Running with the King

Aria's Pov

The forest edge loomed before me, shadows lengthening as twilight approached. I shifted my weight from foot to foot, nervously clutching the small bag of spare clothes I'd brought. The events of the day - Scarlet's trial- has left me feeling hollow and drained.

After returning to Sage's apartment, I received a call from Darian. I realized that I couldn't avoid him indefinitely. He thanked me for my testimony earlier and promised not to bother me again. I simply nodded and asked him not to call me anymore.

"Good riddance," Davina exclaimed, "Now that those two traitors are gone, you can embrace all the opportunities at our new school and be truly happy."

I took a deep breath, grateful for my inner wolf's reassuring presence. How strange that only weeks ago, I'd been desperately in love with Darian. Now, hearing his voice on the phone had stirred... nothing.

"You did well today," Davina's voice echoed in my mind. "Just be yourself tonight."

————

A tingle of awareness swept through me moments before Kaine appeared. My breath caught at the sight of him - strong and commanding in a simple white shirt that accentuated his muscular frame. How was it possible for someone pushing 40 to look so youthful? He looked like a twenty six year old male model.

"Good evening, Aria," he said, his deep voice sending a shiver down my spine.

"Hello," I replied, cursing the slight tremor in my voice. "I, um, brought some extra clothes. Just in case."

Kaine's gaze fell to the bag in my hands, a hint of amusement in his silver-grey eyes. "Planning on shredding more outfits?"

I felt heat rise to my cheeks. "Well, it seems to be a recurring problem. At this rate, I'll be broke from replacing my wardrobe."

To my surprise, Kaine's lips curved into a genuine smile. The sight of it made my own lips twitch upward in response.

"You needn't worry about finances," he said. "Otto has arranged a compensation of five million dollars for you, remember?"

"It's too much."

Kaine's eyebrow arched. "It's a fair compensation for what you've endured."

I shook my head, an idea forming. "Could I... would it be possible to donate it to the orphanage instead?"

"That won't be necessary, I want you to keep the money…No it's an order," Kaine replied, his tone leaving no room for argument. "I'll continue to care for the orphanage, as always."

Confusion washed over me. "As always? What do you mean?"

Kaine's expression softened slightly. "I founded and have been funding the orphanage since its inception. Before the war, there was little need for such an establishment in our community because the parents were there to take care of their children."

I stared at him, speechless. This man had been silently supporting the only home I'd ever known since my mother's death?

"I... I had no idea," I stammered. "Thank you. For everything."

Kaine inclined his head in acknowledgment. "You're welcome. Now, shall we begin your lesson?"

I nodded, curiosity piqued. "What are we working on tonight?"

"Your first task," Kaine said, moving to stand directly in front of me, "is to learn how to shift without destroying your clothing."

My eyes widened. "Is that even possible?"

"With practice and control, yes," he replied. "Are you ready to begin?"

I squared my shoulders, determination settling over me. "Yes. I'm ready."

As Kaine began to explain the technique, I couldn't help but marvel at how quickly my world had changed. Two weeks ago, I'd been a naive girl, pining after Darian. Now, I stood at the precipice of a new life, with an Alpha King as my teacher and a power within me I was only beginning to understand.

————

I fell down at the edge of the woods, gasping for breath. Sweat dripped from my face as I leaned against a strong tree, its rough bark providing relief from my hot skin.

My clothes were sticking to me, but they hadn't ripped apart during my werewolf transformation thanks to Kaine's guidance and my small werewolf powers. Small wins. And Kaine was a fantastic teacher; understanding and tolerant.

Across the clearing, Kaine spoke in low tones with a pack house guard. The guard handed him a small satchel, likely containing food. My stomach growled traitorously.

"The air feels romantic, doesn't it?" Davina's voice purred in my mind. I felt her grin, a phantom sensation that made my own lips twitch upward involuntarily.

"He killed my mom," I stated flatly, squashing any hint of warmth. The words tasted bitter on my tongue.

Davina sighed heavily. "I wish I could explain everything to you, Aria. But we promised not to ask about your mother for a year, remember?"

I clenched my fists, nails digging into my palms. "What does he expect after a year? That I'll just forgive him for what he did to her?"

"Maybe..." Davina hesitated. "Maybe he's giving you time to get to know the real him."

