Chapter 6

Killian's POV

For a 22-year-old, and given the current time, one would think I'd be allowed to choose a life partner for myself since I haven't found my mate, but no, my parents who feel they always know best decided to choose an arranged mate for me. I guess that's one of the perks of being the sole heir to Hux enterprise, a multi-billion dollar company founded by my grandparents.

I sat at the six-seater dining table with my parents seated at both ends, as they went on and on talking about my fiance and arranged mate Ana. Their conversation was mainly about how nice it would be to take her out on a date to the newly opened five-star restaurants at Greenville's Avenue, but I had my mind on something else and was not interested in what they were saying.

I tapped my feet impatiently under the table, as I played around with my food which was growing cold. My parents didn't seem to notice that I just sat down there but I wasn't really with them, especially since they decided to make the breakfast to be all about Ana.

"Killian, what do you think about what we just said?" My mum's voice snapped me out of my train of thought. As she finally noticed my mind was elsewhere.

"Er, uhmm–"

"Did you even listen to a word we said?" My mum asked a frown etched on her face.

"Mum, we've talked about this, I'm–,"

"Ana is such a sweet young lady, from a very decent family, and that's why we paired you guys up," my mum stated

"I already agreed to marry her, even though that's not what I want," I cut my mom off. "Isn't that enough for you guys already? What more do you want?" I demanded.

"For you to be a bit nice to her, is that too much to ask?" My mum said irritatedly as she looked over at my dad for some support. "Take the sweet girl out on a date, or the park…or the cinema! She loves the movies. Just show her you care at least—”

I sighed in exasperation, as I ran my hand through my hair.

"Killy–"

"Mom please, I'm not seven anymore," I said in frustration, as she tried coercing me with the pet name she used in me a lot as a kid. "Using that on me won't work,” I said and rolled my eyes.

"Just do this for me–"

"Jeez! Mum–"

My Dad growled, and his wolf flashed in his eyes, as he glared at me, because I was raising my voice at his mate.

I sighed. "I'm sorry mum," I apologized to my mum who had a pang of hurt in her eyes. "I don't love Ana, Mum," I said calmly. "I agreed to marry her out of respect for you and Dad, but I can't fake affection towards her, I just can't, it's not something I can do."

"We're not asking you to get married to her right now or even tomorrow," my dad intervened. "We're not asking you to fall in love with her, a little niceness wouldn't kill you."

"Alright, alright, fine," I gave in because I was outnumbered, and also this talk about Ana is getting tiring. "I'll be nice to Ana, and take her on as many dates as she wants," I told them, and a broad smile appeared on my mum's face. "But, that'll be after I've fulfilled the promise I made to my savior."

My mum's face fell in disappointment. She patted her lips to say something but decided not to at the end.

A year ago, I went on a work-related visit to Red Moon Pack, as soon as I drove into the Pack's territory I was attacked by over twenty-five rogue wolves. Fighting them off wasn't so easy, as they seemed to be really strong. After successfully getting rid of them, I was left in extremely bad shape that even my wolf, Cade couldn't heal me, and I lay lifeless in the woods waiting for death to claim me.

Surprisingly, I woke up the next day, good as new. With not even a scratch on my body. Taking in my surroundings, I realized I was in an old abandoned building, as I went outside, I met a middle-aged woman plucking some plants which she later told me were some herbs.

Feeling extremely grateful I asked her what could I do for her in return. Money wasn't an issue for me, as long as mo ey could buy it, I could afford it.

Much to my surprise, she requested for something else. PROTECTION, for her only child. According to her, she felt she was being stalked and feared for her life. She didn't have a picture of her daughter on her when I reluctantly asked her for it even though I felt she was just being unnecessarily paranoid.

I needed to be on my way because I knew my parents would be worried sick about me, so I promised to look after her daughter if anything did happen to her as she feared.

About two days ago, I was seated in my apartment having a cup of coffee when I saw on the news that a woman had an accident, I was not in the least interested in the news until the woman's picture was shown, and it turned out to be the same middle-aged woman, Hannah, who saved me a year ago. A cold sweat broke on my forehead as her words rang in my mind.

The woman was not being paranoid like I had thought, she was actually speaking the truth. Guilt gnawed at me, and the promise I made to her pierced my conscience.

After the very unsatisfying breakfast with my parents at their penthouse, I left the capital district and drove straight to Red Moon Pack in search of Hannah's daughter. I need to make sure she's safe, that's the only way I can get rid of this guilt.

