Chapter2
1253 Words
Amelia’s POV.
Don't make a sound. Don't breathe too loud. Don't exist. I repeated it in my head like a prayer. It never worked, because I did exist.
And.right now, Alpha Kaden was staring at me like I was something worth studying. Just like everyone else who heard the story.
The girl who killed her own mother. My fingers trembled at my sides. My head stayed bowed, my eyes burning, maybe the ground would open this time. Maybe the moon goddess would finally listen—
Footsteps. Slow. Measured. My breath hitched. He was circling me, like I was his prey.
I stiffened when he stopped in front of me. A rough finger tilted my chin upward, forcing my hand to meet his. Those eyes. Sharp and unforgiving, they were gold in color.
His hand slid to my throat and at that moment, I flinched—
But he didn't squeeze.
“Did you do it?” He asked quietly. “Did you poison your mother?”
“I was six.” I whispered. My voice shook.
“I only made her lemonade. I didn't—”
The rest caught in my throat. It always did. Because no one ever let me finish. His gaze shifted– past me.
Towards them.
“Blaming a child for that.” He said slowly. “Seems rather… convenient.”
My father scoffed. “A six year old should know the difference between plants. It's tight early, she knew what she was doing and did it anyway.”
“I didn't—” I started but Logan's glare silenced me instantly. Kaden didn't look at me again. “She killed my mate.” My father continued. “End of story.”
Silence stretched. Then—
“That's not how wolfsbane works anymore.”
The room went still. My heart skipped but Kaden’s tone did not change, instead, something underneath it sharpened.
“Standard wolfsbane hasn't killed wolves in years. “ He continued. “Your mate didn't die from that.”
My heart lifted slightly, almost breaking while I turned to find my father's gaze.
What? What did he mean by that?
“...which would mean,” he added, “It had to be blood wolfsbane.”
Confusion flooded me even more. Blood what?
“That isn't something a child can get her hands on so easily.”
Logan stepped forward, jaw tightened. “You weren't there.”
Kaden nodded once. “No. I wasn't.”
Relief flickered in my chest—then it died.
“But answer me this,” he continued calmly. “Where exactly would a six year old find blood wolfsbane?”
Silence. Heavy and dangerous flooded the room again.
“I didn't invite you here to question my family.” Logan snapped, “Watch your tone.”
Kaden didn't react and that terrified me even more. He simply reached for his jacket. “I think I've seen enough.”
My father stiffened. “We had an agreement.*
“I don't remember signing anything yet.” He replied. “Which means I'm free to reconsider.”
And just like that, he walked out.
+
The moment the door shut—
Everything turned on me.
“What did you tell him?” Logan's hand slammed into my face before I could answer. My vision blurred.
“I didn't say anything.” I stammered. “He only asked—”
“And you answered?” My father barked. Spit hit my face like a punch. I swallowed hard. “I didn't mention you—”
Pain exploded to the back of my head. Logan.
“Speak properly when you're addressed!”
My knees buckled slightly. “I'm sorry,” I whispered.
Wrong answer. His fingers tangled into my hair, yanking my head back.
“If you ruin this deal,” he said softly. “I'll make sure you don't survive it.”
Cold fear rushed through me. Then he dragged me. Towards the basement. My heart dropped. Not again.
“Please—” I begged, stumbling. “He's an alpha, I had to answer– please, I didn't mean to—”
“Save it.”
The basement door creaked open. Dark. Cold. Familiar.
+
“Interesting.”
We froze. My breath caught, Alpha Kaden. He stopped a few steps behind his, leaning lazily against the wall like he had been there the whole time, watching us.
Logan released me instantly.
“Alpha Kaden.” He said, forcing calm into his voice. “I thought you left.”
“I said I would.” Kaden replied. “Then I found this instead.”
His gaze flickered to the basement. Then to me. Then it was back to Logan.
“Is this where you keep her?”
Logan's jaw tightened. “She killed our mother.”
“So you cage her?”
“She deserves far worse than that.”
Kaden tilted his head slightly. “You're right.” He said calmly. “She might.”
For a second, I thought he agreed. My chest tightened and then his gaze hardened, “But that doesn't explain why she looks like she's starving.”
Silence.
“She's underfed,” he continued. “Weak. No wolf, no scent and no defense.”
His eyes locked on my father. “And you call yourself her alpha?”
No one spoke. No one dared to. Kaden pushed off the wall slowly. “If I accept this alliance,” he said, voice low, “...your family becomes…relevant to mine.”
My stomach twisted again. Relevant?
“To me,” he added. He glanced at me, it was longer this time, like he was deciding something.
“I want her.”
The words hit like thunder. My ears rang. “What?” Logan snapped.
“You heard me.” Kaden said. “Add her to the deal.”
My father hesistated. I stopped breathing.
“Why her?” Logan demanded. “She's useless.”
Kaden's gaze flicked to him. Cold.
“You don't get to decide what I find useful.”
Silence fell again. Thick and heavy, dangerous.
“Agree,” Kaden added calmly, “Or become my enemy.” that did it. My father didn't even argue after that.
“Fine…”
Just like that. I was traded.
Kaden stepped closer. A little too close. His fingers brushed my chin again, tilting my face up. I stiffened. He studied me like I was a puzzle.
“Be ready.” He said quietly. His thumbs grazed my lower lip. My breath hitched then he stepped away. “I'll send for her.”
He turned towards the door–
Then he paused. Without looking back, I heard him add: “If either of you think to touch her ever again..”
His voice dropped, deadly.
“You won't live long enough to regret it.”
The door slammed behind him.
Logan turned to me, he snapped at once. “Get out!”
I didn't wait. I ran. My room wasn't a room. It was storage, but it was mine. Or at least the closest thing to it.
I packed everything I owned in less than a minute, there wasn't much. There never was.
+
I didn't sleep that night. Every time I closed my eyes—
I saw him. His eyes, his voice. His touch. Nothing made sense.
Why me?
Why would someone like him—
Want someone like me?
My chest tightened. And one question refused to leave my mind–
What is blood wolfsbane?
- Writer
