Chereads / LUNAR BONDS: Alpha's Redemption / Chapter 3 - The Alpha's Warning

Chapter 3 - The Alpha's Warning

Elena didn't sleep that night. Every time she closed her eyes, she saw Kieran's glowing blue eyes and the terrifying grace of his wolf form. By dawn, she had made up her mind. She needed answers, and Kieran was the only one who could give them.

She drove to the Blackwood estate, a sprawling property at the edge of the forest. The gates were imposing, wrought iron and topped with sharp spikes. A sign hung from them: "Private Property. No Trespassing." Elena ignored it and pressed the intercom button.

There was a long pause before a voice crackled through. "State your business."

"I'm here to see Kieran Blackwood," Elena said, trying to sound confident. "Tell him it's Elena Carter."

Another pause. Then, the gates creaked open.

The driveway was long and lined with ancient oak trees, their branches forming a canopy overhead. The house itself was a massive stone structure, equal parts elegant and foreboding. Elena parked her car and approached the front door, her heart pounding.

Before she could knock, the door swung open. Kieran stood there, dressed in a black shirt and jeans, his expression unreadable. "You shouldn't be here," he said.

"And you shouldn't be a werewolf," Elena shot back. "But here we are."

Kieran's eyes narrowed, but he stepped aside to let her in. The interior of the house was as grand as the exterior, with high ceilings, antique furniture, and a faint scent of pine. Elena followed him into a study, where a fire crackled in the hearth.

"Sit," Kieran said, gesturing to a leather armchair. He remained standing, his arms crossed over his chest.

Elena sat, though she kept her back straight and her gaze steady. "I want to know what's going on. Who was that other wolf? Why did it attack me?"

Kieran sighed, running a hand through his dark hair. "That was Victor. He's... a problem."

"A problem?" Elena repeated. "He tried to kill me!"

"And I stopped him," Kieran said sharply. "But you're making it harder by sticking your nose where it doesn't belong. This isn't a game, Elena. People get hurt. People die."

Elena leaned forward, her eyes blazing. "Then tell me the truth. If this is so dangerous, why keep it a secret? Why not let people know what they're dealing with?"

"Because they wouldn't understand," Kieran said, his voice low and bitter. "They'd see us as monsters. They'd hunt us, kill us. We've survived by staying hidden, and I won't let you ruin that."

Elena hesitated, her anger giving way to curiosity. "How long have you been like this?"

Kieran turned to the fire, his expression shadowed. "My family has carried the curse for generations. It's not something we chose. But it's our reality."

"And Victor?" Elena pressed. "What's his deal?"

Kieran's jaw tightened. "He was part of my pack once. But he craved power, and he didn't care who he hurt to get it. He's been causing trouble ever since he left, trying to weaken me and take over."

Elena absorbed this, her mind racing. "So, what happens now? You can't just let him keep attacking people."

"I'm handling it," Kieran said, though there was a flicker of doubt in his eyes. "But I need you to stay out of it. Go back to your life, Elena. Forget what you saw."

Elena stood, her determination hardening. "I can't do that. Not when innocent people are in danger. And not when..." She trailed off, unsure how to finish.

Kieran raised an eyebrow. "Not when what?"

"Not when I feel like there's more to this," she said finally. "More to you."

For a moment, Kieran looked almost vulnerable. Then he shook his head, his expression hardening. "You don't know what you're talking about. This isn't some fairy tale, Elena. There's no happy ending here."

Before she could respond, a loud knock sounded at the door. A young man with tousled brown hair and a nervous energy poked his head in. "Kieran, we've got a problem. Victor's been spotted near the eastern border."

Kieran's eyes flashed with anger. "Gather the pack. I'll handle this."

The young man nodded and disappeared. Kieran turned back to Elena, his tone firm. "You need to leave. Now."

Elena crossed her arms. "Not a chance. If Victor's out there, I want to help."

"You'll only get in the way," Kieran snapped. "This isn't your fight."

"Maybe not," Elena said, stepping closer. "But I'm not going to sit back and do nothing. You can either let me help, or I'll find a way to do it on my own."

Kieran stared at her, his jaw clenched. Finally, he let out a frustrated breath. "Fine. But you do exactly as I say. No arguments."

Elena nodded, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Deal."