The stranger

Three hours later, I found myself seated at a table beside a stranger, a man whose name I did not even know.

My gaze swept across the hall, my heartbeat echoing like a drum in my chest. The atmosphere was adorned with vibrant fall flowers, their colors weaving together in a tapestry of warmth. The best china gleamed upon the tables, shrouded in delicate linen cloths.

An array of mouthwatering dishes, from savory meats to fresh vegetables, rolls, and salads, adorned the serving tables. I marveled at Lily's ability to effortlessly conjure a feast for the pack with such short notice.

Despite the delicious spread before me, I found myself unable to partake in the meal. The food sat untouched on my plate, my appetite suppressed by the overwhelming weight of my circumstances. Well-wishes and kind words from my pack members were offered, accompanied by speeches from the elders.

As the bonding ceremony commenced, Killian stepped forward, guiding me to the front of the room. Words were spoken, but their meaning was lost to me, the sound of them nothing more than a distant echo.

The moments that followed were the worst of all. The room fell silent, and the expectancy hung heavy in the air. The symbolic ritual of bonding began, sealing my fate to this handsome stranger standing beside me. My heart ached with a mixture of resignation and fear, as our hands were clasped together, a physical representation of the union that was being forced upon me.

I glanced at Killian, his face unreadable. Will he live up to the rumors? Will he be the ruthless Alpha I'd heard whispered about? Or was there more to him, hidden beneath the surface?

As the bond between us was solidified, I couldn't help but wonder what the future held. Would this forced marriage be a life of misery and solitude, or was there a chance for something more? Only time would tell, and in that moment, I could do nothing but take a deep breath and brace myself for the unknown journey that lay ahead.

I wished I could catch my breath, find solace in some semblance of understanding, but the weight of uncertainty pressed upon me, leaving me feeling adrift in a sea of unfamiliarity.

It was in those excruciating moments that my mind clung to the memories that offered some semblance of solace. My thoughts lingered on Stephan, the warmth of his embrace and the comfort of his presence.

But those memories remained locked away, prohibited by the circumstances. They were but fading ghosts, whispered reminders of what could have been.

As the final vows were spoken, my heart sank, and my eyes locked with Stephan's from across the room.

The pained, agonized expressions we exchanged spoke volumes, but there was nothing more we could do as the ceremonial leather rope bound my wrist to Killian's.

Bound together, Killian led me away from the hall towards one of the nearby guest houses, our steps accompanied by the soft crunch of gravel beneath our feet. The moon cast a luminous glow upon the lawn, illuminating our path.

I stole sidelong glances at Killian, my heart pounding in my chest. Should I attempt to break the silence, to fill the air with conversation? I wracked my brain for something suitable to say, but my anxiety robbed me of any coherent thoughts.

Instead, silence enveloped us as we reached the cabin, a palpable tension hanging in the air. Killian unlocked the door and gestured for me to enter first. Stepping inside, I couldn't help but feel a mix of apprehension and resignation.

The room was small yet cozy, with a flickering fire casting dancing shadows across the walls. It contained a modest bed, a dresser, and a small table adorned with a vase of fresh flowers. It was a stark contrast to the grandeur of the ceremony hall, a reminder of the intimacy that awaited us.

I turned to face Killian, our eyes meeting once again. In that moment, I saw a flicker of something unfamiliar in his gaze. Was it vulnerability? Was it a reflection of his own doubts and fears?

I desperately hoped that, despite our unfamiliarity, Killian would be considerate toward me. I had heard rumours about his strength prowess as well as his cruelty to those who dare oppose him. I couldn't help but wish it were Stephan standing besides her.

As the cabin loomed before us, my senses heightened, as my uncertainty swirled like a tempest within my mind. The forest embraced the structure, enveloping it in an illusion of seclusionn.

Crafted with worn logs, the cabin bore the marks of time and weather, yet it stood strong with a steadfast stone chimney, shuttered windows, and a humble porch. Killian nudged the door open, motioning for me to step inside, our wrists still bound together.

