Uncontrollably

“I think we’ve been noticed.”

The voice came out in a whisper.

Sleek’s eyes widened instantly as he quickly turned sharply toward the figure standing behind him.

The woman quickly shifted backward, hiding her face deeper beneath a dark hooded cloak woven from thick wolf fur, the silver edges glinting faintly beneath the moonlight.

Her breathing sounded uneven and nervous.

Sleek opened his mouth, ready to question her—

What did she mean and who noticed them?

Why had she come here tonight?

But before the words could leave his lips, hurried footsteps echoed loudly through the hallway leading toward the courtyard.

The woman stiffened immediately and without another word, she turned and disappeared into the darkness, her cloak sweeping behind her as she quickened her pace.

Sleek groaned softly under his breath.

His heartbeat slammed wildly as he hurried back toward the hallway, glancing over his shoulder repeatedly while moving faster.

Back at Shadow Pack—

Klein sat at the edge of his bed, his posture rigid.

His thoughts clawed violently through his head.

You’re losing control,

His jaw tightened.

For years, he had built everything carefully,Power,

Fear and also control

He had sacrificed too much to become the Alpha everyone feared,A tyrant.

And yet tonight,One girl had unsettled him.

Charlotte.

The image of her walking away with Michael replayed endlessly in his mind.

Without hesitation and Without fear,neither waiting for his permission.

His eyes darkened instantly and Slowly, his claws slid out from his fingertips.

He planted both feet firmly against the stone floor as his chest rose heavily.

His wolf growled restlessly beneath his skin.

Possessive and unstable..

Klein inhaled sharply, struggling to restrain the beast threatening to break free.

He had never shared what belonged to him.

Never.

So why did this feel different?

Why was it suddenly so hard to remain calm?

“Alpha Klein…”

The soft voice drifted through the doorway.

Immediately, the scent inside the room changed.

Warm and Sweet.

Serene stepped inside slowly.

She wore a loose lace gown that brushed softly against her thighs, one strap hanging carelessly from her shoulder. Her golden hair spilled freely down her back while candlelight danced gently across her skin.

She stopped near him quietly as the room felt calm,tight and warm instantly.

Klein’s claws slowly retracted.

His gaze lowered toward her with dangerous intensity,then suddenly, he moved.

His hand gripped her waist firmly, pulling her flush against him.

Serene gasped softly.

Klein buried his face against her neck slowly, inhaling deeply.

His breath traveled upward…Near her jaw and down her lips,Then….

He froze instantly,his entire body stiffened instantly.

Slowly, he pulled away as his expression darkened dangerously.

“Kira.”

His voice came out low and very deadly.

“What is that smell on you?”

Serene’s heartbeat stumbled violently.

She quickly pulled the loose strap of her gown back over her shoulder, forcing her expression to remain calm.

“I… I just finished bathing,” she stammered.

But Klein didn’t move.

His dark stare remained locked on her.

And slowly…His claws emerged again.

Longer this time and sharper with more violent.

Serene’s breath caught the moment she saw them as fear flashed across her face instantly.

Without warning, she rushed backward out of the room and slammed the heavy wooden door shut behind her.

Quickly, she shoved the locking beam across the handle.

Inside, Klein roared violently.The sound shook the walls as his fists slammed repeatedly against the door.

But Serene held the wooden bar tightly in place, breathing hard while glancing fearfully around the empty hallway.

The entire courtyard had fallen silent.

Only Klein’s furious growls echoed from inside the room.

Serene turned quickly and hurried away.

faster ,Soon she was running as She crossed the dark courtyard and slipped into a smaller isolated chamber hidden far from the main halls.

The moment she entered, she locked the door behind her.

Her chest rose sharply as she stumbled backward toward the bed.

Finally, she sat down heavily.

Her trembling hand slowly moved toward her swollen stomach, rubbing gentle circles against it while she stared fearfully at the door.

Outside—

Klein had finally forced himself back under control.

His breathing remained rough as he sat heavily against the wooden bed, fury burning across his face.

Back at the Royal Pack—

Ria suddenly woke with a sharp breath.

The room was dark except for the soft orange glow from the fireplace across the chamber.

Sleepily, she adjusted the blanket around herself and started closing her eyes again—

Then she suddenly froze…

A shadow flashed past the window.

Fast as her heart jumped violently.

Ria slowly sat upright, staring toward the curtains.

And it was suddenly Silence.

Then a tiny soft Creak,followed by a sound echoed beside the door.

Like footsteps carefully moving across the floorboards closer.

Ria’s fingers tightened desperately around the pillow beside her as her breathing slowed painfully.

The room suddenly felt cold and calm.

The creaking stopped directly outside her door.

Ria’s throat tightened as her tiny pulse hammered loudly in her ears.

Then…

BOOM!

The door burst open violently as cold wind rushed into the room, extinguishing half the candles instantly.

Ria cried out as the force pushed her backward against the wall.

Smoke and darkness flooded through the doorway, making it impossible to see clearly.

Her shaking eyes searched desperately through the shadows..and then suddenly—

A hand grabbed her violently….