While seeking refuge, she finds herself involved in a dark affair: a contract signed with Kael Valerian, a powerful and mysterious Alpha, at the head of an empire mixing legal affairs and an underground network of mafia clans. Kael is not only a feared Alpha; he is also an influential billionaire, head of a technology company that serves as a front for his criminal activities. During a tense negotiation, Alina accidentally interposes herself between him and a rival, sealing a pact: she becomes a strategic asset in a power struggle, in exchange for Kael's protection. But the contract goes far beyond what Alina imagined. In addition to being bound to Kael by a legal obligation, she discovers that a supernatural bond unites them. An ancient prophecy speaks of a "wolf of royal blood" who could either destroy or save the balance of the clans. Is Alina that wolf? And why does Kael seem willing to defy all laws to keep her by his side? As Alina delves deeper into Kael's dark world, she uncovers secrets that change everything she thought she knew about her own past, about packs...and about what she's willing to sacrifice for her freedom.
Chapter 1 Chapitre 1
The rain beat down on the dark pavement of the city streets, a cold, relentless symphony that drowned everything in a gray veil. Alina walked quickly, her breath short and her hands trembling, her hair sticking to her face. Every shadow seemed like a trap, every movement a sign that she was being pursued. She had only a backpack, almost empty, and a worn coat that barely protected her from the freezing cold.
Her heart was pounding furiously in her chest, and her thoughts were racing. How had she come to this? Running from her own pack, abandoning everything she knew, all to save her skin. She pushed the memories from her mind. Not now. She had to focus, find a place to hide, away from prying eyes.
The city center stretched out before her, its dazzling lights contrasting with the heavy darkness. Alina blended into the crowd, ducking her head to avoid attracting attention. She could feel the eyes on her, imagining silhouettes in every window reflection. Her pack would never let her go so easily.
She turned sharply into a dark alley, hoping to throw off any potential stalkers. The smell of rain mixed with garbage made her feel nauseous, but she kept moving, her shoes occasionally slipping on the wet cobblestones. Eventually, she came out onto a bustling avenue lined with fancy shops and high-end cars. It was a completely different atmosphere: the world of those who cared nothing for escape or survival.
In the distance, a neon sign flashed: *Eclipse*. The name of the club seemed to call to her, an unlikely refuge in this tormented night. She hesitated. Venturing into a crowded place wasn't the best idea if she wanted to avoid being noticed, but her options were limited. Besides, the music and lights would provide perfect cover. Taking a deep breath, she crossed the street and approached the entrance.
The bouncer, a large, square-jawed man, eyed her suspiciously, but she straightened up, trying to appear confident despite her soggy outfit.
- Are you coming alone? he asked in a serious voice.
- Yes, she answered, avoiding his gaze.
He seemed to hesitate, but a note subtly slipped into his hand made his doubts disappear. With a sudden gesture, he opened the door, and Alina was immediately engulfed by the electric atmosphere of the club.
Inside, the atmosphere was heavy, almost hypnotic. Strobe lights danced to the rhythm of the deafening music, casting moving shadows on the walls. The air was saturated with expensive perfumes, sweat, and a tension that was hard to ignore. Alina made her way through the dense crowd, looking for a corner where she could land without being seen.
She sat down by the bar, her eyes fixed on her reflection in the polished glass. Her features were drawn, her lips trembling slightly, but her eyes were bright with fierce determination. She ran a hand through her hair, trying to regain her composure.
- A drink? the bartender asked as he approached.
- Just water, she whispered, her voice almost drowned out by the music.
He raised an eyebrow, but complied. When he set the glass down in front of her, she took it gratefully, sipping to calm her nerves. She looked around, noting faces, gestures, conversations. And then, she saw him.
A man stood by a slightly raised VIP table, dominating the room with his presence. Tall and dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit, he exuded an aura of cold, unwavering power. His dark hair was impeccably coiffed, and his eyes, even from this distance, seemed to scan every corner with unnerving precision.
Kael Valerian.
She didn't know how she knew him, but his name stood out to her as obvious. Perhaps she had seen him in the newspapers or heard him mentioned in the whispers of his pack. It didn't matter: she knew he was no ordinary man.
As she continued to watch him, an altercation broke out not far from him. A man, visibly drunk, approached the VIP table with misplaced arrogance. Kael turned slowly, a cold smile on his lips, but before he could intervene, the man hurled an insult that silenced the music.
The silence that followed was deafening. Everyone held their breath, watching the scene with morbid fascination. Kael didn't move immediately, but when the man reached for a bottle on the table, he reacted with disconcerting speed.
His hand grabbed the intruder's wrist, twisting it with calculated force. The man screamed, falling to his knees, and Kael leaned over him, whispering something no one else could hear. Seconds later, two security guards appeared to escort the man out of the club.
Kael's gaze then swept the room, stopping briefly on each face. When his eyes met Alina's, she felt a shiver run through her body. It was as if an electric shock had just passed through the room, chaining her to him.
He frowned slightly, intrigued, but before he could take a step in her direction, an elegant woman in a bright red dress approached him. She whispered something in his ear, and he looked away.
Alina felt her heart slow, but the effect of that brief exchange remained. She turned to the bar, staring at her glass of water as if it held all the answers to her questions. Who was this man? And why did she feel so drawn to him when she knew it was dangerous?
She didn't have time to think about it any further. A hand gently landed on her shoulder, making her jump. She turned around abruptly, ready to defend herself, but it was only the bartender.
- "Is everything okay?" he asked, a hint of worry in his voice.
- Yes, thank you, she replied quickly.
But her instincts told her otherwise. She took one last look at the VIP table, but Kael was gone.
Alina stood up hastily, ready to leave the club. The atmosphere, once hypnotic, was now oppressive. But as she reached the exit, a figure blocked her path.
- Where are you going like this? a low, hoarse voice whispered.
She looked up, meeting Kael Valerian's piercing gaze. His lips parted, but no sound came out. He stood there, imposing, his face illuminated by the reflections of the neon lights.
- I... I'm going to leave, she stammered.
- Not so fast, he replied, a smirk on his face.
He reached out a hand, and without really understanding why, she took it. The touch of his skin sent an unexpected warmth through her entire body.
- We have things to discuss, he added, gently pulling her towards him.
Alina knew she should have resisted, but something in his gaze, a magnetic force she couldn't explain, held her prisoner.
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