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Huling Na-update:
2024-11-15 01:10:28XENIA'S POV
The tension in the air was almost palpable as I walked out of the cave. After the encounter with Tochex and Octavyous, my mind felt like it was spinning. I knew that joining this pack wouldn't be a walk in the park, but the hostility I encountered from them felt like more than just skepticism—it felt personal, like I wasn't welcome in their world. I needed a moment to myself, a moment to just take a breath and process everything that had happened. The bonding ceremony, the power surge that left me unconscious, and now the stares and sneers of the pack members. It was like everything was happening too quickly, leaving me feeling completely overwhelmed. Kaleb had left me alone to rest, but I couldn’t just sit there anymore. I needed to understand what was going on. I wandered outside, feeling the cool breeze against my skin, trying to clear my mind. There was something about this place that both terrified and intrigued me. The mystery of it all, the way I was connected to Kaleb and even Marrylen—it all felt surreal. As I stood at the edge of the clearing, I heard footsteps approaching. I turned to see Kaleb, his face softening when he saw me. “You should be resting, Xenia,” he said, concern evident in his voice. “I needed some air,” I replied, my voice barely above a whisper. I could see the worry etched on his face, but there was something else too—something that felt like he was holding back. “What happened back there, Kaleb?” I asked, my gaze steady on his. “Why did I pass out? Why did I feel Marrylen’s presence during the ceremony?” He paused, his eyes narrowing slightly as if he was debating how much to tell me. “You are my mate, Xenia. Our bond is sacred, and the ceremony was meant to solidify that. But…something interfered. You mentioned seeing another presence. Are you certain?” “Yes,” I replied, crossing my arms. “I felt her, Kaleb. I saw Marrylen, and I heard her voice calling out to me just as I heard yours.” Kaleb’s jaw clenched, his eyes flickering with something I couldn’t quite place. Anger? Fear? It was hard to tell. “Marrylen… she’s dangerous, Xenia. You shouldn’t trust her.” His words took me by surprise. Marrylen, dangerous? She had been nothing but kind to me, even protective. “Why do you say that?” I asked, taking a step closer to him. “She’s been helping me, Kaleb. She’s the reason I even made it to Beddington safely.” Kaleb shook his head, his eyes darkening. “You don’t understand, Xenia. She’s trying to take you away from me, from the pack. She’s interfering with our bond, and that’s dangerous for both of us.” I stared at him, the weight of his words settling heavily in my chest. There was something in the way he spoke, something that made me question everything. “Kaleb, are you sure this is about Marrylen being dangerous? Or is it because you feel threatened by her?” His eyes flashed, a hint of frustration breaking through his calm façade. “I’m trying to protect you, Xenia. You belong with me, with the pack. That’s where you’ll be safe.” “Safe from what?” I demanded, my voice rising. “From Marrylen? Or from making my own choices?” For a moment, silence hung between us, heavy and unspoken. Kaleb stepped closer, his hand reaching out to cup my face. “You don’t know what’s at stake here, Xenia,” he said, his voice softer now, almost pleading. “The bond we share, it’s powerful. It’s what keeps the pack together, what keeps me grounded. I can’t lose you.” I looked up at him, my heart pounding. There was sincerity in his eyes, a vulnerability I hadn’t seen before. But there was also a possessiveness, a need to control what was happening between us. And that scared me. “Kaleb, I need time,” I whispered, stepping back from his touch. “I need to figure things out on my own. I can’t just… blindly follow this path without knowing what it means for me.” He let his hand fall to his side, a pained expression crossing his face. “I understand,” he said, though his voice held a trace of reluctance. “But remember, Xenia, no matter what happens, you’re mine. And I will do whatever it takes to keep you safe.” As he turned and walked away, I felt a chill run down my spine. His words lingered in the air, a reminder of the bond that tied us together—whether I wanted it or not. I knew I had to talk to Marrylen, to understand why I felt her presence during the ceremony. There was more to this than Kaleb was letting on, and I needed answers. And maybe, just maybe, I needed to decide for myself what my place in this world truly was.Kaugnay na kabanata
KIN TO THE ALPHA 9
MARRYLEN'S POVThe sun was beginning to dip below the horizon when I got Xenia's call. I could hear the tension in her voice, something fragile and desperate beneath the surface. She wanted to meet, and there was an urgency in her tone that made me drop everything and head to the clearing we had agreed upon.When I arrived, Xenia was already there, pacing back and forth, her arms crossed tightly over her chest. Her expression was a mix of confusion, fear, and something else—determination. The sight of her like that made my heart clench. I approached slowly, careful not to startle her."Xenia," I called gently, and her head snapped up, her eyes locking onto mine. The relief that washed over her face was palpable, and she immediately came toward me."Marrylen, I—I don't know what's happening to me," she said, her voice cracking slightly. She stopped just a foot away from me, her eyes searching mine. "Kaleb told me not to trust you. He said you're dangerous, that you're trying to interfe
