened to him. I adjusted her gently, helping her settle more comfortably against me.

Goddamn it.

The school gates were up ahead.

I reached under her chin, lifting her head carefully--her skin was even softer than it looked--and eased her back against the seat.

I didn't wake her.

Just like always, I got out of the car without waiting.

I never wait for her.

Not before. Not today. Not ever.