Kiera's POV

My stomach drops as the force of gravity pulls me down into the darkness below.

So this is it. After all of this, after everything, this is how it ends.

My eyes stay focused on the man up above—the stranger with cerulean blue eyes who appeared as if by magic. My mate.

I'll never have a chance to find out his name.

The thought makes something snap in my chest. It was worse than the bond breaking, worse than Damon rejecting me.

For a moment, I thought I saw him move.

No.

Then he jumped.

"No!" My scream tore itself free from my throat, but he is already lunching towards me, his body slicing through the air.

His eyes never leave mine as he jumps down, his hands stretching towards me.

He shouldn't be doing this. He shouldn't die for someone like me.

But he pushed forward, bridging the gap between us at an impossible speed. His fingers wrap around my wrist and fire erupts along my skin as the mate bond snap into place. The warmth crept up my arm, into my chest.

He pulled me against him, his arms wrapped around me as we tumbled together. His body spins in mid-air and he positioned himself so he's beneath me.

"Don't!" I struggle to shake him off, but he gripped my waist harder.

"I've got you."

Then we land on the ground. The impact jolts through both of us. I hear him grunt, felt his body absorbing it. We roll over rough terrain—rocks tearing at my already shredded dress, branches clawing at my arms before we finally stop.

Pain thunders through every corner of my body. For a moment, I couldn't breathe or move.

But I'm alive. I have no idea whether that's good or bad news.

I threw my eyes open to find myself lying on his chest. "Are you hurt?" He asked, his hand cradling the back of my head.

I look down at him. Blood seeps from the cut above his eyebrow, tracing down his temple. His shirt is torn open, and I notice red angry welts across his ribs where the impact had struck him.

He took the fall for me. A stranger. My mate.

"Why did you do that?" My voice trembles. "You could have killed yourself."

His blue eyes lock with mine. "You're my mate. I would do it again."

Mate.

That one word hangs in the air between us, heavy with meaning that I'm not ready to accept.

I shook my head and pulled back. "You don't understand. I'm cursed. Everyone in my life gets hurt. You should have just let me be."

His hand shoots out and grabbed my waist. "I don't believe in curses."

"You will."

I struggle to break free from his grip, but he didn't budge. Finally, I wrench free and lurch backwards.

The world tilts sickeningly and I had to grab the the bark of a tree to steady myself. I took in my surroundings. We're at the bottom of the cliff. I can hear Grey and Tristan's wolves growling and patrolling, looking for

ways to get down the cliff.

Rain starts falling.The cold drops mix with the blood on my face, stinging the cuts.

"We have to go." The man stands, as if he hadn't just rolled off a mountain. "Those wolves will find another path down."

"Who are you?"

"Caden Blackwood." He took a step towards me. Despite being battered and bruised, he radiates strength—the sort that causes the air around him to crackle. "Alpha of Shadowmoon Pack."

Alpha.

Of course he is.

My stomach churns. "I can't go with you." I took a step back and shook my head. "I'm exiled. I'm a rogue. If you take me to your pack, it'll complicate things."

"Let me take care of that." His eyes scanned my figure. "You're bleeding."

I look down. Blood drips down my ripped dress. My back stings where Grey's claws ripped through my flesh.

"I'm fine."

"You're not." He moves closer, and I catch his scent again. The mate bond hums between us, urging me toward him even as every instinct screams at me to run. "Let me help you."

"Why? You don't know me. You don't know what I've done."

"I know you jumped off a cliff rather than letting them kill you." His jaw tightens. "I know you're strong enough to withstand a rejection and carry on. That's enough."

Tears wells up in my eyes but I brushed it up quickly. "I don't even know if I can shift anymore. My wolf is gone."

"Then I'll carry you."

Before I could protest, he sweeps me up into his arms.

"Put me down."

"No." He starts moving down through the ravine with careful, assured strides despite his injuries. "My pack lands are close by. You need a healer."

I should protest but exhaustion washes over me. My eyelids become heavy as the adrenaline that kept me running, finally drains out. My head fall against his chest.

"I'm cursed," I whisper into his shirt. "Everybody who gets close to me gets hurt."

"Good thing I heal fast." He whispered back.

My eyes drift closed.

"Don't die on me, Kiera." His arms tighten around me, pulling me closer.

How did he know my name?

The thought slips through my mind as darkness pulls me under.

For the first time in my life, I felt safe. Even if it might not last.

Kiera's POV

I woke up slowly, my head pounding with a pain so sharp it made my teeth ache. For a moment, I couldn't remember where I was or how I'd gotten here.

Then the memories came crashing back.

Damon. The rejection. The cliff. The man with blue eyes who'd jumped after me without hesitation.

Caden.

