Dangerous alliances

Kael had chosen a discreet, elegant bar—dark enough to hide the faces of powerful people who preferred to negotiate away from the spotlight. The place smelled of aged whiskey, leather, and well-trained silence.

Narelle arrived with steady steps, her black dress hugging her figure with strategic subtlety. She knew that every encounter with Kael was a chess match—and he always chose the board.

Kael was already there, seated on one of the back couches. A tailored gray blazer, eyes fixed on his glass as if the liquid helped him strategize. When she approached, he looked up, and the world seemed to shift just slightly.

“Narelle.”

“Kael.” She sat across from him, crossing her legs with surgical precision. “I expected dinner. This place is... a bit dark.”

He smiled, leaning forward.

“Drama requires shadows, don’t you think?”

She didn’t answer. Just lifted the flute the waiter handed her. Expensive champagne. He knew her too well.

Kael got straight to the point—no flourishes:

“For five years, I financed your studies, supported your family, silenced rumors... and took care of the boy. Not a single word in return.”

Narelle didn’t flinch, but something in her jaw tightened.

“You offered to help. You said you wanted to give back.”

“And I did. With generous interest.” He leaned in further, eyes locked on hers. “Now I want a return.”

She set her glass down slowly.

“And what exactly does that mean?”

Kael spun his glass between his fingers.

“Marriage. Official. Soon.”

Surprise passed over her face like a breeze—too quickly to be read.

“Kael, you know there never was…”

“Love?” he cut in, a controlled laugh. “No. Not always necessary. The world believes what we show it, and you know how to play that game better than anyone. We’ll pretend we’ve been dating for a few months. Convenient, natural. Then, at the right time—the engagement.”

She was quiet for a moment.

“And you get the most intriguing shareholder in the company as a trophy wife.”

“And you get the perfect shield to continue your revenge in peace. Rhaek wouldn’t dare touch Kael’s woman.”

She leaned back in the sofa, crossing her arms.

“And if I refuse?”

“You won’t.” His tone wasn’t aggressive. Just elegantly certain.

Narelle smiled.

“I won’t lie—it’s tempting. But I need time. I have to look hesitant, touched, overwhelmed by a new feeling…”

“Of course. Do the theater.” He leaned closer, voice lower. “But there’s one condition. Just one.”

She raised na eyebrow.

“Of course there is.”

“Twice a week. Just us. My terms. Intimate.”

She kept her smile. But her eyes... lost some of their light.

“Like a contract?”

“Exactly. With clauses you haven’t read yet.”

She tried to read him. There was something in the way he spoke—as if he had already possessed her before even touching her. As if he knew she wouldn’t walk away. Not now.

Narelle traced her finger around the rim of her glass.

“And if I don’t like your clauses?”

Kael smiled. The kind of smile that seduced and threatened in equal measure.

“You’ve always loved a challenge, Narelle. This is just another one.”

She stood up before the tension could harden.

“I’ll think about it. No rings yet. A romantic trip, maybe. Some leaked photo. Let me build the rest.”

Kael rose too, adjusting his jacket with elegance.

“Fine. But you know the rule—twice a week... in the dark. My way.”

He leaned in, kissing her cheek with a slowness that bordered on indecent.

“Welcome back to the game. But... before you decide,” he said, stepping closer, “I want you to see something.”

He gestured toward a side door. Narelle hesitated, but followed. The hallway was narrow, lit only by amber lights that flickered like candles. At the end, it opened into a private space — no larger than a secluded stage. The lighting was dim, but the scent had changed. No longer just leather and alcohol — now there was grilled blood, strong spices, and desire.

A table awaited them. Darkened silver, black porcelain plates. The waiter brought the meat cooked just the way wolves preferred: red, juicy, with a slight warmth still pulsing from the cut. Aged, intense wines accompanied it.

“Deer meat from the Eldra Mountains,” Kael explained, watching her savor the first bite. “Only served during mating rituals.”

She swallowed without comment. She knew the game.

Then, the thin curtains in front of the table opened. Red light bathed two bodies on the center stage: a she-wolf and a wolf, both naked, entangled with provocative intent. The show was explicit but refined — each touch, each movement rehearsed with precision to provoke, not just to shock.

Kael didn’t look directly. He was more focused on how Narelle reacted. While she slowly chewed another piece of meat, he, with a distracted air, slid his hands under the table — resting them familiarly on the thighs of two women seated silently beside him, nearly invisible in the shadows. His fingertips danced along lace stockings, unhurried. He sighed, but didn’t take his eyes off the food or the wine. The soft moans from the stage blended with muffled whispers behind them.

Narelle kept her chin up, but her eyes could no longer hide her discomfort. She didn’t envy him for touching others. She knew who he was. But realizing that, before possessing her, he subjected her to this… made her feel like part of na ancient ceremony, a test.

The whispers reached her ears like thin blades. Broken phrases, veiled commands, pleas for pleasure. Something in her chest began to tighten. It wasn’t anger. It was anticipation — and that scared her more.

She calmly set down her utensils and looked at him.

“Kael, I need some air.”

He merely nodded, with a half-smile. He didn’t stop her. That, to her, was a good sign.

Narelle walked out, the sounds of the show still echoing in her ears, the taste of strong meat still on her tong

ue, and a strange heat between her legs. She hated to admit it… but she liked what he had to offer.