Chapter 34: We have Arrived

Vanya lay sprawled on Killian's bed, lost in thought as she gazed at the ceiling. Her mind drifted back to the intimate moment she had shared with Killian. It had been days but she still couldn't believe she had succumbed to his manipulation, feeling weak and powerless in his presence. The memories made her cheeks burn with shame as she recalled how she had moaned for him and surrendered herself completely to his touch.
A wave of anger passed through her as she remembered how he had so easily taken control of her body and emotions.
"Shit!" she hissed, feeling a deep sense of humiliation wash over her. She quickly stood up and looked out of the porthole window and saw the land draw closer.
The ship's gentle sway did little to soothe the knot in her stomach. She knew that once they arrived in the Outlands, her fate would be uncertain. She still couldn't summon her wolf, her only defense against Killian and whatever she’d cross in her path.
Her reverie was interrupted as the cabin door creaked open. Lemon stood outside the door, carrying a tray with a tantalizing aroma wafting from the plate.
Vanya's heart sank as Lemon's expression turned wary when she entered the cabin room. The young woman's eyes darted around, as if she expected something to jump out at her. Vanya couldn't help but feel guilty for what she had put her through.
"Lemon," Vanya whispered, hoping to ease the tension. "I’ve been meaning to tell you how sorry I am for my stupidity. I didn't mean to scare you. I promise I won't do anything stupid like that again."
Lemon's smile was strained, but she was still gracious as she set the tray of food on the table. "It's all right, Vanya," she said, her voice gentle. "I understand. Aurelius explained everything to me. He said you were scared and desperate. It’s just that, I’m sorry, I can't let my guard down."
Vanya felt a pang of worry at Lemon's words. She knew she couldn't trust anyone around her, and Lemon was the only person she could confide in. Without Lemon's sympathy and trust, she feared that her plan of escape would be compromised. She needed the young woman's support to make her escape plan a success.
“Enjoy your food.” Lemon turned to leave.
"Lemon, wait," Vanya called out, and Lemon turned back to her with a curious look. "I just wanted to say thank you for bringing me food," Vanya said, and sat at the table. "I know I messed up, but I appreciate your kindness. "
Lemon's smile softened, and Vanya could see a glimmer of trust in her eyes. "You're welcome, Vanya. I cooked and prepared them myself."
"Looks delicious. Please, stay and keep me company?" Vanya asked, her voice slightly desperate.
Lemon hesitated, her hand on the doorknob. It was clear that Vanya’s previous actions had caused a rift between them. But then she turned around. "Alright," she said. "I suppose I could use a break too."
Vanya grinned as she glanced down at the tray of food. It all looked so deliciously cooked and prepared, but it was the bubble tea that really caught her eye. She couldn't help but smile wider as she dug in, and taking a sip of the creamy goodness.
Breaking the silence, she commented on the drink, "I swear, this bubble milk is becoming my absolute favorite.”
"I thought you could use a little pick-me-up." Lemon smiled, but it was clear that her mind was elsewhere.
Vanya chuckled, taking the cup. "You read my mind," she said, taking another sip. The sweet and tangy flavor exploded in her mouth, momentarily distracting her from her worries.
Lemon settled down on the chair opposite Vanya, her expression turning serious. "I understand that you're scared, Vanya," she said in a soft voice. "But you can't lose hope. You're stronger than you think."
Vanya sighed and put her cup down. "I don't feel strong at all, to be honest," she admitted, her eyes focused on her hands. "Without my wolf, I don't know if I can protect myself. I don't stand a chance, even against Aurelius.” She let out a sarcastic chuckle and added, "I mean, come on, have you seen that guy's hair? It's like he spends more time on it than his actual pack duties." She paused and grinned. "Maybe I should challenge him to a hair-off instead of a fight."
She tried to lighten the mood, but Lemon didn't comment and instead kept a serious expression.
Undeterred, Vanya continued. "But I'm not going to give up," she said, determination filling her voice. "I'll find a way to get my wolf back."
