Uwuoroya_Osato

She needed freedom. He needed an heir. But their deal came with a forbidden price…

After being betrayed by her own pack and cast out as a rogue, Selene Vaughn swore never to trust an Alpha again. But when the ruthless and enigmatic Alpha Kieran Blackwood offers her a dangerous deal—protection in exchange for an heir—she has no choice but to agree.

Kieran is feared by many, a leader who rules with strength and cunning. But beneath his cold exterior lies a secret that could shatter the supernatural world. Selene is the key to his survival, but as their fates intertwine, the lines between duty and desire begin to blur.

With enemies lurking in the shadows and forbidden passion igniting between them, Selene must decide—will she risk her heart for a deal that could destroy them both?

One contract. One promise. One secret that could change everything.


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The Alpha's Forbidden Deal

Selena's body screamed in protest as she trudged back toward the lodge. Every inch of her was sore—her ribs throbbed, her arms ached, and her pride was barely intact. The pack hadn't gone easy on her, and she hadn't expected them to.

What she hadn't expected was Kieran watching the whole time.

He leaned against a wooden post on the lodge's porch, arms crossed, his golden eyes unreadable. She didn't know whether to expect another lecture or a smirk.

Instead, he said nothing as she passed him.

Selena hesitated, the silence between them stretching. She was exhausted, but something inside her wouldn't let her walk away without a fight.

"I get it," she said finally. "You wanted to see if I'd break."

Kieran didn't deny it. "And you didn't."

Her fingers curled into fists. "What if I had?"

"Then you wouldn't be standing here."

His bluntness sent a chill through her. She wasn't sure whether to be angry or… relieved. At least he was honest.

She let out a bitter laugh. "Is this how your pack earns their place? By getting beaten into it?"

Kieran studied her, his expression unreadable. "Strength matters here."

Selena met his gaze, refusing to back down. "Then I guess I'll just have to get stronger."

Something flickered in his eyes, something she couldn't quite place. Respect? Amusement?

"Get some rest, Selena." His voice softened—just a fraction. "You'll need it."

Then, just like that, he was gone.

Selena barely had time to process Kieran's words before a shadow moved behind her. She tensed, turning sharply—only to find Lyra standing there, arms crossed.

"Don't think surviving one fight makes you one of us," Lyra said coolly.

Selena sighed, too tired for another argument. "I never said I was."

Lyra's lip curled. "Good. Because you're not."

Selena had expected hostility, but there was something else in Lyra's tone. A warning.

And then Lyra leaned in, voice dropping to a whisper.

"Not everyone here is loyal to Kieran."

Lyra pulled back, her expression neutral. "Welcome to the pack, human. Hope you survive it."

Then she disappeared into the night.

Chapter 6 – The Alpha’s Shadow