Chapter 4

Sheila's point of view

My eyes held fear as those words left Killian's lips like they meant absolutely nothing. He was rejecting me. I felt a dying in my chest. Even though burning tears had gathered in my eyes, I tried to convince myself that it was for the best.

Suddenly, Killian paused, almost as if the words were stuck in his throat. I could see the shock and confusion in his eyes through glassy vision.

"Why did you stop?" My lips moved faster than I would have liked, as I listened to the fast beating of my heart. His hold on me tightened hard. "Finish it, reject me, and let's get this over with," I yelled, tears rolling from my eyes.

"No. This isn't possible." He whispered under his breath to himself, but I could hear him just fine. My eyes were similarly perplexed.

Killian's eyes hardened more, and his hand choked me deeper to the wall. "What the hell are you doing?" He asked, looking intensely into my eyes like they were showing something in them. something that confused him.

Whatever was bothering him was the least of my worries. I could feel the air slowly vanishing from my lungs. My hands squeezed his, ignoring the tingles, and the overpowering desire to lean into his naked chest. My nails dug deep into his skin. "Let go of me!"

He let go of me, tossing me like I weighed nothing on the bed. His eyes were fixated on me, unmoving, almost as if he was contemplating, and conflicted. But then those emotions were replaced by a cold stare sent my way.

"In two days, on the full moon, the Council will be holding the Luna's ceremony for you," he said suddenly. "Don't make any stupid mistakes," he warned, turning his back to me. I bit my lip at the sight of his well-defined muscles. I didn't know why I still found every damned thing about this man attractive, even though he hated me.

I forced my eyes from his rippled chest to his face. My broken sobs became a series of erratic laughs. Killian fixed me with a deathly stare. It made my insides quaver, but at the same time, it steered in a foreign wave of brazenness. I held his stare briefly, the intensity burning me up, causing me to look away.

"A ceremony for me? So, everyone can see that you have a mate, but still keep your lover around?" I shook my head, stubbornly. "I have been embarrassed already in front of the pack. I don't want to be embarrassed before the Council. You can take your lover instead, I don't mind."

"Don't be mistaken, if I had my way, Thea would be the one coronated as my Luna." His words hurt me, but I pushed back the silly tears that were adamant on appearing.

"I'll grant your wish; I won't be attending, so you can have her as your Luna." I made an effort to keep my emotions out of my voice.

Killian stared at me expressionlessly. "You will attend," he growled.

"I would like to see you make me." I don't know why I said that. I don't even know where that bravery came from. The last thing I was trying to do was make him furious. Or maybe that's exactly what I wanted.

I was still angry and hurt that my mate had a lover, and he loathed me. He didn't want me, yet he couldn't reject me. Hell, I was frustrated, and I wanted him to be as frustrated as I was. I glowered back at him from across the chamber, challenging him to force me to that ceremony. At this point, I could care less about anything. I had absolutely nothing to lose.

Killian's eyes narrowed on me. He took fierce steps toward me. Part of me wanted to run, and the other, who was more in control, wanted to stay and fight.

Killian gripped my hair, pulling me off the bed so our bodies could meet halfway. "Don't test my patience, Sheila." We were only inches apart. I inhaled his scent, and a small whimper loosely escaped my lips without warning. Killian's eyes darkened a shade, and his hand pulled me closer to him, I could barely keep a staunch gaze, electrifying sparks ignited on my skin, and my body became too hot.

Killian released his hold. "If you value your life, don't play these games with me." And with that, he stormed out of my chamber.

***

It's been two days now since I last saw Killian during our disagreement in my chamber, and haven't stepped out of my chamber, or rather still, wasn't permitted to. My meals have been brought to me by Brielle and Ria. Surprisingly, Ria and I have formed a close friendship. She is truly a beauty, and I found out that she is only twenty, and still hasn't found her mate, while Brielle is mated to Allen, Killian's Beta.

