CHAPTER TWELVE

The guard leads me through dark corridors. The lair is scary. Gloomy. I shiver as I follow him.

He stops by a door. "In there," he says.

I shake as I open the door.

But inside, there is no executioner waiting for me. There are no gallows.

Inside, there is the Alpha.

I am confused.

The door slams behind me.

He turns and fixes me in his amber eyes.

"You survived the night," he says.

It is the first time I have heard him speak.

"Yes," I say.

He gives a little sigh. "Come here."

I step towards him.

He puts his hand on my back. He presses me against his chest. I can feel his heartbeat.

It is quick.

He moves his hand from my back, leaving his fingers on my bandage. He pulls it off my arm.

He looks at my bite. "It's healing well."

I look down. His fang marks have scabbed over.

I nod.

"That's good."

"Why?"

"It means we are destined. Just like I thought."

I realize what is happening. The guard was lying. I have been claimed after all.

And I realize I am not scared.

Held