Claimed by the Alpha || Bang Chan

Chapter 18: The Last Dawn

Bang Chan's words ring throughout the cell, hitting me with a force I never truly expected.

"What?"

He doesn't back down, his grip on my shoulders tightening.

"I love you, (Y/N)."

My breath catches as I stare into his eyes, at the sheen of gold against the grey cell.

"For how long?" I ask.

"As long as I've known you, (Y/N). Since we were children. And I fell in love with you all over again when you came back into my life."

His eyes burn, reflecting his words.

"This might be our last night together, and if it is, I want you to know. I love you, (Y/N)."

Waves of emotions crashes over me like a storm on the sea.

"I love you. I always have, and I always will."

My heart wrenches in my chest, overwhelmed with the conviction of his words.

"Bang Chan...I love you, too."

"You don't have to say that just because I–"

I cut him off before he can continue.

"I'm not just saying it, Bang Chan. I mean it." I smile, staring into his eyes.

"(Y/N)..."

"Seeing who you are, what you've gone through..."

My feelings well up in my chest, tears rising to my eyes. I force them back.

"I've never met anyone who cares as much as you, who fights as hard as you do. And I..."

I struggle to get the last few words out, my tears falling freely now. Bang Chan reaches out a chained hand, taking mine, the gentle and soothing stroke of his thumb bringing me back.

"If we get out of this, I want to grow old with you. I want to see what you lead this pack to become."

He softens, lifting my hand to his lips to gently kiss it.

"You'll be a better leader than I would have ever been."

I looks as though Bang Chan's about to say something else when the sound of footsteps echoes down the hallway. At once, Bang Chan pushes me toward the door.

"Guards. You need to get out of here. If they find you, they'll kill you." he warns me.

"Bang Chan...I'm not going to leave you."

"Listen. If you survive, there's still a chance you can find a way to save me. That chance goes out the window if you stay here and die with me."

I can feel desperation pounding through me now. I look for something, anything that will save Bang Chan. I search the ground, finding only a small twig. I dig it into the lock in an attempt to shift the tumblers. However, as hard as I try, it doesn't budge. The twig snaps.

"Shit."

"You, for the last time, stop."

His words halt me in my tracks.

"I can't... If I do, then...then..."

My voice wavers in the dark cell. It's only then that I notice my own hands trembling.

"It's okay."

He gently puts his strong, calloused palms over mine.

"(Y/N), all I've ever wanted is to protect you. It's all I've ever known. And if I die today, then...at least I'll die knowing that I've done that. That you're safe."