Chapter 2 THE BOND AND THE BEAST

MICAH'S POV

The moment Elara pulled her arm away, I felt the absence like a shock to my system. Her touch lingered in my mind, warm and electric, a connection I couldn't deny. But her words cut just as deeply.

"I don't know the guy," she said, her tone neutral yet defensive.

I didn't believe her. Her heartbeat had quickened when I mentioned Xander-just enough to catch my wolf's attention. But I let it slide for now. Instead, I found myself staring at her, my gaze lingering on her sharp cheekbones, her storm-gray eyes, and the fiery determination she seemed to carry, even while standing in front of me.

Something about her pulled at me in ways I couldn't explain. My wolf was pacing impatiently in my mind, growling at me to close the distance. "Mark her. Now."

I resisted the urge. She wasn't ready, and neither was I.

"Elara," I said softly, my voice low but firm, "do you feel it? The bond?"

She stiffened, her fingers curling into fists at her sides. "I know what I am, Micah," she replied, meeting my gaze with a defiance that made my wolf growl in appreciation. "An outcast. It's impossible for someone like me to be your Luna. I know you'll reject me, so just get it over with."

Her words hit me like a punch to the chest. I hadn't expected her to say that. Most wolves would have been overjoyed to find their mate, especially the future Alpha. But Elara... she was ready for rejection, even anticipating it.

"I'm not rejecting you," I said after a moment, my tone calm but resolute.

Her eyes widened briefly, but she quickly masked her surprise. "You should," she said, her voice almost bitter. "It would be easier for both of us."

I stepped closer, close enough to catch the faint lavender scent of her hair. It was intoxicating, and my wolf pushed forward, barely restrained. "She's ours. Don't let her leave."

"Elara," I said, my voice dropping to a whisper. "Despite everything, this pack is tolerant. You're not as alone as you think."

She stared at me for a moment, her expression unreadable. "I have things to do," she said abruptly, stepping back.

I watched her go, her retreating figure commanding all my attention. My wolf growled in disappointment, but I didn't stop her. Not yet.

"Micah."

I turned to see my sister, Lila, standing behind me. She crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow. "What's an outcast doing here at the pack house?"

Ignoring her question, I asked, "What do you want today?"

Lila followed my gaze, watching Elara disappear down the hallway. A knowing smirk crossed her face. "You've been staring at her since I got here," she teased. "Anyway, I wanted to talk about something in your study."

I sighed and led the way.

---

Lila's voice filled my study as she rambled about her latest obsession-a mysterious author whose books had taken the werewolf world by storm. I barely listened, my thoughts still consumed by Elara.

Lila wandered over to my bookshelf, running her fingers across the spines. "You have a full set of her books?" she exclaimed, pulling one out. "These are out of print! She's rumored to be holding a fan meeting soon, and I want to take this for an autograph."

I stiffened, my attention snapping back to her. "I can't give you that book."

Lila frowned. "Why not? You don't even read them."

I sighed. "I'll get you an autograph. Just leave the book here."

Lila grumbled but eventually agreed. As soon as she left, I pulled the book off the shelf and opened it. A photo slipped out from between the pages-a burnt, slightly damaged picture of a young woman. Her face was familiar, hauntingly so. I had saved it from the fire two years ago, and even though it had been painstakingly restored, the flaws were still there. But they didn't matter.

The girl in the photo was Elara.

My wolf stirred restlessly. "She's ours. Always has been."

A sharp knock on the door interrupted my thoughts. A young werewolf poked his head in. "Alpha, I just heard that Elara was being bullied by her cousin again. Do you want me to intervene?"

My blood boiled. I knew Elara could handle herself; she was a warrior, after all. But she never fought back. Instead, she let them hurt her and carried the bruises silently. The thought of her enduring pain made my wolf snarl with fury.

"No," I said, rising from my chair. "I'll handle it myself."

---

By the time I reached the scene, Elara's cousin and his gang had already disappeared. Elara sat on a bench nearby, her head bowed as she dabbed at a cut on her arm. She was healing slowly, clearly trying not to draw attention to her abilities.

My chest tightened at the sight of her injuries. My wolf raged inside me, demanding vengeance.

Without saying a word, I left and tracked down Dorian and his sidekicks. I found them laughing and drinking near the edge of the territory.

"You think you're funny, don't you?" I growled as I approached.

Dorian's smug expression vanished when he saw my murderous glare.

"Alpha, I-"

I didn't let him finish. My fist connected with Dorian's jaw, sending him sprawling to the ground.

"Which hand did you use to hurt her?" I demanded, my voice deadly calm.

Dorian stammered, shaking his head. "I-I didn't-"

I grabbed his right hand and twisted it sharply. The sickening crack echoed through the clearing. Dorian howled in pain, clutching his broken hand.

I turned to the rest of the group. "And you?"

The others quickly shook their heads, stepping back in fear.

My gaze swept over them, my wolf barely contained. "You fell down the stairs. That's the story you'll stick to. If I hear otherwise, you'll wish I'd killed you."

I left them trembling in the dirt, my wolf satisfied-for now.