Meeting the Enemy

Liana POV

I woke up slowly, my head feeling heavy and my body aching all over. I blinked, trying to clear my blurry vision. It took me a moment to realize I wasn’t lying on the cold ground of the forest anymore. Instead, I was on a soft bed, the scent of fresh linen surrounding me. I glanced around, taking in the unfamiliar room.

The space was cozy but simple, with wooden walls and a large window letting in the early morning light. My gaze shifted to the figure sitting by the door. Kaden. He was slouched in a chair, his dark hair falling into his eyes, and he looked like he hadn’t slept at all.

I pushed myself up into a sitting position, wincing as pain shot through my neck where Rowan had marked me. Kaden’s eyes snapped open at the sound, and he straightened up, watching me closely.

“Liana! You’re awake,” he exclaimed.

I nodded, rubbing my sore neck. “Where am I?”

“You’re in my house,” Kaden replied, his eyes filled with concern. “Sorry, I saw your message in the morning. What happened?” 

I let out a shaky breath, relief washing over me. At least I wasn’t back with Rowan or my father. 

“How did I get here?” I asked. “I don’t remember much after meeting someone in the forest.”

Kaden gave me a lazy grin. “Honestly, I don’t know either. I was a bit… busy when you showed up.”

So the wolf I met dropped me on his doorstep? I frowned. “Busy?”

“Yeah,” Kaden said with a smirk. “I was in bed with four she-wolves when I heard a knock on the door. Imagine my surprise when I found you passed out on my porch.” 

I felt my cheeks heat up with embarrassment. “Oh,” was all I could manage. I wasn’t sure what to think of this man. He seemed relaxed, almost playful, even though I was in a serious situation.

“I had to send my girls away because of you, Liana,” he accused me. 

I shook my head. “Pervert,” I muttered. 

He chuckled. Then he got up and sauntered to my bed where he sat on its edge. Kaden’s expression grew a bit more serious as he looked at me. “You’re lucky I was the one who found you, not someone else. Most wolves would have dragged you straight to Rowan after seeing that mark on your neck.”

I touched the mark, wincing at the sting. “He forced it on me,” I said quietly. “My father handed me over like a bargaining chip. I ran away before he could claim me fully. I need protection, Kaden. I want to speak to your Alpha.”

Kaden raised an eyebrow. “You think Darius would help you?” He shook his head. “You’re dreaming, princess. My Alpha hates Victor and Rowan. He’d probably kill you on sight just for smelling like them.”

“I can offer something in return,” I said quickly. “I have information about my father’s plans, about Rowan’s pack. I’ll trade it for protection.”

Kaden leaned back in his chair, studying me. “What makes you think Darius would even want your information?”

“I don’t have anywhere else to go,” I admitted. “You saw what they did to me. If I go back, they’ll kill me or worse. Please, just take me to him. Let me speak to him.” I felt like a traitor but what else could I do? Die at Rowan’s hands as my father just looked at it? Rowan loved to dissect women. He was a psycho. And unhinged. 

Kaden sighed, running a hand through his hair. “You don’t know what you’re asking. Darius isn’t the type of Alpha who plays nice. He’s ruthless, and he’s got no love for weak wolves or traitors.”

“I’m not asking for kindness,” I said firmly. “I just need a chance. I’ll prove myself useful.”

For a moment, Kaden looked like he was considering it. “Fine,” he said finally. “I’ll take you to him. But don’t say I didn’t warn you. Darius isn’t someone you want to mess with.”

I nodded, swallowing hard. I didn’t know what kind of man Alpha Darius was, but I had no choice. It was this or face whatever terrible fate my father and Rowan had planned for me.

“Take a bath, and wear fresh clothes,” he said, pointing at my mud-loaded jeans and shirt. 

Once I was ready I covered my mark with a scarf. Kaden led me out of the room and down a narrow hallway. I could feel the tension in my body, the fear mixed with a strange sense of determination. I had to survive this. I had to make it out of this nightmare alive.

As we stepped outside, the morning sun hit my face, making me squint. We were in a small clearing, surrounded by thick trees. I could see other pack members going about their morning routines, but no one paid us any attention.

Kaden led me through the woods silently, his expression serious. I felt the mark on my neck throbbing with every step I took. The reminder of Rowan’s claim made me feel sick, but I pushed the thought away.

After what felt like an eternity of walking, we reached a large, imposing building. It looked like a fortress, with high stone walls and guards standing at the entrance. I felt my heart rate spike, fear settling deep in my chest. This must be where Alpha Darius resided.

Kaden nodded at the guards, who stepped aside to let us in. The interior was dark and cold, the walls lined with old portraits of wolves I didn’t recognize. We walked down a long hallway until we reached a set of double doors. Kaden pushed them open and gestured for me to enter. “He’s inside. Good luck.”

When I stepped in, I found myself in a man cave. There were comfy chairs, a big sofa, a large TV for watching sports or movies, and shelves full of books, games, and collectibles. There was a mini-fridge in the corner, a gaming console and a pool table. And behind a large oak desk was the most ruthless wolf, who was Alpha Victor’s and Rowan’s archenemy.