CHAPTER 10

KIARA’S POV

I woke up to the sweet twittering of birds. The cool breeze blew in through the open window carrying the faint smell of wildflowers. The sunlight that streamed in through the thick foliage was enough to light up the room but didn’t hurt.

The packhouse was very homey and comfortable. It wasn’t loaded with electronics like the mansion in the city. It was airier and simply furnished. I fell in love with it the moment we reached the house. If I had a choice, I would spend the rest of my life here.

The clattering of the dishes and the faint screeching of wheels drew my attention to the door. I couldn't restrain the smile that formed on my face on seeing Kevin in an apron and hat.

My stomach rumbled as the aroma of pancakes tickled my nose. How did he know that it was my favorite?

He looked so adorable holding out the fork with a piece of pancake that I forgot to push it away. I let him feed the pancake as if in a trance.

This was the first time, I noticed the slight dimple that formed on his left cheek whenever he smiled. He looked so gorgeous that it hurt to look at him, knowing that he could never be mine. Even if Nivaan managed to save mom and Dad, I was toxic to all werewolves…

Wiping his mouth with a napkin, he said, “I want to meet your wolf…”

This pulled me back to reality. Jumping to my feet, I said, “That is not possible, Kevin…”

“But why?”

“’Cause… my wolf doesn’t want to see you…” I said through clenched teeth and stormed out of the room. I hoped that he would buy my excuse. It would be very difficult to explain why I couldn’t shift…

I finally relaxed when Kevin didn’t broach the topic for the rest of the day. Just when I thought I had dodged the bullet, Kevin’s dad summoned me.

He was seated on the huge, ornate couch in the hall. Collins, his Beta, and Kevin flanked him on either side.

His cold gaze sliced through me as he asked, “Did you refuse to let Kevin meet your wolf?”

I snorted and said shrugging his shoulders, “I did so what?”

I could hear the faint crackling of the bones as he clenched his hand into a tight fist. His discerning glare made me look away.

“We want to hold the Unification Ceremony this full moon. I would advise you to get acquainted with each other’s wolf forms to avoid any mishaps…” He gritted out through his teeth.

Damn! There was only a week for the full moon. I had to stop this…

I forced myself to look into his eyes and said in a firm voice, “Did I give any indication that I want to be the Luna of this pack? I am not interested in your stupid pack!”

A growl escaped his throat and his voice boomed in the hall, “I command you to shift right this moment!”

My heart sank. F***! What would I do now? I waited for my muscles to lock down and respond to his command but nothing happened.

When I figured out the reason I said with a victorious smile, “Your power of command is useless on me Alpha. I don’t belong to your pack!”

His eyes turned a darker shade of red and the veins on his head bulged. “How dare you talk to me like that! Collins, drag her to the underground cellar and lock her up. Let us see how long she can keep her attitude!”

“Dad! Please…” Kevin started saying but his dad raised his hand and said, “This is an order!”

Collins grabbed my hand and dragged me to the backyard. I let my eyes wander around. Most of the yard was overgrown with wild plants and brambles. Something was not right, the plants were arranged too systematically.

My hunch turned out to be right. When Collins pulled at one of the branches of an oak tree, the climbers raised much like a window blind.

He shoved his entire weight against the old, rusty door. The door creaked in protest before swinging open. He dragged me down the flight of winding stairs.

A gasp escaped my mouth when I took in the numerous cells well equipped with silver chains and torturing devices. He was going to lock me up in a real dungeon.

“You went too far this time. No one speaks to our Alpha like that and lives.” Collins said as he pushed me into the biggest cell. Then in a kinder voice, he added, “Don’t worry… Kevin will get you out soon. After all, you are his mate…”

Then he put up the locks and trotted up the stairs. Exhaling deeply, I slid to the dusty floor. F***! Ariana would be beyond mad if she finds out about this.

I just hoped Kevin would get me out before she suspected…