I hesitantly crossed the threshold, with Killian following closely behind. The door closed with a soft click, and Killian illuminated the room by flicking on the lights.

The interior unfolded before my eyes, revealing a cozy space adorned with a small kitchenette, an inviting eating area, and a comfortable sofa facing a crackling fireplace. To the left, a door beckoned towards a bedroom and a petite bathroom.

I took in my surroundings, a flutter of trepidation mingling with curiosity.

"Well," Killian finally broke the silence, his voice causing me to startle. "First order of business would be to liberate ourselves from this tether, wouldn't you agree?" He raised their joined wrists, drawing my attention to the remnant of our binding.

I nodded in agreement with my eyes fixed on the jackknife he produced from his pocket. Swiftly and with practiced ease, he deftly severed the rope, allowing it to cascade to the floor.

"Thank you," I muttered unsure of what exactly to say. Immediately, I pulled my arm away and rubbed my wrist. It wasn't really sore, the tie hadn't been right, but the leather had still chafed and the enforced proximity had been uncomfortable.

As he rubbed his wrist, he offered a lighthearted remark, hoping to alleviate some of the tension that filled the room. "Seems like we share a similar distaste for being bound, don't we?" He gestured towards the actions of her hands, a faint smile gracing my lips.

I nodded in agreement, my response curt as he struggled to find the right words to break the lingering silence. I couldn't help but wonder if, like me, he hated our situation.

Despite my father's earlier claim that he had taken a liking to me, I still had my doubts. Maybe he was just playing my part.

"It's getting late," He remarked, attempting to keep his tone gentle despite the underlying tension. "Would you like to use the bathroom first?"

I muttered a little hesitant "Yes." He watched me closely as I walked away, my steps measured as if I were fighting the urge to flee the room. As I passed through the bedroom, I noticed that someone had made the bed, my nightgown carefully placed at its foot.

I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease as I snatched up the nightgown and entered the bathroom, closing the door behind me. It was in moments like this that I longed for solitude, a brief respite from the constant presence of others.

Leaning against the cool surface of the door, I allowed myself a momentary escape. In this small sanctuary, I could temporarily distance myself from Killian's presence.

It wasn't that he lacked physical appeal, it was quite the opposite. He was breathtakingly gorgeous, and under different circumstances, I might have admired his physique. His demeanor towards me had reflected a certain level of considerate restraint.

However, the circumstances that had brought us together, binding our fates, overshadowed any potential chemistry. My heart yearned for a connection born out of genuine affection, not necessity.

The clenching in my stomach persisted, a familiar pang of unease that made me consider escaping once more. But where could I go? Survival without a pack was unimaginable for a wolf, known as a highly social species.

"Fuck!" I cursed, the thought of being an outcast sent shivers down my spine. Not only would I be left homeless and with no means of sustenance, but the constant fear of discovery would loom over me.

While it hadn't happened in years, there was always the potential for someone to connect the dots if a Lycan became careless.

Caution had been ingrained in me since birth, and the dread of being hunted down haunted me. No, leaving was simply not an option.

Staring at my reflection in the mirror, I slowly unraveled the simple French braid that Lily had lovingly woven for the ceremony.

My normally vibrant green eyes seemed wider, their shade deeper than normal, accentuated by my unusually pale complexion. Fine lines etched the corners of my mouth, evidence of the tension coiled within me.

My tightly clenched jaw ached, a reflection of my overall state of unease. Determined to find solace, I turned on the shower taps, undressed, and stepped into the welcoming embrace of hot water.

"Are you okay in there?" I heard Killian ask.

"Umm, yes I'm fine, just give me a minute," I quickly responded.

A few minutes passed until I shivered and realized the water was growing cold. Reaching out, I shut off the faucet with a shaking hand. I had delayed as long as I could. Killian would be waiting for me.

Donning my nightgown, I went to meet my fate.