I rolled to the other side of the bed, expecting to find warmth beside me. Instead, the space felt cold and empty. The sheets were smooth and undisturbed, like nobody had slept there at all.

My eyes snapped open.

Dark wooden beams crossed the ceiling above me. Soft morning light filtered through curtains, casting everything in muted gold. The bed I was lying in was massive—bigger than anything I'd ever slept in—and the sheets felt expensive against my skin.

This wasn't the ravine or the forest floor where I'd expected to die.

I sat up quickly. Pain shot through my ribs and down my spine. I looked down at myself and froze.

Someone had changed my clothes. Instead of the blood-soaked gown I'd been wearing, I was now dressed in a soft cotton dress that smelled faintly of lavender.

"Hello?" My voice came out hoarse and cracked, barely audible even to my own ears.

I swung my legs over the side of the bed, my movements stiff and painful. The moment my bare feet touched the cold wooden floor, every part of my body throbbed in protest. The room tilted sideways, and I had to grip the bedpost with both hands until my vision cleared and the nausea passed.

He saved me and brought me here. But where is he now?

I took a step toward the door. My legs shook with the effort, threatening to give out beneath me. Then another step. Each one was agony, but I forced myself forward.

I needed to find him. I needed to know I wasn't alone in this strange place.

My chest tightened.

Did he change his mind about helping me? Did he realize saving me was a mistake?

The thought made something twist painfully in my stomach.

I reached the door and stepped into the hallway, one hand trailing along the wall for support. Each step sent fresh waves of pain through my battered body and my legs felt like they might collapse at any moment.

Tears pricked at my eyes. He'd jumped off a cliff to save me.He wouldn't just abandon me now, would he?

I made it halfway down the hall before my knees buckled. I slid down the wall until I was sitting on the floor, my arms wrapped around my knees. Exhaustion washed over me in waves, threatening to pull me under. My entire body trembled with the effort of just staying conscious.

Maybe if I just rested here for a moment—

"Kiera!"

The roar shook the walls and made my heart leap into my throat. I jolted violently, my head snapping up.

Then he was there, moving faster than should be possible for someone his size. Caden dropped to his knees in front of me with enough force that I felt the floorboards shudder.

His eyes weren't fully blue anymore. Red bled through the cerulean like blood in water.

"What the hell are you doing out here?" His hands gripped my shoulders. "You should be in bed."

I could feel the danger radiating from him. My wolf whimpered and tried to make herself smaller, recognizing the dominant predator in front of us.

But relief flooded through me so powerfully that fresh tears spilled down my cheeks.

He came back. He didn't leave me.

"I woke up and you were gone," I whispered. "I thought—I didn't know—"

"So you decided to drag yourself out of bed when you can barely stand?" He slid one arm under my knees, the other around my back, and lifted me effortlessly. "Do you have any idea how badly you're still hurt? How close you came to dying?"

"I'm sorry. I just needed to know you were still here. That you didn't—"

He kicked the bedroom door open hard enough that it slammed against the wall. He then carried me to the bed and set me down.

"Where else would I be?" His hands moved to either side of me, caging me in against the mattress. "Did you think I'd save you just to abandon you the moment you fell asleep?"

Tears streamed down my face. "I don't know what to think anymore. Everyone leaves eventually. Everyone gives up on me. Why would you be any different?"

Something dangerous flickered in his expression. His eyes flashed red again, and I felt the temperature in the room drop.

"I'm not everyone."

His hand shot out and gripped my chin, jerking my head up. My eyes met his and I saw that they were completely red with no trace of blue left.

"And you're mine now. I don't abandon what belongs to me. Ever."

His thumb pressed against my lower lip. "Do you understand what that means, Kiera?

"I don't belong to anyone,"

His hand moved to cup my face, his thumb brushing away my tears.

"You're wrong. You belonged to me the moment I caught your scent on that cliff. The moment my wolf recognized what you are to me."

"You don't even know me." My protest sounded feeble even to my own ears. "How can you be so sure—"

"I'm sure."

"And you're not leaving. Not now. Not ever."

Fear coiled in my stomach. I tried to make my voice firm, but it came out shaky instead. "You can't just keep me here"

"Can't I?" He leaned closer until our faces were only inches apart. "I'm the Alpha of this pack. These are my lands. My territory. Everything and everyone in them answers to me." His fingers tightened on my chin, tilting my head up further. "And you're my mate. That means you stay exactly where I can protect yo."

"That's not how it works. I'm not some possession you can just claim. I have a choice—"

"Do you though?

Your old pack threw you away like you were nothing. You have nowhere else to go. No one else who wants you. No one else would even take you in after what they did to you."

The words stung. Even though they were true. Especially because they were true.

