Chapter 5: Bonding & Power Training

Celeste wakes before dawn, the sky still bruised and purple from the night. She’s buzzing, restless, leftover power sparking beneath her skin—wild, raw, the same force that tore through her at the ceremony. Her wolf won’t settle, pacing just under the surface, itching to bolt straight into the storm.

But chaos gets there first.

A knock—sharp, steady, all business.

Alpha knock.

She doesn’t have to look. Her heart already knows, pounding so hard she’s surprised her ribs hold.

She yanks the door open, probably too hard—and there he is.

Kael Draven.

Her mate.

Her migraine.

Those gold eyes pin her like he’s already claimed her. His hair’s still messy from shifting, his jaw all sharp lines, dangerous as ever. And his aura—gods, it’s a tidal wave, cocky and hungry, like he knows exactly what he does to her.

“Training starts now,” he says, stepping in like he owns the place.

Celeste shoots him a look. “Guess chivalry’s still dead.”

“Manners won’t save you,” he throws back. “Control will.”

She wants to punch him. She wants to kiss him. She hates that kissing wins.

Kael circles her, slow, deliberate, his gaze tracing her like he’s memorizing every inch. Her wolf is losing it, whining, desperate to get closer.

No. Not happening.

“I don’t need a babysitter,” she snaps.

He’s behind her, voice low. “Good. I’m not here to babysit. I’m here to make sure you don’t blow up half the pack again.”

She spins to face him. “That wasn’t my fault—”

He cuts her off. “Your power’s tangled up in your feelings. And right now? You’re a fucking disaster.”

He’s right, and she hates it.

Kael lifts his hand, hesitates—doesn’t touch her, just lets his fingers hover near her jaw. She can feel the heat pouring off him.

“May I?” he asks.

It throws her.

He actually asks.

She nods, quick.

The second his fingers brush her skin, her wolf erupts—howling, scratching at her chest from the inside. Her breath falters. His scent hits her: pine, rain, something wild and electric.

“Focus,” he says, softly.

“Hard to focus when you’re… standing there… being you.”

He smirks. Bastard.

Kael moves behind her, hands resting on her shoulders. She stiffens, but the heat seeps in, anchoring her.

“Your energy’s spiking,” he murmurs. “Push it down.”

She tries. Really tries.

It only makes things worse—a violet glow crawling up her arms, wild and hungry.

“Fuck,” she whispers.

Kael moves fast, arms locking around her, pinning her to his chest. “Slow breaths. Anchor yourself to something.”

“I don’t have anything to anchor to.”

His lips brush her ear. “Anchor to me.”

Her whole body lights up.

Her wolf surges forward so hard she almost shifts right there.

“Kael…” she breathes.

“Let it flow to me. Stop fighting.”

She leans back, barely thinking, his chest solid and steady behind her, her power thrumming out of control. His hands steady her—solid, grounding. The bond sparks, hot and bright.

“Good,” he growls. “Again.”

Celeste breathes him in, slow and deep. His scent wraps around her, thick, addictive. The glow fades. Her heartbeat syncs with his. For the first time in forever, she feels steady.

When her power finally settles, Kael turns her in his arms.

Too close.

Ridiculously close. His breath brushes her lips. “You did well.”

“That’s because you were basically glued to my ass.”

He grins. “Didn’t hear you complain.”

She shoves his chest—he doesn’t move. “Cocky bastard.”

He catches her wrist, gentle but sure, and tugs her closer.

“Tell me to stop,” he says, quiet.

Her pulse dives straight through the floor.

She should. She really should step back, get space, get control.

But her wolf wants him too much, and her body’s done pretending.

She grabs his shirt, yanks him down, and kisses him hard.

It’s instant. Fire. Desperate, hungry, rough.

Kael groans—deep, raw—and slams her against the wall, his hands cradling her jaw like he’s afraid she’ll disappear. His mouth owns hers—biting, claiming, relentless.

She pulls him closer, nails dragging down his back. He breaks the kiss just to breathe against her neck. “You don’t know how long I’ve needed this.”

“Then shut up and do it again.”

He does.

Hotter, rougher, his thigh wedged between hers, lifting her up and wringing a gasp out of her. His scent everywhere, dizzying, addictive.

She’s ready to rip his shirt off when Kael pulls away—hard.

“Not yet,” he pants. “Not when you’re spiraling.”

“I am not—”

“You’re shaking,” he says, tipping her chin up.

Shit. She really is.

That wild power stirs beneath her skin again, hot and restless. Kael leans in, pressing his forehead to hers, his breath slow and steady until she matches his rhythm.

“This bond,” he murmurs, voice low, “it’s going to ruin me.”

“Perfect,” she whispers. “I hope it burns.”

He flashes that wicked grin. “Oh, little wolf... you have no idea.”

Then the door slams open, shattering the moment.

An Elite guard stumbles in, gasping, fear radiating from him.

“Alpha—Celeste—someone’s breached the perimeter!”

Kael’s eyes darken, sharp and hard.

Celeste feels her power surge, crackling. Someone’s testing her tonight. Someone’s actually made it close enough to challenge her.

Well. Celeste Vale is done being the victim.

She steps forward, eyes blazing violet.

“Good,” she snarls. “Let them fucking try.”

Kael just grins, looking at her like he might devour her.

“Guess training’s over,” he says.