Uninvited

Chapter 25


Uninvited

EMELIA



Keiden’s words were sharp and deadly, sending a chill through the air as he faced down the women who’d hurt me. His anger radiated through the room, each word piercing the silence like a blade.

“Who gave you worthless beings the right to lay a hand on her?” His voice was a quiet, terrifying calm, yet every syllable felt like a storm waiting to unleash.

One of the women tried to keep her stance, but I could see the fear in her eyes as she responded. “She’s just a plaything, Alpha… do you even care about her?” Her voice trembled as Keiden’s gaze bore into her.

“She’s not a plaything. She’s mine,” he growled, voice thick with authority and threat. “And if any of you lay a finger on her again, you’ll pay with your heads in a box.”

That was it—their last bit of nerve shattered, and without another word, they fled the room, almost stumbling over each other in their haste to get away. They looked like birds startled by a predator, their terror clear as they rushed to escape.

Keiden turned to me, the hardness in his gaze melting to something I’d never seen before—concern. He took a step closer, the intensity of his expression softened, almost… apologetic.

“I’m sorry, Emelia,” he said, voice low, regretful. “I should have been here sooner. I should have protected you.”

I blinked, staring up at him, too shocked to speak. Was this the same Keiden who’d been so harsh, so closed off, so… impossible? I wanted to ask why he was suddenly being so kind, but I couldn’t bring myself to ruin this moment. I was scared that any question would break this gentler side of him that was so unexpected yet so comforting. I wanted him to stay this way, to hold onto this softness, for just a little longer.

“Are you okay?” he asked, moving closer and wrapping me in his arms. His warmth was steadying, and my heart pounded in my chest.

I managed to nod, saying, “Yes, I’m okay.” But as he pulled back to look at me, his gaze was sharp, knowing. I could tell he didn’t believe me.

“You don’t have to pretend,” he said gently. “I know you’re not okay.”

That was it—the dam broke. Tears welled up and spilled over, and I couldn’t hold back anymore. “I was so scared, Keiden,” I whispered, my voice breaking. “They slapped me, called me all kinds of things. They mocked me… I thought that if you hadn’t come, they might have killed me. You might have only found… my corpse.”

I broke down, tears flowing freely as I clung to him, the fear and shame of the last few minutes finally pouring out. Keiden pulled me closer, his arms like a shield, his voice firm and steady as he spoke.

“Emelia,” he murmured, “don’t be scared. I’m here now, and I’ll protect you. I swear on everything, no one is going to hurt you again.”

I nodded against him, but the fear lingered. I was still shaking, unable to fully calm down.

He held me tighter and spoke again, quieter this time. “From now on… you’ll be sleeping with me. I want you safe, and I won’t take any chances.”

I froze, looking up at him with wide eyes. “S-sleeping… with you?”

“Yes,” he said, his tone gentle but resolute. “I just want to protect you, Emelia. I would never hurt you.”

A wave of relief washed over me, mixed with an odd thrill. Being safe with him was all I wanted, but the idea of sharing a room, of seeing him every night, every morning… my thoughts started drifting, imagining Keiden just out of the shower, maybe a towel wrapped around his waist, drops of water on his skin…

“Emelia?” His voice jolted me from my thoughts. I looked up to see him watching me, brow slightly raised. “We should get back to somewhere safe.”

I nodded, shaking away the images in my mind, and followed him out, my heart still fluttering.

As we walked down the hall, my heart was still pounding from the whirlwind of emotions Keiden had stirred. But just as I began to feel a bit of calm, a striking woman appeared, stepping directly into our path.

She was breathtakingly beautiful—sharp blue eyes, hair that cascaded down her back like silk, and a figure that seemed sculpted to perfection. She wore a bold smile, all perfect white teeth, but I could tell instantly it wasn’t directed at me. Her gaze was fixed entirely on Keiden, her expression… inviting, almost too inviting.

Keiden looked just as caught off guard as I felt. He straightened slightly, giving her a wary look. “Do I know you?” he asked, his tone polite but distant, as if he were trying to recall any familiarity.

The woman tilted her head, her lips curving into a knowing smile. “Oh, Alpha Keiden, we’ve met,” she said, her voice dripping with a seductive sweetness. “It’s been a while, but… I never forget a face like yours.”

I felt a surge of discomfort twist in my chest. Who was this woman? And why did she look at him like she had every right to be here, interrupting us? I cleared my throat, hoping to break through whatever spell she was trying to cast.

“Um, hello?” I said, trying to make my presence known, my voice barely masking the tension.

The woman’s eyes slid toward me, and her expression changed in an instant, her face twisting in thinly veiled disgust. She looked me up and down, as if I were nothing more than an inconvenience, and then she turned her attention back to Keiden, dismissing me entirely.

Keiden noticed the interaction, glancing between us, confusion flickering in his eyes. “If we’ve met before, I’m sorry,” he said, his tone firm, “but I don’t quite remember. Could you remind me how we know each other?”

The woman’s smile only grew wider, and she leaned in, her gaze dropping to his lips as if she were drawing him closer with her eyes. “Oh, Keiden,” she purred, ignoring his question, “some things are better shown than explained.”

Before he could even react, she closed the gap between them, her hands reaching up to his shoulders as she pressed her lips firmly against his, a kiss that seemed to linger far too long for my liking.

“What…?” I whispered, feeling a wave of shock and hurt ripple through me as I watched, unable to tear my gaze away. I felt frozen, my mind struggling to make sense of what I was seeing.

“Keiden?” I managed to say, my voice barely a whisper.