chapter two
1306 Words
Leah's POV
Warmth seeped into my skin as I stirred, my body aching with exhaustion. My eyelids fluttered open, and I found myself staring at a white ceiling. The smell of antiseptic and herbs filled the air.
Where was I?
“You’re awake,” a deep, commanding voice cut through the haze.
I turned my head sharply, wincing as pain shot through my neck. A man stood at the foot of the bed, arms crossed over his broad chest. His sharp features were framed by dark hair, and his piercing blue eyes seemed to see straight through me. He was the same man from yesterday.
“You’re in the Shadow Moon Pack,” he said bluntly, as if he could hear the question forming in my mind.
Shadow Moon. The realization made my stomach churn. This was Alpha Killian’s pack. I’d heard the stories-how ruthless and cold-hearted he was.
I swallowed hard, trying to sit up. My ankle throbbed, and I let out a small hiss of pain.
“Don’t move too much,” the Alpha said, his voice devoid of emotion. “Your ankle was sprained, and you’ve got some minor cuts. You’re lucky my patrol found you when they did.”
The memory of the rogues and the massive wolf that saved me rushed back, and my chest tightened. “It was you,” I whispered.
Killian’s expression didn’t change. “I’m the one who dealt with the rogues, yes. Now, tell me-what were you doing on my territory?”
I hesitated, my hands gripping the blanket covering me. His gaze was unrelenting, and I knew lying wouldn’t get me anywhere.
“I… I didn’t mean to trespass,” I said, my voice trembling. “I was running from the rogues. They attacked me after I left my pack.”
“Left your pack?” Killian’s brows furrowed. “Why?”
My throat tightened as the memory of Kael’s rejection hit me again. “I didn’t have a choice,” I said quietly. “My mate… he rejected me.”
For a moment, there was silence. Then, Killian’s lips curled into a humorless smile. “Rejected by your mate,” he repeated, his tone laced with something I couldn’t place-mockery, maybe? Or pity?
I looked down, ashamed. “Yes.”
Killian’s gaze softened-barely-and he leaned against the wall, studying me. “You’re a healer, aren’t you?”
I nodded slowly. “How did you know?”
“The herbs on your clothes,” he said simply. “Only healers carry that scent.”
I blinked, surprised he’d noticed something so small.
“What’s your name?” he asked.
“Leah,” I replied.
He nodded once, then pushed off the wall, his presence suddenly more imposing as he moved closer. “Listen carefully, Leah. You crossed into my territory, and normally, that would mean punishment-or worse. But…” He paused, his eyes narrowing. “I’m willing to make an exception.”
I frowned. “An exception?”
Killian’s jaw tightened. “I have a son. His name is Alec. He’s six years old, and he’s… difficult. My mate-his mother-died two years ago, and since then, no one has been able to handle him. My pack needs a healer, and Alec needs someone patient. Someone who can… manage him.”
My eyes widened as his words sank in. “You’re offering me a job as his nanny?”
Killian’s lips twitched into a half-smile. “Call it whatever you want. But yes, that’s the offer.”
I stared at him, my mind racing. This man-this feared Alpha-was asking me to take care of his son? It didn’t make sense.
“What if I say no?” I asked cautiously.
Killian’s expression darkened. “Then I’ll have no reason to keep you here. You’ll be sent back to the forest, where the rogues are likely waiting for you.”
A shiver ran down my spine. He didn’t have to spell it out-I wouldn’t survive out there on my own.
“But why me?” I asked. “You could have anyone from your pack take care of Alec. Why would you trust an outsider?”
Killian’s gaze locked onto mine, his intensity making my breath catch. “Because no one else in my pack has what you have. You’re a healer, and from the way you’ve survived this far, I’d say you’re more resilient than you look.”
I didn’t know whether to feel flattered or insulted.
I hesitated, glancing down at my hands. Taking care of a child, especially one who’d lost his mother, was no small task. But what choice did I have? I couldn’t go back to my pack, not after what Kael had done.
“All right,” I said finally. “I’ll do it.”
Killian nodded, his expression unreadable. “Good. Alec will meet you tomorrow. For now, rest. You’ll need your strength.”
As he turned to leave, I couldn’t stop myself from asking, “Why are you really helping me?”
He paused, his back to me. “Because you remind me of someone,” he said quietly, then walked out without another word.
***
That night, I lay awake in the infirmary, staring at the ceiling. My thoughts were a whirlwind of confusion and uncertainty. What had I gotten myself into?
A soft knock on the door pulled me from my thoughts.
“Come in,” I said, sitting up slightly.
A young woman with kind eyes and a tray of food entered. “Alpha Killian asked me to bring this to you,” she said with a small smile.
“Thank you,” I said, accepting the tray. “What’s your name?”
“Lila,” she replied. “I’m one of the pack healers here.”
I perked up at that. “You’re a healer too?”
She nodded. “Yes. If you need anything, just let me know. We’re all glad you’re here.”
Her words surprised me. “Really?”
Lila smiled. “Alec is important to all of us. If you can help him, you’ll be helping the pack.”
Her kindness eased some of the tension in my chest. Maybe this wouldn’t be so bad.
***
The next morning, I dressed in the clothes Lila had brought me-a simple top and leggings-and made my way downstairs. The packhouse was big and I couldn't help but admire the beautiful decorations.
Killian was waiting for me in the dining hall, a steaming cup of coffee in his hand.
“Leah,” he said, nodding in acknowledgment. “Come. Alec is in the garden.”
I followed him outside, my nerves growing with each step. What if Alec didn’t like me? What if I couldn’t handle him?
The garden was beautiful, filled with vibrant flowers and tall trees. In the center, a small boy sat on a bench, his back to us.
“Alec,” Killian called out.
The boy turned, and my heart ached at the sight of him. He had dark hair and blue eyes just like his father, but there was a sadness in his gaze that no child should have.
“This is Leah,” Killian said, placing a hand on Alec’s shoulder. “She’s going to be helping us.”
Alec looked at me warily, then turned back to the ground without saying a word.
Killian sighed. “He’ll warm up to you eventually. Just give him time.”
As I knelt to Alec’s level, trying to think of what to say, I felt the distinct sensation of being watched.
I glanced toward the edge of the garden, where the trees cast long shadows. For a moment, I thought I saw movement-a figure slipping into the darkness.
My heart raced.
Who was out there? And what did they want?
- Writer