KIN TO THE ALPHA 10
XENIA'S POVThe next morning, I woke up feeling like I was at the center of a storm. My head pounded, thoughts tangled with emotions as I replayed my conversation with Marrylen over and over again. The warmth of her embrace, her words reassuring me that I wasn't alone, were like a lifeline—and yet, they only made everything more confusing.I couldn't help but think about Kaleb. The intensity in his eyes when he spoke to me, the way he insisted that our bond was sacred—it made me feel both cherished and trapped at the same time. It was as if I was being torn between two opposing forces, and I wasn't sure which direction to take.I knew I had to confront Kaleb again. I needed answers, and I needed to see if what Marrylen said was true—if Kaleb was truly trying to control me, or if there was something more beneath the surface. I had to face him, not as his mate, but as someone who deserved the truth.When I made my way back to the pack's territory, I could feel the weight of the stares o
KIN TO THE ALPHA 11
XENIA'S POVAs I walked away from both Kaleb and Marrylen, my mind spun with the weight of everything that had just happened. Kaleb's proposal—his suggestion that there didn't have to be a choice between him and Marrylen—felt like a bolt of lightning straight through my chest. I had come here searching for answers, hoping to make sense of the emotions that had been tearing me apart, but now... now I felt more confused than ever.The idea of being with both of them—of not having to choose between Kaleb and Marrylen—seemed impossible. It was something I had never even dared to imagine. How could it work? Kaleb was my destined mate, the Alpha, someone who represented everything the pack stood for. And Marrylen... Marrylen made me feel free, seen, like I could be more than just a piece of some larger plan.But Kaleb's words kept echoing in my mind. What if there didn't have to be a choice?I stopped in the middle of the path, taking a deep breath as I closed my eyes. Did Kaleb really mean
KIN TO THE ALPHA 12
KALEB'S POVThe pack had changed since Xenia left. I could feel it in the air, the subtle shift in the way the others looked at me, the whispers that followed me as I walked through the clearing. It was like an unspoken challenge—an acknowledgment that I was vulnerable without my mate. And in a pack like this, vulnerability was a dangerous thing.It had only been a few days since Xenia left for the city, and I already felt the absence of her presence like a physical ache. She had become a part of me, of my identity as Alpha. Without her, there was a hollow emptiness that I couldn't fill, no matter how much I tried to ignore it.I was standing near the edge of the forest, looking out over the horizon, when I heard footsteps approaching. I turned, my eyes narrowing as I saw Tochex and Octavyous walking towards me, their expressions unreadable. They were two of the strongest members of the pack, and they had never hidden their skepticism about me being Alpha—especially now that Xenia had
KIN TO THE ALPHA 13
The evening stretched into night, and the tension between us shifted into something deeper, something that neither of us could ignore any longer. As we sat on the couch, our hands still intertwined, Xenia looked at me, her eyes filled with an emotion that took my breath away."Marrylen," she whispered, her voice barely audible over the sound of my racing heart. "I need you. I need to feel close to you."I didn't need any more words. I leaned in, my lips finding hers, and the kiss was filled with all the longing and heartache of the past six months. Her hands found their way to my hair, pulling me closer, and I could feel the tears on her cheeks as they mixed with my own.We moved together, our bodies pressing against each other as we made our way to her bedroom. There was no hesitation, no uncertainty—just the raw, desperate need to be close, to feel each other, to remind ourselves that we were still here, still together. Clothes were shed, whispers were exchanged, and in that moment,
KIN TO THE ALPHA 14
XENIA'S POVTwo weeks. It had been two weeks since Marrylen showed up at my door, and those two weeks had been some of the most comforting, most peaceful weeks I had experienced in a long time. Being with her, feeling her love, her warmth—it had made me feel whole again. She made me laugh, she held me when I needed it, and she gave me the space to just be myself. It was everything I had wanted, everything I thought I needed.But there was still something missing. There was still a part of me that felt restless, that felt pulled back to where it all started. To Beddington. To the pack. To Kaleb.I knew it was unfair to Marrylen. She had come all this way, had put her heart on the line for me, and here I was, ready to leave again. But I couldn't ignore the pull any longer. I had to go back—to see Kaleb, to see if there was a way to make sense of everything. To finally confront the part of me that I had left behind.I sat down on the couch, glancing at Marrylen, who was busy in the kitch
KIN TO THE ALPHA 15