"So you're keeping me out of pity? Is that it? The big strong Alpha saving the pathetic rejected omega?"

"Pity? I don't do pity. I don't save people out of charity or some misguided sense of duty." His grip on my face tightened. "I'm keeping you because you're mine and I protect what's mine. Whether you like it or not. Whether you accept it or not. Whether you fight me every step of the way or not."

I should be angry.

But part of me—a part I was desperately trying to ignore—wanted exactly his.

Someone strong enough to claim me. To fight for me. To refuse to let me go no matter what.

"What if I want to leave?" I asked quietly, testing him.

"Then you'll have to get through me first. "And I promise you, Kiera—that won't happen."

We stared at each other. The tension between us was suffocating.

"One week," The words came out before I could stop them. "Give me one week to decide if I want to stay."

"You think I'm negotiating with you?"

"I think you're a good man who won't actually force me to stay against my will." I held his gaze, hoping desperately that I was right about him. "So give me one week. Let me heal. Let me see what this place is like, what your pack is like. Then I'll decide."

He studied me for a long moment. Finally, he released me and stepped back. The loss of his touch left me feeling strangely cold.

I could breathe again. But I wasn't sure if that was relief or disappointment.

"One week," he repeated, his voice rough and strained. "But know this, if anyone tries to hurt you during that week, I'll rip them apart with my bare hands.

He moved towards the door with measured steps, then ooked back over his shoulder at me.

"And if you try to run? He paused. "I'll make the chase worth it. For both of us."

The door closed behind him with a soft click.

I sat frozen on the bed, heart racing so fast I thought it might burst from my chest.

Part of me wanted to be angry at his arrogance that he could just claim me like property.

But another part thrilled at his possessiveness.

For the first time since my parents died and left me alone in the world, someone was fighting to keep me. Someone was refusing to let me go.

Even if his methods were terrifying.

Kiera's POV

I woke to sunlight filtering through the window. The scent of food filled the air and my stomach growled with hunger.

I opened my eyes and found Caden sitting in a chair beside me. A tray of food sat on the nightstand.

"You stayed."

"I said I would," He said, reaching for the tray. "Now eat. You need your strength."

I accepted the bowl he handed me with trembling fingers. "How long have I been here?" I asked between spoonfuls.

"Two days."

Two days. I'd been unconscious for two whole days

I set the bowl aside carefully. "Your pack. Do they know about me?"

"They know I found my mate." His eyes didn't leave mine, pinning me in place. "That's all they need to know for now."

For now.

Meaning eventually they'd find out the truth. That I was a rejected, banished wolf with no pack and no wolf of my own. That I was cursed and broken.

"They won't want me here," I whispered.

"You're my mate. That makes you their Luna. End of discussion."

Luna.

My throat tightened until I could barely swallow. The word felt heavy and wrong when applied to me. I'd never even dreamed of being a Luna before. Girls like me didn't get happy endings like that.

"I can't be a Luna," I said quietly.

"You will be." He stood and walked to the window. "But first, you need to heal. Regain your strength. Then we'll deal with everything else."

"Can I see the pack?" The request surprised even me, tumbling out before I could think better of it. "If I'm going to be here for a week, I should meet them. See what this place is like."

Caden turned slowly. Something flickered through his eyes.

"I was going to suggest exactly that. They need to see their Luna. You need to establish your place here."

"I'm not—"

"You are. Get dressed. Someone left clothes outside your door. We're going downstairs for lunch with the pack."

------

An hour later, I stood in the hallway dressed in simple jeans and a sweater that someone had left folded neatly outside my door. My hair was brushed and clean, falling around my shoulders in damp waves. But I still looked pale and hollow-eyed in the mirror.

Caden waited for me outside. "Beautiful"

I didn't have time to process the word before he took my arm in a grip and led me down the stairs.

My palms grew sweaty. I wiped them on my jeans, leaving damp streaks on the denim.

My heart hammered against my ribs so hard it hurt. Every step felt heavier than the last, like I was walking toward my own execution. I could already imagine their faces when they saw me—the disappointment, the confusion, the disgust.

We reached the doors to the dining hall, and I stopped breathing entirely.

"Breathe," Caden murmured softly against my ear. His grip on my arm tightened. "Just breathe."

The large room was filled with wolves seated at long tables with food spread before them. Every head turned toward us in unison, and the silence that fell was deafening.

Heat crept up the back of my neck. I could feel their eyes on me—assessing, judging, finding me lacking in every possible way.

My free hand gripped Caden's arm tighter. My nails dug into his flesh through his shirt hard enough to leave marks.

"Everyone," Caden's voice rang out across the room. "This is Kiera. My mate. Your Luna."

The silence stretched for a heartbeat. Then two.

