Chapter 4 Chapître 4

Chapter 4

The village was an anomaly, a place where the laws of the packs seemed vague, malleable. It was not a territory where we came to seek refuge without consequences. But Elena had not had a choice. The exhaustion weighed on his shoulders, and his instincts, sharpened by years of survival, were blowing him that this place could be his last chance.

The aura of domination that reigned here was different from that of Kieran. More subtle, but just as relentless. She even felt him before he even speaks, like a force gravitating around her, a threatening shadow that only asked to fall.

"Intrigant," said a deep voice, imbued with calculated curiosity.

She turned suddenly. The man was tall, his eyes as dark as at night, and his imposing presence. He didn't need to raise his voice to win. She immediately knew who he was. Callum Draven.

"You are not from here," he declared, almost nonchalantly, but with a precision which gave him the impression that he saw through it.

"I just pass," she replied, the tone dry.

A smirk stretched his lips, but it was nothing warm. "Pass, huh?" We do not cross this territory without reason. »»

She straightened up, facing her gaze. "I'm not looking for trouble. »»

"Perhaps," he conceded, going slowly. "But the troubles follow you, right?" »»

She did not answer, keeping her silence like a shield. Her fingers cleared the blade hidden on her belt, a habit that she had developed since her flight.

"You have guts," he whispered, his tone more amused than admirative. "But the notch is not enough here. »»

He motioned for his men, who stood back, observing with predatory vigilance. They recused slightly, but their posture remained tense.

"Why are you here?" He finally asked, his tone hardening.

She inspired deeply. "It doesn't look at you. »»

A shine crossed his eyes, a mixture of challenge and fun. "Oh, but I believe that if. »»

A heavy silence settled, but before it could grow more, a distant howl sounded. She stiffens instantly, recognizing the signing of Kieran's pack.

"It looks like you are not as alone as you claim," observed Callum, his tone more serious this time.

She turned, ready to flee, but he grabbed his wrist with disconcerting speed.

"Not so fast," he said calmly. "You bring their war here. Do you think I'm going to let you go without saying anything? »»

"Let go," she scolded, her eyes brilliant with an animal glow.

He did not move, but his expression changed slightly. Recognition. A fascination. " Interesting. You are more than a fugitive, right? »»

A second howl, closer this time. She pulled violently on her arm, and he let go, not without a satisfied smile.

"It's your chance to prove that you are not a problem for me," he said, walking away. "Otherwise, I give you to them. »»

She followed him, his quick breathing, his swirling thoughts. She didn't need her help, but she knew that clarifying Kieran's pack alone would be suicidal.

They reached a clearing where Callum's men gathered, armed and ready to fight. Callum placed himself in the center, dominating the scene with natural authority.

"Kieran sends her dogs to my territory," he said, more for her men than for her. "It's an insult. »»

Elena stayed away, observing in silence. The Kieran wolves soon appeared their fast and fluid movements. In mind, a man she would recognize among a thousand. One of Kieran's lieutenants, a faithful among the faithful.

"We do not want a conflict," said the man, although his tone of the opposite. "We are looking for someone. A woman. »»

Callum crossed his arms, his smile sly in place. "A woman? On my territory? And why would I be concerned? »»

"We know that she is here," replied the lieutenant, ignoring the mocking tone of Callum.

Elena felt the eye of Callum slide towards her, fast but significant. She clenched her fists, knowing that he was weigning his options.

"I haven't seen any woman," he said, his smile widening. "Maybe you waste your time. »»

Lieutenant Grogna, unhappy but hesitant to trigger a direct confrontation. The rules between Alphas were strict, but they could be easily ignored if circumstances required.

A low rumble rose from the Callum throat. "You are on my territory," he said, each word tinged with threats. "If you are looking for trouble, I will be delighted to provide them. »»

The atmosphere was electric, each side ready to jump. But finally, the lieutenant raised a hand to calm his men.

"Very well," he said. "But it's not over. »»

They retreated, but Elena knew it was just a matter of time before they came back. Callum turned to her, her expression once again neutral.

"Do you see? The troubles follow you. »»

She crossed her arms, defying him. "I don't need your help. »»

He raised an eyebrow, an amused shine in the eyes. "Maybe not. But if you want to survive, you will need it. »»

She hesitated, her instinct shouted to flee, but logic winning her. He was right. She was alone, and Kieran would not give up.

"So," he said gently, approaching her. "Are you ready to accept my protection?" »»

She stared at him for a moment, weighing his options. Then, slowly, she nodded. But at that moment, she swore that she would never be indebted to anyone. Not even to him.