The Chosen One •

24

✨ Isabel ✨

The cabin was quiet, the only sound coming from the crackling fireplace. I sat on the edge of Kun's couch, my hands glowing faintly as I used my magic to heal the claw marks on my back and shoulders. The sharp pain eased, replaced by the familiar warmth of my own energy knitting the skin back together. Kun stood a few feet away, watching me intently.

"You're incredible," he said, his voice low.

I glanced up at him, raising an eyebrow. "It's just a healing spell. Nothing special."

"It's not just that," he said, stepping closer. "You took on Lily without hesitation. You held your own, and even after she... attacked you, you're here, healing yourself like it's nothing. You're more than I ever thought."

I paused, his words catching me off guard. "What do you mean?"

Kun ran a hand through his hair, his gaze dropping to the floor. "I mean, I misjudged you. When we first met, I thought you were weak, just some—" He stopped himself and sighed. "I was wrong. I'm sorry for thinking that way."

I tilted my head, his apology stirring a mix of emotions in me. "Would you still think I'm strong if I wasn't half-wolf?"

His eyes snapped to mine, and he frowned. "Isabel—"

"No, really," I interrupted, standing up. "If I wasn't part wolf, if I was just a witch, would you still think I'm strong?"

Kun's gaze softened, and he took a step closer. "Based on what I've seen? The way you handled Lily, the way you trained my pack, the way you stand up to me—even without shifting, you've proven you're strong. Half-wolf or not."

I felt my cheeks flush as a small laugh escaped me. "So I passed the alpha's test, huh?"

He smirked, his golden eyes glinting. "You didn't just pass; you aced it."

I looked away, my blush deepening. The warmth between us was palpable, and I suddenly felt bold enough to ask the question that had been burning in my mind. "Kun," I began, my voice quieter now. "Can I ask you something?"

"Of course." He watched me carefully, his expression unreadable.

"What exactly does completing the mating process entail?" My words came out faster than I intended, and I bit my lip, unsure of how he'd respond.

Kun's eyebrows shot up, and his stance stiffened slightly. "It's... intimate," he said carefully. "It involves marking each other, and—well, it's a physical and emotional bond. It's not something you do lightly."

I nodded, my heart pounding. "Could we... could we do it?"

He stilled, his eyes narrowing slightly as he studied me. "Isabel," he said slowly. "I want to. I really do. But not because you're scared of what's happening, not because of the rogues or Lily or anyone else. I want you to want it—want me—because you're ready. Not because you feel like you have to."

"I do want you," I said quickly, and his expression softened before shifting into confusion as I added, "Who says I'm not already in love with you?"

The moment the words left my mouth, I froze, my eyes widening as I slapped a hand over my lips. "I—I mean, I'm not saying I'm—oh my God," I stammered, trying to backtrack. "What I meant was... I can feel myself falling for you, and I—"

Kun stepped forward, silencing me with his lips. His kiss was firm yet gentle, and every nerve in my body seemed to spark at once. I melted into him, my hands instinctively gripping his shirt as his arms wrapped around me, pulling me closer.