Alpha Kieran's Regret

Chapter 7

_Katherine's POV_

The road stretched ahead of us, disappearing into the darkness. Lucian drove with a steady hand, his blue eyes focused. Every now and then, he glanced at me, as if making sure I was still there. The warmth of his jacket around my shoulders kept the night’s chill away, but inside, I was still unsettled.

Could I really trust him?

I looked at him again, watching the way his jaw tensed slightly, the way his fingers gripped the wheel with ease and control. He was powerful, I could tell. But there was something else, too. He wasn’t cruel. He hadn’t hurt me, hadn’t forced me to do anything. He had protected me.

And now, he was taking me somewhere safe.

As we rounded a curve, a massive structure appeared in the distance. My breath caught in my throat.

Lucian’s packhouse.

It was enormous, standing tall against the night sky. Its stone walls were giving it the look of an ancient fortress. Large glass windows glowed with warm light, making the whole place feel alive. A grand staircase led up to the entrance, flanked by towering columns. The packhouse wasn’t just big—it was beautiful, elegant, and powerful, just like its Alpha.

Lucian slowed the car and parked near the entrance. Before I could even gather my thoughts, a man appeared. He was striding toward us with urgency. He had short brown hair and piercing green eyes. His expression was tight with concern.

Lucian rolled down the window as the man reached the car.

“Alpha,” the man said, slightly out of breath. “Something happened while you were gone.”

Lucian’s expression darkened instantly. “What happened, Aaron?”

“There was a fight among the pack members,” Aaron said. “It got out of hand.”

Lucian cursed under his breath. “Is anyone seriously hurt?”

Aaron shook his head. “No, but tensions are high. They need you.”

Lucian glanced at me, then back at Aaron. “I’ll handle it. But first, I need to take care of Katherine.”

Aaron’s gaze flickered to me for the first time. His green eyes softened slightly, but his tone remained urgent. “Alright, Alpha. But please come quickly.”

“I will,” Lucian promised. Then he looked at me. “Let’s get you inside.”

Before I could protest, he stepped out of the car, walked around, and opened my door. And then, just like before, he scooped me into his arms.

“Lucian—”

“No arguing,” he said firmly. “Your foot needs rest.”

I sighed. I was too tired to fight him. As he carried me up the grand staircase, I couldn’t help but stare at the packhouse in awe. The massive doors swung open as we approached, revealing an interior just as grand as the outside.

The entrance hall was breathtaking. A chandelier hung from the high ceiling. Its crystals caught the light and scattered it across the polished wooden floors. A grand staircase curved upwards, leading to the upper floors. The walls were lined with elegant paintings, depicting wolves and the moon in various scenes of power and grace. The scent of burning wood and something sweet—maybe cinnamon—filled the air, making the space feel warm despite its size.

Pack members moved through the hall, pausing as they saw us. Some looked curious, others respectful. No one questioned Lucian as he carried me past them.

He climbed the stairs effortlessly. My arms were around his neck, and I could feel his warmth through his shirt. He smelled like pine and something else—something uniquely him. It was calming in a way I didn’t expect.

We reached a long hallway lined with doors. Lucian walked to the very end and pushed open the last door.

The room inside was small but cozy. A large bed with thick blankets sat against one wall. A fireplace crackled softly in the corner, casting flickering light across the room. A wooden dresser stood near the window, which had heavy curtains that could block out the world if needed. The scent of lavender lingered in the air. This made the space feel safe.

Lucian carried me to the bed and gently set me down. He crouched beside me, lifting my injured foot with careful hands.

His expression darkened as he examined it. “This looks bad.”

I bit my lip. “It’s not that bad.”

He gave me a look. “Katherine, it’s swollen, and it seems to be getting worse. You need a doctor.”

“I’ve had worse,” I muttered.

Lucian sighed, shaking his head. “That doesn’t mean you should ignore it.” He straightened. “I’ll call the doctor. He’ll take care of you.”

I hesitated. “But you have to handle the fight—”

“I’ll be back soon,” he assured me. “Just rest for now.”

Something about the way he said it made me believe him. He wasn’t abandoning me. He was making sure I was okay before handling his pack.

“Alright,” I said quietly.

Lucian nodded, then turned to leave. But before he stepped out, he glanced back at me. His eyes softened slightly. “You’re safe here, Katherine.”

And then he was gone.

I let out a slow breath and looked around the room. It was simple but comforting. The fireplace crackled softly, casting warmth into the space. The wooden dresser was polished. Its surface was smooth. A small bookshelf stood in the corner, filled with books that looked well-read. A thick rug covered the floor. It felt soft beneath my fingers as I trailed my hand over it.

The bed was the most inviting part. The blankets were thick and plush, and the pillows looked like clouds. I hadn’t slept in a real bed in so long.

I sank back against the pillows. I was exhausted. My foot throbbed, but for the first time in days, I wasn’t afraid of what would happen next.