Chapter 115

We had been driving in Kenzo’s car for over an hour, the hum of the engine the only sound breaking the silence. I didn’t say a word, too consumed by the memory of my last glimpse of the Palace and the faces I’d left behind. I kept hoping they would understand why I couldn’t say goodbye, that they might someday forgive me for walking away without explanation—and for choosing this path.

Kenzo’s glances toward me were frequent, his concern evident, but he didn’t push for conversation. I appreciated his quiet patience. Once or twice, I managed to offer him a faint smile—a silent thank-you for helping me escape—but even I knew those smiles were hollow, little more than feeble attempts at gratitude.

Doubt clung to me, gnawing at the edges of my resolve. Was I making the right decision? My love for Hadrian hadn’t vanished, but it had become tangled in questions and pain. I wanted to believe he had a reason for what he’d done, some calculated plan that demanded his indifference toward me. But then I’d seen him with Selene, looking at her with the same tenderness he once reserved for me. That moment had shattered my trust, leaving me to wonder if everything between us had been a lie.

If I stayed, I’d risk unraveling completely. The Palace had become suffocating, a place where every shadow whispered betrayal. Leaving might have been cowardly, but it also felt like the only way to preserve my sanity. Kenzo’s offer of sanctuary was a lifeline, a chance to clear my head and view everything from a distance. I needed clarity—but before I could even begin to move forward, there was one truth I had to voice.

“Um…” I finally broke the silence, my voice uncertain and hesitant. “Alpha Kenzo… there’s something I need to say.”

He shot me a quick, teasing smirk, his foot pressing the accelerator as we sped down the deserted road at over a hundred miles per hour. “Go on,” he prompted.

I swallowed hard, trying to find the words. “I want to help you. I’ll do everything I can for your pack and your fight for the throne. But…” I hesitated, taking a deep breath.

“But?” he repeated, his tone impatient now.

“It doesn’t mean I’ve accepted the mate bond,” I confessed, my voice barely above a whisper.

Kenzo’s expression didn’t shift much, but I noticed the subtle tightening of his jaw, the way his fingers curled a little more firmly around the steering wheel. “I figured as much,” he said, his voice level.

Still, I caught the disappointment beneath his calm exterior. It was in the way he avoided looking at me, in the quiet tension that filled the car.

“I’m sorry,” I murmured automatically.

“Don’t be,” he replied curtly, his tone clipped.

“I just don’t feel it… not the way I’m supposed to—”

“Stop,” he interrupted sharply. “Just stop.”

His voice, cold and abrupt, startled me, and I flinched involuntarily. The moment he noticed, his demeanor softened, the harshness melting away.

“Thalassa…” he said gently, his hand leaving the wheel to rest lightly on my arm. His touch was careful, almost hesitant. “I didn’t mean to snap. This… this whole thing is difficult for me too.” He chuckled softly, though the sound was bitter, his smile wry.

“Yeah,” I managed a small smirk. “I guess your destiny sucks—being stuck with a mate who’s already broken and doesn’t even feel the bond.”

His hand slid down my arm, his fingers lacing with mine. He stroked the sensitive skin of my palm, his touch deliberate and unyielding.

“If you’re broken,” he murmured, his voice low and magnetic, “then I’ll fix you.”

A shiver raced down my spine, my body reacting despite my will. I hated how vulnerable I felt, how susceptible I was to the warmth and kindness I so desperately craved. Right now, I was fragile—a dangerous state to be in, especially around someone like Kenzo. His words, his touch, his promises—they were like a drug I couldn’t afford to take.

“So,” I blurted, eager to shift the topic, “tell me about your pack.”

Kenzo didn’t let go of my hand, his fingers tightening around mine each time I tried to pull away. He glanced at me, a teasing grin tugging at his lips.

“The core of the pack lives in Starlight Town,” he said. “It’s nestled at the base of Blue Moon Mountain. Nearly the entire population is made up of werewolves and mixed breeds. The few humans who live there are mates. Essentially, the town is the pack.”

“Wow…” I murmured, absorbing the information. “How big is the pack?”

“Five, maybe six thousand,” he said, almost casually.

“That’s huge!” I exclaimed. “My father’s Crimsonville had over twenty-five thousand people, but only about ten percent of them were in the pack.”

“Starlight Town has always been ours,” Kenzo explained. “It wasn’t conquered or claimed; it was built by werewolves centuries ago. You’ll love it.”

I gave him a faint smile. The truth was, I’d never truly loved any place. I had learned not to grow attached, always prepared to leave when the time came. No matter how enchanting Starlight Town might be, I doubted it could change that.

Suddenly, Kenzo’s phone buzzed, and he released my hand to answer it. The call was brief—just a quick exchange of commands—but during those few seconds, I froze, a heavy unease settling in my chest.

It wasn’t until that moment that I realized Kenzo was still holding my hand—and worse, I was holding his too. The revelation made me snatch my hand away as though burned, shoving it between my knees in an attempt to hide the betrayal of my own actions. He didn’t miss my flustered reaction; his sly grin confirmed that much.

“You’ll get used to my touch eventually,” Kenzo chuckled, his confidence grating like nails on a chalkboard.

His arrogance was enough to make my temple throb with irritation. I exhaled sharply, directing my gaze out the side window to avoid looking at him.

