Chapter 2 – The Alpha’s Terms

Kieran's smirk deepened, his golden eyes gleaming with something unreadable. "You're bold, little wolf," he said, his voice smooth yet laced with danger. "But boldness won't save you. A deal with me comes at a price."

Selena forced herself to meet his gaze, even as her heart pounded. She couldn't show weakness—not now. "Then tell me what you want," she said, keeping her voice steady.

Kieran leaned forward, resting his elbows on the massive wooden desk between them. "You will belong to me," he stated, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Her breath caught. "Belong to you?"

"In every way that matters," he clarified. "You will stay by my side as my chosen mate. The pack will see you as mine."

Selena's stomach twisted. "But… why? You don't even know me."

His jaw tightened slightly, a flicker of something unreadable crossing his face before vanishing. "I have my reasons," he said. "You need protection, and I need—" He hesitated for the briefest moment before continuing, "—a mate. It's a simple exchange."

A cold realization settled over her. He wasn't asking. He was telling her.

"And if I refuse?" she challenged.

His smirk vanished, replaced by something far more dangerous. "Then you walk out that door and face whatever is hunting you alone," he said, his voice low, almost a growl. "And trust me, Selena, you won't last a day."

A shiver ran down her spine. He was right. She had nowhere else to go, no one else to turn to. The shadows of her past were closing in, and this deal—however twisted—was the only way to survive.

Selena took a deep breath, forcing herself to speak. "Fine," she whispered. "I accept."

Kieran's smirk returned, slow and predatory. "Good girl."

She had just made a deal with the devil.

A Caged Bargain

Selena sat rigidly in the leather chair across from him, her fingers clenched into fists in her lap. Kieran's office was large and intimidating, much like the man himself—walls lined with dark bookshelves, a fireplace burning low in the background, and the lingering scent of cedar and something undeniably masculine.

"Since you're mine now, we'll set some rules," Kieran said, his voice calm but firm.

Selena bristled. "Rules?"

He raised a brow at her defiance. "Yes. You will stay in my quarters. You will not leave this packhouse without my permission. You will obey me in public." He paused, his gaze darkening. "And you will not entertain any other males."

Her jaw tightened. "So, I'm just supposed to be your obedient little pet?"

Kieran chuckled, but there was no warmth in it. "No, Selena. You're supposed to be my mate." He leaned back in his chair, watching her like a predator watches prey. "You agreed to my terms, didn't you?"

She swallowed hard. He had her trapped, and they both knew it.

"Where will I sleep?" she asked instead, trying to ignore the strange way her heart raced.

"In my room."

Her eyes snapped up to meet his. "Excuse me?"

Kieran's lips curled. "You heard me. My mate will not be sleeping in a separate chamber like a stranger."

Heat crawled up her neck, but she refused to let him see how much that statement affected her. "Fine," she muttered, though she had no idea how she would survive this arrangement.

Kieran stood, his towering form casting a shadow over her. "Good. Then we're done here."

He walked toward the door, pausing just before stepping out. "Be ready by sundown. I'll be introducing you to the pack."

Her stomach twisted. Facing Kieran was one thing. Facing his entire pack as his supposed mate? That was something else entirely.

And she wasn't sure if she was ready for it.

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