Chapter 10: Craving Fire

Kael’s POV

The study door clicked shut behind her, and the silence that followed was deafening.

Maeve.

Even her name clung to the air like the scent of wild roses and fire. Her laugh still echoed in the corners of my mind, teasing, unafraid.

That d@mned smile, that curve of temptation had lingered long after she left.

I leaned back in my chair, exhaling a breath I hadn’t realized I’d been holding. My fingers drummed against the armrest, restless, my body taut with restraint.

Her touch still burned on my skin where she’d let her fingers graze mine. That simple, intentional contact had almost undone me.

What kind of man am I to crave what I shouldn’t? To want what is forbidden?

I rose abruptly, pushing the chair back. My steps were sharp against the polished floors as I left the study and climbed the stairs to my chambers, but not even the cool air in the corridors could cool the heat coursing through me.

She was just a girl. Too young. Too bright. Too dangerous.

But her scent had seeped into my thoughts. Her voice played like music in my mind.

When I entered my room, I didn’t bother with the light. Darkness suited me better tonight. I stood by the window for a long moment, fists clenched behind my back, breathing in and out like a man at war with himself.

This torment had to stop.

I needed release, something, anything, to silence the ache in my chest and the gnawing hunger in my blood.

"Guard!" My voice came out sharp, low.

A moment later, a knock.

“Send for Lady Ingrid. Tell her to come… now.”

The guard’s pause was brief. “Yes, Alpha.”

His footsteps vanished down the hall.

It wasn’t long before the door creaked open again. I didn’t turn.

“Kael,” Ingrid purred behind me, her voice honeyed, breathy. “You called for me?”

Of course she came. She always did.

Her heels clicked softly as she stepped into the room. I could smell the perfume before I saw her, thick, cloying, desperate.

When I finally turned to face her, she was already slipping off her shawl, revealing a deep red gown, hugging her curves like a second skin. Her lips matched the dress, painted, ready, wanting.

I didn’t care.

“Lock the door,” I muttered.

She obeyed without question. She walked closer to me, smiling, but it didn’t do anything to my desire.

My hands were rougher than they should’ve been. I pulled her to me, not with tenderness but with urgency. She gasped, clearly mistaking my hunger for desire. I didn’t kiss her mouth. I didn’t want her taste.

“On your knees,” I commanded.

My wolf growled, baring his teeth and fangs.

No, Zack, not now.

My jaw clenched tightly, refusing to give in to the wolf.

Ingrid didn’t wait for another invitation, dropping to her knees, she obeyed with practiced patience.

Her hands moved with the ease of repetition, practice and precised. My trousers were undone in seconds, her mouth warm and familiar, never what I wanted.

I drew in a deep breath, my nose flared as I close my eyes against the sensation.

I growled deep in my throat, it was no longer Ingrid I was seeing.

It was Maeve.

Those blue eyes, fierce and defiant. That voice, always challenging me. That laugh, that charming smile, that d@mned little touch in the study.

Ingrid whispered something I didn’t catch, and I didn’t ask her to repeat it. Her fingers caress my member, working her magic but I could only imagine what Maeve would feel like.

I groaned, fighting so hard for control. I wanted to forget about her, but it wasn’t helping.

So I took what I needed, release, not connection. Heat, not affection.

It was all over far too quickly, and the moment it ended, the weight of regret settled heavy in my chest.

Still… I felt nothing. No peace. No satisfaction.

Just emptiness. And Maeve’s name pounding in my head.

Ingrid stood up, smiling satisfactorily, her arms came around my waist as she stood in front of me.

“Mmm,” she sighed, running her fingers down the nape of my neck, “I missed this.”

I moved away from her hold, shaking her off like a cloak too heavy to wear.

Her smile faltered. “What’s wrong?”

I zipped up my pants, and turned my back to her. “You should go.”

“But… Kael…”

“I said go.” My tone was calm but final.

She stood, silently for a while.

“Why do you keep doing this?” Her voice cracked with frustration. “You call me when you want me, then toss me aside like a rag. I’m not your whore.”

I turned to her slowly, meeting her gaze for the first time that night. “Then stop acting like one.”

Her jaw dropped slightly, hurt flashing in her eyes before fury replaced it.

“I came because you asked. Don’t pretend you didn’t want me here.”

“I wanted release, Ingrid.” I said, voice low. “Not you.”

She flinched like I’d struck her.

“You’re cruel, Kael.”

“No,” I whispered, more to myself than her. “I’m lost.”

She adjusted her clothes in silence, cleaning up quickly, each movement sharp and angry. At the door, she paused and turned to face me one last time.

“Does this have anything to do with the girl?” Ingrid said coldly. “It’s it about her?”

“This has nothing to do with her or anyone and you know it.” I lied. “It has always been this way between us. I was very open on the matter but you chose to stay. Don’t say it like it’s anything different.”

She slammed the door behind her

Alone again.

I stared at the ceiling. Irritation crawled through my skin. Perfume still lingering in the air. And yet it was all wrong.

I move to the edge of the bed and sat down heavily, burying my face in my hands.

Maeve.

She haunted every breath I took. Even with another woman on her knees before me, it was Maeve I craved.

Her voice. Her fire. Her innocence wrapped in defiance.

The bond wasn’t just a mark on my soul, it was a war. A curse I never asked for, and yet one I couldn’t resist.

I used Ingrid’s body, but it was Maeve’s spirit that undid me.

And the worst part?

I don’t want to fight it anymore.