Claiming His Unwanted Mate.

Almost Free [Chloe's POV].

It's been another few months since the last incident. Despite being heartbroken by Killian's betrayal, I remained restless.

My mind swirled with thoughts of him. The pull between us was irresistible, and I hated myself for it.

Time after time, I'd tell myself I hated him with my very soul, but time after time, I'd find myself tangled in his sheets, surrendering to the undeniable heat between us.

One day, I sat up, wrapping the sheets around my bare body. I couldn’t believe I let this happen again. I stared at Killian lying next to me. His dark hair was tousled, and his face was peaceful as he slept. Or at least pretended to.

“This has to stop,” I whispered, half to myself, half hoping Killian would hear. But he didn't stir. As I slipped from the bed, I felt a pang of guilt that wouldn't fade.

My heart was divided. Killian had a hold over me, but my mind knew better. Killian would never leave Freya. He would never claim me. He'd always give me stolen moments in the night and nothing more.

I threw one last glance at his sleeping form and picked up my clothes from the floor. After tugging them on, I slipped out of the room the same way I came, undetected and ashamed.

The next morning at breakfast in the packhouse, I heard whispers about an upcoming celebration. Almost every Alpha was said to be attending, and as usual, I lost interest. Would anything come out of this one? I had already been heartbroken twice.

I dropped onto a chair, my hair slipping out of the loose ponytail and into my bowl. “Hey, don't let your hair get in your food,” a voice called, removing it from my face. I thanked the stranger with a warm smile.

“Thank you.”

“Sure.” He returned it with a smile of his own, then waved. “See ya at the Moonlight Festival.”

“Moonlight Festival?” So that's the celebration everyone was talking about.

“Yeah. Everyone will be there,” he said, plopping down next to me.

“Everyone?” So the rumors were true.

He replied with a proud nod. “Yes. Everyone, including Alpha Damon.”

Damon. It's been a while. He had rejected me last year, and I still didn't know why. At least Killian gave me a reason for what he did, but Damon didn't.

I wanted answers, so I made preparations to attend the festival. I counted my chickens as I walked into the grand hall on the day of the celebration.

As usual, everyone stared, but I tried my best to ignore them while enjoying the ceremony. I was already on my third glass of champagne when our eyes met.

I had found who I was looking for.

Without a word, he skewered through the crowd to where I stood. He was every inch the bodybuilder he had always been.

As though nothing had changed about him. Time failed to distort his looks. He aged backwards, younger and more youthful.

“Chloe,” he said my name in a whisper, in a tone I had never heard him use, and I wondered what was going on. His hands went to my shoulders, and I froze.

There was something about the look in his eyes. He was sad.

“Chloe,” he repeated in a low, pleading tone. “I made a mistake. I shouldn't have rejected you. There were reasons—things I couldn't explain back then.”

And just like that, he took the questions out of my mouth. I pushed his hands off my shoulders and folded my arms across my chest.

“And what makes me think I'd forgive you now?”

“I was trying to protect you,” he said, taking a step closer. “There were threats against me, against anyone close to me. I couldn't risk your life. But things have changed now. Let me make it up to you. Come with me. Leave this place.”

I hesitated, my mind flashing to Killian. Could I really leave him? Yes, of course. He'd never claimed me, never fought for me. So why should I stay?

“I… I accept your proposal, Damon,” I muttered.

Damon nodded, a brilliant smile on his face—one I'd never seen before. “I'll be waiting tomorrow. I'll come to take you to my pack.”

As he walked away, Freya appeared at my side, a smirk playing on her lips. “Finally, you're leaving Killian, huh?”

I gave her a sharp glare. “How did you—”

Freya laughed. “It wasn't hard to figure out. Killian is better off without you. Things will be easier for me now.”

“What do you mean?” I narrowed my eyes.

“Let's just say he'll have fewer distractions when you're gone.”

I agreed with her. “Killian doesn't care about me. He's never even tried to stop me. You can enjoy him.”

“Oh, I will.” Freya threw her hair back and turned to leave.

That same evening, I sat on my bed, packing my things.

I had made my decision. I would leave with Damon. If Killian wanted me, he'd have to claim me.

A sudden knock interrupted my thoughts, and I looked up. There he was, standing in the doorway with his arms crossed over his chest.

“You're leaving with him?”

I rose to my feet and crossed my arms too. “Yes, I am. I deserve more than being your bed warmer, Killian, and you know it.”

His eyes darkened. “You think I'll just let you go? Let another man have you?” The effrontery was diabolical.

I shot back. “You've had plenty of chances, Killian! If you want me, claim me. Otherwise, let me go!”

Killian's jaw clenched. He turned away, leaving without another word.

My heart sank, a mixture of anger and disappointment flooding me.

He was letting me go. Well, screw him. I'm leaving this hell first thing in the morning.

The morning of my departure arrived. Damon was supposed to come at any moment, and my new life would begin.

But instead of a knock at the door, Freya stood before me with a frown.

“Looks like you really are cursed. Everyone you touch seems to die, don't they?” she said in a low, mocking voice.

I curled an eyebrow. “What do you mean?”

“Damon's dead!” she blurted out. “His pack was attacked.”