Claimed by the Alpha under the Christmas moon

Chapter 6: Unwelcome Shadows

Dawn finds me awake and wrapped in Kael’s strong arms. The sun is barely up, but through the foggy glow I feel the steady rhythm of his breathing. Last night we fell asleep entwined, and I can’t remember the last time I slept so deeply or with so much contentment.

Carefully, I untangle myself and slip out of bed. Kael mumbles something sweet in his sleep, oblivious. I smile softly, smoothing the covers. Everything feels different now. If I could choose my reality before, I might have never envisioned waking up with a pack of wolves who call me family. And yet here I am, and I’m grateful.

Stepping outside, the frosty air kisses my cheeks. The sun paints the snow-crusted trees pink and gold. Kael is sitting on the porch’s edge, keeping watch, already dressed in his worn leather and fur cloak. He motions for me to sit beside him. “Good morning,” he murmurs as I join him.

I lean against his side and watch the forest awake. He sips his steaming coffee. “How are you feeling today?” he asks gently, wrapping an arm around me.

“Rested,” I answer. I tuck a strand of hair behind my ear. Last night’s fears have melted into today’s quiet confidence. “Thanks to you.”

He kisses the top of my head. “We have a big day ahead,” he says. “There are things we need to discuss with the pack.”

My stomach flips. I nod. After everything we’ve been through, and everything that we just confessed last night, I feel ready for any challenge.

We head into the cabin where breakfast is already prepared. Mira and Bran welcome us with warm smiles. The cabin bustles in a calm way as others join for the morning meal. I notice two new faces: a tall, broad-shouldered woman with wind-tousled hair and an older man with silver at his temples. Kael’s expression tenses when he sees them.

As I sit, Kael clears his throat. “Everyone,” he says, voice clear. “These are my cousins. Sirena and Garreth.” They step forward and greet me kindly. “They came to help me with...some things.”

Sirena’s sharp eyes briefly flick to Kael and then to me. There’s recognition in them, but she says nothing beyond, “Good to meet you, mate.” It's a strange combination—formal like a courtesy, but also an acceptance I never earned. I simply smile and nod.

Garreth grumbles good morning and sits beside Bran. The pack begins to chatter quietly as if nothing unusual has happened. Kael sits next to me, bringing two plates of pancakes. I decide to just enjoy the morning first. His presence is so reassuring.

After breakfast, we gather in the living area. Kael stands and clears his throat. “I have something to discuss. Sirena and Garreth are cousins from the Northern Clan. There’s trouble brewing that we need to address.”

My pulse quickens. Mira places a hand on my shoulder. I realize I’m holding my breath.

Kael explains: a rival pack, one that they’d thought dormant, is stirring. The Northern Clan is at odds with the Silver Forest Pack (Kael’s pack). “Some alpha beyond those mountains is challenging our borders,” Kael says. “He has discovered that I have a mate.” The others exchange tense looks.

Sirena speaks up. “He’s jealous. He’s the one who thought he might find our mate first.” Her tone is icy. Bran mutters about how some wolves are still too territorial or poor losers.

I listen, every muscle on alert. They consider it a serious insult that another alpha even tried to claim me. The pack is talking of preparing for a fight, to protect me and their territory.

Kael looks at me, concern in every line of his face. “We may have to move soon to avoid conflict,” he says softly. “There’s a safe place where you could stay, just in case.”

My stomach ties in knots. “Where?” I blurt out.

He answers gently, “The old hunting lodge, deep in these woods. No one goes there. It’ll be just you and one other pack member—Tomas will accompany you.”

My heart sinks at the thought of being separated from Kael. “You’d be… safer with me,” I say, swallowing hard. It pains me to even suggest.

Kael pulls me close, kissing my temple. “It’s because I love you that I must keep you safe,” he says. “I’ll take the fight, and you’ll be hidden. That’s how pack tradition protects a mate.”

I lean into him and feel Mira’s comforting hands on my other shoulder. She whispers, “You’re one of us now. Your place will always be with Kael, safe or not.”

Bran catches my eye across the room and gives me a reassuring nod. Despite the dire talk, I realize I really am part of this family now.

Kael’s hand squeezes mine. “What do you think?” he asks, looking solemn.

I gaze at him. There’s fear in my chest, but there’s also trust. “If that’s what we need to do to stay safe, I’ll do it. But I’d rather be with you.”

He smiles faintly. “I know. And I promise, this will all be over soon.”

Sirena steps forward. “There are days until the full moon. When it rises, the rival pack will make their move.” She looks at me. “Elana, Tomas and I will take you to the lodge tomorrow. Lay low until we send for you.”

I nod. It feels unreal that someone cares so much already.

“Right now,” Kael says, “we hunt—both the rival pack to locate them, and real food, so no one goes starving.”

After the meeting, Mira takes me aside. “I know it’s frightening, but Kael is strong and you are brave. We will be watching over you.” She meets my eyes and adds, “Tomorrow, sleep here with the pack. Tonight, I sleep with you.”

Her statement startles me. She ruffles my hair. “Pack law says my role is to protect the mate of our alpha if I’m needed.” I think I see worry in her eyes. “You need some rest after last night, I think.”

We share a laugh. Even in this chaos, I appreciate her sincerity. I head to Kael’s bedroom. The sight of him waiting for me there drives any last wobbles from my knees. “Will you hold me until morning?” I ask.

His eyes soften. “Always,” he says, pushing me gently onto the bed.

We are close again, yes—but now there’s the ache of impending separation, a bitter reminder of reality. I bury my face in his chest. His heartbeat is steady. His arms tighten around me.

“Be safe,” I whisper in his ear.

He brushes a kiss on my temple and sighs. “I will. I promise.”

In the middle of the night, I wake to a strange rustle. Through the window, I see a dark figure slip away into the woods. My heart catches. Kael murmurs my name and squeezes me, pulling me deeper into his side. The house is suddenly quiet, but I know a shadow stirs outside.

Someone is watching us.

I force myself to settle, knowing there’s nothing I can do but trust Kael and the pack.

When dawn finally arrives, I will have to leave the safety of this room into uncertainty. But as long as I have Kael’s memory pressed to my cheek, I feel ready to face the shadows.