FATED TO THE EXILED WOLF

Chapter 4 Bound by Blood

Kaidan’s muscles strained as he grappled with the massive wolf, its jaws snapping dangerously close to his throat. But as the creature’s movements grew more coordinated, Kaidan realized this was no ordinary predator—there was intelligence behind its eyes. With a mighty heave, he managed to throw the wolf off, putting distance between them. The creature landed with a heavy thud, letting out a guttural snarl. Kaidan braced himself, ready to continue the brutal fight.

Suddenly, the wolf’s form began to shift and morph. Kaidan watched in stunned silence as the creature’s features became more human, the fur receding to reveal a face he knew all too well. “Kane,” Kaidan growled, his voice laced with barely contained fury as he shifted back into human form.

His twin brother stood before him, a mocking grin spreading across his face. “Hello, dear brother. I must say, I’m impressed—you’ve been holding out on me.”

Kaidan’s jaw clenched, his hands balling into fists. “What are you doing here?”

Kane chuckled, his eyes gleaming with amusement. “Why, I’ve come to pay you a visit, of course. And to meet your new… companion.” His gaze drifted toward the cabin, and Kaidan’s heart lurched.

“Stay away from her,” Kaidan warned, his voice low and dangerous.

Kane raised his hands in mock innocence. “Oh, don’t worry, dear brother. I have no intention of harming your pet.” His lips curled into a devious smile. “I’m simply… curious, that’s all.”

Kaidan took a step forward, muscles coiled and ready to strike. “How did you find me?”

Kane’s eyes narrowed, smugness glinting in his expression. “Let’s just say, I have my ways. And I must admit, I’m intrigued by this little arrangement of yours.” He paused, his gaze sliding back toward the cabin. “Nova’s really beautiful, you know. I can see why you’ve taken an interest in her.”

Kaidan’s nostrils flared, his restraint slipping. “What do you want, Kane?”

His brother’s grin widened. “Why, nothing more than to… observe. After all, it’s not every day I get to witness my dear brother’s romantic exploits.”

Kaidan’s expression turned deadly, the air between them thick with a lifetime of resentment and animosity. The silence crackled with tension until Kane’s smirk finally faded, his tone turning serious. “Actually, dear brother, I didn’t come here just to torment you. Father is sick, and he’s requested your presence.”

Kaidan’s eyes flashed with a mix of anger and disbelief. “After all these years, he wants to see me now? Why should I care what that man has to say?”

Kane held up his hands in a placating gesture. “I know you two have your differences, but he’s insisted. He’s on his sickbed, and regardless of the past, he’s still your father.”

Kaidan scoffed, his lips twisting into a sardonic grin. “That man stopped being my father the day he banished me from the pack without a second thought.” He took a step closer, his voice low and venomous. “You can tell your father I have no desire to honor his call. I made my peace with his decision long ago.”

Kane’s gaze held his, unreadable. “I see.” He nodded slowly. “Very well, then. I’ve delivered the message. The choice is yours.”

With that, Kane turned and disappeared into the forest, leaving Kaidan alone with his thoughts. Kaidan stood there, fists clenched, the weight of his past pressing down on him. The thought of facing his sick father—the man who had cast him out without remorse—filled him with rage. With a deep breath, he steeled himself and started back toward the cabin. His jaw tightened, his expression hardened. Kane’s presence had stirred emotions he’d long buried, but his focus now was on Nova’s safety.

As he approached the cabin, he saw her standing on the porch, eyes scanning the forest anxiously. When she spotted him, relief flooded her features. “Kaidan! Thank goodness you’re alright,” she called, running toward him. “I was so worried when you didn’t come back.”

Kaidan’s gaze narrowed, his voice clipped and cold. “What were you thinking, going out there on your own? I told you it wasn’t safe. Why are you so stubborn?”

Nova’s brow furrowed, taken aback by his harsh tone. “I was looking for you! I woke up and you were gone.” Her voice trailed off as she noticed the tension in his posture.

“You could have been killed,” Kaidan snapped, his anger barely contained. “Do you not understand the gravity of the situation?”

Nova’s eyes widened, confusion and hurt flickering across her face. “I was worried about you,” she said softly. “I just wanted to make sure you were alright.”

Kaidan sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “You have no idea what’s out there, Nova. Those woods are dangerous, and you’re putting yourself at risk by wandering around.”

She hesitated, then asked, “How did you even know I was out there? And how did you know my name? I never mentioned it.” Her gaze searched his face.

Kaidan hesitated, scrambling for an excuse. “I… I heard you leave the cabin,” he lied. “I couldn’t risk you getting hurt. And you mentioned your name in your sleep.”

Nova studied him for a moment, clearly unconvinced, but before she could press further, he turned toward the door, his movements tense and agitated. “Just… stay inside from now on.”

Without waiting for a response, he stepped back into the cabin, leaving Nova standing on the porch, confused and aching for answers.