A Fractured Reunion
The dimly lit hut felt claustrophobic as Isla stood by the small window, her breath fogging the glass as she stared out into the dense forest. She had tried the door earlier, but it was locked from the outside, the sturdy wood refusing to budge no matter how hard she pulled. Her heart raced with anger and fear, each emotion battling for dominance. When the sound of footsteps reached her ears, she turned sharply, her eyes narrowing as Kael entered, carrying a tray of food.
“Kael,” she said, her voice sharp. “What is this? Why am I here?”
Kael set the tray down on the small table in the corner, avoiding her gaze. His movements were deliberate, as though buying himself time. “You’re safe,” he said finally, his voice low. “That’s all that matters.”
“Safe?” Isla repeated, her voice rising. “Safe from what, Kael? From my pack? From my mate?”
Kael flinched at the word “mate,” his jaw tightening. “He’s not your mate,” he said, his voice laced with bitterness. “You don’t belong with him.”
Isla stepped closer, her fists clenched at her sides. “And I suppose I belong with you?” she demanded. “After everything you’ve done?”
Kael finally looked at her, his eyes dark and stormy. “I made a mistake,” he admitted, his voice softening. “But I can make it right. I can give you the life you deserve.”
“The life I deserve?” Isla’s voice cracked with incredulity. “The life I deserve is with my pack. With Draven.”
Kael’s expression twisted into one of anger, his hand slamming down on the table. “To that pompous Alpha?” he spat. “Isla, he’s a ruthless wolf. You don’t know a thing about him. Do you really think he cares about you? He’s using you—just like everyone else.”
“And you didn’t?” Isla shot back, her voice cutting through the tension like a blade. “You betrayed me, Kael. You broke my trust. Do you remember that?”
Kael’s face softened for a moment, guilt flashing in his eyes. He took a step closer, his voice trembling. “I know I hurt you, Isla. And I’ve regretted it every day since. But we know each other. We’ve always known each other. Give me a chance to fix this.”
Isla’s throat tightened, but she forced herself to stay firm. “If you really care about me, Kael, you’ll take me back to Crimson Fang. To my mate.”
Kael’s expression darkened, his jaw clenching so tightly she thought it might snap. His eyes, usually warm, were cold now, filled with an anger that sent a chill down her spine. “I can’t do that,” he said, his voice low and final.
“Why not?” Isla asked, her voice trembling. “Why can’t you just let me go?”
“Because I won’t lose you again,” Kael said, his voice barely above a whisper. “I can’t.”
