Levi held Kaliyah firmly as he leapt out the window in one smooth motion, his body moving like she weighed nothing at all.

The wind rushed past them as they soared down, and then he landed gracefully, like a shadow falling from the sky.

His feet touched the pavement with barely a sound, and he was still carrying her… princess style.

Kaliyah clung to his neck tightly, her arms locked around him in instinctual fear. Her heart was thudding in her chest from the sudden movement.

"What…what are you doing?" she gasped, looking up at him, still in his arms.

"I'm taking you with me," he said in a low, steady voice. “Somewhere safe.”

Kaliyahh’s eyes widened. “But… Don…And Kate is knocking at the door. She's going to realize I’m not there. I’ll get into trouble!” She was already panicking, her voice breaking slightly as she squirmed in his hold.

Levi tightened his grip and pressed her closer to his chest, as if shielding her from the chaos they’d left behind. “I’m not leaving you in there with those people my love.”

She opened her mouth to speak again, but the sound of Kate’s voice still shouting from the house sent a chill down her spine. The banging on the door hadn't stopped.

Then Levi looked down at her again, his eyes glowing slightly under the moonlight. “I’ll protect you.”

Her breath hitched. “But… where are we going?”

Levi didn’t answer right away. He just turned and started walking down the dark path between the trees, carrying her like she was the most fragile thing he’d ever touched.

“I found my precious mate after so long,” Levi murmured, voice low but full of fire, “and you think I’ll leave you here for one more minute? Especially after seeing how they treat you?”

Kaliyahh’s eyes widened. She opened her mouth, unsure if she should argue or ask a thousand questions but before she could get a single word out, Levi leaned in close and whispered, “Hang on tight.”

And then, he moved, with so much speed. The speed was unreal.

Air whipped past her face like a storm that she couldn’t keep her eyes open. Everything around them blurred, the trees, shadows, moonlight streaking through the woods. Her grip tightened around his neck,

It felt like they were flying.

It felt like being stolen away by something dangerous and safe all at once.

Meanwhile, back in the room, Don finally groaned and pulled himself up from the cold floor, his face swollen and sore. He stumbled to the door, twisting the lock with trembling fingers.

Kate burst in almost immediately.

Her eyes fell on his face, it was bruised, swollen and red, her brows furrowed in shock and growing anger. “What the hell happened to you?”

“It was… Kaliyah.” Don winced, holding the side of his face.

Kate blinked. “Kaliyah did this to you?”

“No,” he snapped, clearly offended by the suggestion. “Her boyfriend or something. Some guy. He… he came in, and…” Don held his head again, still in a daze. “He took her and jumped out the damn window with her like it was nothing.”

Kate froze.

“What?” She asked slowly, like her brain needed a moment to believe the words. “You mean… you were in here, and some random man came into this house, took Kaliyah, and jumped out the window?”

Don nodded, his face twisting with humiliation. “He was… he was immensely strong, he gave me one blow and I swear, it almost knocked me out. And I don’t even think he used his full strength.”

Kate stepped back, her face pale now, her thoughts racing. Her mouth opened, but no words came out.

***

The wind stung Kaliyah’s cheeks as Levi moved with inhuman speed, the world around her was a blur of shadows and trees. Her arms tightened around his neck, holding on for dear life.

“Am I too fast for you?” he asked, his voice low and oddly calm despite the rush of motion.

Kaliyah could barely nod, her eyes squeezed shut from the wind. He slowed instantly, and she felt the sharp shift from a wild sprint to a graceful jog, and then finally, to a full stop.

“We’re already here,” he said softly.

She blinked her eyes open to see that they were at the edge of the forest, the same one that led into the Werewolf Territory. The same forest where they had met just hours ago.

Levi didn’t stop. He walked forward, still carrying her in his arms.

Her heart pounded faster, now out of confusion, not fear. She looked up at him, eyes wide. “Where… where are you taking me?”

He glanced down at her. “Home,” he said simply.

