Secrets Unearthed

The morning sun filtered through the thick canopy of leaves, casting dappled light across the forest floor. Rhea sat on a fallen log, staring at her hands. She wasn’t sure when the trembling had started—was it after they’d received the note, or when Kaelan started pacing back and forth like a caged wolf? Either way, her nerves were shot.

“Kaelan,” she said softly, barely loud enough for him to hear. 

He paused mid-step and turned to her, his broad shoulders tense, his jaw clenched. “What?” His voice was sharp, but as soon as he saw her expression, his tone softened. “What is it?” 

Rhea hesitated, swallowing down the lump in her throat. “Do you... do you think Zane will really come after us again so soon?”

Kaelan let out a low growl, his eyes flashing gold for just a moment. It was a reminder of what he was—what they both were, now that she was tied to this world. “Zane isn’t the type to give up. He’s going to keep coming until one of us is dead.”

The bluntness of his words made her flinch. She looked away, trying to collect herself. The forest was peaceful, almost mocking in its tranquility. Birds chirped overhead, and the breeze carried the faintest scent of pine. It was hard to believe they were being hunted in a place so beautiful.

Kaelan moved closer, crouching down in front of her so that their eyes were level. His voice was gentler now. “Hey. We’ll handle this. I promise.”

She wanted to believe him. She really did. But the weight of everything—the note, Zane, her own doubts—was suffocating. “I just... I don’t know if I can do this,” she admitted, her voice barely a whisper.

Kaelan reached out, his fingers brushing against hers. It was such a small gesture, but it steadied her. “You’re stronger than you think, Rhea. I’ve seen it.”

She looked at him, her chest tightening. There was something in his eyes—something raw and real—that made her heart skip a beat. For a moment, she thought about leaning into him, letting his strength carry her just this once. But then her rational mind kicked in, and she pulled her hand away.

“We should get moving,” she said, standing abruptly. “The longer we stay here, the more vulnerable we are.”

Kaelan sighed but didn’t argue. He stood as well, towering over her as always. “Fine. But stay close to me. I don’t trust the quiet out here.”

Rhea nodded, and together they began walking deeper into the forest. The tension between them was palpable, but neither of them addressed it. There were more pressing matters to worry about.

They reached the edge of a small clearing just as the sun reached its peak. Kaelan stopped suddenly, his body going rigid. Rhea nearly bumped into him.

“What is it?” she asked, her voice low.

He didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he sniffed the air, his eyes narrowing. “There’s something... off.”

Rhea frowned, her own senses on high alert now. She couldn’t smell anything unusual—just the earthy scent of the forest—but she trusted Kaelan’s instincts. He was an Alpha, after all.

“Stay behind me,” he ordered, his tone leaving no room for argument.

She rolled her eyes but complied, knowing better than to argue with him when he was in protective mode. They moved cautiously into the clearing, Kaelan scanning their surroundings like a predator stalking prey.

It wasn’t until they were halfway through the clearing that Rhea felt it—a strange tingling sensation on the back of her neck. She froze, her hand flying to the spot instinctively.

“What’s wrong?” Kaelan asked, turning to look at her.

“I don’t know,” she admitted. “It’s like... something’s burning.”

Kaelan’s gaze dropped to her neck, and his expression darkened. “Show me.”

She hesitated, but the urgency in his voice left her no choice. She turned around and pulled her hair to the side, exposing the back of her neck.

Kaelan cursed under his breath. “Rhea, there’s a mark.”

Her heart sank. “What do you mean, a mark?”

“It’s... ancient,” he said, his fingers ghosting over the spot. “I’ve seen it before. It’s the symbol of the Soulmate Bond.”

Rhea turned to face him, her eyes wide. “Soulmate Bond? What are you talking about?”

Kaelan ran a hand through his hair, clearly agitated. “It’s a connection—something spiritual. It’s rare, but when wolves find their true mate, the bond manifests physically. That mark... it means you’re connected to someone.”

Her stomach twisted. “Connected to who?”

Kaelan didn’t answer right away. His jaw tightened, and there was a flicker of something in his eyes—hope, maybe? Or fear? “I... I think it’s me,” he said finally.

Rhea took a step back, shaking her head. “No. That doesn’t make any sense. How could it be you? I’m not even one of you.”

“You are now,” he said firmly. “Whether you like it or not, you’re part of this world. And that mark... it’s proof.”

She wanted to argue, to tell him he was wrong, but deep down, she knew there was some truth to his words. Ever since she’d met Kaelan, her life had been turned upside down in ways she couldn’t explain. Maybe this was just another piece of the puzzle.

But before she could say anything, a rustling sound from the trees drew their attention. Kaelan moved in front of her instantly, his body tense and ready for a fight.

“Who’s there?” he called out, his voice low and dangerous.

A figure stepped out from the shadows, and Rhea’s heart dropped. It was Zane.

“Miss me?” he said with a smirk, his tone dripping with mockery.

Kaelan growled, his fists clenching at his sides. “What the hell do you want, Zane?”

“Relax, Alpha,” Zane said, holding up his hands in mock surrender. “I’m just here to talk.”

Kaelan didn’t relax. If anything, he looked even more ready to rip Zane apart. “You’ve got five seconds before I end this conversation.”

Zane chuckled, clearly unbothered by the threat. “Fine. I’ll get to the point.” He turned his gaze to Rhea, and for a moment, she thought she saw something dark and twisted in his eyes. “How’s the mark treating you, sweetheart?”

The blood drained from her face. “You... you did this?” 

Zane’s smirk widened. “Of course. Did you really think it was a coincidence? That mark ties you to me, Rhea. Not him.” He jerked his thumb at Kaelan. “You’re mine.”

Kaelan lunged at him, but Zane was faster. He stepped back into the shadows, disappearing before Kaelan could reach him.

“Coward!” Kaelan roared, his voice echoing through the clearing.

Rhea stood frozen, her mind racing. If what Zane said was true, then everything she thought she knew about the mark—and about Kaelan—was a lie. 

She looked at Kaelan, her voice trembling. “Tell me he’s lying.”

Kaelan didn’t answer. His silence was deafening.

And in that moment, Rhea felt the ground shift beneath her feet. If Zane was telling the truth, then what did that mean for her and Kaelan? For their fight against him? For everything?

Her chest tightened as the realization hit her: She couldn’t trust anyone—not even herself.

Rhea took a shaky step back, her mind spinning. “I can’t... I can’t do this,” she whispered. And before Kaelan could stop her, she turned and ran into the forest, leaving him alone in the clearing.