Chapter 7. Blood Promise

Killian clenched his jaw. He hated that feeling—one he didn’t want to have for anyone other than Maya.

He furiously glanced at Isabella’s face, but she kept her eyes down, staring at the floor. Not once did she look up at him. Just a few minutes ago, when he held her in his arms, she had pulled away as if his touch had burned her and ran off as fast as she could.

That hit something deep in his Alpha pride. Girls would throw themselves at him for a glance, and here she was—his bride—acting like he wasn’t even there. It stung more than he expected.

This isn't good for his Alpha ego.

The ceremony continued. Vows were exchanged. Then Luna Linda approached with a tray carrying two rings.

Killian took one and slid it gently onto Isabella’s finger. Her hand trembled slightly, but she didn’t pull away.

Then it was her turn.

With shaking fingers, Isabella picked up the other ring and hesitantly slipped it onto Killian’s finger.

The officiant smiled and raised his voice, announcing, “By the sacred laws of the pack, I now declare you husband and wife.”

A quiet pause followed. Then came the words that made Killian’s wolf stir eagerly.

“You may now kiss your bride.”

The wolf inside Killian nearly growled in delight. He had wanted to taste her lips since the moment he laid eyes on her. That beast inside him was far too eager.

Killian took her hand again and gently pulled her closer. With slow care, he reached up and tucked a finger under her chin, lifting her face toward his.

And then she looked at him.

For the first time, their eyes met—and Killian froze. Her blue eyes were wide, soft, and so incredibly innocent. They shimmered under the lights, enchanting in a way he couldn’t explain.

His heart stuttered. He hadn’t expected that.

Slowly, almost without thinking, his head dipped toward hers. She closed her eyes tightly as his lips brushed hers.

And then—lightning.

A spark ran through him so strong, so fierce, it felt like his whole body lit up. He jerked back instinctively, heart pounding.

He stared at her, stunned, his wolf pacing wildly within him.

Who are you, Princess?

A witch? A siren?

What the hell are you doing to me?

Isabella’s heart started pounding loudly, ready to jump out of her chest.

The moment their lips touched, she felt a spark rush through her body—but Killian suddenly flinched away, as if her touch had burned him. He took two steps back, putting distance between them.

What just happened?

She had no idea.

But one thing was clear—her first kiss had just been taken by a cruel Alpha who didn’t seem to care at all.

The pack erupted into howls and cheers once again.

She looked around and smiled faintly. At least they were happy.

That’s all she ever wanted—for her pack to be safe, to be okay… to be happy. Always.

Her thoughts were interrupted when Luna Linda stepped forward and pulled her into a warm hug.

“Congratulations, darling. I’m so happy for you,” she said, beaming with pride.

Alpha George and Alpha James approached next to give them their blessings.

Then Alpha James turned to Alpha George and said,

“We’ll take our leave now, Alpha George. My people are eagerly waiting for us to bring their new Luna-to-be home. I would also like to extend an invitation to you and your pack for Killian’s Alpha ceremony, which will be held tomorrow.”

Alpha George nodded in understanding. “As you wish, Alpha James.”

Alpha James gave Isabella a proud smile.

“And don’t worry about Isabella,” he said confidently. “She’s under my protection now. And believe me—Killian won’t let anyone lay a finger on his wife. He’s as possessive as an Alpha can be.”

Isabella could only stare at him in shock.

No one had ever made her feel so safe and protected—until now.