Edited
🌘Kate
The crowd's roar still echoed in my ears as Ryker's hand found mine, warm and firm, guiding me out of the arena. The energy in the air was electric—cheers, laughter, and the faint metallic scent of victory clinging to my skin. Eyes that had once looked at me with disdain now followed me with awe and respect. Some even smiled. The shift in their expressions was so stark, I almost didn't trust it was real.
We walked past rows of pack members lining the path, their conversations spilling into the cool afternoon air. I kept my chin up, but I was hyper-aware of every gaze. For once, I didn't feel small under their scrutiny.
When we reached the castle steps, Lila fell into step beside me, her smile quick and proud. She fought like she was born for it, I heard in my head—clear as if she had whispered it into my ear.
I froze for half a heartbeat, glancing at her, ready to reply—only for Lila to speak aloud, "You fought like you were born for it."
The same words. Exactly.
A chill traced my spine. I forced a small smile, tucking the strange moment away. I'd think about it later.
Ryker's voice pulled me back. "Let's get you ready." His gaze lingered on me, heated but controlled, and I caught the faint twitch of his jaw—the only sign he was holding back.
The castle bustled as we entered. The air was fragrant with roasted meats and sweet spiced bread drifting from the kitchens. Laughter echoed in the great hall, music spilling faintly from somewhere down the corridor. For once, no one avoided my eyes. Maids curtsied with genuine smiles, guards inclined their heads respectfully, and an older Omega even pressed a steaming mug of tea into my hand without being asked.
In my chambers, the room was already filled with movement. Two maids laid out a dress of deep crimson silk that shimmered when it caught the light. Gold embroidery curled like fire along its edges. Matching heels waited on a velvet cushion, and beside them, delicate gold hairpins studded with tiny rubies.
They worked quickly but reverently—curling my hair into soft waves, painting my lips the shade of ripe cherries, dusting my skin with a subtle shimmer. In the mirror, the woman looking back at me hardly resembled the one who had walked into the arena hours ago.
Somewhere down the corridor, Ryker was getting ready too. Lysandra's low, velvety voice curled in my mind. He's going to look devastating in that suit.
I laughed quietly to myself, earning a curious glance from a maid.
When Ryker appeared in the doorway, I understood exactly what she meant. The black suit fit him like it had been sewn on his body, the crisp white shirt open just enough at the collar to make my pulse skip. His hair was combed back, his eyes dark and molten as they swept over me.
"You're staring," I teased.
"You make it hard not to," he replied, stepping closer until his scent—pine, smoke, and something purely him—wrapped around me. His hand brushed my waist, a fleeting touch that promised more.
The evening air outside was cool, scented with fresh earth and burning torches. The pack had gathered in the courtyard, music playing, the sound of clinking glasses and easy laughter blending into a hum of celebration. No formal Luna ceremony yet—just a night of shared joy after the duel's outcome.
We mingled, Ryker introducing me to elders and warriors alike. I caught glimpses of Lila chatting animatedly with a group of soldiers, her eyes occasionally flicking to me with something like protective pride.
Later, under the glow of lantern light, Ryker offered his hand. "Dance with me."
I didn't hesitate.
He led me into the open space, his arm strong around my waist, his other hand clasping mine. The world blurred at the edges as we moved in sync, the music slow and steady. His thumb brushed the back of my hand, sending little sparks racing through me.
When the song ended, the celebration wound down naturally, laughter softening into farewells. Ryker's hand found mine again as we slipped away from the courtyard, the moon casting silver light on the stone path.
The walk to our chambers was quiet, intimate in its own right. Inside, the door shut softly behind us. We stood for a heartbeat, just looking at each other. Then Ryker closed the space, his mouth finding mine in a kiss that was slow but burning, pulling me deeper until the rest of the world faded entirely. I've been thinking about this all night," he said, voice low and dark.
My pulse raced as his lips found mine — not the gentle teasing from earlier, but a hungry, claiming kiss. I melted into him, my hands curling into his shirt, tugging him closer. He growled softly, deep in his chest, and I felt it vibrate through me.
The kiss broke only so his mouth could trail along my jaw, down the sensitive line of my throat. "Mine," he murmured, the word a possessive brand against my skin.
"Then claim me," I whispered.
His answering sound was primal. In one smooth motion, he lifted me, carrying me to the bed. The fall of fabric, the brush of skin against skin — every movement was deliberate, teasing, building a heat that coiled low in my belly. His hands roamed with purpose, learning me, worshiping me, until my breath came in ragged gasps.
When his mouth claimed mine again, it was with the kind of hunger that made my bones ache. The world narrowed to the feel of him, the scent of him, the way he moved against me like we'd always been meant to fit this way.
And then — the bite.
It was sharp, a flash of heat as his teeth broke skin at the junction of my neck and shoulder. The bond roared to life between us, flooding me with his emotions — raw, unfiltered. Possessive love, fierce pride, and a desire that burned brighter than any flame I'd ever conjured.
Instinct took over. I sank my teeth into his neck, tasting him, marking him as mine. The moment I did, the bond snapped tighter, a golden thread weaving so deep it felt like it was in my bones.
And then… voices. Not out loud — but inside. His voice, warm and rough in my mind.
Kate.
I gasped, eyes flying open. Ryker?
Always.
The sensation was overwhelming — not just hearing him, but feeling him entirely. His heartbeat against mine, his thoughts brushing like fingertips along the edge of my own.
The rest of the night unfolded in a blur of heat and touch and whispered confessions, our bodies moving in a rhythm that was both desperate and reverent. Every gasp, every kiss, every shiver felt amplified by the bond, until I couldn't tell where he ended and I began.
When we finally lay tangled in the sheets, skin slick and hearts racing, he pressed a kiss to my temple. "Bound in flame," he murmured.
And I knew he was right — whatever we were before, we were more now. Unbreakable.