Chapter 2
1183 Words
The doors closed behind them with a sound that echoed like a final judgment Nyra flinched.
The corridor beyond the ceremonial hall was dim, lit only by flickering torchlight that cast long, distorted shadows along the stone walls.
Alpha Kael strode ahead, his steps measured, powerful, unhurried,
He did not look back.
Nyra followed in silence, her heart hammering so violently she was certain he could hear it.
Every instinct screamed at her to run.
But where could she go?
The pack compound twisted like a labyrinth, and even if she escaped, the forest beyond was death itself, the Rogue's wild beasts, Frozen rivers.
And him.
She clenched her hands in the thin fabric of her dress, nails digging into her palms.
Why had he claimed her?
The cruel Alpha of the North, feared across territories, known for slaughtering entire rogue clans without mercy.
Why an omega?
Why her?
They ascended a spiraling staircase carved into the heart of the mountain, each step taking her farther from everything familiar.
The air grew colder, heavier, saturated with his scent smoke, frost, and danger.
At the top, massive double doors loomed.
Guards snapped to attention as Alpha Kael approached Without a word, they pushed the doors open His chambers were vast.
Cold stone floors, High vaulted ceilings.Tall windows overlooking endless forest and jagged mountains. Everything about the room spoke of power, dominance, and isolation.
A king’s den, Nyra hesitated at the threshold.
“Inside,” Kael said. His voice was calm.
That frightened her more than anger ever could.
She stepped in, The doors shut behind her with a hollow boom.
Her breath stuttered,She stood alone with him for the first time.
Kael turned slowly.
Up close, he was even more terrifying. Tall, broad, carved from muscle and violence. His silver eyes were sharp, unreadable, and far too observant.
He studied her like a puzzle he despised having to solve.
“Look at me” Nyra obeyed, lifting her head.
His gaze hardened.“How old are you?”
“Eighteen,” she whispered.
“Rank?“Omega.”
His nostrils flared, “I know that.
Heat flooded her cheeks, “I serve in the kitchens and training halls.”
A pause.“Who beats you?”Her breath caught.
The question stunned her.
“I“Answer,
“Mira,” she whispered. “And sometimes the warriors.”
Silence followed, Heavy.
Then, unexpectedly, his jaw tightened.
“Why?“I make mistakes.”
A humorless huff left him. “Everyone makes mistakes.”
Not omegas.
But she did not say that.
Kael circled her slowly, eyes scanning the faint bruises along her wrists, the healing cut on her cheek, the rigid way she held her body as if expecting pain at any moment.
Something dark flickered in his gaze.
“You don’t smell weak,” She stiffened, “Sir?”
“You smell dormant.”
Her heart skipped. “I don’t understand.”
His eyes locked onto hers, “Neither do I.”
He straightened abruptly, stepping back as if distancing himself, “You will stay here. You will not return to the omega quarters.”
Fear clawed up her throat, “I don’t want to cause trouble.”
A sharp, humorless laugh escaped him. “You already have.”She flinched.
“You are my mate,” he continued coldly, “But do not mistake that for affection.”
The words struck harder than any blow,
“I did not choose you,” he said, “And I will not pretend otherwise.”
Tears burned in her eyes, but she forced them back.
“I will give you protection, Food, and safety, Nothing more.”
Her chest ached, “Yes, Alpha.”
He turned away, “There is a bathing chamber beyond that door. Clean yourself, you will dine with me tonight” Her stomach twisted.
Dine with him? “Yes, Alpha.”
She moved toward the indicated door on unsteady legs.
But as her fingers brushed the handle, his voice stopped her.
“If anyone touches you again,” he said quietly, “I will end them, ” Her heart lurched.
She glanced back, His expression was stone.
She nodded and hurried inside.
The bath chamber was filled with steam and warmth, a stark contrast to the cold outside. A massive stone tub sat at its center, already filled with hot water,
Bruises, Marks of survival.
She sank into the water, hissing as heat met damaged skin. For a moment, the ache was unbearable,Then relief followed, loosening muscles clenched for years.
She closed her eyes. And for the first time in her life, she cried, silently.
When she emerged, fresh clothes awaited soft fabric, warm boots, and a thick cloak. Luxuries she had never touched.
Her hands trembled as she dressed.
When she returned, a table had been laid before the fire.
Kael sat at the head, posture rigid, eyes already on her,She froze.
“Sit.”She obeyed.
The food was abundant meat, bread, fruit, and steaming soup.
Her stomach cramped painfully at the smell.
She hesitated, “Eat.”
She lifted a spoon with shaking fingers.
The first bite nearly broke her.
Warmth spread through her chest. Tears threatened again.
She ate slowly, painfully aware of his gaze.
“Why do you starve?” he asked abruptly.
Her spoon paused midair.
“The pack rations. Lies.
Her throat tightened. “Omegas eat last.”
Something dangerous sparked in his eyes.
“Not anymore,” Her heart skipped.
After dinner, silence stretched.
Kael leaned back, studying her, “Sleep.”
She stiffened, “On the floor?”
“No” Her pulse thundered.
“On the bed,” he clarified coldly. “You will not touch me.”
Shame flooded her cheeks, “Yes, Alpha.”
The bed was enormous, layered with heavy furs and thick blankets.
She lay at the very edge, stiff as stone.
Minutes passed. Then the hours would not come.
Her senses prickled.
Slowly, she became aware of another presence beside her.
Kael lay on his back, eyes closed, breathing slowly.
Yet his wolf stirred, Restless, Unsettled,
Her chest tightened as an unfamiliar pull tugged at her, aching, yearning. The bond,
Her wolf, weak and buried stretched.
Instinct guided her.
Before she realized what she was doing, she shifted closer.
Her fingers brushed his arm.
The reaction was instant, Kael inhaled sharply.
His eyes snapped open, Silver burned.
“What are you doing?” he growled.
“I'm sorry,” she whispered, terror flooding her veins. She scrambled backward, heart racing.
But his hand closed around her wrist, not rough.
Not gentle, Restraining.
The room thickened with tension.
His gaze dropped to where she touched him.
Then slowly lifted to meet her eyes, The air crackled.
His jaw clenched.“Don’t,” he said hoarsely,
Her breath hitched.
Because the bond pulsed violently between them.
And she felt it then, not hatred, not rejection.
But something far more dangerous.
Hunger, Possession, Need.
His grip tightened slightly. And for a heartbeat too long, He did not let go.
- Writer
