CHAPTER 5: Hidden Sanctuary 2

"Speak!" His grip on my neck tightened even more.

Droplets of water ran from his hair down his muscular chest. The smell of pine and musk was strong as his intense golden eyes locked onto mine, searching. No, this isn't Valen! Valen died at Nameria's hands. But the resemblance... he must be a descendant.

I acted like the terrified, helpless Keira I was supposed to be. Tears filled my eyes, making everything blurry as I gasped for breath.

“It… it hurts…” A harsh cough came from my throat, and mercifully, his grip loosened a little.

His gaze raked downward, lingering on my exposed chest. A cruel smirk twisted his lips as he abruptly released me, leaving angry red marks where his fingers had been.

"How did you manage to get in here?" he demanded.

My mind raced. I needed a convincing lie. “I… I’m the Lycan King’s mate! He allowed me entry to this place.”

His eyes narrowed dangerously. “Oh, is that so?”

"Yes! You can bring me to your King and ask him yourself if you don't believe me." Perhaps this could work to my advantage—a chance to negotiate with the Lycan King directly.

“He'd be furious if he found out I saw his mate like this.” His eyes flicked meaningfully over my unclothed form. “You should be running right now, kitty, instead of wasting time arguing with me! I’d tell the King I didn’t see his mate!”

Relief flooded through me as I swam towards the shore where I'd left my clothes. I've only had this new life for a day; I won't risk it with reckless behavior.

As I emerged from the water, I could feel the weight of his gaze on me. His eyes traced a burning path down the curve of my spine, lingering on the swell of my hips and the rounded flesh my long blonde hair failed to conceal.

The sharp intake of breath behind me set my nerves alight. Even without looking, I could feel the danger in his intense golden gaze. My lips trembled, suddenly hyper-aware of the vulnerability of my exposed skin and the raw desire emanating from the Lycan.

I left paradise. That Lycan really looked like Valen. Who is he?

***

As the day of the visit to the Lycan territory approached, I couldn’t help but feel terrified.

‘Nameria, it's so unlike you to blurt out a name like that!’

But honestly, at that moment, I would say anything impossible just so I wouldn't have to marry Ronan. I will marry whoever as long as it is not Ronan.

I trained hard during the day, disregarding every gossip circulating in the pack. Freya is worried about me, and I can't blame her because Keira, the true owner of this body, cared deeply for the Nighclaw Pack's soon-to-be alpha. 

Freya invited me to go to the resort's club because she’s going with other friends. I agreed since it's within the pack territory and we're safe. According to Keira's memories, I could run into anyone there—except, of course, a Lycan.

Freya's friends had reserved a soundproof room to ensure their conversations remained private from other club-goers. After enduring a few minutes of uninspiring conversation with her friends, I decided to explore the main club area on my own.

Freya met my gaze and reached out through the mind-link, her concern evident. “Is everything alright?” she asked.

Her friends weren’t troubled by my decision since it was normal for me to patrol casually in our territory. 

“I’ll be gone for a brief moment,” I replied mentally. “You don’t need to worry about me. If I’m gone for too long, feel free to follow.”

I hoped this would ease Freya’s concern. My aim was to gain a better understanding of my new world. 

It felt as though Keira and I were one; as if I were living her life, inhabiting her body. It was an odd sensation, almost like I was playing a previous role rather than merely existing in this setting. Maybe someone could explain it, but I wasn’t ready to gamble my life on theories.

As I walked, I noticed that the door to the room next to ours was slightly ajar. Despite the room being soundproof, some noises could still seep through. Ronan was inside, and I pressed myself against the wall, concealing my presence, and listened to the conversation within.

“Ronan, what’s your plan? I thought your wedding with Keira was supposed to happen this year?” one of his friends inquired.

“We all know that Keira is just seeking attention. She’s done this before. I can easily coax her,” Ronan answered. “I care about Keira, but you all know what Alpha Zander expects from me. I need to demonstrate my loyalty to the Nightclaw Pack. Keira is still Alpha Heron’s daughter and from another pack.”

I decided then and there to leave. Ronan’s intentions, whether genuine or not, were no longer relevant to me. I was done with him and his games. I wouldn't let myself get entangled in his affairs any longer.

As I turned the corner, I unexpectedly ran into one of his friends. The strong, lingering scent of arousal from the woman who had just left him was still hanging in his body.

They are a group of scoundrels, I see.

“Keira!” His friend exclaimed in surprise. “Were you looking for Ronan?”

Before I could respond, he grabbed my arm and ushered me toward their rented room, which was nearby. I tried to protest, but he was insistent.

“Brother, Keira is here!” he announced loudly as he opened the door.

Inside, Ronan was in the midst of kissing another woman. His expression remained impassive as he noticed me. The woman, clearly an omega from his pack, clung to him, her eyes wide with a mix of fear

“You fool! Why did you bring her here?” his friend snapped at the one who took me there.

I turned my gaze to the young she-wolf who was visibly trembling in Ronan’s arms.

“You’re scaring Olivia, Keira!” Ronan said with an edge of irritation in his voice.

Olivia, her eyes welling with tears, spoke through her sobs. “Ronan, d-don’t blame your future wife. It’s my fault. It’s my fault for loving you.”

At that moment, it felt like I was going through a scary memory all over again. This happened to Keira at exactly the same time!

This scene seemed like a sign of a dark future, one that could lead to my own downfall.