Chapter 4 The Alpha's Secret

The wind slapped against Amelia's face as Kael dashed through the forest, dodging trees with impossible speed. She clung to his thick fur, her fingers buried deep in the warmth, eyes squeezed shut as if that could block out the madness of the last hour. But the sounds refused to be ignored-the rush of leaves, the distant, bone-chilling howls, and the heavy, rhythmic thud of Kael's powerful paws against the forest floor.

When they finally broke through the dense wall of trees, the world opened into a secluded clearing bathed in silver moonlight. At its center stood an ancient stone structure, weathered and moss-covered, yet pulsing faintly with a strange energy. The air seemed to hum, and every hair on Amelia's body rose as if sensing danger-or destiny.

Kael skidded to a halt, his body rippling and twisting as fur gave way to skin. In seconds, the wolf was gone, replaced by a man-broad-shouldered, bare-chested, and utterly unbothered by his nakedness. He reached for a cloak hanging from a low branch, his eyes never leaving hers.

"This is Sanctuary," he said, his voice calm but edged with warning. "You're safe here."

Amelia stumbled off the ground, glaring at him. "Safe? You turned into a wolf, kidnapped me, and sprinted through the woods like you were in a horror movie. I think we passed 'safe' about ten miles ago."

A faint smirk curved his lips. "You're feisty for someone who just stepped into a world of monsters." His gaze flicked briefly to her arm, and his tone shifted. "But you're not just anyone, Amelia. That mark-it's a fire seal. Very few ever bear it, and none by accident."

Her eyes dropped to the crimson mark glowing faintly beneath her skin. It pulsed like it had a heartbeat of its own. "So what? I'm some chosen werewolf bride now? Because I definitely didn't sign up for this."

"No one ever does." His expression darkened. "The fire doesn't care about our choices. It chooses who it deems worthy. And that mark... it bonds you to me as my mate. It's irreversible."

Amelia's heart stuttered. "Mate? Like soulmate? Life partner? Forever?"

"Yes," Kael said quietly. "But it's more than love-it's power. Together, we could unite the clans. But if we don't act soon, the rogues will find you. And if they kill you before our bond is complete, the prophecy will die with you."

Her pulse roared in her ears. "What prophecy?"

Kael's jaw tightened, as if the words themselves carried weight. "The Fire Queen. The one who would rise from the human world to purify the bloodlines and awaken the Alpha flame." His eyes locked on hers, unblinking. "You're not just bonded to me, Amelia. You're destined to lead."

The air around them thickened, the distant howls growing closer. For the first time, Amelia wasn't sure if it was fear or fate making her hands shake.