She stilled. “Home?” Then her voice sharpened. “Your home? You mean… werewolves? You’re taking me to where the werewolves live?”

Panic bloomed in her chest.

She wriggled against him, slipping from his arms. Levi didn’t resist, he gently let her down. But the moment her feet touched the forest floor, a cold wave rolled over her. Her body already missed the heat of his touch. How was that even possible?

She wrapped her arms around herself, shivering slightly. Levi stepped toward her, before his hands gently encircled her waist and pulled her against him again.

“You don’t have to be scared,” he murmured, his voice softer now, coaxing her. “I’m taking you somewhere safe. I’ll protect you. I’ll never hurt you, Kaliyah.”

She looked up into his eyes, those deep, intense eyes that somehow felt more like home than anything she’d ever known.

“You’re my mate,” he said. “I’ve waited so many years to find you. I’m not leaving you here, not for another minute.”

Something in his voice cracked through her walls. Kaliyah’s chest tightened. Her life with Kate hadn’t been a life. It had been survival, misery and isolation. She didn’t even live like a person, let alone a daughter. And yet this stranger, this wolf man, was looking at her like she was everything.

Her lips parted to speak but before she could say anything, the sharp rustle of leaves behind them stole the words from her mouth.

She spun around, only to find a figure standing at the edge of the trees, half-shrouded in shadow.

And then, the figure stepped forward.

Kaliyah instinctively clutched Levi’s shirt tighter, her eyes locked on the approaching figure.

“You really had to come here,” Levi said, his tone calm, not hostile, more like someone mildly inconvenienced by a familiar face.

The figure came into a clear view. He had tousled dark hair that curled slightly over his forehead and deep brown eyes that flickered with quiet amusement.

Tall and effortlessly handsome, he wore a black hoodie and matching sweatpants, hands tucked casually into his pockets like he hadn’t just emerged from the shadows of a forest.

“Of course I did,” the man replied. “It’s been, what… two hours since you disappeared and cut the mindlink? Oliver told me the elders were waiting.”

Then his gaze moved past Levi and landed directly on Kaliyah.

His eyes flickered from her face, to Levi’s arm around her waist, to the way she was holding onto his shirt like a lifeline. The corner of his lips twitched.

“Well, well,” he said, his voice dipping with teasing interest. “You found her.”

A slow, knowing smile spread across his face.

Kaliyah tensed even more, unsure whether to be flattered or frightened. The stranger’s presence wasn’t aggressive, but still.

“She’s beautiful,” he added, still watching her with an unreadable glint in his eye.

“I know,” Levi said, almost proudly.

The man smirked at Levi’s response, then took a slow step closer, still keeping his hands in his pockets.

“I’m Raymond,” he said, his voice smooth “But you can call me Ray. I’m Levi’s Beta.”

Kaliyah’s brows pinched slightly in confusion, but she nodded slowly. She glanced up at Levi.

Levi..

So that was his name.

She repeated it silently in her head..Levi, as if tasting the sound of it on her tongue.

Then her thoughts caught on the other word.

Beta?

What did that mean?

Her eyes shifted back to Raymond, then to Levi again, who was still watching her carefully.

“Beta,” she finally said aloud, her voice quiet but clear. “What… does that mean?”

Ray’s smirk turned into a grin, like he was delighted to be the one to explain.

“It means I’m second-in-command,” he said simply. “Right after Levi, who if you haven’t figured it out yet is the Alpha of our pack.”

Kaliyah blinked, her mouth parting just slightly.

Levi noticed the confusion flickering in Kaliyah’s eyes the way her brows knit slightly, the way she stared down at the dirt-covered ground as if trying to piece something together.

He could feel her hesitation. The whirlwind of questions in her head.

So he spoke, his voice low and reassuring. “Let’s go”

He reached for her hand but paused when he remembered her wrist. His eyes softened as they dropped to the swollen skin.

Gently, he took her uninjured hand instead, curling his fingers around hers protectively.

Kaliyah looked at their joined hands, it felt so right.

They began walking slowly through the forest. The leaves rustled gently around them.

