Moonlit Vows

Kael collided with the vampire in a blur of motion, his fists and claws striking with lethal precision. The vampire hissed, its glowing red eyes narrowing as it countered with supernatural speed, blocking Kael's attacks and striking back with a vicious kick.

Selene stumbled backward, her heart pounding as she watched the fight unfold. She'd never seen anything like it—Kael moved with terrifying grace, his strength inhuman. But the vampire was just as fast, if not faster, and it fought with a cruel, predatory precision.

"Stay back!" Kael barked, his voice a mix of warning and command.

The vampire laughed, its fangs glinting in the moonlight. "Protecting the human, are we? How quaint."

Kael's growl deepened, his claws slashing through the air. "You don't touch her."

The vampire dodged the attack, its smile widening. "Oh, but she smells so… tempting. You can't blame me for being curious."

Selene's fear turned to anger. She wasn't about to stand there and let herself be treated like some helpless prize. Grabbing the closest rock she could find, she hurled it with all her strength.

The rock struck the vampire square in the head. It staggered, more from surprise than pain, and turned its glowing eyes on her. "You've got spirit, little human," it said, its voice dripping with mockery. "I like that."

"Leave her alone!" Kael roared, seizing the moment to slam the vampire into a tree. The force of the impact splintered the trunk, and the vampire let out a strangled gasp.

Kael didn't hesitate. With a guttural snarl, he shifted, his body contorting into his wolf form. His silver fur gleamed in the moonlight as he bit down on the vampire's throat.

The creature thrashed, its claws raking against Kael's side, but it was no match for the Alpha's ferocity. With one final snap of his powerful jaws, Kael tore the vampire's head from its body. The creature crumpled into a heap, its lifeless form disintegrating into ash.

For a moment, the forest was silent except for the sound of Kael's heavy breathing. Then, slowly, he shifted back into his human form, his chest rising and falling as he turned to Selene.

"Are you hurt?" he asked, his voice rough.

Selene shook her head, her legs still shaky from adrenaline. "I'm fine."

Kael frowned, his gaze scanning her for any sign of injury. "You shouldn't have thrown that rock."

"What was I supposed to do? Stand there and let it insult me?" she shot back, crossing her arms.

Kael blinked, and to her surprise, the corners of his mouth twitched in what might have been the beginning of a smile. "You're reckless."

"And you're welcome," she retorted.

Kael's expression softened, but the tension in his shoulders didn't fade. "It shouldn't have been here. Vampires don't hunt alone unless they're scouting. This was a warning."

Selene's stomach twisted. "A warning for what?"

"For me," he said grimly. "They're testing my pack's defenses. It's only a matter of time before they strike in full force."

"And what about me?" she asked. "Am I some kind of… target now?"

Kael stepped closer, his blue eyes locking onto hers. "I won't let anything happen to you, Selene. You have my word."

The intensity in his voice sent a shiver down her spine. "You can't protect me every second of the day, Kael," she said softly.

"I can try," he said, his tone unwavering.

---

The walk back to town was quiet, the weight of their conversation hanging heavy between them. Kael insisted on walking her all the way home, his sharp eyes scanning their surroundings for any signs of danger.

When they reached her house, Selene turned to him. "What now?"

Kael hesitated. "I need to regroup with my pack. We have to prepare for whatever's coming."

"And what about me?" she asked, her voice laced with uncertainty.

"You stay here," he said firmly. "Stay close to your family. I'll keep watch from a distance."

Selene frowned. "I don't like being sidelined."

"You don't have a choice," Kael said, his voice gentler but no less firm. "This isn't your fight, Selene."

"Then why am I involved?" she shot back. "You can't just tell me I'm part of some cosmic bond and then expect me to sit on the sidelines while you risk your life."

Kael's jaw tightened. "I don't want you to get hurt."

"And I don't want you to fight alone," she countered.

The intensity in her voice seemed to catch him off guard. For a moment, he looked at her like she was something fragile, something precious. Then he sighed.

"You're impossible," he muttered.

Selene managed a small smile. "So I've been told."

Kael's expression softened, and he stepped closer, his hand brushing against hers. "Stay safe, Selene. Please."

Before she could respond, he turned and disappeared into the shadows, leaving her standing on the porch with her heart racing.

---

Back at the den, Kael gathered his pack. Damon leaned against the wall, his usual smirk replaced by a rare look of seriousness. The other wolves stood in a semicircle, their faces grim as they listened to Kael's report.

"They're testing us," Kael said, his voice firm. "The vampire tonight was a scout. It won't be long before they attack in full force."

"What about the girl?" one of the wolves asked.

"She's under my protection," Kael said, his tone brooking no argument.

"That's dangerous," another wolf muttered. "Humans don't belong in our world."

Kael's growl silenced the room. "She's part of this, whether we like it or not. And I won't let anything happen to her."

Damon spoke up, his tone light but his expression serious. "If the vamps are after her, it's because they know she's important to you. That makes her a target."

Kael nodded. "Which is why we need to fortify our defenses. Damon, I want scouts on the perimeter 24/7. No one comes in or out without my approval."

Damon gave a mock salute. "You got it, boss."

As the pack dispersed to carry out his orders, Kael stared into the fire, his thoughts consumed by Selene. He'd sworn to protect her, but the bond between them was more than just duty—it was something deeper, something he couldn't explain.

And it terrified him.