Semua Bab Rejected by the Alpha Heir, Mated to His Rival Brother: Bab 11 - Bab 20

Kaden's POVA few minutes prior.The path to the combat grounds wound through the eastern training fields, a route I had walked countless times. The familiar terrain should have brought comfort, but today my thoughts were restless."My lord, wait."I paused as Garrett, my guard captain, jogged ahead to investigate the raised voices drifting from around the bend. He returned moments later, his expression carefully neutral in that way that meant he was suppressing amusement."There appears to be a dispute ahead, my lord." He hesitated. "It seems to involve your former fiancée."I frowned. "Ciara?"That was unexpected. We had almost only met at formal events over the years—balls, pack gatherings, official ceremonies. She would stand silently at the periphery, her posture perfect, her expression serene. Almost invisible, unless one made the effort to notice her."Are you thinking about her, my lord?" Garrett's voice held that familiar teasing lilt only a childhood friend could get away wi

Ciara's POVLydia bared her teeth and roared, the sound reverberating through the arena like thunder. Then she lunged with even greater ferocity than before.I barely dodged the first strike—her jaws snapping closed inches from my throat. Her claws raked across my shoulder as I twisted away, sending pain lancing through my body. Blood matted my fur, warm and sticky.But I still had stamina left. I could feel it in my muscles, in the steady rhythm of my breathing. I had been conserving energy throughout the fight while Lydia had been burning through hers with every powerful, wasteful attack.Lydia came at me again, and this time her movements were fractionally slower. Her strikes still carried force, but the lightning-quick reflexes from the beginning of the match had dulled.She was running out of energy.The mood in the crowd shifted, whispers spreading like wildfire."Lydia's getting tired.""Is she actually slowing down?""Could Ciara actually win?"Lydia's ears flattened against h

Ciara's POVMy wrist was caught in Kaden's grip, his fingers firm but not painful. I tugged, trying to pull free, but his hold tightened reflexively."Let go," I said, keeping my voice level despite the frustration rising in my chest.Before Kaden could respond, a tall figure loomed over me.Draven.He stepped between us with the fluid grace of a predator claiming territory, his hand closing around Kaden's wrist with unmistakable authority. "Brother," He said, his voice edged with the subtle hint of a growl. "I believe the lady asked you to leave."The pressure he applied must have been significant, because Kaden's fingers immediately released me.Before I could step back, Draven took my hand in his own, his touch surprisingly gentle compared to the force he had just used on his brother. His expression was dark as he looked at Kaden, his eyes cold and dangerous in a way I had rarely seen.I glanced down at our joined hands, suddenly very aware of the warmth of his palm against mine,

Draven’s POVThe next day.Beta Aldric and his wife were already waiting at the front steps when the carriage arrived.They stood side by side in the grey morning light, wearing identical expressions of warm parental concern—expressions that had likely been practiced in a mirror before I appeared around the corner.Elara's hand rested on her husband's arm. Aldric's smile reached his eyes just enough to be convincing.I had seen better performances from street merchants.Ciara stood slightly apart from them, already dressed for travel, a small bag at her feet.I stepped down and approached."Lord Draven." Aldric inclined his head. "What a blessing that our daughter has found such an attentive protector. You will take good care of her, I trust.""She will be well," Elara added. She reached out to touch Ciara's shoulder in a brief, performative gesture of maternal affection. "Take care of yourself, dear. Listen to Lord Draven. Do not cause trouble."Ciara nodded once.I gave them both a

Ciara’s POV"Alpha."The word came out steadier than I had expected. I dipped my head in the formal greeting, the way I had been trained.He was still looking at me.Then, as if something had released its grip on him, he blinked. The rawness I had glimpsed in his expression closed over, smoothed back into the commanding blankness of a man long practiced at wearing authority like armor."Sit," he said. His voice was deep, measured. He gestured toward the chairs arranged before the fireplace and then turned his attention to Draven. "I received no notice of this visit."Draven settled into the chair beside mine with his customary ease."No," he agreed pleasantly. "This trip was made in secret."My uncle's eyes narrowed a fraction. "Secret." He let the word sit for a moment. "And the deal you mentioned at the border. Explain both.""Before that," Draven said, "I need to explain her situation." He gestured towards me.The silence that followed was brief and very deliberate."There is nothi