The den was restless that night. Wolves padded silently through the cavern, their golden eyes flicking toward Aradia with suspicion. She felt their unease pressing down on her like chains. Even when she sat near the fire, its warmth licking her skin, the air remained cold.
Kael had not left her side since Ronan's intrusion. He stood at the mouth of the den, arms crossed over his massive chest, green eyes scanning the forest beyond as though expecting the copper-haired stranger to return at any moment.
Aradia could not look at him without remembering Ronan's words: He protects you because you are a weapon. A key.
She wanted to ask again, to demand the truth, but when Kael finally turned his gaze on her, the words caught in her throat.
His eyes were fire. Possessive. Hungry.
She looked away quickly, clutching her cloak tighter. "You don't have to hover over me like a guard dog."
"Guard dog?" he repeated, his deep voice rough with amusement. He stalked closer, each step predatory, until he loomed above her. "I am Alpha, witch. I guard what is mine."
Her pulse raced, her defiance trembling on her lips. "I am not yours."
His hand caught her chin, tilting her face up to meet his. His touch was rough, his calloused thumb grazing her jaw. "Say that again," he murmured, low and dangerous.
Her breath hitched, her body betraying her with a rush of heat. She should have shoved him away. She should have spat the words into his face. But instead, she whispered, "I don't belong to anyone."
His lips curved in a slow, wicked smile, and for a heartbeat she thought he would kiss her. Her body leaned forward despite herself, hunger clawing at her chest.
But Kael pulled back with a growl, his jaw tight. "You test me, Aradia. One day, you will push too far."
Her body burned with frustration, her mind a storm of fury and desire. She hated him for his arrogance, his possessiveness. And yet, when he finally turned and walked away, she found herself aching for the heat of his hand again.