Chapter 22

Chapter 22

Killian’s POV

Something felt off. I’d sensed it for days, but honestly, I was hoping—no, expecting—Larisa to be too broken to slip from my grasp. She should’ve been grateful, maybe even desperate. After all, I saved her from whatever twisted fate Damien had in store. I gave her everything she could ever want.

But that stubborn spark in her eyes? It was starting to burn a little too bright. It made my blood boil and made me second-guess my patience.

I could’ve sworn I saw her smile earlier today. Just a small, secret smile that didn’t belong to her. That wasn’t the face of someone who was mourning, chained, or defeated.

No, that look was from someone who thought they had a plan.

I had totally underestimated her.

Now I needed to figure out what she was up to. I could feel the shift—the way she moved carefully when she thought no one was watching. The times she’d sneak away for a few minutes, strolling through that ridiculous garden like she was free.

But it wasn’t freedom she was after. It was escape.

I clenched my jaw as I stood by the window in my office, staring out over the sprawling grounds of my estate. My fingers itched for the old wolfen dagger tucked away in my drawer. The air felt thick with tension, like something was brewing.

But hey, I wasn’t an idiot.

I knew exactly who was putting these ideas in Larisa’s head. Damien Ace. That rogue bastard was the last thing I needed—using my own mate to mess with me.

I didn’t care that he was a Lycan or that he had power. He was nothing compared to me.

But Larisa? She was a different story.

She wasn’t just a pawn in this game anymore. No, she had become a threat.

I had to act. Now.

I’d already set the guards to follow her, just in case. They hadn’t let me down so far. But when I heard her door creak open that night, I was already lurking in the shadows—waiting.

She didn’t see me. No, she was too busy fiddling with this strange pin hidden beneath her clothes, clutching it like it was her lifeline. I hadn’t seen it before, and that alone set off alarm bells in my head.

I waited for her to make her move. She always thought she was so clever. So subtle.

But she didn’t know I was right there, watching.

I kept my distance, listening to her mutter under her breath, her footsteps soft yet purposeful as she made her way down the hall.

Her eyes flicked back to her door, checking for any signs of disturbance. She was cautious. Too cautious. And I knew why.

She was meeting someone. Someone outside my reach.

I followed her, keeping just enough distance to stay hidden. It wasn’t until she stepped into the garden that I noticed a shadow flit behind the trees—a flash of dark clothing. The same figure I’d seen the other night when she slipped away for just a moment.

She was meeting someone. But who?

I crept closer, heart pounding in my chest as the wind picked up. I needed to know what was going on before it spiraled out of control.

She knelt by the old willow tree, her fingers brushing the roots. The same tree she always claimed to admire so much. But this time felt different.

Her eyes—wide and expectant—scanned the ground.

She was waiting for someone. Waiting for him.

I gritted my teeth. It had to be Damien. That bastard always found a way to slip through the cracks, leaving no trace. But I had his number now. I wouldn’t let him take her from me—not when I had so much at stake.

I took a step forward, snapping a twig beneath my boot.

She froze, her body tensing instantly. Her eyes darted around, searching.

I stepped back, retreating into the shadows before she could catch sight of me.

But she had already heard me.

The next morning, she was different. More reserved. Her eyes were darting around like a cornered animal. I could see the fear flickering in her expression when she noticed the guards, but it wasn’t fear for herself.

It was fear for the secret she thought she was keeping.

I let the day drag on, watching her with hawk-like precision. I needed answers. I needed her to understand what would happen if she didn’t cooperate.

But by dusk, something else happened—something that sent chills down my spine.

My spy rushed in, breathless. “Sir... we found something.”

“Spit it out,” I snapped.

He handed me a small slip of paper. The writing was rushed, almost frantic.

“The moon doesn’t belong to the sky.

“It’s waiting in the garden.”

My eyes narrowed. I knew exactly what that message was about. It was meant for Damien—something only he would get. And now? Now it was in my hands.

This wasn’t just some idle threat. No, it was a full-blown declaration. A plan.

She was leaving.

I practically stormed toward her room, my heart pounding like a drum in a battle. I wasn’t about to sit around and let her make the first move. Nope, I’d beat her to it.

When I got to her door, I didn’t bother to knock.

I just swung it open.

Larisa was standing by the window, staring out like she was waiting for someone—or something.

Her breath caught when she spotted me.

Without saying a word, I stepped inside. The air thickened with tension, wrapping around us like a heavy blanket.

“What were you thinking, Larisa?” I asked, my voice low, almost dangerous.

She hesitated, her eyes flicking to the corner where the message had been stashed away.

I followed her gaze, my heart racing. She really wasn’t as clever as she thought.

I moved closer, each step intentional. There was no way I was letting her slip away now—not when I had all the cards in my hand.

I cupped her chin, forcing her to look me in the eye. “You think you can outsmart me?”

Leaning in, my voice dropped to a whisper, “You’re mine, Larisa. And I won’t let anyone take you from me.”