Celine's POV
Every time I think about how Khalil and I met… I get butterflies in my stomach.
Not the loud kind of excitement people talk about.
Mine is quieter.
Deeper.
The kind that doesn't fade even after years of silence between two hearts.
I don't know which words can properly describe it.
Because how do you explain a feeling that started when you were only fifteen?
Back then, I didn't understand love.
I thought it was just smiles, shared moments, maybe stolen glances in crowded places.
But Khalil was never like that.
He was distant even when he stood right in front of me.
And somehow… that made me notice him more.
I still remember the first time he looked at me properly.
Not through people.
Not through noise.
Just me.
It felt like the world stopped for a second.
And I didn't know it then…
But that moment stayed.
Now years have passed.
And I am supposed to marry him.
The thought should feel simple.
Natural.
Expected.
But it doesn't.
Because Khalil is still the same in one way that terrifies me—
He never belongs fully to anyone.
Not even me.
I looked down at my hands.
A soft breath left my lips.
"I've loved you for so long," I whispered into the silence, "so why do I feel like I'm still losing you?"
Because today… I saw the news.
The hospital.
The shares.
Luna.
And something inside me tightened.
Not jealousy.
Not anger.
Something worse.
Understanding that Khalil was moving again.
And wherever he moves…
Nothing stays the same.
Khalil's POV
Ever since my parents died… I swore I would never cry again.
Tears were a sign of weakness.
And weakness was something I despised.
In this world, power was everything.
Strength decided who lived, who ruled… and who survived.
And I refused to be anything less than untouchable.
I don't want to be mated to a weakling.
I want a strong woman.
A woman who can stand beside me—not behind me.
That's why I chose Celine.
Her father's pack is one of the strongest in the East. An alliance with them would make my position unshakable.
This isn't just about marriage.
It's about power.
Legacy.
Control.
And finally…
The day I've been waiting for is here.
Today is my official engagement to Celine.
I stood near the tall window in my chamber, my hands resting behind my back as I stared out into the distance.
The sky was calm.
Too calm.
Beside me stood Lucian—my cousin, Uncle Kalix's son… and my Beta.
More than that, he was my brother.
The only one who understood me without needing explanations.
"Big day," Lucian said casually, leaning against the wall.
I didn't respond immediately.
Everyone sees me as a beast.
Fearless. Ruthless. Untouchable.
And I am.
But Lucian… and Uncle Xander—
They're the only ones who dare speak to me like I'm human.
My thoughts shifted.
Uncle Xander.
He left two days ago to spy on our enemies.
And he still hadn't returned.
That wasn't like him.
I narrowed my eyes slightly, still staring outside.
Something didn't feel right.
"Congratulations, Alpha… or should I say, son?"
A familiar voice broke through my thoughts.
I turned instantly.
"Uncle Xander."
Relief flickered through me—brief and controlled.
He stepped forward and patted my back.
Without thinking, I pulled him into a quick hug.
A rare moment.
"Well, well… what am I missing?"
Mira's voice filled the room as she walked in, her eyes bright with excitement.
Before I could react, she wrapped her arms around both of us.
I stiffened.
"When was the last time we hugged like this?" she laughed.
I gave her a look.
She rolled her eyes. "Why are you making it a big deal? Can't I hug my only uncle and my ruthless Alpha brother?"
Lucian chuckled.
And for a brief moment…
We laughed.
But peace never lasts.
The engagement ceremony began soon after.
Alphas and leaders from different packs filled the grand hall, their presence heavy with power and expectation.
Then—
They arrived.
The Blood Moon Pack.
Celine walked in beside her father—Damon, the most powerful Alpha in the East.
She looked… perfect.
Composed.
Untouchable.
Exactly what I needed.
I stood at the altar, waiting.
Damon placed her hand in mine.
I took it firmly and guided her forward.
Everything was going according to plan.
Until it wasn't.
Just as the ring bearer stepped forward—
A scream tore through the hall.
"Mira!"
She collapsed.
Her body hit the ground, trembling violently.
Blood began to stream from her nose.
Her face twisted in pain.
Everything stopped.
"Get the healer!" Lucian shouted.
But I was already moving.
I lifted her into my arms.
Her body was burning.
Something was wrong.
Very wrong.
Moments later—
We arrived at the Princess of the Moon's shrine.
I laid Mira down carefully.
My chest tightened as I watched her struggle.
"Welcome to the shrine, Alpha Khalil," a calm voice echoed.
The Princess stood with her back turned.
"What brings you here?"
"I want to know what's wrong with my sister," I said, my voice sharp and controlled.
She turned slowly.
Her eyes… unreadable.
She began chanting softly, her hands
moving as she cast her spell.
The air grew heavy.
Time felt slower.
Then—
She stopped.
"Nothing is wrong with your sister."
I frowned.
"Then why is she like this?"
Her gaze locked onto mine.
And then she spoke—
"Because if you marry the girl you want…
you will lose the people you love the most."
Silence.
Dead silence.
Her words hit harder than any weapon.
"I don't understand," I said, my voice lower now.
She stepped closer.
"The girl you promised to marry when she turns twenty-five…"
My heart stilled.
"…the girl you fired…"
Her voice sharpened.
"She is your mate."
My eyes darkened instantly.
"No."
"As an Alpha, you must fulfill that bond," she continued.
"If you refuse… then prepare yourself."
"Total rubbish," I roared.
"I will not marry anyone other than my fiancée!"
The air trembled with my anger.
But she didn't flinch.
"Then be ready to face the consequences."
Her voice was cold.
Final.
"Starting with the one you love the most."
My head snapped toward Mira.
She was slowly regaining consciousness.
Weak.
Fragile.
Vulnerable.
For the first time in years…
Something unfamiliar crept into my chest.
Not fear.
But something close.
Khalil Jace Ashford.
The Alpha who claims he has no heart.
The man who listens to no one.
The ruler who makes his own rules.
What will he choose?
To bond with the woman he loves…
And risk losing everything?
Or to accept a mate he hates…
And face a truth he tried to bury?