Chapter 5 It's Finally Night

Kyria

I blinked, trying to steady myself. This is no ordinary place; this is a world far from the apartment I'd called home-a place where power ruled and weakness was a liability.

My stepmom's betrayal burnt fresh in my mind, the words echoing endlessly, "You caused your mom's death." I've been sold, handed over like an object. And now I'm here.

It's finally night.

I know it's not going to be easy, but I can't stay here. With caution I began to move; my senses heightened as I crept to the hallway. I remember the way we came in.

My breath came out in ragged bursts as I sprinted through the dense trees lining the Lunari pack estate; the moon was a pale witness overhead, casting long fingers that twisted like fingers reaching for me. I forced my legs to carry me faster-faster than fear, faster than doubt. I had to get away; I had to escape.

Behind me the sharp crack of footsteps and low voices broke the quiet night. "She can't get far," one growled. "Cut her off." Panic spiked in my chest. I veered to the left, scrambling down a street incline towards the open lawn beyond the tree line, hoping to find a way out through the gate. "Stop right there!" Another voice barked.

Two large figures stepped out of the shadows ahead, blocking my path. I skidded to a halt, heart pounding like a drum. "Let me go, I demand," I said, struggling against their grip.

"No can do," the first man said, tightening his grip.

My eyes darted frantically. Was this how it was going to be? Trapped like an animal?

They took me back to the building.

Suddenly a figure detached himself from the darkness, tall and broad with stark white hair that shimmered even in the moonlight.

His gaze snapped to me, piercing and intense.

For a moment time seemed to freeze.

He was a vision of youthful vitality, his lean athletic physique radiating an aura of confidence and energy. His piercing blue eyes sparkled with a mischievous glint, hinting at a sharp mind and a quick wit. A strong jawline and a prominent cheekbone gave his face a chiselled, angular look, while his white hair was perfectly messy, as if he'd just rolled out of bed. His broad shoulders squared, he was a kind of young man who commanded attention without even trying. I was busy admiring him and didn't even notice he was close to me already; I mean, I lost consciousness looking at only his broad chest.

"Hey," snapping his fingers, I looked down. "Look at me," he said with his deep voice. I took my face up and still brought it back down.

He looked at me like he was scanning me, put his hands back in his pockets, and turned to look at Beta Thane.

I swallowed hard. "Who...who are you?" I asked, my voice trembling.

" I'm so sorry for what happened, Alpha," Beta Thane said .

Derek Wilson, the Lunari Alpha, appeared like a storm on the horizon. Derek is everything I'd heard about and more: tall, impossibly powerful and dangerous.

Derek's eyes didn't waver. "You belong here now ."

His words were soft but carried the weight of iron chains. I pulled at the hands holding me. I don't belong here; I'm not one of you."

He smirked, "You'll learn soon enough. Have you forgotten I bought you as my toy?"

My chest tightened. I looked up into Derek's eyes and felt something strange- a sudden warmth radiating from deep inside, something tethering me to him even though my mind screamed to run. No idea what the hell this is .

Derek's lips curled in the faintest shadow of a smile, but his eyes remained cold. "Trying to fight it won't help."

I shook my head fiercely. "I don't even know what you're talking about."

His gaze softened for a fraction of a second, revealing a flicker of something hidden beneath his harsh exterior. Then the mask snapped back into place.

"Come," he said, turning towards the upstairs.

The men released me reluctantly, but I stayed rooted, eyes locked on Derek as he strode forward like a king reclaiming his territory.

"Wait," I whispered, my voice barely audible. "Why are you doing this to me?"

He paused, never looking back. "Because it's fate. whether you like it or not ."

My mind reeled. Fate? What fate – the word felt foreign to me. Impossible .

Before I could respond, the guards nudged me forward.

The weight of unseen eyes pressed on my skin; the air was thick with the scent of leather and thick polish. Derek mentioned for the men to step back.

He turned to face me fully, the tension cracking like electricity.

I swallowed the lump in my throat. "What now?"

