FORBIDDEN TEMPTATION

Howling Vigil

Kaelen walked back into the dark room. I was unable to suppress my curiosity any longer, so I turned to Thorne. “Why isn’t he returning to his pack?”

Thorne’s expression darkened as he replied, “He’s been banned from the pack.”

“Banned?” I said surprisingly. “But… when I first saw him I thought he was the Alpha of his pack.”

Thorne nodded; his gaze distant as though he was recalling a memory. “He’s a living legend. Kaelen achieved Alpha status mere years after his birth, something no one else has ever done".

“This can't be possible,” I said. “How could someone be born with such power?”

“Some say it’s a gift from the Moon Goddess herself. Others believe it’s a curse.” Thorne said.

“Then who will inherit his pack?” I asked.

“His brother, Drenan. A leader yet to be proven, and one who walks in Kaelen’s shadow.” Thorne replied.

I could sense there was more to the story, but Thorne didn't say anything after.

The midnight hour crept in; its stillness broken only by the creaking of the door as Kaelen returned.

I lay awake, staring at the ceiling, I couldn't sleep. A soft rustle broke the silence. Turning my head, I saw Kaelen leaning against the doorframe.

“You’re still awake?” he asked.

“Couldn’t sleep,” I admitted.

He stepped closer, pulling a chair to sit beside me. For a moment, neither of us speak anything.

“Even though he abandoned me,” he began, "his death still stings.”

I didn’t know what to say.

“I can’t even attend his funeral,” he continued, staring at the floor. “They wouldn’t allow it.”

The rawness in his voice made my chest tighten. I wanted to comfort him, but the words wouldn’t come. I couldn't think of anything to say.

“Do you want a drink?” he asked suddenly.

I nodded. He disappeared for a moment and returned with two glasses and a bottle of whiskey. He filled my glass and I took a sip.

“What about you?” he asked. “What’s your own story? How did you end up in that place?”

I hesitated, my fingers traced the rim of the glass, I was thinking of where to start.

“I…I was never supposed to be born.” I said stammering.

“My birth was… complicated,” I continued. “My father never wanted me.”

“No one deserves to be punished for existing,” Kaelen said.

The silence that followed wasn’t heavy or awkward.

At some point, the music playing downstairs reached my ears. the soft, melancholic tune filled up the room.

When I woke the next morning, As the rooster crowed, I stirred awake. My heart sank as I became aware of the situation: I was wrapped in Kaelen’s arms, our naked bodies entwined.

my mind racing to piece together the events of the night. Had I really mated with him?

Kaelen’s slow, even breathing was the only sound in the room. His warmth against me was undeniable, and the scent of him—earthy, wild, and intoxicating—filled my senses.

“Are you awake?” his deep, husky voice broke the silence.

I stiffened, unsure of how to respond. “I… uh…”

He shifted, propping himself up on one elbow to look at me. A teasing smile played on his lips. “You were really something else last night.”

I felt my cheeks flush. “Must you say everything?” I retorted, trying to mask my embarrassment with indignation.

“Why not?” he replied. “You seemed to enjoy yourself quite a bit.”

I bristled, my mind swirling with disbelief. “What are you talking about?”

His grin widened. “Haven’t you forgotten how you reacted last night?”

The implication made my stomach churn. My voice rose defensively. “I don’t know what you’re talking about!”

His teasing demeanor softened, and his voice took on a gentler tone. “Was it your first time?”

The question caught me off guard, and I froze. Was I that obvious? Had I done something wrong?

“I’ve been locked up my whole life, okay?” I snapped, my voice sharper than I intended.

For a moment, he looked taken aback, but then he threw his head back and laughed—a deep, hearty sound that filled the room.

“What’s so funny?” I demanded, glaring at him.

“You,” he said, still chuckling. ''Well, you handled your beer like a pro, especially for your first time. You really can hold your liquor well."

I blinked, confused. “Drinking?”

“Yeah,” he said, smirking. “You were knocking back drinks like a seasoned pro last night. I was impressed.”

I stared at him, I was embarrassed. “You mean… all this time, you were talking about alcohol?”

“What else would I be talking about?” he asked.

I buried my face in my hands, groaning. “You’re impossible.”

He reached out, gently pulling my hands away. “Relax,” he said, his voice low and soothing. “Nothing happened that you didn’t want. You were… you.”

Kaelen sat up, his lips curling into a teasing smile. “Of course, what did you think I meant?” he asked.

I felt my face heat up, the embarrassment burning through me. I couldn’t respond, couldn’t even meet his gaze. The unexpected turn of our conversation left me flustered and confused.

“Then why am I naked?” I blurted out.

Kaelen’s playful expression faltered for a moment before he smirked again. “You really don’t remember anything, do you?” he asked.

I shook my head, as I tried to recall the events of the night. My memory was a frustrating blur.

“You and Thorne must be long-lost siblings,” he said with a chuckle as he shook his head. “Forgetting everything after just a few drinks. Impressive.” He stood and walked away; I was having different thoughts.

Before I could fully process what he'd said, the haunting howls of wolves echoed through the air.

“The Howling Vigil,” Kaelen said.

“What’s that?” I asked. This is my first time hearing wolves howling repeatedly like this and not yet a full moon.

He didn’t answer right away. Instead, he grabbed his jacket and headed for the door. “We need to go,” he said, leaving no room for questions.

Outside, Thorne was already in the driver’s seat, waiting for us. He sat in silence and did not look happy. Kaelen climbed into the passenger seat without a word, and I slid into the back.

As we drove through the city, people moved slowly, their heads bowed, dressed in dark clothing. They were all mourning.

When we arrived at the cemetery, Kaelen stepped out of the car and his eyes fixed on a distant grave, where the pack was gathered to lay his father to rest. He froze, unable to move any closer.

He stood there, rooted in place, his hands clenched at his sides. I could see the pain in his eyes, the struggle between his desire to be part of the moment and the reality that he couldn’t be seen by the pack.

From afar, we watched as the final burial rites were performed. The haunting howls of the wolves continues. Kaelen’s eyes glistened with unshed tears; I could see how he held himself together as he clenched his jaws.

I wanted to say something, to offer him comfort, but the words wouldn’t come. Instead, I stood silently beside him, hoping my presence was enough.

As we drove back to the house, at each bus stop, I noticed some security team ahead in sleek black uniforms. These weren’t ordinary security team; they were Fenrir Elite, my father’s personal security force. They were a force that even the bravest wolves feared.

They scrutinized every passing car, their eyes were scanning license plates, faces, and even the faintest hints of scent trails. Their presence is scary to me.

Then, I saw it—the photograph in one of their hands. It was my photograph.

My father had finally made his move. I had forgotten, for just a moment, who I was and the danger I posed. Being with Kaelen had made me feel almost... normal. I wasn’t just a runaway. I was a threat, and every crescent moon I lost my senses and I always ended up hurting people.

Am I caught?

The thought sent a shiver down my spine. My mind raced with the memory of the Abyssal Vaults— The mere idea of being dragged back to that place almost made me wet my pants.

The car slowed as one of the officers stepped into the road, he raised his hand as he signals us to stop. My heart was pounding like a drum.

The officer approached with a measured gait, his eyes sharp and unyielding. His voice cut through the air. “Lower your glass.”

Time seemed to slow. My mind spiraled into worst-case scenarios, each more terrifying than the last. My breath caught in my throat, my pulse racing.