chapter five
1065 Words
Leah's POV
It was late afternoon when Killian found me in the garden. I had been tending to the herbs Alex’s nanny had started growing before her passing.
The earthy scent and the sun on my skin were comforting in a way I couldn’t explain.
“You’ve been avoiding me,” Killian said from behind me, his deep voice sending a shiver down my spine.
I straightened, turning to face him. “I’ve been busy with Alex,” I replied, trying to sound indifferent.
His sharp gaze assessed me, seeing more than I wanted to reveal. “You’re lying.”
I swallowed hard, brushing dirt from my hands. “Why would I lie?”
“Because you’re afraid,” he said simply, stepping closer. “Of him.”
My heart skipped a beat. “I’m not-”
“You flinch every time he’s near,” Killian interrupted, his tone softening. “Who is Kael to you, Leah?”
I hesitated, my stomach twisting. “It’s… complicated.”
“Uncomplicate it,” he pressed, his eyes locked on mine.
“He’s someone I used to know,” I finally admitted, my voice barely above a whisper.
Killian’s expression darkened. “And now he’s here. Why?”
“I don’t know,” I lied, looking away.
“Don’t lie to me, Leah.” His voice was calm, but there was an edge to it, a warning.
I met his gaze, my throat tightening. “I don’t trust him either, Killian. But I don’t know why he’s here.”
For a moment, he said nothing, his piercing eyes searching mine. Finally, he nodded. “If he steps out of line, I’ll deal with him.”
***
The pack gathering that evening was supposed to be a lighthearted affair. Lila had invited me, insisting I needed to socialize more. But the moment I stepped into the hall, I felt Kael’s eyes on me.
“Leah,” he called, his voice dripping with mockery as he approached. “Enjoying the festivities?”
I stiffened, gripping my drink tightly. “Yes,” I replied curtly, trying to walk away.
But Kael wasn’t done. “It’s been a while since we’ve had a chance to catch up,” he said, falling into step beside me.
“There’s nothing to catch up on,” I snapped, my voice low.
“Oh, I think there is,” he said with a smirk. “After all, it’s not every day your rejected mate ends up in another pack, playing house.”
His words stung, but I refused to let him see it. “Leave me alone, Kael,” I said through gritted teeth.
He leaned in, his voice dropping. “Careful, Leah. You don’t belong here. And Killian? He’s not what you think he is.”
I froze, my heart pounding. “What are you talking about?”
Kael straightened, his smirk returning. “Just a friendly warning.”
Before I could respond, he walked away, leaving me shaken and angry.
***
I couldn’t stay there a moment longer. The noise, the people, Kael-it was too much. I slipped out of the hall, the cool night air hitting my face as I hurried toward the forest.
The trees were a welcome refuge, I walked aimlessly, trying to calm the storm inside me.
“Leah!”
Killian’s voice startled me, and I turned to see him striding toward me.
“What are you doing out here?” he demanded, his brows furrowed.
“I needed some air,” I said, crossing my arms.
“Air?” he repeated, his tone skeptical. “Or are you running from something?”
I looked away, unwilling to answer.
Killian sighed, his frustration evident. “You can’t keep doing this, Leah. Running every time things get hard.”
His words hit a nerve, and I glared at him. “You don’t understand, Killian.”
“Then make me understand,” he said, his voice softening. “Tell me what’s going on.”
Before I could respond, a faint sound reached my ears-voices, coming from deeper in the forest.
Killian heard it too. His expression shifted, his body tensing.
“Stay here,” he ordered, his voice low.
But I couldn’t. Something told me I needed to see what was happening. Ignoring Killian’s command, I crept toward the voices, my heart pounding with every step.
“Leah!” he hissed, but I pressed on, my curiosity outweighing my fear.
Hidden behind a tree, I peered out at the clearing and felt my blood run cold.
Kael stood with another man, their conversation low but urgent.
“Everything’s in place,” Kael was saying. “The pack won’t see it coming.”
The other man nodded. “And the Alpha’s mate? Are you sure she’s gone for good?”
Kael’s expression darkened. “I made sure of it. Killian’s blind with grief. He’ll never suspect a thing.”
My stomach twisted, bile rising in my throat. Kael… he had something to do with her death?
A gasp escaped before I could stop it, and both men’s heads snapped toward me.
“Who’s there?” Kael barked, his voice sharp.
Panic surged through me, and I stumbled back, my foot snapping a twig.
“Leah,” Kael said, his tone dangerous as he stepped closer.
I turned and ran, my breath coming in ragged gasps as branches tore at my skin. Behind me, I could hear Kael and the other man chasing me.
“Leah!” Killian’s voice cut through the chaos, and I nearly sobbed in relief.
I burst into the clearing where Killian stood, his eyes narrowing as he took in my terrified expression.
“What happened?” he demanded, stepping in front of me protectively.
Before I could answer, Kael emerged from the shadows, his expression carefully neutral.
“Leah got spooked,” he said smoothly, though his eyes betrayed his anger. “She must’ve thought she saw something.”
Killian didn’t look convinced. His gaze shifted between me and Kael, suspicion evident.
“Is that true?” Killian asked, his tone deadly.
I hesitated, my mind racing. If I told Killian what I’d overheard, Kael would deny it. But if I said nothing, how could I protect the pack from whatever Kael was planning?
I opened my mouth to speak, knowing that whatever I said next could change everything.
- Writer
