2_ wait for me

(Present)

The atmosphere within the vast mansion of the Crimson Blood Pack was consistently dark, gloomy, bitterly cold, and eerily silent. This underground community of wolves had never laid eyes upon the full splendor of the sun, the moon, or the expansive world beyond. Why? Because they resided thousands of feet below the surface.

Unbeknownst to them, there existed a hidden passage that led to the outside world. They were oblivious to the fact that this passage would be arduous to traverse, fraught with numerous obstacles.

Their first task was to discover the existence of an escape route from the place their clan had called home for countless centuries.

******

Killian

"Could you please wait for me, Killian? One day, when I grow up like the other girls around you, you will see. I'll save myself for you, which means you'll have to be patient. Promise," I pleaded with Killian, our alpha's daughter, as I gently stroked her hair and offered her a sweet smile. However, the small child frowned in response.

We found ourselves in my secret hiding spot, and I hadn't realized that she had followed me there. As the son of Zeta, one of the four war generals of the Crimson Blood Pack, I received direct orders from the Alpha in times of conflict. While the Alpha had the authority to declare war, the Zeta commanded the army and strategize for battle. They also groomed potential candidates for future leadership roles, such as Eta or Epsilon.

"Do you think I'm joking? Or perhaps you believe it's a jest because I'm ten years younger than you?" I snapped out of my reverie as the little girl's feet stomped on the ground. It seemed I had managed to annoy her.

"Hahaha, of course not, Serena. I was merely contemplating the fact that I am the only son of the Zeta in our pack. Do you truly admire me so much, Serena? What if you meet someone who is your equal one day? You should save your vows for your future mate, not for an ordinary wolf like me."

The seven-year-old girl regarded me with a serious expression, and I couldn't help but smile. Even at such a young age, her beauty was evident, and it was certain that she would only grow more stunning with time.

Her emerald green eyes sparkled in the sunlight, while her rosy cheeks and flawless lips added to her charm.

The question that lingers in my mind is whether Serena will still have feelings for me when she turns eighteen. A sharp pain pierces my chest, causing me to close my eyes momentarily.

"What's wrong, Killian?" I open my eyes to see the concerned expression on Serena's face. How I long to gaze into those green eyes every day, but I know I don't have the right to.

I glance at the canvas before me, a landscape that I have painted. This is the only place in this dark world that I truly cherish, and with Serena's presence, it feels even more perfect.

Serena has always expressed her admiration for me and her desire for me to become her husband when she grows up. I dismiss her words, considering her young age and the fact that she is the Alpha's daughter. Naturally, our leader would prefer his daughter to marry someone closer to her own age or even her destined mate, rather than a simple man like me.

I take a deep breath, questioning my own thoughts. Why am I comparing myself to Serena's future husband? I should simply care for her as a young girl who is ten years my junior.

Feeling a wave of shame wash over me, I quickly gather my scattered belongings. What was I even thinking?

"Serena, your father is probably looking for you," I say, trying to divert her attention.

The little girl grasped my hands tightly, and once again, the pain in my chest resurfaced. Why do I feel this pain whenever she is around?

I shake my head, trying to ignore the discomfort, as we make our way towards the palace.

"Where on earth have you taken my daughter, young man?" the Alpha's voice booms, startling me. I push Serena forward, hoping to convey that she had followed me on her own accord.

"Alp... aaaaaaaaa," I stammer, unable to find the right words to explain that I hadn't taken Serena, but rather she had followed me without my knowledge. How can I convince him that I am not so oblivious that I wouldn't notice his daughter? I take a deep breath, trying to steady myself.

"Don't be angry with Killian's father. He didn't force me to go with him. I was the one who followed him down. I was curious about where he was going with his collection of paintings, and besides, he would be my future husband. I just wanted to know what he was up to!" Serena's words leave me wide-eyed and speechless. My mind races, unable to comprehend what she just said. She shouldn't have said it like that. She couldn't...

The Alpha approaches us, his daughter by his side. I am still in shock, my heart pounding, as he fixes his stern gaze upon me.

"What exactly are you trying to say, little one... about him being your future husband?" the Alpha questions, his tone serious.

In that moment, I feel a sense of dread wash over me. I am certain that I am in deep trouble.

I was completely taken aback when Serena openly expressed her feelings, especially considering the numerous times she had secretly shown her affection for me. Whether it was when she sat across from me during my dad's meeting with the Alpha, or when she spotted me in one of our secluded spots, Serena never failed to make her presence known.

It was hard for me to comprehend how a young girl like Serena, who was only seven years old, could boldly declare her intentions to a seventeen-year-old boy like me. The situation became even more surreal when the Alpha himself addressed Serena and asked if she was considering marrying me. To my surprise, Serena nodded in agreement.

Her words left me speechless and overwhelmed. "I tell him to wait for me until I grow up," she had said. It was a statement that made my head spin and my heart race.

The Alpha, sensing Serena's genuine affection for me, decided to appoint me as her personal bodyguard. "If you care for my daughter that much, Killian, then you shall serve as her protector," he declared. The weight of this responsibility hit me like a ton of bricks. I wasn't sure if it was a blessing or a curse at the time, but I had no choice but to accept. It was a command from Serena's father and at the time the Alpha, and I was bound to fulfill it.