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Chapter 3 The Claim

Elara ran beside Kael through the pouring rain, her sneakers slipping in the mud. “I can’t believe I’m running through the woods with a naked werewolf. This is peak ‘bad decisions’ energy.”
“Keep moving,” Kael said, his voice low and urgent. “They’re close.”
“Who is ‘they’ exactly?” Elara asked, breathing hard. “And do all werewolves run around naked, or is that just your personal brand?”
Kael shot her a look. “Focus, Elara.”
“I am focusing! I’m focusing on not dying and on the fact that you still haven’t found pants.”
They ran for what felt like forever. The trees eventually thinned, and Elara saw lights ahead. A large compound came into view — modern buildings mixed with old stone structures, all surrounded by a tall fence.
Kael slowed as they approached the gate. Two large men stepped forward, eyes widening when they saw Elara.
“Alpha,” one of them said. “What is this?”
“She’s with me,” Kael replied, voice firm. “The bond has awakened. She is my mate.”
Both men stared at Elara like she had grown two heads.
“Human?” the second man asked. “You brought a human here?”
Elara waved awkwardly. “Hi. Nice to meet you. I’m the human who touched the wrong rock. Apparently I’m the mate now. Fun times.”
Kael ignored them and led her through the gate. “We’ll explain everything inside. Tell the pack to gather in the main hall. And someone find me clothes.”
Elara glanced around as they walked. The compound was surprisingly modern — paved paths, buildings with lights on, people staring at her from windows and doorways.
“Everyone’s staring,” she whispered. “I feel like I’m in a zoo. The human exhibit.”
“They’ve never seen the Eternal Bond awaken before,” Kael said. “It’s legendary. And rare.”
“Legendary,” Elara repeated. “Great. No pressure or anything.”
Kael led her into a large building and down a hallway. He stopped at a door and opened it. “You can wait in here. I’ll be back with clothes and answers.”
Elara stepped inside. It was a nicely furnished room — big bed, couch, fireplace. Much better than she expected.
“Don’t take too long,” she said. “I’m still processing the whole ‘mate’ thing and I’d prefer to do it while you’re wearing pants.”
Kael’s lips twitched. “I’ll be quick.”
He left. Elara paced the room, muttering to herself. “Okay. Werewolves are real. I have a mate. My body is still acting like I drank three espressos and watched porn. This is fine. Everything is fine.”
A few minutes later the door opened. Kael stepped in wearing black sweatpants and a tight t-shirt. He looked annoyingly good.
“Better,” Elara said. “Now explain. What is this bond? Why me? And why do I still feel like I want to climb you like a tree?”
Kael closed the door and leaned against it. “The Eternal Bond is ancient magic. It chooses two souls that are connected across lifetimes. You and I were linked before. I protected you when you were young. Then I lost you.”
Elara sat on the edge of the bed. “Lost me how?”
Kael’s expression darkened. “There was an attack. I couldn’t save everyone. Including you. The bond went dormant after that. Until tonight.”
Elara rubbed her temples. “So I died? In a past life? And now I’m back?”
“Reincarnated,” Kael said. “Your soul came back. The bond recognized you the moment you touched the stone.”
Elara let out a long breath. “This is a lot. I was just trying to escape my ex and my debts. Now I’m in a werewolf compound with a fated mate who has guilt issues.”
Kael stepped closer. “The bond is already affecting you. The heat. The pull. It will get stronger.”
Elara stood up. “I need air. Or space. Or both.”
She moved toward the door. The moment she reached for the handle, sharp pain shot through her chest. She gasped and stumbled back.
Kael was there instantly, catching her. “Don’t fight it.”
The pain quickly turned into heat. Intense, throbbing heat. Elara’s breath hitched as another wave of arousal hit her hard.
“Oh god,” she whispered. “This is not fair.”
Kael’s eyes darkened. His hands tightened on her arms. “The bond doesn’t like separation. Even small distance hurts.”
Elara looked up at him. Their faces were inches apart. “This is insane. I barely know you and my body is acting like we’ve been dating for years.”
Kael’s voice was rough. “It’s the bond. It wants us close. It wants us to accept it.”
Elara’s heart raced. “What happens if we don’t accept it?”
“It could kill us both,” Kael said quietly. “Slowly.”
Elara’s eyes widened. “Kill us? You’re telling me this now?”
“I was trying to ease you into it.”
“Ease me into it?” Elara pushed at his chest, but he didn’t move. “I need time. I need to think. I can’t just—”
She tried to step away again. Pain flared. Stronger this time. She gasped and grabbed his shirt.
Kael growled low and backed her against the wall, pinning her there with his body. “Stop fighting it.”
Elara’s breath came fast. She could feel every inch of him pressed against her. The heat between them was overwhelming.
“This is cheating,” she whispered. “Using the bond against me.”
“I’m trying to protect you,” Kael said, voice strained. “From the pain. From the others who are coming.”
Elara looked up at him. His eyes were glowing slightly. The pull was almost unbearable.
“I hate this,” she said softly. “But I also really, really want to kiss you right now. Which is confusing.”
Kael’s hand came up to cup her jaw. “The bond is strong. Stronger than I expected this soon.”
Before either of them could say anything else, someone knocked loudly on the door.
“Alpha!” a voice called. “We have movement at the eastern border. Rivals. They sensed the bond.”
Kael cursed under his breath. He looked down at Elara, eyes intense.
“This isn’t over,” he said. “Stay here. I’ll be back soon.”
He stepped away. The moment he did, Elara felt a sharp tug of pain in her chest.
“Wait—” she started.
But Kael was already opening the door.
“Lock it behind me,” he said. “And don’t leave this room.”
The door closed. Elara stood there, breathing hard, body still aching with heat and need.
She whispered to the empty room, “I am so screwed.”