The Aftermath

The walk back to the Blackwood estate was silent, the weight of what had just happened hanging heavy in the air. Kieran led the way, his movements stiff and deliberate. Elena followed, her mind racing with questions she wasn't sure she was ready to ask.

When they reached the estate, Kieran ushered her inside and immediately headed for a large cabinet in the study. He pulled out a first aid kit and began tending to the gash on his arm, his movements efficient but tense.

Elena watched him for a moment before speaking. "You're hurt."

"It's nothing," Kieran said, not looking up. "I'll heal."

Elena frowned. "You heal quickly?"

"One of the perks of being a werewolf," he replied dryly.

She stepped closer, her concern outweighing her hesitation. "Let me help."

Kieran glanced at her, his expression unreadable. "I don't need help."

"Maybe not," Elena said, crossing her arms. "But you're bleeding all over the floor, and I'm not just going to stand here and watch."

For a moment, Kieran looked like he might argue. Then, with a sigh, he handed her the antiseptic and bandages. "Fine."

Elena took the supplies and began cleaning the wound, her touch gentle but firm. Kieran winced slightly but didn't pull away. As she worked, she couldn't help but notice the scars that crisscrossed his skin-old wounds that told stories of countless battles.

"Does it hurt?" she asked quietly.

"Not as much as it should," Kieran admitted. "Our kind has a high pain tolerance."

Elena nodded, her fingers brushing against his skin as she applied the bandage. "You've been through a lot, haven't you?"

Kieran's eyes met hers, and for a moment, she saw a flicker of vulnerability. "It comes with the territory."

When she finished, Elena stepped back, her gaze lingering on his. "Thank you. For saving me out there."

Kieran looked away, his jaw tightening. "I told you to stay back. You could've been killed."

"And you could've been killed if I hadn't stepped in," Elena countered. "We're even."

Kieran let out a low chuckle, though there was no humor in it. "You're impossible, you know that?"

Elena smiled faintly. "So I've been told."

They stood in silence for a moment, the tension between them palpable. Finally, Kieran spoke. "You should go home. Get some rest."

Elena shook her head. "I'm not leaving. Not until I know Victor's been dealt with."

Kieran's eyes narrowed. "This isn't your fight, Elena."

"Isn't it?" she shot back. "He attacked me, Kieran. He's a threat to the town, to your pack, and to you. I'm not just going to walk away."

Kieran studied her, his expression a mix of frustration and something else-something softer. "You're stubborn."

"And you're impossible," Elena said, echoing his earlier words. "But we make a good team."

Kieran didn't respond, but the corner of his mouth twitched, almost like a smile. He turned and walked to the window, staring out at the moonlit forest. "Victor won't stop. He'll keep coming until he gets what he wants."

"Which is?" Elena asked.

"Power," Kieran said simply. "He wants to be Alpha. And he'll do whatever it takes to get there."

Elena joined him at the window, her arms wrapped around herself. "Then we stop him. Together."

Kieran glanced at her, his gaze intense. "You don't know what you're asking for. This isn't just about Victor. It's about my pack, my family. It's dangerous."

"I know," Elena said, meeting his eyes. "But I'm not afraid."

Kieran stared at her for a long moment, as if trying to decipher her motives. Finally, he nodded. "Fine. But you follow my lead. No more reckless stunts."

Elena smiled, a spark of triumph in her eyes. "Deal."