Chapter 2: The boarder Village Attack
Elara’s breath came in sharp, ragged bursts. The man before her—no, the Alpha—was unlike anything she had ever seen. Power rolled off him in waves, a force that made her pulse race and her instincts scream at her to either bow… or run.
But his words—You’re mine—snapped her out of the haze.
Her fingers tightened around the dagger. “I don’t even know you.”
A faint smirk tugged at the corner of his blood-smeared lips, though there was nothing playful in his gaze. “You will.”
Before she could respond, another howl split the night. It was closer this time—too close. Kaelan’s head snapped toward the sound, every line of his body going tense.
“Stay behind me,” he ordered, his voice like steel.
Elara hesitated, pride warring with fear, but the sudden rustle in the trees made the choice for her. She stepped closer, clutching her weapon, heart pounding.
From the shadows emerged three more rogues, their eyes glowing with feral hunger. They fanned out, surrounding them, low growls vibrating in the air.
Kaelan didn’t flinch. In one fluid motion, he shifted again, his form melting into that massive black wolf she had seen moments ago. His growl was deep, a sound that seemed to shake the earth itself. The rogues hesitated—just for a heartbeat—then lunged.
It was over in moments. Kaelan moved like death incarnate, his claws and fangs tearing through fur and flesh. When the last rogue fell, the clearing was silent save for the harsh sound of Elara’s breathing.
The black wolf padded toward her, its silver eyes locking with hers. She should have been terrified, but instead a strange calm washed over her. When he shifted back, there was no awkwardness in his nakedness, only raw authority.
“Come,” he said, holding out his hand. “It’s not safe here.”
“I can’t—my grandmother—” Elara’s voice cracked, guilt stabbing through her chest.
His jaw tightened, but his tone softened. “We’ll search for her. But first, I need you alive.”
The village was chaos when they emerged from the trees. Houses burned, the air thick with smoke. Villagers fled in every direction, some carrying children, others dragging the wounded.
Kaelan moved with purpose, scanning for threats. Even in human form, there was a lethal grace to him, a sense that nothing could touch him—and by extension, her. He barked orders to a group of warriors who appeared out of the smoke, their armor marked with the sigil of the crown: a silver wolf howling at the moon.
“Secure the east side! Drive them into the forest and finish them!”
The warriors obeyed instantly.
Elara’s gaze darted frantically through the crowd until she spotted her grandmother near the well, helping an injured neighbor. Relief flooded her, and she ran forward.
“Grandmother!”
The old woman looked up, eyes wide. “Elara!” She pulled her into a fierce hug before her gaze slid past her to Kaelan. Recognition flickered in her expression, quickly replaced by guarded respect.
“Your Majesty,” she said, bowing her head slightly.
Elara froze. Your Majesty?
Kaelan inclined his head. “You’re safe for now. But the village is compromised. The rogues are organized—too organized. They will return.”
The old woman’s hand tightened on Elara’s arm. “What are you saying?”
“I’m saying,” Kaelan’s gaze flicked to Elara, “she comes with me. To the fortress.”
Elara’s mouth fell open. “Absolutely not. I’m not leaving my home.”
“You don’t have a choice,” he said flatly. “They’ll come for you again. They came for you tonight.”
“I’m not special—”
“Yes,” he cut her off, stepping closer, his silver eyes pinning her in place. “You are.”
Something in his tone made her pulse skip. He looked at her as though she were a rare, precious thing—something worth killing for.
Her grandmother placed a trembling hand on her cheek. “Elara… go. If the Alpha King says you’re in danger, then you are.”
Elara searched her grandmother’s face, hoping for an argument, a reason to stay. But the old woman only gave her a sad smile.
“I’ll be fine,” she whispered. “Now go before he changes his mind and drags you.”
Within minutes, Kaelan had her mounted on a massive black warhorse, its coat gleaming even in the dim light. He swung up behind her, the heat of his body radiating through her thin dress.
The moment his arm wrapped around her waist to take the reins, her entire body tensed. He was solid, immovable, his scent—a mix of pine, steel, and something darker—filling her senses.
They rode hard through the night, the sounds of battle fading behind them. The forest closed in, shadows racing past as the horse’s hooves pounded the earth.
“Where exactly are you taking me?” she asked over her shoulder, her voice sharper than she intended.
“To the capital,” he replied. “You’ll be safe there.”
“And what then? You lock me in some tower?”
A faint chuckle rumbled in his chest. “Tempting. But no. You’ll be under my protection until the threat is gone.”
“Why?” she pressed. “Why me?”
He was silent for a long moment. When he finally spoke, his voice was low. “Because you’re mine.”
The words sent a strange heat curling in her stomach—equal parts fear and something she refused to name.
They reached the fortress just before dawn. It rose from the cliffside like something carved from the bones of the earth—black stone walls towering high, banners snapping in the wind. Wolves patrolled the battlements, their eyes glowing faintly in the dim light.
The gates opened at Kaelan’s approach, and they rode into a vast courtyard. Servants and guards bowed as he dismounted, then helped Elara down.
She had barely taken in the scale of the place when Kaelan’s hand pressed lightly against the small of her back, guiding her toward the grand entrance.
“You’ll have your own chambers,” he said. “You’ll stay there unless I say otherwise.”
Her spine stiffened. “I’m not your prisoner.”
His silver eyes met hers, unreadable. “No. You’re under my protection. There’s a difference.”
She wanted to argue, but exhaustion was already dragging at her limbs. The events of the night—the attack, the fire, the loss—settled over her like a heavy cloak. For now, she let him lead her inside.
The fortress was warm compared to the chill outside, the air scented faintly with cedar and smoke. They passed through echoing halls lined with wolf-head carvings until they reached a set of double doors. Inside, a room awaited—large, with a canopied bed, a fireplace, and tall windows overlooking the cliff and the endless forest beyond.
Elara stepped inside slowly, her eyes tracing the space. “This is… mine?”
“For now,” Kaelan said from the doorway. His gaze lingered on her for a moment, something almost possessive in his expression. Then he turned to leave.
“Rest. We’ll talk later.”
The door shut behind him, leaving her alone with the crackling fire and the sound of the wind outside.
Elara sank onto the bed, her thoughts a storm. She didn’t know what this Alpha King wanted from her—or why she felt the strange, undeniable pull toward him.
All she knew was that her life had changed forever.