Derek's gaze dropped briefly. "You'll learn soon enough," he said again.

I shook my head, voice sharp. " I don't want to learn; I want to go home."

Derek's eyes darkened. "Have you forgotten? you're sold. To me. Or you think I kidnapped you?"

I held back tears. "What?"

" Home is where you're needed, whether you accept it or not."

My fist clenched at my side. I'm not yours." He stepped closer, the air thick with unspoken power. "You already are."

A silence fell heavy and suffocating .

My mind raced. I wanted to deny it, wanted to run, but something inside me resisted; the strange warmth from before flickered again- the bond.

Without realizing it, my eyes met his once more.

The world tilted.

My heart thundered.

Neither of us spoke the truth we both felt.

Derek finally broke the silence: "You'll stay here for your own good." I shifted my chin defiantly. " I won't be a prisoner."

His lip twitched in half -smiled " you're not. Prisoner. You're my mate."

The words hit me like a shockwave. Was this all a mate feeling, mate? And why, of all people, will I be mated to Derek? But before I could react, Derek's expression hardened.

But don't expect me to treat you like one. I have no intention of letting this bond control me."

My breath caught. I'm told I'm bonded to him, and this is it. Was he angry about being mated to a weak wolf or hiding something?

" Rest . You'll need your strength," Derek commanded before turning away.

The man stepped forward again, guiding me towards the guest wing.

My eyes followed Derek, burning with confusion.

I was trapped- caught between worlds I didn't understand. And the bond between us pulses quietly, waiting.

The cool night air pressed against my skin as I leaned against the rough stone of the Lunari pack's courtyard. The soft hum of voices and the occasional sharp bark of wolves filled the ground, but my attention was locked on two figures across the wide expanse near the grand mansion. I recognized them instantly- Kathrine and Arielle, the same people who tormented me mercilessly back at school.

Kathrine's dress was a soft pastel pink long wear dress with a relaxed fit and subtle floral pattern. The lightwear fabric draped elegantly around her, and the V-neckline added a touch of sweetness. A delicate ribbon tie at the waist clinched the dress, creating a gentle definition.

My breath caught. What were they doing here in the heart of the Lunari pack?

Kathrine's eyes caught mine first. A cruel smile curved her lips, the kind that promised trouble. She nudged Arielle , whispering loudly enough for me to hear, "Look who it is, Arielle. The little outcast herself. Arielle turned and looked at where Kathrine was pointing. "What's a little runt like her doing here ?"

Arielle smirked, "Bet she thinks she's some kind of wolf now."

I swallowed hard but refused to show the flicker of fear I felt inside; instead, I squared my shoulders and stepped forward.

"Surprise," I said, voice steady despite the pounding in my chest, " looks like I'm full of them."

Kathrine's smile widened with mockery. "Lost your way, Kyria, or did Sia finally sell you to the wolves?" She smirked and continued, "You know, and we all know you're weak."

I clenched my jaw.

Arielle laughed, the sound cold and sharp. What are you doing in my pack?"

Which two are from the Lunari pack? "Your what?" I asked. He just looked at me.

Kathrine moved closer to me. "By the way, what are you doing here? I'm not sure your kind are allowed into the Lunari, not to talk of a weak one. You!!

"Ohhh, sorry, but I stay here now, in this pack." I said, I don't care if Derek does not treat me well, but I can't let Lame toy with me anymore."

"Girrlll, you don't belong here; it can't be my pack." Kathrine retorted.

"Maybe not with you," I snapped, "but I belong somewhere. And this is as good a place as any."

The other pack members started to notice the tension. Some whispered among themselves, curious eyes turning towards the confrontation.

My fists curled at her side " I may not have wolf powers yet but I'm not weak. Not anymore."

Kathrine's expression darkened, her posture becoming threatening. " You think you can just walk in here and act like you're one of us? You don't know the first thing about being Lunari?"

"Maybe you should ask the Alpha that," I said to her.

"The Alpha, my uncle?"

Ohh, she's even related to the Alpha.