Selene's breath caught in her throat.
Killian's words rang in her ears, each syllable heavy with finality.
"If you try to break this bond, it will kill us both."
No. That wasn't possible.
The bloodbound oath was strong, but it wasn't unbreakable—was it? There had to be a way. There was always a way.
She forced herself to meet his gaze, searching for any hint of deception. But Killian Voss did not lie. He didn't need to. The truth itself was cruel enough.
"You're bluffing," she whispered, willing her voice to stay steady.
A humorless smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth. "Try it and find out."
Selene clenched her fists at her sides, nails digging into her palms. Every instinct screamed at her to fight—to tear this bond apart, to rip herself free of him. But if he was telling the truth, if the magic binding them together was as strong as he claimed…
She swallowed hard.
Then what?
Did she want to die?
Killian watched her, the weight of his gaze suffocating. He didn't press her for an answer. He didn't need to. He had already won this battle, and he knew it.
Damn him.
Damn this bond.
Damn the way her traitorous body still burned where his fingers had touched her.
She turned away, pressing a trembling hand to the cool stone wall. The room suddenly felt smaller, the air too thick to breathe.
"I need to get out of here," she muttered.
Killian's voice was unyielding. "That's not going to happen."
She spun back toward him, fury sparking in her veins. "You can't keep me here like a prisoner!"
A dark chuckle rumbled from his chest. "I can do whatever I damn well please, little wolf. Or have you forgotten who I am?"
Selene bared her teeth. "I don't give a damn about your title. You're not my king."
Something flickered in his silver eyes—something dangerous.
He took a slow, deliberate step forward. "Oh, but I am."
Before she could react, he was in front of her, so close she could feel the heat radiating off him. His scent—smoky cedar, blood, and something purely him—wrapped around her like a noose.
Her pulse thundered.
Killian reached for her, fingers grazing the mark on her collarbone. A sharp jolt of energy crackled between them, white-hot and searing.
Selene gasped, her knees nearly giving out. The bond was alive, a pulsing force between them that she couldn't escape.
His voice was a low growl. "Whether you accept it or not, you are mine, Selene. And I don't take what's mine lightly."
She slapped his hand away, breathing hard. "You don't own me."
A muscle in his jaw ticked. "Maybe not yet. But this bond says otherwise."
Selene's chest heaved, her entire body taut with rage. "I will find a way to break it."
Killian tilted his head, studying her. Then, to her utter shock, he took a step back.
"Go ahead," he said, voice laced with challenge. "Try."
Selene froze.
He was daring her.
As if he already knew she would fail.
Her pride burned. She wanted to prove him wrong—to make him regret ever laying claim to her.
But deep down, an ugly sliver of doubt gnawed at her.
What if he was right?
What if this bond was unbreakable?
Killian's smirk returned, slow and taunting. "That's what I thought."
Selene's fists clenched. "You're a bastard."
He laughed, the sound rich and dark. "And you're a stubborn little wolf. Looks like we're stuck with each other."
Her stomach twisted. The thought of being bound to him forever was worse than death.
No. She refused to accept it.
There had to be a way out.
Selene sucked in a sharp breath, forcing herself to think. If breaking the bond would kill them both, then she needed another plan.
She needed to escape.
And she needed to do it soon.
But first, she had to get him to lower his guard.
Slowly, she forced the tension from her shoulders, schooling her expression into something calmer. "Fine," she said, voice quieter now. "You win."
Killian arched a brow. "Do I?"
Selene nodded, lifting her chin. "I'll stay."
For now.
His eyes narrowed, as if sensing the shift in her tone. But then he inclined his head, as if granting her some small victory.
"Good," he murmured. "It'll be easier if you stop fighting it."
She bit her tongue, refusing to rise to the bait.
Killian turned, moving toward the door. He paused with his hand on the handle. "Get some rest, little wolf. Tomorrow, we begin."
A chill ran down her spine.
"Begin what?" she asked warily.
He glanced back at her, silver eyes gleaming.
"Training."
Then he was gone, the door locking behind him.
Selene stood there, heart pounding.
Training?
Her mind raced with possibilities, none of them good.
Killian was up to something.
And she needed to figure out what—before it was too late.
Morning came too soon.
The heavy wooden door creaked open, and a tall, blonde woman stepped inside. Her piercing blue eyes raked over Selene with disinterest.
"You. Up. Now."
Selene scowled. "Who the hell are you?"
The woman smirked. "Lena. Beta of the pack. And your trainer."
Selene crossed her arms. "I don't need training."
Lena chuckled, shaking her head. "Oh, sweetheart. You have no idea what you need."
Before Selene could respond, the Beta turned on her heel. "Follow me. Unless you want the Alpha to drag you out himself."
Selene bristled.
She didn't trust Killian. And she sure as hell didn't trust this Lena.
But if she wanted a chance to escape, she needed to play along.
So, with one last glance at the locked door, she followed.
Her fight wasn't over.
It was only just beginning.