The air between Kaiden and Lucien crackled like a storm ready to break. Neither moved, yet dominance radiated off them in waves. The warriors behind them shifted nervously, sensing the invisible pressure.
"Selene belongs to my pack," Kaiden said, voice sharp, commanding.
Lucien tilted his head, amused. "Interesting claim." Then he glanced at me. "Do you?"
I didn't hesitate. "No."
Kaiden's jaw tightened. That single word cut deeper than any strike.
"You don't understand what you are," he said, voice low, dangerous.
"Neither do you," Lucien answered before I could speak.
The temperature dropped. Energy surged, the same power that had forced the pack to kneel stirring under my skin.
"If you keep her," Kaiden said quietly, "it will start a war."
"Then start one," Lucien said, calm as ever.
Gasps rippled across both sides. A war between packs was rare. Between powerful Alphas? Catastrophic.
I felt the energy within me pulse, dangerous, uncontrolled. If they fought because of me… people would die.
"STOP!" My voice rang louder than I expected. Both Alphas turned, eyes locking onto me.
"I am not a prize," I said, forcing the words steady. "I am not land. I am not territory. I am not something to win."
Silence fell. Even the wind seemed to hold its breath.
Kaiden's expression softened slightly. Less anger. More calculation. Then, unexpectedly: "Selene… come home."
For a brief moment, my chest ached. Once, I might have wanted those words. But not like this. Not after everything.
I shook my head. "No."
Lucien's calm smile returned. "Looks like the lady has made her decision."
Kaiden's eyes darkened. "This isn't over."
I knew he wasn't wrong. And for the first time, I understood: this was bigger than rejection. Bigger than territory.
It was about power. Survival. Control.
And I refused to be anyone's prize.