Chapter 58 SHADOWS IN THE LIGHT
(Adam's POV)
The sun hadn’t fully risen, but the pack was already moving like clockwork. Kael said something about “dawn routines,” but I didn’t ask questions. My throat felt dry, my fists clenched under my coat. I didn’t belong here. I didn’t fit… I mean I do technically belong with Kael but not with this pack. I've been here a little long enough, I should have adjusted now and become one of them but I spend almost everyday indoors, with Kael, because the pack doesn't want me.
…And they're even plotting to take Kael down because of me.
Guards in dark uniforms shifted positions at the main hall’s entrance. One bowed so low his nose nearly touched the floor. Another just nodded, eyes flicking to me before quickly away. I scowled. Why did everyone treat me like a ticking bomb?
Kael was in his element. He moved through the hall like sunlight; bright, sure, ruling. His voice was calm but firm as he spoke to the council. They sat in a half-circle, their faces smooth, their words respectful. But their eyes. Oh, their eyes gave them away.
One man, with a scar across his cheek, wouldn’t meet Kael’s gaze. Another kept his head just tilted, like he was listening but really watching. Me.
I crossed my arms. This was stupid. If they hated me, why not say it to my face?
“…no sign of unrest,” a woman said, her tone polished. She had silver in her hair, and when she spoke, the others leaned in. Kael’s hand brushed mine briefly, a silent calm down, and I wanted to lash out.
They’re plotting. I heard them.
Kael smiled, but his eyes were sharp. “Good. Let’s keep it that way. Adam’s here to become one of us, not to cause trouble. He's my mate and will be your Luna soon, it is mine, and your duty, to protect my mate.”
No one looked at me. Not really. It was like I was a decoration they’d forgotten to hang.
A younger guard— new, maybe?— hesitated as he passed. His nose wrinkled. I frowned. What now?
My fingers tingled. I dug my nails into my palms.
“Adam.” Kael’s voice was a hand on my shoulder. “Stand up straight. You’re slouching.”
I straightened, teeth gritted. His fingers lingered, a private joke between us. Reassurance? Or a leash?
The council dispersed, melting into the hall’s shadows. Lower-ranking wolves bowed like they had springs in their spines. The higher-ups? They dipped their heads just enough to seem polite. No one said my name. Not even when I bumped into a tray of fruit and fruit rolls.
“Sorry,” I muttered to no one.
No reply.
A girl with wild red hair nearly crashed into me on her way out. She paused, studying me. “You’re… him, right? The Alpha’s mate?”
Kael’s laugh was warm behind me. “This is Mira. She’s new to the council.”
I didn’t smile. “Yeah, I’m the mate. The liability.”
Mira’s eyes narrowed. “Watch your tone, friend. That's not a good word.”
Kael’s hand clamped down on my wrist. Hard. “Apologize, Adam.”
I yanked free. “Why? She’s the one who called me a—”
“Enough.” Kael’s voice was Alpha now. Cold. “Adam, go wait outside.”
I glared. “Fine.”
The air outside was colder than I expected. I leaned against the stone wall, breathing in mud and grass. Better than his stupid pine smells.
But my fingers itched. I stared at them. A faint shimmer ran under my skin, like heat on asphalt. I shook my hand and it's gone.
Pathetic. You’re human. Stop being dramatic.
I heard footsteps…
The scarred council member from earlier stood in the doorway. His eyes were flat. “You’re the human.”
I pushed off the wall. “Name’s Adam.”
He didn’t flinch or seem to give a fuck. “Kael’s choices… worry me. You’re not one of us. You don’t belong here.”
I stepped closer. “You’re the one who’s not wanted. Back off.”
He tilted his head. “You don’t even know what’s at stake, do you?”
“Try me.”
He smirked. “You’re a spark. And Kael? He’s dry tinder.” Then he turned, leaving the door open like an insult.
I clenched my fists. Spark? Tinder? What the hell did that even mean?
Back inside, Kael was laughing with Mira. His smile faded when he saw my face.
“Everything okay?”
I spat the words out. “Your buddy the scar guy called me a spark. Said you’re dry tinder. What does that mean, Kael? What’s the deal with all these people hating me?”
His face went blank. “Adam—”
“Don’t Adam me. I’m sick of you trusting the pack nonsense. I heard them. They want you gone. Because of me.”
Kael’s jaw tightened. “They’re afraid. Change is hard.”
“Change? I haven’t done anything!”
“You’re here.” His voice dropped. “With me. That’s enough change for them.”
I laughed, bitter. “Yeah, congratulations. You got yourself a curse.”
He stepped closer. “Adam, listen to me. My pack is yours now. I won’t let them—”
“They don’t even look at me!” My voice cracked. “You think I want this? To be some… some thing you carry around? I’m not your damn trophy. My god, I'm starting to hate this.”
His hand cupped my face. Too warm. Too much. The scent hit me again, and I shuddered. A glow flared on my wrist, spreading upwards… bright and pulsing.
Kael sighed. “Adam…?”
I yanked away. The glow faded. “Nothing. Just… go be Alpha. I’ll be outside.”
Alone again, I traced the faint marks on my skin.
I don’t know how long I sat there before I heard the whisper of fabric, the snap of a twig.
Someone was watching.
I turned. A figure in the shadows. Too tall to be human.
“Who’s there?”
No answer. Just the rustle of leaves and the weight of a hundred silent eyes.
I stood up, back against the wall. My heart hammered. Are they trying to kill me when Kael is not watching? Should I run away and be homeless instead of holding on to the fantasy of being loved by a werewolf man who's only mine in the bedroom?
A voice, soft as snowfall: “You’re not human, are you?”
I spun around, searching, but there's no one in sight.