Ray walked ahead, hands still tucked in his pockets, casting a glance back every now and then.

Kaliyah didn’t say anything, she didn’t know what to say. Her mind was spinning with too many thoughts.Alpha...Beta…Pack..Werewolves

The only word she knew there was a pack, which was a group of werewolves. Kate hated werewolf talk and never let her even read the stories and so she never bothered to know about them.

They had walked deeper into the forest and Kaliyah's eyes widened when she saw men standing guard, some armed with weapons that gleamed faintly under the light, others simply standing in an alert and composed position.

Among them were a few men, patrolling the perimeter with sharp eyes and quiet grace.

Kaliyah instinctively stiffened, her grip on Levi’s hand tightened, and she subtly moved closer to him, her body tensing.

Levi glanced at her, then smiled softly. He leaned closer and whispered, “Don’t be afraid.”

His words were quiet but for some reason they calmed her down.

Without realizing it, she nodded, and they stepped through.

The people instantly started bowing.

Some murmured, “Alpha. Beta” Others simply moved aside, their eyes never quite meeting Levi’s or Ray's.

Kaliyah could feel the shift in him, the same Levi who had cradled her in his arms and spoke to her with such tenderness now moved with the calm command of a man in charge.

An Alpha…

When they reached an open area, the sound of a smooth engine pulled her attention forward.

A sleek black SUV rolled up in front of them. It looked luxurious and polished. The kind of car that made a statement even in silence.

The driver’s window slid down with a soft whir, revealing a young man with tousled brown hair and warm brown eyes. He had a charming, almost boyish smile as he greeted, “Alpha.”

Ray, without a word, moved to the passenger seat and slid in.

As Levi opened the back door for her and guided her gently inside, the driver's gaze flicked to Kaliyah. His eyes widened slightly as realization danced across his face.

“Oh my,” he said with a bright grin, “Luna?”

His voice rang with excitement and curiosity.

Kaliyah blinked. Luna?

Before she could ask, Ray, without turning around, said flatly, “Drive, Tyler.”

And just like that, the SUV pulled away, the forest fading behind them.

Kaliyah sat quietly in the back seat, pressed gently beside Levi. Her eyes moved slowly, taking everything in as they drove deeper into the territory.

It looked… normal.

Not like some wild forest where beasts prowled.

There were streets, houses, stores. Even little shops with signs she couldn’t quite read as they passed.

People…no, werewolves walked around, laughing, talking, some carrying groceries, others seated at outdoor cafés.

The street lights perfectly illuminated the place, it was almost as bright as day.

It looked just like a regular place. Just that… instead of humans, these were werewolves.

The realization made her chest tighten again, but she tried to stay calm.

Levi glanced at her from time to time. He hadn’t let go of her. Now, he gently held her with one arm, letting her rest against him.

His body was warm and sooo comfy.

She didn’t even realize when her eyes began to flutter, the air was calm.

And before she could resist it, sleep crept up and pulled her under.

Levi looked down, and a soft smile tugged at the corner of his lips when he noticed her breathing had evened out.

She had fallen asleep.

Carefully, he adjusted his grip so she could be more comfortable and held her closer.

When the car rolled to a smooth stop in front of the packhouse, a tall, grand mansion with high windows and wide steps, Levi stepped out without waking her. His movements were precise, practiced.

He made sure her head didn’t hit the roof of the car.

Then he carried her like a princess, her head gently tucked against his chest, one of her arms resting limply around his neck.

Inside the mansion, the halls were grand, and the atmosphere shifted the moment they stepped through the doors. People bowed their heads as Levi passed. Some couldn’t help but steal curious glances.

It was a sight to behold.

A tall, striking man with dark hair and a powerful build, carrying a small, sleeping girl like she was made of glass. The way his hands were wrapped around her waist, the way her body rested against his, the way he looked at her…

As though she were the most precious thing in the world.

Inside the mansion, the halls were grand, and the atmosphere shifted the moment they stepped through the doors. People bowed their heads as Levi passed. Some couldn’t help but steal curious glances.

