Fated [Chloe's POV].
1045 Words
Their eyes never left me as they laughed. I knew I was the subject of discussion. Everywhere I turned, people had something to say. I knew it was stupid coming here.
I scanned the room, looking for an escape, and I found one—the hall entrance. Tears welled up in my eyes as I approached it. But before I could reach the exit, the grand hall’s double doors swung open, and standing before me was Alpha Killian.
I made a quick bow and bolted, not wanting him to see me. I thought I had run away from it all—the jesting ladies, the loud music, the ceremony—but I hadn’t.
They still echoed in my head. Not even the whisper of the wind could pull them from my thoughts.
But one voice did.
“There you are.”
The commanding voice sliced through the quiet air, stunning me. I heard nothing else but him. The moon’s silver light was dim, but when he came into view, it shimmered brightly, as though at his command.
My bottom lip quivered as he strode toward me, holding out a long-stemmed rose.
“It’s your birthday, isn’t it, Chloe?”
My cheeks pinked immediately. He knows it’s my birthday? Does he even know my name—me, of all people?
Alpha Killian was the most handsome man in the BloodMoon Pack and my crush since I was fifteen. Despite being a popular playboy with a pretty face, I’d heard he rejected his first mate. Why was I suddenly blushing like that was a good thing?
“Chloe,” he called softly, and I lifted my gaze from the rose in his hand.
When our eyes met, my world shifted.
My mouth nearly fell open. Killian towered over me. His broad shoulders and chiselled physique were honed from years of training and leading the pack. His raven-black hair was neatly trimmed, framing his sharp jawline.
His tailored black suit accentuated his powerful build, a crisp white shirt and necktie completing his elegant look.
“Happy birthday, Chloe.” He flashed me a grin, and I nearly melted.
When he took my hand and placed the rose in it, a jolt of electricity ran through my veins.
“Thank you,” I whispered.
“You deserve so much more than cruel words.” He reached out and cupped my cheek, and my eyes widened.
I felt an inexplicable pull. There was no mistaking it. This was the connection I had been searching for.
I realized the rose was still clutched in my hand and glanced down. The thorns had been plucked out so they wouldn’t hurt me.
“Alpha Killian, I… I never expected this. I thought after what happened with Damon, I’d never find a mate.”
Killian smirked, withdrawing his hand and crossing his arms.
“Well, looks like fate had other plans. Who would’ve thought you’d be my mate?”
I nearly lost my footing.
“You… you’re not going to reject me? You’re the Alpha—you—”
He cut me off, stepping closer.
“Reject you? Why would I do that?”
I took a step back, stunned.
“But I’m way out of your league. Everyone says you don’t want a mate. You rejected your first one.”
His eyes darkened briefly, and my blood froze.
“That’s what everyone says,” he replied calmly. “Here’s what I’m saying—I want you.”
Before I could protest, he took my hand and led me outside.
“I don’t care if you’ve been rejected before. If fate chose you for me, then you’re mine.”
A smile spread across my lips.
“Thank you.”
Killian chuckled.
“Well, I guess it’s time I start making up for all the months you’ve been waiting, huh?”
I smiled for the first time that evening.
“I’d like that.”
With a playful grin, Killian pulled me closer.
“You’re mine.”
The forest faded into the background. It was just me and Killian.
I wasn’t cursed after all.
I had finally found my mate—my crush, my childhood sweetheart. Now that I had him, I wouldn’t let him slip through my fingers.
Or so I thought.
---
A few months later, I stood outside in the cool night air, my breath fogging in front of me as I waited.
The forest was quiet, the only sound the soft rustling of leaves in the breeze. My heart raced as I glanced toward the clearing where I was supposed to meet Killian.
After the mating ceremony, I’d sneak away to meet him in the woods. During pack gatherings, he’d steal a kiss or two. We even shared skin-to-skin moments under the moonlight.
I loved it.
But as weeks turned into months, doubts began to creep in. Despite his professions of love, all I seemed to do was warm his bed at his request.
I started to wonder if he truly loved me—or if he was only using me to satisfy his desires.
The sound of footsteps pulled me back to the present. I turned to see Killian approaching.
He smiled that charming grin that first drew me in, and I fell for him all over again.
“Sorry I’m late,” he said, pulling me into his arms.
“It’s okay,” I replied softly. “I had to sneak out again. Freya’s been watching me like a hawk.”
Killian’s expression darkened briefly before he masked it.
“You worry too much. Everything will be fine. Trust me.”
He cupped my cheek and kissed me. I melted into it, though the doubts still gnawed at me.
When he pulled back, I looked at him, my heart pounding.
“When are we going to tell the pack? I’m tired of hiding.”
Something flickered in his eyes—something I couldn’t name—but he smiled again, brushing a strand of hair from my face.
“I know I promised you love, but you have to be patient. There’s a lot at stake. We need to wait for the right moment.”
I nodded, though my chest tightened with frustration.
How much longer would I have to wait?
- Writer
