CHAPTER FIVE
1323 Words
5: The Safehouse
Elena gripped the strap of her duffel bag so tightly that her knuckles turned white.
She still couldn’t believe she had agreed to this.
The old wooden cabin loomed ahead, nestled deep in the forest, its structure blending into the thick trees surrounding it. Moonlight filtered through the branches, casting silver streaks across the clearing. The air smelled of pine, damp earth, and something else—something distinctly him.
Kieran walked beside her, his strides effortless, his golden eyes flicking to her every few moments, as if making sure she hadn’t changed her mind.
Which, honestly, she still might.
She wasn’t used to being kept.
Elena Hart had spent her life running toward danger, not away from it. From the moment she picked up her first camera, she had chased the unknown—tracking storms, diving into abandoned buildings, and now, apparently, throwing herself straight into a werewolf war.
She had survived on instinct, not protection.
And yet, here she was.
Stuck with the one man who made her feel like she was coming undone just by standing next to him.
“You’re quiet,” Kieran murmured.
Elena scoffed. “You dragged me out to the middle of the woods to a werewolf safehouse. I think I’m entitled to some brooding.”
Kieran smirked. “Brooding, huh? I thought you were just working up the courage to admit you’re glad I’m keeping you safe.”
She shot him a glare. “Don’t push your luck.”
He chuckled, but his amusement faded as they reached the cabin steps. His posture shifted—subtle but noticeable. His shoulders squared, his body went rigid, and his fingers twitched like he was resisting the urge to shift.
“Something wrong?” Elena asked, suddenly on high alert.
Kieran hesitated, then shook his head. “No. Just… my pack’s inside. They’re protective.”
Of you, went unsaid.
“Protective?” Elena repeated. “You mean they’re going to hate me on sight?”
Kieran sighed. “Not hate. Just… cautious.”
Elena folded her arms. “Great. I can’t wait for the warm welcome.”
Kieran placed a hand on the doorknob but didn’t open it right away. He turned to face her, his expression unreadable.
“I know you don’t trust me yet,” he said quietly. “And I know this is overwhelming. But you need to know… you’re not alone in this anymore.”
His words sent a strange warmth through her chest—one she didn’t want to acknowledge.
So she just rolled her eyes. “Are you always this dramatic, or is that a werewolf thing?”
Kieran huffed a laugh and pushed open the door.
The inside of the cabin was larger than she expected. The open space was lined with wooden beams, a massive stone fireplace crackling in the corner. A few chairs and couches were arranged around it, giving the place a strangely homey feel.
But the moment they stepped inside, all warmth vanished.
Three figures stood near the fireplace, their sharp eyes locking onto her with unsettling intensity.
The tallest—a man with short brown hair and a jagged scar along his cheek—crossed his arms over his broad chest. He looked at Kieran first, then at Elena, his frown deepening.
“This is her?”
Elena tensed.
Kieran stepped slightly in front of her. “Yes.”
The man’s gaze flicked to her again, and she swore she could feel the weight of his scrutiny pressing against her skin.
Then, without warning, he stepped forward, inhaling deeply as if scenting her.
Elena recoiled. “Uh—what the hell?”
The man exhaled sharply and turned to Kieran with a look of pure disbelief. “You weren’t kidding.”
The blonde woman standing next to him let out a low whistle. “Holy shit.”
The third figure—a younger man, barely in his twenties, with messy black hair—looked between Kieran and Elena, then muttered, “Well, that’s gonna be a problem.”
Elena’s patience snapped. “Okay, someone want to tell me what’s going on? Or are we just gonna stand around sniffing each other?”
The blonde smirked. “I like her.”
Kieran sighed. “Elena, meet my pack. That’s Luke.” He gestured to the scarred man, who still looked like he wanted to throw something. “That’s Sadie.” The blonde woman gave a little wave. “And that’s Jesse.”
Jesse, the youngest, offered a small nod.
Elena raised an eyebrow. “And what exactly is their problem?”
Sadie grinned. “It’s not our problem. It’s yours.”
Elena stiffened. “Excuse me?”
Luke rubbed a hand down his face. “Look, it’s just… We knew Kieran had a bondmate out there somewhere. But we didn’t expect it to be you.”
Something about his tone made her bristle. “And what’s wrong with me?”
Luke snorted. “Where do I start?”
“Luke,” Kieran warned.
“No, seriously,” Luke continued, stepping closer. “Do you even get what this means? You’re human, Elena. That bond inside you? It’s going to change you. And if you’re not ready for that, then—”
“I didn’t ask for this,” Elena snapped.
The room fell into tense silence.
Kieran was the first to speak. “We all need to calm down.”
Luke exhaled sharply. “Right. Because that’s going to fix everything.”
Jesse, who had been quiet until now, finally spoke. “Look, I don’t have a death wish, so I’m gonna go ahead and say what everyone’s thinking.” He turned to Elena. “If you fight this bond, Kieran’s going to suffer. And if Kieran suffers, we suffer.”
Elena’s stomach twisted. “I know that.”
“Do you?” Luke challenged.
Elena met his glare with one of her own. “I know what happens if I reject the bond. I know what it could do to him. But don’t stand there and act like I’m some heartless monster who wants him to die.”
Luke hesitated, his jaw tightening.
Sadie whistled again. “Damn. She’s got fire.”
Jesse grinned. “I think I like her too.”
Luke finally sighed and ran a hand through his hair. “Fine. But this doesn’t mean I trust you.”
Elena lifted her chin. “The feeling is mutual.”
Kieran pinched the bridge of his nose. “This is going great.”
Sadie leaned against the fireplace, smirking. “You sure know how to pick ’em, Kieran.”
He ignored her and turned to Elena. “Come on. I’ll show you where you’ll be staying.”
Elena nodded and followed him down a hallway, away from the prying eyes of his pack.
As they reached a small room with a bed, she hesitated. “Are they always like that?”
Kieran sighed. “They’ll come around. They just don’t want me to get hurt.”
She studied him for a moment. “And what about you?”
His golden eyes met hers, something unreadable flickering beneath the surface. “What about me?”
“How do you feel about this bond?” she asked softly.
Kieran was silent for a long moment. Then, in a voice barely above a whisper, he said,
“I think I’ve wanted you longer than I even realized.”
Elena’s breath caught.
Kieran stepped closer, his heat wrapping around her. “But I won’t force you into anything.”
Elena swallowed. “And if I choose to walk away?”
His jaw clenched, but he nodded. “Then I’ll let you.”
She wasn’t sure why that answer made her chest ache.
But as she closed the door between them, she knew one thing for certain.
She was no longer sure she wanted to walk away.
- Writer
