CHAPTER 3

Chapter 3: Enter Killian

ARIA POV

"You don't look like someone who's supposed to be here," said a deep, gravelly voice behind me.

My breath caught in my throat and I paused in mid-step. Tonight, it was intended that the forest that surrounded the Golden Claw Pack's boundary would be empty. I gently turned, holding the silver blade that was concealed in my jacket so that I could fight myself if needed.

Although he may as well have been a rogue, the guy in front of me wasn't. He was big, broad-shouldered, and had sharp, angular features that made him just as dangerous as the dark forests themselves. His eyes, which were a piercing storm-gray, cold, and calculating, were what held me in place, even though his raven-black hair tumbled in free waves over his face.

Draven Killian.

The Moonshine Pack's Alpha.

and difficulties.

Killian stepped up and said, "I didn't know the Golden Claw Pack permitted its members to wander so near neutral territory."

I said, clutching the blade more tightly, "I don't remember asking for your opinion."

A little smile pulled at his mouth. "Aggressive. Fascinating.

"Give me some space," I yelled, stepping back.

He glanced down at the backpack hung over my shoulder, then back up at my face. "Are we running away? Not less from your partner. Brave.

My heart pounded in my chest with agony. "How are you—"

Killian cut in, his voice cool but firm, "I've been watching." "Determining it is not difficult. Every time Darius is around, your body language screams terror. Such a bond? When it becomes sour, it seems oppressive.

I took offense at what he said. "I don't require your sympathy."

"Good," he responded, grinning even broadly. "I wasn't providing any."

I automatically lifted the dagger as he took a step closer. He chuckled in amusement as his gaze shifted to the sword.

"You believe I can be stopped by that little toy?"

I growled, hating how his confidence made me uneasy. "If you push me, it'll do the job," I said.

He studied me with a tilt of his head. "I'll offer you that you have spirit. However, you will not succeed in this manner.

Echoing the same defiance I'd hurled at Darius only hours before, I added, "Watch me."

Killian's smile vanished, giving way to a more solemn look. "Your reasoning isn't clear. You could have made it through Darius's first time, but out there? He pointed to the trees' shadows. "You are the prey. Not just to rogues, however.

Hating how accurate he sounded, I tensed up.

"What are you looking for from me?" I squinted as I asked.

He seemed to ponder what he was about to say. "I have an offer for you."

I gave a sour chuckle. "There is nothing I need from you."

"No," he said in a quiet, thoughtful voice. But you must be protected. from him.

I couldn't help but feel the weight of his stare pressing down on me.

"What makes you want to help me?" With suspicion, I inquired.

He said rather frankly, "Because you're valuable." Because Darius wants you, you have leverage. But more than that, Aria, I think you have promise. You are a wolf who has been confined; you are not a helpless damsel in need of rescue. I can provide you the independence you want.

I gave him a suspicious look. "What do you expect in exchange?"

Killian's smile reappeared, but it was more piercing and strategic this time. "You'll act like you're my partner."

I was taken aback and blinked. "What?"

"It's easy," he added, sounding like he was talking about a commercial transaction. "Darius will retreat if he thinks you're obligated to me. And before they challenge me, the other packs will reconsider.

I gave a headshake. "You're not serious."

He took a step closer and answered, "Oh, I am." He lowered his voice to a near whisper. "Consider it. Out of his grasp, you'll be safe. Additionally, I benefit from having you at my side. It benefits both parties.

"It's crazy," I whispered.

"Perhaps," he said. However, it's preferable than blindly entering a world that wants to eat you alive. Even the fiercest wolves need companions, Aria, despite your might.

I detested how alluring the notion sounded, and his comments touched a chord. The mate connection was an uncompromising force, and Darius was unrelenting. I would have the breathing space I much needed if I pretended to be bound to another Alpha.

"What if I decline?" I posed a challenge.

Killian's face became stern. "After that, you're alone yourself. But when Darius finds you, don't count on me to flee.

There was strain in the quiet that hung between us.

I considered the stifling weight of the connection that bound me to Darius, the packed bag on my shoulder, and the knife in my palm. Freedom seemed like a far-off fantasy that I would never be able to achieve on my own.

"You would actually do this?" Quietly, I asked.

Killian looked straight ahead as he nodded. "I don't promise things I can't keep. I would defend you with no conditions—apart from the ones we act like there are.

"How is your pack doing?"

"They will follow my example," he said plainly.

I paused, my thoughts whirling. Was this really the solution? Could I rely on him?

"Why me?" My question was hardly audible above a whisper.

For a split second, his gaze softened. "Because you deserve an opportunity to defend yourself."

His comments caused something within of me to break.

With a shaky gasp, I lowered the dagger. "All right," I answered firmly. "I'll carry it out."

Killian grinned again, but it didn't seem as sly this time. "Wise decision."

He held out his hand before I could regret my choice. "Should we finalize the agreement?"

I felt a knot in my gut as I gazed at his extended hand. Though my plans had already gone apart, this was not what I had in mind.

I took a big breath and held his hand. He grounded with a strong grasp.

"Good," he murmured, letting go of me. "Let's then make it seem plausible."

Killian moved closer, encroaching on my personal space before I could inquire what he meant. I raised my head to look into his eyes as his palm touched my face.

"Your aroma," he said, his tone low and personal. It's too powerful. Too...familiar.

Uncertain whether to lean forward or take a step back, I swallowed hard.

With a sly smirk twisting his lips, he replied, "We'll fix that."

"How—"

I was frozen in place when a howl pierced the darkness.

Killian's hand fell to his side as his face became serious. "We have company."

"Darius?" My gut churned with fear as I murmured.

A frightening light glowed in Killian's eyes. "Not just yet. It won't be long, however.

He took hold of my arm and dragged me further into the forest.

"Hold on—"

"No time," he snapped. "You'll follow my instructions to the letter if you're serious about this deal."

There was no space for debate in the earnestness of his voice. My pulse raced with a mixture of terror and excitement as we vanished into the darkness.

Because the game was altering for the first time since my rebirth.

Furthermore, I wasn't certain that I was prepared for the repercussions.