The night pressed down heavy, like the whole forest was holding its breath. I could feel eyes on me—Kael’s, burning holes into my skin from across the fire, Lucien’s softer gaze wrapping me in the promise of safety, and Darius lingering at the edges, unreadable but present.
Three alphas. Three forces. And me, caught like a moth circling three different flames, not knowing which one would burn me alive first.
Kael hadn’t spoken since the fight earlier. Not a word. Not when Lucien dragged me back from the cliff’s edge after the ambush, not when I stood tall before the pack and told them I wouldn’t break under anyone’s claim again. He just watched. That silent, raw hunger in his eyes was worse than his rejection.
It was possession without words.
Lucien moved closer, brushing his knuckles