"She's his mate?"

"Where did she come from?"

"Look at her—she's so small and fat."

"That's the Luna?"

My ears burned with each comment. Heat spread across my cheeks and down my neck, I stared at the floor, unable to meet anyone's eyes.

A woman stepped forward from the crowd. She was beautiful—long dark hair that fell in perfect waves, a slender frame that moved with the kind of confident grace I'd never have.

Her upper lip curled as her eyes scanned me from head to toe.

"Alpha. Forgive me for speaking out of turn, but are you certain? She doesn't exactly look like Luna material."

Caden's entire body went rigid beside me. His muscles coiled tight beneath his shirt. "Lydia."

His hand found my waist, pulling me closer against his side. His fingers dug into my hip hard enough that I knew there'd be marks later.

"And who the hell do you think you are to question my choice?"

Lydia stepped back half a step but held her ground, her jaw clenching. "I'm simply concerned about the pack, Alpha. We don't know anything about her. Where she comes from. What pack she belongs to."

Her eyes slid to me, and something cruel flashed in their depths. "Or why she doesn't have any pack scent on her whatsoever."

The assembled wolves murmured in agreement.

Bood drained from my face. They could sense it. They knew immediately that I'm packless and a rogue.

"That's enough," Caden growled. "Kiera is my mate. Question her place here again, and you'll answer to me personally."

"But Alpha—" An older man spoke up from the back. He crossed his arms tightly over his chest. "Surely you understand our concern. A Luna should be strong. Capable of leading in your absence."

His eyes swept over me with open disdain, his lip curling.

Tears burned at the back of my eyes. I blinked rapidly, desperately trying to stop them from falling, but my throat closed up completely.

"I said that's enough." Caden's eyes flashed pure red. A vein throbbed visibly in his neck. His fists clenched at his sides so hard his knuckles went white.

"Anyone who has a problem with my mate can challenge me for the position of Alpha right now. Otherwise, shut your mouths and show some respect."

No one moved. Lydia's lips curved into a smile. She exchanged meaningful glances with the older man, and I saw something pass between them.

"Of course, Alpha. Forgive us. We're simply... surprised. You've never shown interest in claiming a mate before. And suddenly now..."

She trailed off, leaving the implication hanging in the air.

That I'd trapped him somehow.

That I'd used magic or manipulation.

That I wasn't worthy of him and never would be.

The weight of their stares pressed down on me. My chest constricted. I couldn't get enough air into my lungs no matter how hard I tried.

"I need air." My voice came out barely audible. "Please."

Caden's grip on my hand tightened. "Kiera—"

"Please."

He studied my face for a long moment. Then he nodded curtly. "We'll continue this discussion later."

The threat in his tone made several pack members go visibly pale.

He led me out of the dining hall. I stumbled over my own feet, my legs shaking so badly they could barely hold my weight. He caught me before I fell, supporting me, practically carrying me through the corridors.

We stepped out into a garden at the back of the mansion.

"I'm sorry." His jaw clenched so tightly I could hear his teeth grinding together. "They had no right to speak to you that way. No right at all."

"They're not wrong though." I wrapped my arms around myself, hugging my chest tightly like I could hold the pieces of me together. "I don't look like a Luna. I am everything they said.

"No." His hands gripped my shoulders hard enough to hurt. "You're everything they're too blind and stupid to see."

"You don't have to lie to make me feel better."

Tears streamed down my face now. I couldn't hold them back anymore. My nose ran and I sniffled pathetically, wiping at my face with the back of my hand like a child.

"I know what I am. A rogue with no pack and no wolf of my own."

"Stop." His fingers dug into my shoulders, bruising. "Stop saying that."

"It's true!" My voice rose higher and louder, breaking on the words. "They saw it immediately. I have no pack scent. I'm nothing. Just a rejected, broken wolf that you saved out of pity."

"Pity?"

A dangerous laugh escaped him. His eyes flashed red, then blue, then red again in rapid succession.

"You think I claimed you out of pity?"

"What else would it be?" My voice broke and my throat felt like it was being squeezed in a vice. "Look at me. I'm cursed. I'm packless. I have nothing to offer you. You'd be better off with someone like that Lydia woman. Someone who at least looks like she could be a Luna."

"You think I want her?"

"I think you deserve someone who isn't me!"

The words spilled out and my hands shook violently. "Someone who can actually be what you need. Someone who isn't cursed and broken and completely useless and—"

I didn't get to finish.

His hand shot out and fisted my hair, yanking my head back with enough force to steal the breath from my lungs.

His other arm wrapped around my waist, crushing me against him with bruising force that left no space between our bodies.

"Shut up."

Then his mouth crashed down on mine, silencing me completely.