Who was the girl?

They all knew the Alpha. He wasn’t known for messing around. He didn’t entertain women.

Not even the flirtatious ones who tried. The only women he was ever seen with were his mother, his younger sister, and sometimes Mirella, Raymond’s mate.

But this?

And then, as Levi turned a corner, the atmosphere shifted again.

Standing ahead of him, waiting with calm but expectant expressions, were three older men in long coats. Their presence radiated authority.

They were the Elders.

When Levi saw them standing ahead, he paused.

His expression didn't change much, it was still stoic and unreadable but there was something in his eyes. Something sharp yet quiet.

There were three of them.

The one in the middle stood slightly ahead of the others. He had a stern face, brown hair peppered with streaks of grey.

His presence demanded attention, not because he tried to take it but because he expected it.

All three bowed, the two on the sides bowed low, showing full respect.

The man in the middle?

He barely dipped his head.

More of a nod than a bow. A gesture that said, I’m doing this out of duty, not respect.

He lifted his eyes and met Levi's gaze directly.

"So you wandered into human territory, Alpha," he said.

His voice was smooth, but it carried a quiet edge. It was not openly hostile but filled with something unspoken. Disapproval, dustrust and maybe even resentment.

Levi held his gaze calmly, shifting Kaliya slightly in his arms to keep her resting comfortably.

"I had something to do," Levi replied.

The man's lips twitched just enough to form what looked like a bitter smirk.

"You know it's against the law," he said.

His tone wasn’t accusing, but it wasn't neutral either. It was like someone who didn’t like being reminded that this young Alpha had power he didn’t.

Still, Levi didn’t even flinch. He looked at the man coldly.

“I found my mate there,” Levi said calmly, his voice low but firm. “Exactly what I was looking for, that’s why I went.”

The man whose name was Sebastian, lips twitched again, but this time there was no smirk. Just a tightening at the corners, like he was holding back the urge to scoff.

“So then,” Sebastian said, “every wolf in the pack who hasn’t found a mate should wander off into human territory?”

Levi’s jaw flexed. “If they’ve searched every corner of this pack and all the other pack and waited for over five years? Then yes.”

That silenced the other elders.

Sebastian said nothing at first. His eyes dropped to the girl sleeping peacefully in Levi’s arms and his gaze sharpened.

“She doesn’t smell like a werewolf, Alpha.”

Sebastian’s expression darkened, storm clouds rolling behind his eyes. He held back his next words with visible effort as Levi turned his body slightly, already walking past him.

The tension lingered like smoke.

One of the other elders glanced at the third, unsure whether to speak.

But then the unspoken truth slipped out.

Sebastian, the man now watching Levi's back with a mixture of disdain and cold interest was not just any elder.

He was Levi’s uncle.

The older brother of the former Alpha.

And now, the lead elder of the pack.

A man who had once thought he would be Alpha.

But the title had passed to Levi.

Levi climbed the grand staircase in steady strides, Kaliyah still resting in his arms like a delicate flower.

She hadn’t stirred once, not even as they passed the gazes and whispers of pack members who had never seen their Alpha hold anyone so protectively.

When he reached the top floor, he pushed open the double doors to his room with a quiet nudge of his foot.

The room was massive, wrapped in a soft, masculine grey theme. The walls were ash-toned, the curtains a deeper storm shade.

A king-sized bed sat in the center, draped in plush bedding and layers of charcoal and silver sheets.

The air smelled like cedarwood and Levi’s cologne.

He walked over and gently laid her on the bed, adjusting her comfortably against the soft pillows. She looked so small there, curled slightly, her dark hair fanned over his pale sheets.

Levi pulled the thick, warm comforter over her body. For a moment, he simply looked at her, his fingers brushing a loose strand of hair away from her face.

He leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to her forehead, letting it linger longer than it should.

Then he straightened, walked quietly to the door, and shut it with a soft click.

As he turned around, he saw them, Ray already standing, and Oliver just approaching from down the hall.