Kaelan’s boots echoed loudly as he stormed through the hallways, following the trail Mira had left behind. His wolf was restless, clawing at his chest, urging him to close the distance. The sight of her fleeing from the ceremonial hall had torn at him, but he couldn’t let her slip away—not again.
When he reached the heavy wooden doors leading out of the main corridor, two guards stepped forward, blocking his path.
“Alpha Kaelan,” one of them said respectfully but firmly, “we cannot allow you to pass. These are Alpha Aiden’s orders.”
Kaelan’s jaw tightened, his frustration boiling over. “Move,” he commanded, his voice low and dangerous.
The guards exchanged uneasy glances but didn’t budge. “We’re sorry, Alpha,” the other guard said, gripping his spear tightly. “We must follow our Alpha’s commands.”
Kaelan growled under his breath, his fists clenching at his sides. His wolf wanted to break through, to push past these obstacles and find Mira. But Kaelan forced himself to pause, taking a deep breath to steady his emotions.
He knew she could hear him. She was close.
“Mira,” Kaelan called out, his voice echoing through the quiet corridor. “I know you’re there. Please, hear me out.”
Inside the room down the hall, Mira sat on the floor, her back against the door. Her hands trembled as she listened to his voice, her heart pounding against her ribs. Tears rolled silently down her cheeks, each word tugging at the memories she had fought to bury.
Kaelan’s voice broke, the weight of his regret evident in every syllable. “I know I failed you,” he said, his tone raw. “I let myself be blinded by lies and manipulation, and I made the worst mistake of my life. Mira, I was wrong, and I will do anything to make it right.”
Mira bit her lip, her mind racing. The memories came flooding back—the way he had cast her aside, the humiliation she had endured, and the pain that had lingered long after she was gone. And now, just when she was beginning to rebuild herself, he was here, asking her to come back.
Kaelan stepped closer to the guards, his voice rising. “I can’t lose you, Mira. Please, come back to the Pack. Come back to me. I swear on the moon goddess herself, I will never hurt you again.”
The guards glanced at one another, their expressions flickering with uncertainty. Kaelan’s plea was heartfelt, but their orders were clear.
Mira wiped at her eyes, struggling to regain control of her emotions. Her mind was a whirlwind of conflicting feelings—anger, longing, betrayal. She had always wondered how Kaelan was faring after their separation. Had he moved on with her sister? Was he happy with Liana?
Now, his presence stirred everything she had tried to suppress. She had worked so hard to forget, to start anew, and yet here he was, bringing it all back.
Kaelan’s voice softened, tinged with desperation. “I know you think I’ve moved on, but you’re wrong. I haven’t. I never could. The bond we share—Mira, it’s unbreakable. You’re my mate, my only mate. Please, give me a chance to prove it.”
Mira closed her eyes, the weight of his words pressing down on her. She took a deep breath, steadying herself before standing.
“Send him away,” she said softly, her voice muffled but audible enough for the guards to hear.
Kaelan froze, his heart plummeting. “Mira,” he called, his voice trembling. “Please—”
“Send him away,” she repeated, louder this time.
The guards exchanged glances before nodding. They stepped forward, blocking Kaelan’s view of the door.
“Alpha Kaelan,” one of them said firmly, “you must leave.”
Kaelan’s shoulders sagged. He took a step back, his wolf howling in protest.
“I won’t give up,” he said, his voice low but resolute. “I’ll find a way to make you believe me, Mira. I swear it.”