Chapter 3 003

Kael's Pov

I, Kael Derrick, the Lycan King, had long buried my interest in love and mates. After losing my first, I swore never to let that weakness bind me again. Love made kings falter, and faltering was a luxury I couldn't afford.

But when I set my eyes on Alera, something stirred deep within me-a feeling I couldn't place, something unfamiliar yet insistent. She was supposed to be just another purchase, a strategic move. Yet, I knew there was more to her than the trembling girl I'd seen in that auction hall.

Despite her Omega status, I sensed it-the quiet strength hidden beneath her fear, the potential she didn't yet know she possessed.

Still, I pushed those thoughts aside. This wasn't about emotions. It was about control, about power. She would be a tool, a symbol if needed. Nothing more. At least, that's what I told myself.

I walked briskly toward the room where she had been kept, my boots echoing against the marble floors of the inn. Two of my guards straightened as I approached.

"Is she ready?" I asked, my tone sharp.

"She hasn't tried to leave, my King," one of them replied.

I frowned. I hadn't expected her to. After what she'd endured, she likely didn't see an escape. But that didn't mean she wouldn't eventually.

"Bring her to the carriage," I commanded.

The guard hesitated for a moment, glancing at the door. "Shall we restrain her?"

I narrowed my eyes. "She's not a prisoner. Just...escort her."

He nodded quickly, motioning to his companion before entering the room.

When the door opened, I caught a glimpse of her as she backed away, her movements cautious, her shoulders tense. The guards spoke to her, their firm voices leaving no room for argument. Moments later, she stepped into the hallway, her head bowed and her gaze darting nervously.

Her bare feet moved soundlessly against the floor, but everything about her posture screamed vulnerability. The light streaming through the windows highlighted the faint tremor in her hands.

At the exit, the bright sunlight poured over her, making her blink rapidly. Her hesitation was brief as her gaze settled on the sleek black carriage waiting for us.

I stood near the carriage, my arms crossed, watching her every movement. When her eyes finally met mine, I saw the fear flickering there, but something else too-something defiant, buried beneath the surface.

"Get in," I ordered, my tone calm but firm.

She obeyed without a word, climbing into the carriage. The door shut behind her, and I followed, settling into the seat across from her.

The space was tight, forcing us closer than I'd anticipated. She kept her eyes downcast, her hands twisting in her lap. The scent of her fear lingered in the air, sharp and undeniable, but I ignored it.

"We're leaving Ironclaw," I said, breaking the silence. "You'll be safe with me."

She glanced up at that, her brow furrowing slightly. "Safe?"

Her voice was soft, almost hesitant, but there was an edge to it that caught me off guard.

"Yes, safe," I replied evenly. "No one will harm you as long as you're under my protection."

She didn't respond, her gaze dropping once more.

The carriage lurched forward, the wheels crunching against the gravel road. I studied her as the silence stretched between us. Every flicker of emotion that crossed her face, every slight shift in her posture-it all told me more than words ever could.

"You're stronger than you think," I said suddenly, breaking the quiet.

Her head snapped up, her eyes narrowing in confusion.

"What?"

"You survived Ironclaw. That's no small feat," I continued, leaning back in my seat. "You'll survive this too."

Her lips parted slightly as though she wanted to respond, but she closed them quickly.

"Speak," I prompted.

Her hands clenched into fists, and she lifted her gaze to meet mine. "Why did you buy me?"

The question hung in the air, heavier than I'd expected.

"Because I could," I replied simply.

Her eyes darkened, and for the first time, I saw a flicker of the fire hidden beneath her fear.

"That's not an answer," she said quietly, her tone laced with quiet defiance.

I smirked. "It's the only one you'll get for now."

She turned her head away, the frustration in her body language evident.

The rest of the journey passed in tense silence. I didn't press her, and she didn't speak again. By the time we reached the borders of my territory, the forests had grown darker and denser, the air carrying a chill that felt almost alive.

The carriage rolled to a stop, and I stepped out first, extending a hand to her. She hesitated before taking it, her hand cold against mine.

"Welcome to my kingdom," I said, gesturing toward the sprawling landscape ahead.

Her expression was unreadable as she took it all in-the towering trees, the distant mountains, and the faint glow of the palace on the horizon.

"This is where your new life begins," I told her.

She didn't respond, but I could see the uncertainty in her eyes.

And for the first time in years, I felt a strange sense of anticipation.