“You don’t have to be so shy around me,” he teased, his voice dripping with smugness. “Otherwise, I might start to wonder if you’re still a virgin.”

His eyes roamed shamelessly, lingering on my chest beneath my fitted white shirt and the curve of my legs clad in tight jeans. Any other day, perhaps I’d have brushed off his boldness as harmless flirtation. But today? Less than two hours after walking away from the man I loved, Kenzo’s audacity struck a raw nerve. I wanted to slap him for his brazenness, but reason held me back—getting physical with a driver speeding over a hundred miles per hour wasn’t exactly wise.

“Alpha Kenzo,” I began through gritted teeth, my voice low and sharp, “I’d appreciate it if you didn’t make sexual comments about me.” My gaze hardened as I added, “Or you might find out just how fierce a human can be.”

“Oh, I don’t doubt it,” he laughed, the sound infuriatingly genuine. “In fact, I plan to find out exactly what you’re made of.”

His words carried an edge that sent a chill down my spine. My head, already drowning in emotional chaos, couldn’t muster a clever retort fast enough. My mouth opened in protest, but no sound came out. Before I could gather my wits, Kenzo smirked, his eyes gleaming with mischief.

“In a gym, Thalassa,” he clarified, his grin widening.

The realization hit me like a ton of bricks, and my immediate flush betrayed my embarrassment. Kenzo waited for me to close my mouth before continuing, clearly enjoying the upper hand.

“You know,” he began, his tone shifting to something closer to admiration, “it was pretty exciting to hear you took down one of the strongest warriors in the Royal Army. Now I’m even more curious to see what you’re capable of.”

I forced a nervous smile, grateful for the change in topic. “Truthfully, I haven’t had a proper training session in a long time. The last serious workouts I had were three days of training with Gareth before my fight with Fenris.”

“Gareth? General Gareth Larkspur?” he asked, genuine surprise lighting up his face.

“Yes,” I replied cautiously, wondering if that detail had been too much to share.

His reaction wasn’t what I expected. “Well, that just makes me even more eager to test your skills,” he said, his enthusiasm unmistakable.

Kenzo’s sincerity caught me off guard. The idea of an intense workout felt oddly appealing; perhaps it could help clear my mind, even if only for a little while. I nodded subtly, letting the thought settle.

The sun climbed higher in the sky as we drove on, and soon enough, I spotted a sign announcing we were five miles from our destination. Sleep hadn’t been an option during the trip, no matter how much Kenzo had encouraged me to rest. How could I? My body may have seemed calm, but inside, my nerves were stretched thin, trembling with unresolved pain and restless anxiety.

“Look, Thalassa,” Kenzo said, his voice tinged with pride as we passed the “Starlight Town” sign. “This is going to be your new home.”

The town unfolded before us like something out of a dream. Bright, clean streets gave way to picturesque homes and charming storefronts, every detail like a scene from a postcard. As we ascended a hill, the quaintness gave way to grandeur, with sprawling estates and luxurious villas flanking the road. I blinked repeatedly, half expecting to see a camera crew filming a movie. Then, in the distance, a massive fortress-like mansion came into view, its imposing presence impossible to miss.

“Where are we going?” I asked, a thread of nervousness slipping into my voice.

“To the pack’s main house,” Kenzo replied casually. “My home.”

“Oh…” I murmured, hesitating before adding, “And where will I be staying?”

“With me,” he said matter-of-factly.

His words made my stomach twist. Living with him, under the same roof? The thought only added to the weight pressing on me.

Kenzo noticed my unease and smirked. “Don’t worry, Thalassa,” he said, his tone almost playful. “I’m not going to force you into anything. I just want you close.”

That was precisely the problem. My heart, fragile and aching, yearned for comfort and warmth. It terrified me to think how easily I could fall into his arms for the wrong reasons. Kenzo’s presence was magnetic, and I doubted he was the kind of man to give me the time or space I needed to heal.

We pulled into a driveway lined with vehicles, their polished exteriors gleaming under the sun. Kenzo stopped the car directly in front of the mansion’s grand entrance and walked around to open my door. His pack members, unloading from nearby vans, watched us with barely concealed grins, their gazes making me feel like a trophy on display. I clenched my teeth, swallowing my discomfort as I followed Kenzo inside.

“You’ll be staying with me on the top floor,” he said, gesturing toward the sweeping staircase that dominated the entrance hall.

His tone carried the weight of authority, and I bristled at the reminder of how little control I had. Following him upstairs, I found myself in a hallway with only two doors, directly across from each other.

“This is your room,” Kenzo said, pointing to one of the doors. “Mine is across the hall.”

I nodded, keeping my gaze down to avoid the intensity in his eyes.

“Ronan will bring your things soon,” he added, his voice softer now.

“Thank you,” I replied, offering a small, awkward smile.

Kenzo lingered, his eyes locked on me for what felt like an eternity. When he finally gestured for me to enter, I hesitated but complied, opening the door. As I stepped inside, I glanced back and caught him scanning me from head to toe. His lips curved into a smile that was nothing short of predatory, and my cheeks flushed instantly.

A nervous laugh escaped me as I shut the door, muffling the sound of his chuckle as he turned to his own room.

Leaning against the door, I sank to the floor, my heart racing. Living so close to Kenzo was going to be far more complicated than I’d anticipated.