KILLIAN'S POV
The bar is dark. The smell of alcohol is thick in the air. I sit alone in the far corner with my glass in hand. I stare at my drink as if it could burn the thoughts right out of me. I've already had more than I usually allow myself, but tonight, I don't care.
My wolf paces inside me. He's growling and feels restless. He's demanding release. He wants her.
Layla.
Her face won't leave my mind. The shape of her lips, the stubbornness in her eyes, the way her voice echoes long after she's gone. I tell myself she means nothing. She's a complication. She's a distraction I don't need. Worst of all, she's a pathetic little omega who means nothing. But each sip I take only worsens the ache inside my chest. I'm lying to myself, and I know it.
The chair across from me scrapes against the floor. I don't bother looking up.
"Well, well. Killian. Drinking yourself into oblivion? That's a first."
I finally glance up. Allora. She's smiling that smug smile of hers as she slides confidently into the seat opposite mine. She doesn't ask if the seat is taken. She never does.
"Leave," I mutter, lifting my glass again.
She laughs softly, leaning in closer. "What's the matter? Did the big bad Beta lose his edge? I almost didn't recognize you sitting here like this… brooding, drinking, sulking."
I ignore her, staring into the glass, but she doesn't stop. Her fingers trail along the table, inching toward my hand.
"Or maybe," she says "someone finally got under your skin."
My jaw tightens. Still, I don't look at her. She wants a reaction. I won't give her one. But then she drops it.
"Funny thing, though… I couldn't help but notice how much interest Layla seemed to have in the previous Beta. Don't you think that's… curious?"
The words make me pause. My head snaps toward her. My wolf perks up instantly. Right now, his ears are raised.
"What did you just say?"
Allora tilts her head, smirking. She looks pleased she's finally got my attention. "Oh, don't look so shocked. Everyone has secrets, Killian. Especially her." She leans back. "But hey—don't let me ruin your drink."
And with that, she stands. She smooths down her dress calmly.
"Try not to drown before you find out the truth," she says smugly, before walking away.
I sit there in anger. My glass is forgotten in my hand. My wolf is snarling now, pressing against me, demanding answers. What the hell does Layla have to do with the previous Beta?
I can't let it go.
I slam the glass down and storm out of the bar. The corridors blur past me as I follow Layla's scent. I need to find her. her scent is just faint in the air still, it's sweet and infuriating. It's addictive. It draws me like a leash until I finally find her in the library.
The place is quiet. She's seated at a table, surrounded by stacks of old records and dusty books. So absorbed in her reading, she doesn't even notice me at first.
I step forward, letting my presence fill the room.
"What are you doing here?" I ask.
She flinches then looks at me.
"Reading," she says smoothly, too smoothly. "What does it look like?"
My wolf growls low. I step closer. "Don't play games with me, Layla. Why are you digging through old records? And what do you know about the previous Beta?"
She freezes. The tension in her body betrays her even as she tries to brush it off.
"That's none of your business," she replies coolly, shutting the book in front of her.
"It is my business," I growl, closing the distance between us. "Everything about you is my damn business."
She tries to walk past me, but I move faster. I grab her and pin her gently but firmly against the bookshelf. My hands press into the wood on either side of her, caging her in. The air between us is filled with tension, heat, anger… desire.
Her eyes burn with anger. She refuses to look away. "You don't own me, Killian."
"No," I say "but I should."
Her breath catches, but she covers it quickly. "You're delusional."
"Am I?" I lean closer. I can feel my wolf clawing at the surface, urging me to claim her, to mark her. My breath grazes her cheek. "Because you're trembling, and it's not from fear."
Her lips part slightly, and I can see the conflict in her eyes. She hates me yet her body betrays her. Her scent intoxicates me and it feeds my wolf's hunger.
"Move," she whispers.
"I can't." My voice is rough. "Not when I can feel how much you want this too."
"Killian…" Her tone is warning, but weak. Her hands clutch the shelf behind her as if it's the only thing keeping her upright.
I lean down. My lips touch the shell of her ear. "Tell me to stop, and I will. But if you don't…" My voice drops into a husky growl. "I'll make you mine right here."
Her eyes widen. Then, with a trembling nod, she gives me the permission my wolf has been craving.
That's all I need.
Slowly,, I trail my hand down and lift edge of her skirt. Her breath hitches. Her legs tremble beneath my touch. My wolf rumbles in satisfaction, finally getting what he's been craving.
"You drive me insane," I murmur against her neck.
I sink lower, savoring the moment.
"Killian…" Her voice breaks into a gasp as I go down on her. My hands grip her thighs, holding her steady. The sound of her breathless moans fills the silent library.
And in that moment, I know that there's no turning back.