"Hey, listen," Lemon said, trying to comfort Vanya. "You need to stop thinking that you're our prisoner, okay? 'Cause you're not. We're here for you." She paused for a moment, gathering her thoughts. "And Killian..." Her voice trailed off, unsure of what to say next.
"Killian?" Vanya repeated, looking up sharply.
Lemon's gaze flickered away, but she steeled herself and spoke. "He...he cares about you," she said, barely above a whisper.
Vanya's eyes widened in disbelief. "That's ridiculous. He only cares about himself."
Lemon shook her head. "He cares about you more than you know. You have a connection, whether you want to admit it or not. You're his mate."
Vanya was taken aback by the revelation. "Mate? That's preposterous. I still think it's a lie. He can't be my mate."
Lemone looked down and as the conversation became uncomfortable, Vanya abruptly changed the topic. "Where are we heading once we dock?" she asked.
Lemon replied without missing a beat, "The Stormwolf Packhouse."
Vanya stood up and looked out the porthole window again, watching as the land grew closer. She turned back to Lemon. "What's the Stormwolf Packhouse like?" she asked.
Lemon shrugged. "It's like any other packhouse, I suppose," she said. "There's a central meeting hall, a training ground, living quarters for the pack members, and so on."
Vanya's expression turned serious. "But be honest with me, Lemon," she said. "Are there any rogues or rotters in the Stormwolf Pack? Is the pack harboring or illegally sheltering the rogues?"
Lemon hesitated for a moment, and Vanya could see the concern in her eyes. Finally, she spoke. "Killian doesn't pick his pack members," she said. "Anyone can join, as long as they're willing to abide by the pack's rules. Even I, a human, am a member of his pack."
Vanya was surprised to learn that Lemon was human. "Why didn't Killian turn you?" she asked.
Lemon smiled, a wistful expression on her face. "He gave me a choice," she said. "And I chose to stay human."
Vanya nodded, understanding now why Killian had chosen Lemon to be his messenger. She was loyal, trustworthy, and, above all, human. Vanya knew that if she was going to survive in the Outlands, she would need to learn more about the pack and its members. But for now, she was content to wait and see what lay ahead.
Vanya finished her meal and drank her bubble milk tea, feeling a little better. But as soon as Lemon left the cabin, she tried once again to summon her wolf, only to be met with disappointment. A sense of desperation and grief overtook her, and tears welled up in her eyes.
She couldn't believe she was trapped with Killian, a man she despised for what he represented. Yet, there was something else too, an inexplicable pull that she felt toward him, and it scared her.
Then she thought of Ares, and how she had betrayed him by givin into Killian. It was all too much to bear.
Just then, Killian entered the cabin, catching her in the middle of her breakdown, and Vanya's resentment towards him boiled over. She glared at him.
"What's wrong?" Killian asked with a concerned look on his face, searching for answers in her eyes.
She let out a sarcastic scoff. "What do you think? It's not like you abducted me, took me away from my pack, and are now forcing me to be a part of your life while I can't even summon my wolf or anything," she said with a hint of bitterness.
To her surprise, Killian's expression softened. He reached out and gently caressed her cheek. "I know this isn't what you wanted, Red, but we had no choice," he said in a reassuring tone.
Despite her resentment, Vanya couldn't help but feel a pull toward him, and it frightened her. She quickly wiped away her tears and put on a brave face. "I know this is your room," she began, trying to sound as composed as possible, "But you usually spend the rest of your afternoon up on deck, so what are you doing here?"
Killian caressed her tear-stained cheek with his thumb, and Vanya felt an electric pull towards him. The way he touched her ignited something deep within her, and she couldn't help but remember the intimate moment they had shared. And now, as he stood close to her, she found herself wanting more.
But she quickly composed herself and took a step back.
Killian immediately noticed this. He smirked. "Get ready and put on that dress I told Lemon to make you wear. We've arrived, and everyone's excited to meet their Luna."