I scoffed. "I doubt I'll change my mind."

"Just try to keep an open mind, okay?" Davina pleaded.

I glanced over at Kaine again. He was striding towards me now, concern etched on his rugged features. My heart did a traitorous little flip.

This was the problem every time I was around him. On one hand, he was approachable, even protective. But on the other hand... I knew who he truly was at his core. The one who had pushed my mother off that cliff.

"Are you alright?" Kaine's deep voice rumbled as he crouched beside me. His silver-grey eyes searched my face intently.

I nodded stiffly. "I'm fine."

He held out a water bottle. "Here. You need to stay hydrated after shifting."

Our fingers brushed as I took it, sending an unwelcome tingle up my arm. I gulped the cool liquid gratefully, avoiding his gaze.

"You did well with the transformation," he said softly. "Your control is improving."

"Thanks," I muttered.

An awkward silence stretched between us. I fidgeted with the bottle cap, hyper aware of his proximity.

Finally, Kaine cleared his throat. "Aria, I know this situation is... complicated. But I hope you know that I only want what's best for you."

I looked up sharply. "What's best for me? Is that what you told yourself when you killed my mother?"

He flinched as if I'd struck him. "It's not that simple-"

"Then explain it to me!" I snapped, anger flaring hot in my chest. "Help me understand how murdering an innocent woman could possibly be justified!"

Kaine's jaw clenched. "I can't. Not yet. But I promise you, when the time comes, I will tell you everything."

I laughed bitterly. "Right. In a year. How convenient for you."

He ran a hand through his midnight hair, streaked with silver. "Aria, please. I'm asking you to trust me, just a little. Give me a chance to prove myself to you."

"Trust you?" I echoed incredulously. "How can I possibly trust you after what you've done?"

Pain flashed in his eyes before his expression hardened. "I understand your anger. But there are things at play here that you don't yet comprehend. Dangers you can't even imagine."

"Oh, I can imagine plenty," I retorted. "Like being pushed off a cliff, for instance."

Kaine's shoulders slumped. He looked... defeated. It was such a stark contrast to his usual commanding presence that I felt a twinge of guilt.

"I deserve that," he said quietly. "And so much worse. But please believe me when I say that everything I've done, I've done to protect you and our people."

I wanted to stay angry. To hold onto my righteous fury and never let it go. But something in his voice, in the raw sincerity of his gaze, made me hesitate.

"I don't know if I can," I whispered.

He nodded slowly. "I understand. But I hope that, in time, you'll give me the chance to earn your trust. To show you who I truly am."

As I stared into those storm-grey eyes, I felt my resolve wavering. Part of me - a traitorous, foolish part - wanted to believe him. To trust in the protective, gentle man I'd glimpsed beneath the stern exterior.

But the memory of my mother's screams echoed in my mind, a stark reminder of the truth.

"I can't promise anything," I said finally. "But... I'll try to keep an open mind."

A small smile curved Kaine's lips. "That's all I ask."

As he stood and offered me a hand up, I couldn't help but wonder: Was I making a terrible mistake in giving him even this small chance? Or was there truly more to this enigmatic, dangerous man than I knew?

Only time would tell.

Abruptly, he stopped in his tracks. "I'll give you one question," he declared.

"What?" I inquired.

"You can ask me one question or I can divulge one detail about what happened that night. Choose carefully, Aria. Afterward, I won't respond to any more questions on the matter for a year."

My mind was in a frenzy, what question should I ask and what if he gave me a vague non answer?

"Don't give me a half-hearted answer. I want a true confession," I demanded, staring at him intensely. "Tell me something that's worth waiting a whole year."

He gasped for air, his eyes squeezed shut as if trying to block out the truth. When he finally opened them again, his words came out in a rush of desperation. "The night your mother fell off that cliff, I had to make a split-second decision. Save her or prevent seven innocent children from being slaughtered. I made my choice." His voice trembled with regret and sorrow as he revealed the heartbreaking sacrifice he had made.

I remained frozen in shock and disbelief for what felt like an eternity, unable to make a move or even process his words.

After what seemed like hours, I finally found the strength to speak. "I have to leave," I choked out through trembling lips as I ran through the forest in my human form with tears threatening to fall. He didn't try to stop me and I was grateful for that small mercy.