Chapter 5: The Secret in the Shadows
603 Words
I could still feel Kael’s desperate gaze on my back as Killian led me away. But my mind wasn't on Kael anymore. A mother’s intuition was screaming in my ear.
"Killian, I need to check on the twins," I whispered as soon as we were out of earshot. "The link... I feel Aria’s anxiety."
Killian’s expression softened instantly. The cold, ruthless Alpha vanished, replaced by the man who had helped me change diapers and soothe fevers for four years. "Go. My private guards are stationed at the hotel, but I'll send Jax to escort you."
I hurried to the hotel suite located at the edge of the pack territory. As I swiped the key card and stepped inside, the sight made my heart stop.
The balcony door was open. Aria was sitting on the floor, her small hands glowing with a faint, silvery light—a power she inherited from my ancient lineage. But she wasn't alone.
A man was standing by the curtain, watching her with wide, bewildered eyes. It wasn't Kael. It was Elder Silas, the only man in the Silver Moon Pack who had ever shown me a shred of kindness. He was a healer, and he knew the Royal scent better than anyone.
"Elena?" Silas turned, his voice trembling. He looked from me to Leo, who was sleeping soundly on the sofa, then back to Aria. "These children... their aura... it’s impossible."
I rushed forward, shielding Aria behind me. "Silas, what are you doing here?"
"I heard rumors of a woman who looked like the lost omega," Silas whispered, stepping closer. "I came to see for myself. But these children... Elena, they carry the Royal Alpha gene. But it’s mixed with something even older. Something... Lunar."
I felt the blood drain from my face. "You cannot tell him, Silas. If Kael finds out—"
"Kael?" Silas laughed bitterly. "Kael is a fool. He thinks he rejected a weakling. He doesn't realize he threw away the bloodline of the First Wolves. But Elena, if the High Council finds out you have Royal heirs, they will take them from you."
Suddenly, a loud crash came from the hallway. Silas froze.
"Elena! Are you in there?" It was Kael’s voice. He had followed me. He was drunk on grief and jealousy, and he was heading straight for the door.
"Hide them!" Silas hissed.
I grabbed Aria and woke Leo, shoving them into the walk-in closet just as the suite door burst open. Kael stood there, his hair disheveled, his scent thick with alcohol and obsession.
"I knew you were hiding something," Kael growled, his eyes scanning the room. He stopped when he saw Silas. "Elder? What are you doing in her room?"
"I was merely checking on Ms. Vance’s well-being, Alpha," Silas said smoothly, though I could see his hands shaking.
Kael didn't listen. His wolf was on edge. He began to sniff the air. Sandalwood, rain... and something else. A scent that was 50% his, but 100% more powerful.
"Why does it smell like a pup in here?" Kael’s voice dropped to a dangerous octave. He began walking toward the closet. "Elena, what are you hiding behind that door?"
My heart hammered against my ribs like a trapped bird. If he opened that door, my life—and the lives of my children—would never be the same.
"Get out, Kael," I said, stepping in his way, my hand resting on the dagger at my waist. "You have no right to be here."
"I am the Alpha!" he roared, his eyes flashing gold. "And I smell my blood!"
- Writer
