THE MAN WHO FOLLOWED ME
1205 Words
I ran so hard my lungs felt like fire. Didn’t think about where I was going, just needed to get as far as possible. Away from the ceremony. Away from people staring. Away from the whispers and the sick feeling in my chest when Kael rejected me in front of everyone.
Mostly, I wanted to get away from him.
Kael Draven. My mate. The guy who made me feel wanted one second, then crushed me in front of the whole pack.
My vision was smeared with tears as I shoved through the trees behind the hall. I nearly went down when my foot caught a root, but managed to stay upright.
“Damn it,” I muttered, rubbing my face with my sleeve. I hated crying, especially over him. My wolf had gone quiet again—just empty where there used to be warmth.
I pressed a shaky hand to my chest. “How could you do that to me?” My voice was a whisper, and honestly, I wasn’t even sure if he could hear me. Then, I heard footsteps.
I froze, heart pounding. No way… not him.
I turned, slow and unsure. And there he was—Kael, a few feet away, black clothes shining pale in the moonlight. His breathing was steady, but his eyes… They looked wild, like he’d been searching for me. Anger flared up.
“What are you doing here?”
He didn’t speak. I let out a bitter laugh. Figures.
“Go back to your ceremony, Your Majesty.”
“Elara.”
God, hearing my name hit me right in the gut. I faced him again.
“Don’t.”
He furrowed his brow. “Don’t what?”
“Don’t say my name like you actually care.”
Something flashed in his face, pain maybe, but it was gone a second later.
“I came to make sure you’re safe.”
I blinked. “Safe? Seriously?”
“Yes.”
My jaw clenched. “You rejected me not even ten minutes ago. And now you’re suddenly worried about my safety?”
He looked tense. “Yes.”
I laughed again, sharp and ugly. “No. You don’t get to do that.”
He stepped toward me and I immediately moved back.
“Stay away from me,” I threw at him.
He stopped. “Elara, listen.”
“No.”
He sighed. “You need to leave Silver Creek.”
I stared at him. “What?”
“You heard me.”
“I’m not leaving.”
Now his eyes hardened. “You don’t understand.”
I shook my head. “No, I get it just fine. You rejected me in front of everyone. You broke our bond. You made me look like a fool.”
His expression twisted. “I know.”
“You know? Then why?”
He was silent. My chest tightened again.
“That’s what I thought,” I said, starting to walk away. But his voice caught me.
“I had no choice.”
I stopped. Slowly turned.
“What did you say?”
He met my eyes, stubborn. “I said I had no choice.”
I turned fully. “Then explain. Tell me why.”
He clenched his fists. “I can’t.”
“Can’t?”
“Yes.”
I shook my head, frustrated. “You keep dropping hints. You follow me. You want me gone. But you won’t tell me anything. What are you hiding?”
He looked at me, and for a split second, neither of us said a word.
“Something that could get you killed,” he finally whispered.
My anger drained away. “What?”
He looked off into the darkness. “I can’t tell you.”
“Why?”
“Because knowing would put you in even more danger.”
I stared, trying to wrap my head around it. That didn’t make sense.
“You’re the one putting me in danger,” I snapped.
That got his attention. “How?”
“You rejected me publicly! Everyone knows I’m your mate now.”
He went still. “You’re right.”
That simple answer threw me. I expected him to fight back, but he just looked… guilty.
“You regret it,” I whispered.
He didn’t say anything. That was answer enough.
My heart twisted painfully. I wanted to hate him. Would’ve been easier if he’d laughed at me or acted cold. But he looked hurt too.
“Then why?” I said, voice barely holding steady.
He moved closer. My breath hitched. The mate bond pulsed in my chest, warm and strong for a second. I froze. Kael stopped. His eyes darkened, and suddenly I could feel him—not his thoughts, but his emotions. Fear.
He was scared. Not of me, but for me.
“Kael…”
He looked away, struggling to stay composed. “You need to go home.”
“I’m not going anywhere,” I shot back.
“Elara—”
“No.”
He narrowed his eyes. “You’re stubborn.”
“And you’re impossible.”
For half a second, one corner of his mouth flicked up. Almost a smile. Then it was gone.
I stared, wishing I didn’t notice little things like that.
I stepped back. “I don’t understand you.”
“You don’t have to.”
“I do.”
He looked up, searching my face. “Why?”
“Because you’re my mate.” The words slipped out before I could stop them.
Silence hung between us. Kael’s breathing changed.
He came closer. One step, then another. I backed up until a tree pressed against me. He was right in front of me now. The air between us felt thick and hot. I could hear his heart hammering, fast and loud, matching mine. His eyes lingered on my lips and all I could think about was how close he was.
Then, just as quick as he’d appeared, he stepped back. Face closed off again.
“Go home, Elara.”
I stared at him. There was something he was terrified of. I could see it now.
“You really are afraid of something.”
His eyes flashed. “More than you know.”
Suddenly, he turned toward the forest. Every muscle went tight. I followed his gaze, trying to see what he saw.
“What is it?”
He didn’t answer.
“Kael?”
He moved fast, grabbed my hand. I flinched at the sudden contact.
“Don’t move.”
His grip tightened.
“You’re hurting me,” I managed.
He didn’t take his eyes off the dark trees. “Quiet.”
His voice sent chills down my spine. I held my breath.
Then, a low growl echoed through the woods.
My heart slammed in my chest.
Kael stepped fully in front of me, shielded me with his body. Another growl sounded from the shadows. Then another.
His eyes went ice-cold. “Elara…”
“What?”
He still didn’t look at me. “Whatever happens…” His voice was a faint whisper. “Stay behind me.”
I stared into the darkness. Something moved between the trees.
And now, I knew for sure—we weren’t alone.
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