I was seated on the bed, with my arms around my knees. My eyes were fixed on the silken red dress that was hanging on the clothing rack. Tonight, was the supposed ceremony that was held in my honor. I was still in contemplation about whether to attend or not, even though Brielle had pleaded with me not to anger the Alpha anymore.

I sighed. It was twilight already. I could already hear the loud noise of chattering from outside the castle. I bet some guests had begun to make appearances.

I closed my eyes, huffing again when the door pulled open. There was a triggering shift in the air. At once, I was aware of his presence, Killian. Somehow, whenever he was around me, the air seemed to surrender to his pleasant scent. I pushed my eyes open, exhausting every ounce of control I had not to gape at him. I had to admit, he was beautiful, even more so in his white embroidered shirt and his black tunic pants. Killian had a fit, strong build that showed his bulging muscles beneath the shirt he wore today, and his towering height made me shudder a little.

"Sheila!" Killian growled from the door. "What do you think you are doing, not still dressed?" His voice was huskier than ever, leaving a cold trail down my spine.

I tore my gaze away from him, not saying a word.

"The guests have started gathering at the hall; enough with your stupidity!"

"I told you, didn't I? I am not attending!" I managed to spell it out, staring at him in defiance, although my heart was palpitating.

Killian took slow and cautious steps toward me. Leaning closer to me, he suddenly smiled darkly. I was taken aback for a second, and his magnetic eyes met mine while his warm palm fell on my cheek. I gasped at the sparks that didn't waste a second to ignite, falling into his eyes as he caressed them gently.

"I am aware of how you feel about me. I know your heart is going into a craze." His hand trailed down to my neck. I fought the moan, wanting some freedom.

His stare caused my heart to lose rhythm and my breathing started coming out unevenly. My heart rate skyrocketed as I carelessly parted my lips as a welcome sign.

Instantly, his eyes darkened at my action, and he removed his hand from my body as if it burned him. He gripped my wrist firmly. "Get dressed, Sheila, and come downstairs at once, or I swear by the goddess, you will regret it. Do you understand?" he choked me harder.

My entire being quivered, I wanted to tell him that his threat didn't scare me, but my heart had already betrayed me. I nodded sharply.

Then, with one last menacing glare, he walked away and slammed the door behind him.

As soon as Killian left my chamber, I angrily pushed out of the bed and grabbed the dress on the rack. I slid into it, and Brielle appeared just in time to save me from making a disastrous mess. She helped with my hair, pulling it into a tight bun, leaving out a little of my natural curls in front.

Soon, I was all dressed. I looked into the mirror, unable to recognize my sudden transformation. I looked beautiful. I thanked Brielle. Just then, there was a knock on the door, and Ria sauntered inside, informing us everyone had gathered already, waiting for me.

I sucked in some air, leaving my chamber with Brielle for the big hall in the castle.

I raised my head and remembered what I had learned as a child. It was important that I carried myself with grace and did nothing to embarrass myself and, of course, Killian, even though he was a complete idiot.

Everyone's eyes were on me as I kept moving. The place was packed with a lot of people, many of whom I was certain were from the Council, while the others were probably Alphas. I scanned around; there was no sign of Killian or my father. A frown found my face, trying to keep my rage at bay while mixing with a bunch of people I barely knew.

On the other hand, Brielle was a real sweetheart. She never left my side. When I asked her about Killian, she simply shook her head. She didn't know where he was. A pang of pain sliced through me. There was not a single doubt that he was with his lover. I fought hard against the tears wanting to emerge. I really tried, but just couldn't win against my emotions.

I turned away from Brielle, rushing to the door before anyone could see me in my messy state. Unexpectedly, I collapsed into a hard figure. Its force made me lose my balance, and before I could fall, firm hands gripped my waist, steadying me. I fell into his eyes. They were a fine hazel pair.

There was a distinct familiarity within those gazes, almost as if I knew them, and at the same time, I didn't. It caused an ache in my skull. Before the stranger could speak, a loud growl silenced the air. I stiffened.

Killian