Loyalty Tested
“Isla,” he began, his voice low, “you need to come back. You can’t stay here.”
“Why?” She squared her shoulders, refusing to let him see her fear. “So Seraphine can make my life a living hell? So you can keep following orders to keep me in line?”
Kael’s jaw clenched. “You don’t understand. If you stay, Seraphine will destroy your reputation. She’s already spreading rumors, making sure no pack would want you even if you tried to join them.”
“That’s nothing new.” Isla’s voice was hard, bitterness edging her tone. “There’s nothing left for me at Midnight Crest. I’m done with all of you. Please, just leave me alone!”
Kael’s eyes darkened, his face twisting with frustration. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you. It won’t take long before Seraphine figures out you’re hiding out here.”
Her stomach dropped, dread settling over her as Kael turned and strode away, his warning hanging in the air like a threat. If Draven found out her true identity, there’d be no telling what he might do. She was playing a dangerous game, and Kael had just raised the stakes.
As if summoned by her fear, Draven appeared, his powerful frame blocking her path. His gaze was intense, suspicion flickering across his face as he watched Kael disappear into the woods.
“Care to explain?” Draven’s voice was cold, each word clipped. “What’s your connection to him—and Midnight Crest?”
Isla held her breath, forcing herself to meet his stare. “It doesn’t matter. I’m just a rogue. Why would it matter who I used to know?”
Draven’s eyes narrowed, studying her. “Because you’re my chosen mate, Isla,” he replied, his tone sharp. “And I don’t take threats to my pack lightly.”
She swallowed, her voice barely steady. “Why would you even want me to be your chosen mate?”
He took a step closer, his gaze never leaving hers. “I’ve been searching for my mate for a decade. No luck.” His tone softened, just a hint, before hardening again. “The council’s breathing down my neck, demanding I find a mate who can give me an heir. That’s all that matters to them now.”
Isla’s heart hammered. “So, you want me to… give you an heir?”
A ghost of a smirk tugged at the corner of Draven’s mouth. “If you’re capable, that is.”
She scoffed, crossing her arms. “I’m not exactly the maternal type. Besides, it sounds like you’d need more than just any she-wolf for that job.”
“Oh, I don’t know,” Draven said with a low chuckle, his gaze sweeping over her, a dangerous gleam in his eye. “I guess we’ll find out.”
