Chapter 8 – The Alpha’s Warning

Selena remained pressed against the wall long after Kieran had disappeared down the corridor. Every part of her screamed that something wasn't right. She had witnessed something important—something Kieran didn't want her to see.

Her fingers curled into fists. What was he hiding? And more importantly, why did it involve her?

A sharp gust of wind howled through the open hall, sending a shiver down her spine. The fortress was eerily silent, the only sound her own uneven breathing. Finally, she forced herself to move. Standing here wouldn't give her answers.

But the moment she turned, a figure stepped into her path.

A Warning in the Shadows

Tobias.

His piercing eyes locked onto her, his expression unreadable.

"You shouldn't be here," he murmured.

Selena's pulse jumped, but she refused to show weakness. "I live here now."

Tobias's lips curled into a smirk, but there was no humor in his gaze. "That's exactly the problem."

Selena crossed her arms. "What's that supposed to mean?"

He exhaled, stepping closer. "You don't belong here, Selena. And there are those who would rather see you gone than accept you."

A chill ran down her spine. "Is that a threat?"

Tobias shook his head. "It's a warning."

His words hung heavy between them. The hostility from the pack, the suspicious glares, the whispered conversations that stopped when she entered a room—it all made sense now.

They didn't trust her.

They didn't want her here.

Selena forced herself to hold his gaze. "I'm not leaving."

Something flickered in his expression—respect, maybe? But it was gone just as quickly.

"Then watch your back," he said. "Because the real threats don't come with warnings."

And just like that, he was gone, vanishing into the shadows as if he had never been there at all.

A Summons from the Alpha

Selena barely had time to process Tobias's warning before a knock echoed against her chamber door.

She stiffened. "Who is it?"

A familiar voice answered. "Kieran."

Her stomach twisted.

She hesitated before opening the door, only to find Kieran standing there, his golden eyes watching her with unsettling intensity.

"Come with me," he said, his voice leaving no room for argument.

Selena frowned. "Why?"

"You want answers, don't you?"

Her breath caught. Was he finally going to tell her the truth?

She searched his face for deception, but Kieran was impossible to read.

Still, her curiosity burned too hot to ignore.

She nodded. "Alright."

Without another word, Kieran turned and started walking, expecting her to follow.

And despite every warning sign flashing in her mind, she did.

The Alpha's Secret

Kieran led her through the winding corridors of the fortress, his footsteps soundless against the stone floor. Selena kept her distance, but she could still feel his presence—strong, commanding, untouchable.

They reached a large wooden door at the end of the hall. Kieran pushed it open, revealing a dimly lit chamber with ancient-looking walls lined with bookshelves.

A large wooden desk sat at the center, and behind it, a massive window overlooked the dark forest beyond.

Selena stepped inside cautiously. "What is this place?"

"My study," Kieran said.

Selena raised a brow. "You brought me here to show me your book collection?"

A ghost of a smirk played at his lips, but it faded as he stepped closer.

"No. I brought you here to warn you."

Selena's heart pounded. "Warn me about what?"

Kieran exhaled slowly, his gaze darkening. "You don't understand the position you're in, Selena. This pack—it's not as simple as you think."

Selena crossed her arms. "Then explain it to me."

Kieran studied her for a long moment before finally speaking.

"There are those who don't accept you. And there are those who want you gone."

Selena's stomach twisted. Tobias had said the same thing.

"I can handle it," she said.

Kieran's jaw clenched. "You shouldn't have to."

Something about his tone made her chest tighten. There was an edge of frustration, but also… something else. Concern?

Before she could press him further, he took a step back.

"You want answers?" Kieran said. "Then you need to be ready for the truth. Because once you know it, there's no turning back."

Selena swallowed hard. Whatever he was about to tell her, she had a feeling it was going to change everything.

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