The gates shook under a powerful knock.
Kaiden's voice echoed through the valley.
"Return what belongs to my pack."
Lucien laughed softly.
"Bold."
I felt sick.
"I'm not going back."
Lucien looked amused.
"Good."
Then he turned to his warriors.
"Open the gates."
My eyes widened.
"Wait—what?"
But it was too late.
The gates opened.
Kaiden stood there, surrounded by dozens of warriors.
His eyes locked on me instantly.
And something dark flickered across his face.
Relief.
Possession.
Regret.
"You," he said.
"Come here."
I didn't move.
Lucien stepped forward instead.
"She's under my protection."
The temperature dropped.
Kaiden's wolf surfaced.
"Move."
Lucien smiled.
"No."
The air between them crackled with power.
Two Alphas.
Both dangerous.
Both focused on me.
And suddenly I realized something terrifying.
This wasn't about rejection anymore.
It was about control.