Unedited Chapter, don't think naughty
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~Kael's POV~
Moments After Leaving Rhiannon's Quarters
Kael didn't walk back.
He stalked.
Every step down the corridor was a silent war. One half of him burned to turn back and slam his mouth to hers, to strip her of that towel and remind her exactly who she belonged to.
The other half—the one carved from restraint and command—dragged him forward with clenched fists and a head full of thunder.
He could still smell her on his skin. Still taste the echo of her defiance. Rhiannon wasn't just a mate.
She was fire in a place built on ice.
He turned the corner and entered the southern corridor of the estate, where the Alphas had gathered in one of the smaller strategy chambers. It was windowless, cold-stoned, lined with maps and scrolls, a place for war—not for discussion.
As soon as he entered, all four heads turned to him.
Lucien was the first to speak. He didn't bother standing from where he lounged against the table, arms crossed.
"You fix it?"
Kael didn't answer.
Riven's jaw ticked. "Because the entire council now thinks we can't even clothe our mate properly."
"She told the truth," Talon added flatly. "She didn't make us look weak. We did that ourselves."
Kael exhaled through his nose and said, "Seraphina lied."
Darian tilted his head, interest flickering in his green eyes. "About which part?"
Kael walked to the end of the table and set both palms flat against the dark wood. "She claimed Rhiannon gave her the clothes willingly. That she didn't want them. That she'd rather wear rags than anything from us."
Talon cursed under his breath.
Lucien's brow shot up. "And you believed her?"
Kael gave him a sharp look. "I said she lied."
That shut them up—briefly.
Riven leaned forward, voice low and rough. "Then what are you going to do about it?"
Kael's voice was quiet. Cold. "I already did. Beta Soren is ordering new clothes—double the quantity. Double the elegance. Delivered tonight. To her room only."
Darian gave a soft, approving nod. "Good. But that's only the start."
Kael's eyes flicked between them. "She asked me if I was my mistress's puppet."
Lucien snorted. "We all heard her."
Kael straightened. "Then let's make something clear. From this moment forward—Rhiannon is no one's lesser. Not in this house. Not in the council. Not to the pack."
Riven met his gaze. "That include Seraphina?"
Kael's jaw flexed. "If she touches what's Rhiannon's again, she'll be dealt with."
Talon gave a quiet laugh, humorless. "Finally. Took you long enough."
Kael didn't rise to the jab.
He just turned and left the room again—his point made.
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Rhiannon's POV
Evening – Velvet Suite
I didn't change out of my towel.
After Kael left, I just stood there, staring at the closed door like I could still see the words he hadn't said.
He wanted me.
He didn't hide it, not really.
But more than that… he feared what I might become. Or maybe, what I already was.
I was still standing there—undecided, raw, too many emotions coiled inside my chest—when a soft knock echoed from the door.
Not sharp this time.
Measured. Respectful.
I walked over and opened it slowly.
Beta Soren stood there. Tall. Immaculately dressed in grey and black, a leather satchel slung over one shoulder and two guards behind him carrying trunk-sized boxes.
"Rhiannon," he said with a faint nod. "On Alpha Kael's orders. These are yours. He said to deliver them before sunset. Personally."
I raised a brow. "You always obey that quickly?"
Soren gave the faintest hint of a smile. "When Kael uses that tone? Always."
He stepped back, and the guards carried in the boxes, stacking them neatly near the foot of the bed.
"There's more coming," Soren added. "Jewellery, shoes, weapons."
"Weapons?"
"Alpha Kael insisted. 'She wears teeth, not chains.' His words."
I blinked.
Soren gave one final nod and turned to leave, but before he passed through the door, he paused.
"For what it's worth," he said without turning back, "you wore those rags better than most wear crowns."
Then he was gone.
I closed the door, heart thudding.
The room was quiet again. Except now, it was filled with possibility.
I walked over to the boxes, heart tugging against my chest. Inside the first was a fur-lined combat jacket. Underneath it, silk blouses, dresses—one in midnight blue, one in wine red. Folded trousers, custom-fitted. A velvet corset. Matching gloves. Even perfume oils.
The second trunk held boots. Heels. Sandals. Combat-grade shoes with reinforced soles.
The third?
Swords.
Daggers.
A pair of silver wrist sheaths, gleaming in the candlelight.
My hands trembled slightly as I ran a thumb along one of the blades.
"Ravyn?" I whispered.
My wolf stirred, practically purring. "Now they're starting to understand."
I exhaled, slow and steady, letting the fire that had been simmering all day sink into my blood.
They tried to humiliate me.
Kael tried to correct it.
But they would all learn soon enough.
I wasn't a woman you kept in chains.
I was a force.
And no matter how pretty the weapons were—they'd never be as sharp as what lived inside me.