Kieran
The estate was never truly silent.
Even in the deep hours of the night, the wind howled through the northern pines, the distant sounds of life—wolves moving through the grounds, guards patrolling the borders—whispering beneath the walls.
But today, this morning, the silence was different.
It was waiting.
Anticipation clung to the air, thick and heavy, pressing against my spine as I descended the grand staircase.
I had felt it since the moment I woke.
Since the moment the news had spread.
Since the moment I had brought her here.
Cassie.
I had left her alone last night, the door open, her world suddenly expanded beyond the walls of that chamber.
But I hadn't needed to lock it.
Because she was starting to understand.
It wasn't the walls that held her here.
It was me.
And now, I had another battle to fight.
Because before the council demanded answers, before the pack formed their own conclusions—
I had to deal with my family.
---
I smelled her before I saw her.
The scent of frost-covered roses, crisp and cold, woven with something sharper.
Authority.
Control.
I found my mother standing in the main hall, hands clasped before her, her silver-streaked braid falling neatly over one shoulder.
She turned as I approached, her expression unreadable.
"So it's true," she murmured.
I sighed. "Mother."
"A human, Kieran?" Her voice was calm. Too calm.
A predator waiting to strike.
"Good morning to you, too."
She arched a brow. "Don't deflect."
I exhaled sharply. "Yes. It's true."
Her gaze flickered, but before she could respond, another scent invaded the space.
And my irritation spiked.
"Oh, this is delicious."
I clenched my jaw.
Not her.
Not now.
A slow, deliberate click of heels against the tiled floor.
Then—
"Kieran, dear brother," the sickeningly sweet voice drawled. "You've really outdone yourself this time."
I didn't turn right away.
Didn't acknowledge her.
Because acknowledging Celeste only made her worse. A mistake my father made 25 years ago that tore him apart from my mother yet she accepted the child. when Celeste was dropped on our doorstep my mother couldn't turn away the innocent infant. if only she knew what that innocence would turn to. she loved Celeste like her own and pampered her.
"You look like you swallowed glass," she mused. "Did you miss me?"
I did turn then, just enough to let my glare answer for me.
Celeste smiled.
She was dressed in her usual arrogance—black silk dress that was way to short , dark hair falling in effortless waves, her red-painted lips curved in amusement.
She lived to irritate me.
And I hated her.
"Celeste," I said flatly. "You're still alive. A shame. Aren't you supposed to be in school?"
Unfortunately, Celeste was as smart as she was annoying. She currently attended University of Toronto faculty of medicine. For some reason she wanted to be a doctor.
She laughed, the sound smooth and knowing. "As sharp as ever, brother."
I ignored her, turning back to my mother. "Why is she here?"
"She's family."
I scoffed. "That's debatable."
Celeste pressed a hand to her chest, mock hurt flashing in her eyes. "You wound me."
"I'd be happy to make it real."
"Now, now." She tutted, stepping closer. "Let's not be too hostile. After all, I came to welcome our newest addition to the family."
I exhaled sharply. "She's not your concern."
"Oh, but she is." Celeste's eyes gleamed.
"Everyone is very curious about your little pet."
My wolf bristled.
"Careful, Celeste," I murmured, voice low. "Watch your tongue ."
She thrived on pushing my limits.
But even she knew when to back off.
Mostly.
Celeste smirked, rolling her shoulders. "Oh, don't look so murderous. I'm only curious." She tilted her head, mock innocence dripping from every word. "Tell me, does she bite?"
My patience snapped.
I took a sharp step forward, but my mother raised a hand between us. "Enough."
Celeste huffed dramatically, but she obeyed, taking a slow step back. "Fine, fine. No need to get violent. Yet."
I clenched my jaw, forcing my irritation down. "This conversation is over."
"Not quite," my mother corrected. "I haven't met her yet."
I sighed, dragging a hand through my hair. "I'll bring her down."
Celeste perked up, eyes dancing with amusement. "Oh, please let me be there when you do."
"You will not go near her," I growled.
Celeste smirked. "We'll see."
I turned before I did something I actually regretted.
I had wasted enough time.
Cassidy wasn't ready for this.
But it didn't matter.
Because my family was ready for her.
And it was time she understood exactly what she had walked into.
---
I took the stairs two at a time, my thoughts tangled in frustration as I reached the second level.
I hesitated at her door.
It was still open, just as I had left it.
I stepped inside.
Cassidy was sitting in the chair by the fire, just like earlier.
But this time—
This time, she turned immediately, her golden eyes locking onto mine.
She had been waiting.
"What now?" she asked, her voice steady, unreadable.
I studied her carefully.
Something was different.
The fight in her was still there, burning beneath the surface.
But it was quieter.
Controlled.
I wasn't sure if that was better or worse.
"You need to meet my family," I said.
Cassidy stiffened. "Why?"
"Because they're waiting."
She swallowed. "And if I don't?"
I tilted my head slightly. "You don't have a choice."
Her jaw clenched.
But she didn't argue.
She knew.
Knew that this was just another battle she couldn't win.
And I could see the weight of that realization settle onto her shoulders.
"I'll send someone to bring you some clothes, get dressed," I said. "I'll be back soon."
Cassidy inhaled slowly, her eyes still burning, still holding onto something.
"Fine."
I nodded once, then turned and left.
I barely made it down the hall before I heard a familiar voice behind me.
"She's going to hate you for this," Damon drawled.
I exhaled sharply. "She already does."
Damon snorted. "Yeah. But this? This is next level hate."
I didn't respond.
Because I already knew that.
And I wasn't sure if I cared.