Chapter 9 Hidden Secrets

Lila's POV

As he dragged me through the shadowy woodland, Kian's hand felt warm and solid. Like a wolf guiding its pack, he moved swiftly and precisely. Every step I made caused my legs to burn, but I forced myself to ignore the pain and concentrate on keeping up with him. My one concern was safety, so I knew I had to be near.

I could hear the snarls, deep growls, and the clash of fangs and claws getting louder behind us. It was a frenzied symphony of mayhem, and the prospect of what might occur made my heart race. I didn't want to stay to see Cyrus and Hayden fight it out because they were engaged in a violent battle. I became even more terrified by the idea of danger lurking in the shadows.

"Where are we heading?" My voice was anxious and breathless as I asked, nearly drowned out by the commotion behind us.

"Somewhere safe," Kian answered in a somber and concerned voice. "We must leave this place. It's too risky.

I wanted to argue. I wanted to know what was going on and demand answers, but I had almost run out of energy to fight against the circumstances. My body was worn out.

Anger, dread, and a glimmer of hope were all mixed together in my mind like a hurricane.

After what seemed like ages, we finally arrived at a tiny cave concealed behind a glittering waterfall. As soon as Kian brought me inside and we were out of sight, I fell to the ground, my heart thumping wildly in my chest and my chest heaving. Even though the cave's chilly air felt good against my skin, the weight of everything that had just transpired hit me like a tidal wave.

Kian squatted next to me and murmured, "For the time being, we'll be safe here," his voice becoming a little softer. Even though I was still feeling scared, I could see the worry on his face, and it made my heart skip a beat.

My heart ached from a range of feelings as I gazed at him. "Why are you doing this, Kian? Why now? Why did you return?

He raked a hand through his hair and let out a long groan. I could see the lines of concern engraved on his brow, the stress on his countenance. Because, Lila, I was mistaken. I became blinded by my pride and my prior transgressions. However, I knew I couldn't avoid Cyrus after I found out he was pursuing you. I could not allow him to harm you.

Tears filled my eyes as he whispered. Anger and a yearning for the affection I had once felt for him tore at my heart. "Kian, you wounded me. I was turned down by you. You turned away our child.

He knelt before me, his eyes full of regret, and his face instantly softened. "I understand, Lila. And I'll make it up to you for the rest of my life. I will make every effort to make amends for the suffering I caused. Right now, you and our child are my top priorities.

However, we must prioritize protecting you and our child for the time being.

My heart hurt even more when I heard him say it. I wanted to think he was real. Even though I wanted to fully trust him, I was still hurting from his rejection. It served as a continual reminder of the betrayal I experienced, like a wound that would not go away.

Kian and I sat in the wet cave for hours without talking. The waterfall's soothing yet loud roar filled the room. The sound of the falling water provided a calming cadence that oddly blended with the jumble of feelings racing through my mind. I didn't know what to say because my mind was filled with questions, recollections of our past together, and anxiety about what was ahead.

Kian looked solemn as he finally broke the silence. "Lila, you need to know something."

My heart thumping in my chest, I gazed at him. "What is it?"

He paused for a second, his face growing serious. "Our baby is unique. More unique than you think.

Unease made my stomach turn. "What do you mean?"

He inhaled deeply, obviously having trouble coming up with an explanation. His voice was low and solemn as he stated, "Our child carries a rare bloodline." "A lineage that has the potential to transform the werewolf community."

My mind was spinning with bewilderment as I glanced at him. "What are you trying to say? What makes a baby so unique?

He let out another sigh and ran a hand through his hair, a sign of his tension and annoyance. "Your mom wasn't merely a werewolf. She belonged to an old bloodline that was believed to be extinct. Lila, our baby has that lineage. They are therefore a target.

As his words set in, my heart fell. "Everyone is chasing me because of that," I muttered, my voice shaking. "That's why Cyrus and Hayden want me."

With a sad grimace, Kian nodded. Indeed. However, Lila, I will not allow them to harm you. I'll keep you and our child safe. Regardless.

My heart ached as I gazed at him, tears streaming down my cheeks. "Kian, I'm not sure whether I can pull this off. I'm afraid.

His hand was warm and comforting as he extended it. "Lila, you're not alone. I'm present. I'm not going away, either.

A howl reverberates through the trees as Kian and I sit in the cave. Our eyes meet, and we both freeze. "They found us," Kian says in a terrified tone. "We must leave. Right now.