XENIA'S POVThe days after leaving the cave felt like a blur. The anger and betrayal I felt upon seeing Kaleb with Tochex still boiled within me, but there was something else—something I couldn't ignore. The power that had surged through me in that cave, the raw energy that had erupted from within, it felt different. It felt like something awakening deep inside of me—something primal, something powerful.Marrylen had taken me to a secluded cabin on the edge of the forest, a place far from the prying eyes of the pack. She had stayed by my side, comforting me, giving me space when I needed it, but I could tell she was worried. The energy that had come over me wasn't just an emotional outburst. It was something more, and I could feel it growing stronger each day.One morning, I woke up with an overwhelming urge to leave the cabin. I couldn't explain it, but it felt like a pull—a call from the depths of the forest. I glanced at Marrylen, who was still asleep, and quietly slipped out of be
KIN TO THE ALPHA 16
KALEB'S POVThe days following Xenia's departure were filled with emptiness. The sight of her walking away from me, the look of betrayal in her eyes, haunted my every waking moment. I had made a terrible mistake, one that I didn't know how to fix. Tochex had been nothing but a distraction—a desperate attempt to forget the pain of losing Xenia. But it had cost me everything.I sat in my quarters, the silence suffocating. My mind was a storm of regret and longing, and nothing I did seemed to ease the ache in my chest. I knew Xenia had discovered something within herself—a power that made her more than just my mate. She had transformed, her primal energy unlike anything I had ever seen before. It both terrified and fascinated me, and I knew I needed to see her again.But how could I? How could I face her after what she had seen? After what I had done?The door to my quarters creaked open, and I looked up to see Tochex standing there, her expression one of hesitation. She stepped inside,
Pinakabagong kabanata
KIN TO THE ALPHA 25
KALEB RETURNS - THE CONFRONTATION WITH OCTAVYOUSThe sky was a muted gray, the sun hidden behind thick clouds as Kaleb and his crew approached the pack's territory. They moved swiftly, their eyes focused, their senses heightened. The air was charged with tension, the anticipation of what lay ahead weighing heavily on each of them. Kaleb's heart pounded in his chest, his mind focused on one thing—taking back his pack from Octavyous.They reached the edge of the territory, the familiar scent of the pack filling Kaleb's senses. He paused, his eyes narrowing as he looked ahead, his gaze focused on the heart of the camp. He could feel the presence of his pack members, their emotions a mix of fear and uncertainty. It fueled his resolve, his determination to end this once and for all.Cainry moved up beside him, his eyes meeting Kaleb's. "Are you ready?" he asked, his voice low but steady.Kaleb nodded, his jaw tightening. "Let's do this," he said, his voice filled with determination. He too
KIN TO THE ALPHA 24
STRAYS' POV - THE REAL PLANSThe stray camp was hidden deep within the forest, far from the watchful eyes of the pack. The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and the faint rustle of leaves, the shadows of the towering trees casting a dark blanket over their camp. The strays moved silently, their bodies tense, their eyes constantly scanning their surroundings. They were always on guard, always prepared for the possibility of an attack.In the center of the camp, a group of the strays had gathered, their voices low, their faces shadowed by the flickering light of a small fire. At the head of the group stood Marcus, the leader of the strays, his eyes cold and calculating as he looked at the others. His expression was one of determination, his jaw clenched as he spoke."We can't keep waiting," Marcus said, his voice low but filled with authority. "We've been hiding in the shadows for too long. It's time we made our move. The pack is vulnerable, and their so-called Alpha, Octavyous
KIN TO THE ALPHA 23
PACK'S POVBack at the pack, the atmosphere was tense, the air filled with whispers and murmurs of dissent. Octavyous had taken control after Kaleb's disappearance, and his rule was harsh, unforgiving. He had declared himself Alpha, but not everyone accepted him. The pack members were loyal to Kaleb, and his sudden absence had left a void that Octavyous was all too eager to fill.It didn't take long for the cracks in his leadership to show. Octavyous was ruthless, his commands absolute, and he had little regard for the well-being of the pack. He ruled with an iron fist, demanding obedience without offering the care and protection that an Alpha should provide. The fear among the pack members was palpable, but so was the anger, the resentment building just beneath the surface.One of the most troubling aspects of Octavyous' rule was his treatment of the female members. He had begun calling them to his bed at night, one after another, without regard for whether they had mates or not. It
KIN TO THE ALPHA 22
XENIA'S POVThe days had been long since we left the pack. Marrylen and I had been on the run, constantly looking over our shoulders, never staying in one place for too long. Octavyous' threats still echoed in my mind, and I knew that he wouldn't rest until he had total control. But we weren't going to make it easy for him.It was during one of those restless nights that the dream came. Nenyia appeared to me, her presence serene, her voice gentle. She was standing in a clearing, her eyes filled with warmth and kindness. "Xenia," she said, her voice echoing in the quiet of my mind, "You must find Kaleb. He needs you now more than ever."I reached out to her, my heart pounding. "Where is he?" I asked, my voice trembling. "How can I find him?"Nenyia smiled, her eyes filled with a sadness that broke my heart. "Follow the bond," she said. "It will lead you to him. You are stronger than you know, Xenia. Trust in yourself, trust in the love you share. It will guide you."When I woke, my hea
