Chapter 9 – The Alpha’s Truth

Selena's breath came in shallow bursts as Kieran's words lingered in the air between them. Once you know it, there's no turning back.

Her heart pounded against her ribs. She wasn't sure she wanted to know. Not yet. But Kieran was staring at her, his silver eyes dark with something unreadable.

"Are you afraid?" His voice was quiet, but there was something dangerous beneath it.

Selena swallowed hard. She didn't answer immediately. She wasn't even sure how to.

"I don't know," she admitted. "Should I be?"

Kieran's lips pressed into a thin line, and for a moment, she thought he wouldn't respond. But then he turned away from her, running a hand through his dark hair as if searching for the right words.

Finally, he exhaled. "There are things you don't understand yet, Selena. Things about me. About this pack. And about the deal you made with me."

A chill ran down her spine. "Then tell me."

He turned back to her, stepping closer, his presence almost overwhelming. "You don't just walk into a deal with an Alpha and come out the same. There are consequences."

Selena's fists clenched at her sides. "You keep talking in circles, Kieran. If there's something I need to know, then just say it."

He studied her for a long moment before he finally said, "You weren't supposed to be part of this world."

Her breath caught. "What do you mean?"

Kieran hesitated, and in that hesitation, she saw something flicker in his gaze—regret.

"Someone changed your fate, Selena."

She took a step back. "That doesn't make any sense."

"It will," he murmured. "When the time comes."

Selena wanted to scream. Every conversation with him felt like walking in the dark, searching for something just out of reach.

Before she could press further, a sharp howl pierced the air.

Kieran stiffened instantly, his expression darkening.

"What was that?" she asked.

His eyes gleamed under the moonlight. "Trouble."

Another howl followed, this one closer. Selena felt the weight of the night press in around her.

Kieran's jaw tightened. "Stay close."

He turned, his posture shifting as if preparing for battle. The air around them grew tense, thick with something unseen but undeniable.

Selena didn't know what was coming, but one thing was certain—whatever truth Kieran was hiding, it was about to be tested.

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