A Dangerous Game

The ride back to Blackthorn territory was silent. Rhea could still feel the phantom weight of Darius's fingers around her wrist, the possessive way his eyes had lingered on her. He had made his intentions clear—this wasn't over.

She had become something more than a Beta caught between two Alphas.

She had become a claim waiting to be fought over.

Kieran rode ahead of her, his jaw tight, his posture rigid. His warriors flanked them, their usual camaraderie dampened by the lingering tension from the border standoff.

By the time they reached the Blackthorn stronghold, Kieran wasted no time dismounting and striding inside without a word.

Rhea exhaled sharply, swinging off her horse. She expected him to go to his war room, to plan his next move against Darius. But instead, he was waiting for her just inside the main hall.

The moment she stepped in, he turned on her.

"Why didn't you fight him?" His voice was low, rough, barely controlled.

Rhea frowned. "Excuse me?"

"When he grabbed you." His silver eyes burned into hers. "You didn't fight back."

She crossed her arms. "Would you rather I had started a battle right there?"

"I'd rather you not let him think he can touch you without consequence."

His words sent heat rushing through her, though whether it was anger or something else, she wasn't sure. "I had it under control."

Kieran scoffed. "No, you didn't. And now he thinks he has a hold on you."

Her hands curled into fists. "I am not some prize for you and Darius to fight over."

Kieran took a step closer, his towering presence making her breath hitch. "No, you're not," he murmured. "But that won't stop him from trying to take you."

The weight of his words settled between them.

Rhea hated the truth in them.

Darius was relentless. He wasn't just testing Kieran—he was testing her, too.

"Then we make sure he doesn't get the chance," she said firmly.

Kieran studied her for a long moment before his expression shifted into something unreadable. "You don't understand what you're dealing with, Rhea."

"Then tell me."

He exhaled, running a hand through his dark hair. "Darius doesn't just want power. He takes what he desires, and he keeps it." His silver eyes locked onto hers. "And right now, that's you."

A shiver ran down her spine.

Before she could respond, a warrior entered the hall, his expression urgent.

"Alpha, there's movement at the western border. It's not Darius's men—it's rogues."

Kieran swore under his breath.

Rhea straightened. "How many?"

"At least fifteen. Maybe more."

Kieran's face darkened. "He's testing us."

She didn't need to ask who he was. Darius wouldn't attack outright, not yet. But he was playing a game—sending waves of pressure, watching to see how Kieran reacted.

And now, Blackthorn was under attack.

Kieran turned to her, his expression sharp. "Stay here."

She scowled. "Like hell I will."

"Rhea—"

"I'm a Beta, Kieran. Not a delicate flower. I fight."

His silver eyes flashed with something unreadable before he finally gave a sharp nod. "Then stay close to me."

A thrill of adrenaline rushed through her.

If Darius thought he could corner her, he was wrong.

She would show him—she wasn't something to be claimed.

She was something to be feared.