KIN TO THE ALPHA 21
XENIA'S POVThe news of Kaleb's disappearance had hit us like a storm. Marrylen and I had only just returned to Beddington when we were summoned to meet with Octavyous. The moment we heard his name, a feeling of unease settled in the pit of my stomach. There was something dark about the way his power had grown, and as we approached the camp, that unease only intensified.Octavyous stood at the center of the clearing, his presence commanding, his eyes cold as he looked at me. The pack was quiet, the tension in the air almost suffocating. He had taken control, that much was clear, but it was the way everyone seemed to be on edge that made my skin crawl."Xenia," he called out, his voice hard. "Step forward."I exchanged a glance with Marrylen, her eyes filled with worry, but I nodded and stepped toward him, my heart pounding in my chest. There was something dangerous in his gaze, a glint of something that made my instincts scream to run, but I held my ground."Kaleb is gone," Octavyous
KIN TO THE ALPHA 20
KALEB'S POVThe moon hung high in the sky, casting an eerie glow over the forest as Octavyous and I moved through the dense undergrowth. The silence of the night was broken only by the crunch of leaves beneath our boots and the distant calls of nocturnal creatures. The weight of the mission hung heavy between us, and I could feel the tension in the air—thicker than usual, almost as if it were trying to suffocate me.Octavyous led the way, his movements confident, almost too confident. Something about the way he carried himself tonight felt off, but I pushed the thought away, focusing on the task at hand. We were here to scout for the stray werewolves, to determine their numbers, and assess the threat they posed. The pack was counting on us, and I wasn't about to let them down.We had been walking for over an hour when Octavyous suddenly stopped, his head tilting to the side as if he had heard something. I paused, my senses on high alert, scanning the dark woods around us. There was no
KIN TO THE ALPHA 19
KALEB'S POVThe campfire crackled as the pack gathered around, the air thick with tension. The news had spread quickly—stray werewolves had been spotted near the border of our territory. It had been years since we'd dealt with them, but their presence was unmistakable. A scent carried by the wind, the feeling of being watched—it was clear that they were back.These weren't just any werewolves. They were rogues, a pack of strays that had been a thorn in our side for generations. My father had fought them off when they first tried to claim our territory years ago, and he had managed to defeat most of them. But some had survived, and they had always been a looming threat, waiting for their chance to strike again.The tension was palpable as I stood before the pack, the flames casting flickering shadows across their faces. Nenyia was by my side, her expression calm but her eyes sharp as she scanned the group. To my right, Tochex stood, her eyes blazing with anger, her body tense as if rea
KIN TO THE ALPHA 18
XENIA'S POVThe warmth of Kaleb's embrace was all-consuming, and for a moment, I felt completely at peace. But then, just as suddenly as the bond had settled, I felt something shift inside me. My vision blurred, the world around me fading away until all I could see was darkness. My body felt light, as if I were floating, and a strange, powerful energy began to surge through me.I heard voices, distant and muffled, and I struggled to understand what was happening. Kaleb's arms were no longer around me—I could no longer feel his presence. Instead, there was a new sensation, a warmth that seemed to come from somewhere deep inside me, pulling me in a different direction.I blinked, my vision slowly coming back into focus, and I saw Marrylen standing before me. Her eyes were wide with shock, her mouth slightly open, and I could feel the connection between us—the same kind of energy I had felt with Kaleb. It was strong, undeniable, wrapping around the two of us like an invisible tether.Mar
KIN TO THE ALPHA 17
MARRYLEN'S POVThe air was heavy with tension. I could feel it as soon as Xenia and I finished, the satisfaction of our intimacy fading into a quiet, lingering unease. She hadn’t said a word about Kaleb being there, but I knew she was aware of him. She’d looked right at him, made sure he saw everything, and I knew that there was more to this than just us. It was about him too—about the pain he had caused her and the pain she was determined to make him feel.I watched as Xenia lay back against the pillow, her eyes closing for a moment, her chest rising and falling as she caught her breath. There was a hardness to her expression, something cold that hadn't been there before, and it made my heart ache. I wanted her to look at me the way she had just moments ago—with warmth, with desire—but now her gaze was distant, as though her mind was somewhere else entirely.“Xenia?” I whispered, reaching out to touch her arm, my fingers brushing against her skin. “Are you okay?”She opened her eyes,