Arriving at Red Moon Pack, it was almost time for lunch. I didn't know where to start, so I decided to pay an old friend, Evan, who was a professor in the Pack's high school a visit.

Red Moon Pack had just one high school, and if there was anyone who would be able to give me at least a shred of useful information about a teenage girl, Evan should be able to help.

Arriving at the high school, I made my way to Evan's office. I've been there before so I know my way around.

I knocked at the door just once not waiting for a response before pushing it open.

Evan looked at me with wide eyes, clearly surprised by my sudden unexpected visit.

"To what do I owe this visit?” Evan said as he sat by the edge of his desk, giving me his typical tight-lipped smile.

"What do you mean?" I furrowed my brows.

"Nothing," Evan said with a shrug. "It's unlike you to show up without calling."

"I was actually passing by and decided to check up on your ass," I said, as I took the seat directly in front of him. "How's life as a teacher?" I asked.

"Professor, Killian, " he corrected. "I'm a professor."

"Professor, teacher, what's the difference?" I smirked.

"I'm not going to sit here and school you on basic things," Evan said and got back to the file on his desk.

"Since you're busy, I'll be on my way," I stood up from the seat.

Evan shook his head and chuckled. “Typical Killian. Always on the move. Walk you out?” he offered.

"Nah, no need," I shook my head and walked out the door.

"Take a left turn, Killian," Cade instructed.

"Huh, why left?" I said as I looked through the hallway on the left. "The exits this other way."

"Just do as I say, okay? Take a left turn," he said.

"Fine," I said and took a left turn. "What are we looking for here?" I asked irritatedly, as I didn't see anything of importance around.

"Just up ahead a bit, by the right," Cade said.

I didn't bother asking any other questions and just did as Cade said. Reaching the end of the hallway, I realized that moving to the right leads to the female's restroom.

"Do you want me, to go to the girl's restroom?" I asked Cade.

"I–"

I heard a low howl.

"Go over there, now!" Cade ordered.

I walked a bit faster and just as I was about getting in, I saw a young girl who was probably about 16 or 17 years old.

"Hey, are you okay?" I called out as I increased my pack. From the look on her face, she seems to be in a lot of pain.

"Is she having her first shift?" I muttered to myself. But she doesn't look 18 at all.

The girl shifted into a red wolf, and immediately shifted back, before collapsing on the floor before I could get to her, and slid I to unconsciousness.

I ran towards her this time and crouched down to pick her up. As soon as I came in contact with her body, I felt incredible sparks run through my veins.

"Mate!" Cade growled and paced around in my head happily.

"W--What?" I muttered as I stared at the tiny girl on the floor, butt naked in front of me.

I took out my trench coat and wrapped it around her tiny frame. She was running a temperature, and I quickly took her to Evan's office. I had no idea where the school's clinic was.

Evan jumped to his feet as I barged in with the girl in my hand.

"Whose daughter is she?" I asked immediately, not giving Evan time to understand the situation.

“A student obviously," he replied and got out of his seat, as he walked towards us.

A low growl escaped my lips as Killian touched the girl.

Evan furrowed his brows, wondering why I growled.

"She's burning up, let me take her home," he offered.

"No, I'll take her home," I said, refusing to hand her over to Evan. A part of me just wanted her to be safe, and the only place I could think of right now was her home. "You have work to do and students to teach, I got nothing to do. Give me her address and I'll take her home.”

"You sure you want to do that—” I gave him an impatient look cutting him off, “Okay, fine.” he scribbled at the back of a welcome-back flier and handed it to me.

"Thanks," I said and turned to leave.

"Take care of her,” he said behind me.

I hummed in response and left his office with the girl lying in my arms bridal style, heading to my car.

Following the address Evan wrote out, it led me to a very big mansion. Nothing too massive, but not something I'd expected.

I parked my car and carried her from the back seat which I laid her, before making my way to the door and managing to ring the doorbell.

After about two minutes, the door swung open.

"Killian?" Donald Whitlock, my biggest rival in the position of Alpha President came out. "What are you doing–" he paused mid-sentence as he saw the girl in my arms. His face fell in disappointment, even though he tried hiding it behind a smile. "What happened to Ka– my daughter."

What?!! I screamed in my head as I stared at him with wide eyes. How can my mate be Donald Whitlock's daughter? What game is the moon goddess playing?

"Thank you," he gruntled. "I'll take it from here."