Bounded to the Beast

Olivia's Point of View

I stared at him, my heart pounding in my chest like a war drum. Jaden Blackthorn stood tall and imposing, his arms crossed over his bare chest, the mark of his Alpha authority clear in his piercing gaze. The weight of his power pressed down on me, leaving me breathless and trembling.

"What do you want from me?" I asked, trying to keep the fear out of my voice.

Jaden's eyes narrowed slightly. "I want you to understand your place here."

"I'm not your prisoner," I snapped, lifting my chin.

He stepped closer, and I instinctively took a step back. "Aren't you?" he said, his voice low and dangerously calm. "You crossed into my territory, unmarked, unclaimed, and with no pack to protect you. You're lucky I didn't tear your throat out the moment I found you."

His words sliced into me. I felt like a fool. I had been warned never to stray too far from my human town, never to wander into the forest alone. But I hadn't listened. I wanted freedom. I got anything but.

"So what now?" I challenged. "You keep me here forever?"

He tilted his head, watching me like a wolf sizing up its prey. "You'll stay until I decide what to do with you."

I took another step back, bumping into the cold stone wall behind me. "This is insane," I whispered.

Jaden's expression softened, just a little. "You have no idea what's out there, Olivia. You're safer here, even if you don't see it yet."

"I don't want to be safe," I muttered. "I want to go home."

His jaw clenched. "There's no going back. The moment you crossed into this territory, your life changed. You're in my world now."

Silence settled between us, thick with tension. I swallowed hard, hating the way my body reacted to his presence—half fear, half something else I couldn't name.

"Get some rest," he said finally, turning away. "You'll need your strength."

"For what?" I asked, unable to stop myself.

He paused at the door. "For the trials ahead."

Then he was gone, the heavy wooden door closing behind him with a final thud. I sat on the bed, the soft sheets doing little to comfort me. My thoughts raced, tumbling over themselves in confusion and fear.

Trials? What did that mean?

I curled up under the blanket, but sleep didn't come easily. My mind kept returning to his eyes, the way they held both fury and something deeper—something haunted. There was more to him than just power and anger. I could feel it in the way he looked at me, like he was fighting a war inside himself.

The next morning, a knock at the door startled me from a restless sleep.

"Come in," I croaked, my throat dry.

A young woman entered carrying a tray of food. Her golden hair was braided down her back, and she wore simple clothing, but her presence was warm.

"I'm Maeve," she said, setting the tray down on the table. "Alpha Jaden asked me to help you get settled."

I sat up slowly. "Is this... food safe?"

She chuckled. "Of course it is. You're not a prisoner, Olivia. Things just... work differently here."

"Then why can't I leave?" I challenged.

Maeve hesitated. "Because if you leave now, you won't survive."

Her words were blunt, and the truth in them hit me hard.

"There are rogues out there," she continued. "And worse things that wouldn't hesitate to hurt a lone human. Especially one who smells like she doesn't belong."

I looked down at my hands. "I didn't ask for any of this."

"I know," Maeve said gently. "But sometimes the things we don't choose end up changing us the most."

I ate in silence, the food surprisingly good. Maeve stayed, watching me with curious eyes. She was kind, but cautious, like someone trained to spot threats even in unlikely places.

"Why does Jaden care what happens to me?" I asked.

Maeve's smile faltered. "That's not for me to say. But he doesn't bring outsiders into the pack lightly. If you're here... it means something."

That didn't comfort me. If anything, it made me more nervous.

Later that day, I was taken outside the pack house. The world beyond the walls was vast and wild. Towering trees loomed over us, and the scent of pine and damp earth filled the air. I was escorted by two wolves in human form—silent, watchful guards who didn't say a word.

We stopped at a training field where warriors practiced combat. I watched them spar with awe and fear. Their movements were swift, brutal, and graceful—like deadly dancers.

Then I saw him—Jaden. He stood at the edge of the field, barking orders to a younger warrior who clearly didn't want to disappoint.

When he noticed me, he waved the others away.

"Walk with me," he said.

I hesitated, then followed him into the woods, the guards keeping a respectful distance behind.

"What do you see?" he asked, gesturing to the forest.

"Trees. Danger. A place I don't belong."

He glanced sideways at me. "You belong here more than you know."

I stopped walking. "Stop saying that! I don't understand what you mean."

He turned fully toward me. "Because you're not just human, Olivia."

The air left my lungs. "What?"

"There's something inside you. Something... dormant. But it's waking up. That's why you crossed over. You were drawn here."

"No," I whispered, shaking my head. "You're wrong."

"Am I?" he said, stepping closer. "Then why can I smell the change in you?"

My knees nearly buckled. "Change?"

"You're not like the others. You never were. That's why the forest called to you."

I staggered back, overwhelmed. "This is insane. I'm not—I can't be—"

He grabbed my hand gently. "You don't have to believe it now. But soon, you'll feel it. And when you do, I'll be here to guide you."

I yanked my hand away. "I don't want your help."

"You might not have a choice."

His words echoed through the trees, chilling me to the bone.