I reached out my hand to Alijah, who seemed utterly perplexed by what happened to him. If I thought about it, I guess I would be too. I mean, I randomly popped up and bound him to me with no consent. Usually, one would wait until marriage for this sort of thing. But, hey... I had no choice. He probably thought what the fuck this crazy chick wants with me, while all I wanted was to save him from himself.

The poor bewildered wolf gazed at me, wondering what I was. Though he would not figure it out at this moment. No, I was some sort of alien in his eyes that had turned his world upside down. After all, who would ever say those words to him? I was puny compared to him, but I could be much more if he let me be. No, I needed to be, even if it was not with his consent!

“You are too fucking crazy.” Alijah finally broke a wry smile on his lips.

He seemed somewhat amused by what was happening, which was better than being in full denial. At least he was quick to pick up in wits. Grabbing my hand, I helped him up from the ground.

“I am the only one crazy enough to save you.” I pointed out.

He rolled his eyes in response.

“Save me?” The crimson eye Lycan scuffed, shaking his head, and gazing at me unimpressed.

“I will play along for now.” He huffed.

I smiled in return.

‘Well, this is better than nothing.’

Either way, we had little time to waste.

“Good. Well, I need you to shift.” I announced, causing Alijah to tilt his head.

That was not what he expected to come from me.

After all, why would he need to shift?

“Why?” He questioned, not unaware why I was in such a hurry to leave.

He did not know that the entire world was after him. It was funny to see, but concerning. This man was so strong that he could not see the danger. Even if it was right in front of him.

“Because the moment they catch our scents, they will find us. Well, if we don’t go faster than our human legs will get us. I am a luma and I can’t shift!” I tried to explain.

In response, he glared at me, not liking where this was going. Most lumas could shift, but in my case, well... it was complicated. Something he did not need to know. For now...

“So, how will you keep up?” Alijah continued his query.

It caused me to narrow my eyes and smirk.

‘He was not serious, was he?’

The answer was so obvious, but of course, not every Lycan liked to be ridden. I suspected he would be one. Despite that, we had no choice. His consent did not matter! Although... it should have... under normal circumstances, that did not involve death!

“By riding you, duh.” I pointed out the obvious.

Alijah crossed his arms in return, ticked off by what I said.

'Uh oh... No... please don’t do this. We don’t have the time!'

‘Oh, girl! You have a fight in your hands.’ A ghost floated by.

I tried to ignore the chatter from them. Annoying... but acting like a crazy person in front of this Lycan would not help my cause. We needed to hurry!

“No one has ever ridden me. So that will never happen, wench.” Alijah growled, trying to seem fierce.

All it did was make my eyes roll. There was always a first. Although that made me happy to hear. I would be his first rider. A minor victory.

'Chill heart! I can’t fangirl right now!'

“Well, there is always a first time! So, do it, because if they find us, they will kill you!” I tried to make him understand the urgency.

He huffed, not wanting to listen to me.

“Not if I kill them first,” Alijah announced, eyes somewhat glowing.

This wolf was so very cocky. Probably without the bond, he could have done so, but not with it.

‘Ah... Shit.’

I had forgotten something important. Vera made it so I would have to do a specific action to solidify the bond.

‘Shit... this will be awkward, but easier. The bond forces him to listen to me, after all. Think nothing of it. Rem, this is business. Nothing more.’

“Don’t move for five seconds, Alijah,” I suddenly ordered.

While the black wolf gazed at me, my order froze him in place. With brief hesitation, I grabbed onto his fur vest and yanked him into a quick, light peck of the lips. The moment they brushed together; it sent another pulse through us both.

After the five seconds were over, he pulled me away from him while he held onto my shoulders. The look on his face was one of pure bewilderment. He really did not know what to expect from me. It was not long until profanities left him though.

“What the fuck?” Alijah muttered, not knowing what to do with me.

Even if he wished to kill me, he could not. Especially now that I had solidified the bond. The kiss strengthened it even more than before. Longer lasting, I guess we could call it. This incantation was an idea I had gotten when I saw mom and dad call each other’s soul mates. If Alijah died, so would I. Though in my case, it was a different matter.

Thanks to that, he could not shove me away if there was a potential for me to come to harm. The perfect plan. I could not believe it was working. Everything was better than expected. Though... the warmth of his lips on mine haunted me. I could not allow it to show.

This had to be a professional relationship. After all, his heart was closed to everyone but one woman.

“I am sorry for that, but I needed to solidify the bond. With that, I seal it until further notice.” I informed, trying to hide the fact I enjoyed every second Alijah’s lips were on mine.

The entire time he gazed at me, utterly lost. I kind of felt bad for him. Being thrown in here to be met with this mess. And to be assaulted like this, too. Though, that was not my plan in the first place. No, Vera made it like that.

And it was not like I could ask him nicely.

'Oh... Whatever, he will get over it, eventually.'

“You may not use your powers unless I say so from now on, too. So right now, you are an ordinary Lycan.” I quickly added, trying to move on from that kiss.

This came much to his horror. His eyes were wide open. And his face… well, there could not be more anger washed over it.

“The wench said what?!” Alijah uttered, pissed beyond belief.

This was not a brilliant start. With the way he was glaring at me, I was sure he would have splattered me on the floor. The instant he could do it. Vera was right. I was an annoying bitch, but one that wanted to keep him alive at all costs. While also saving my family, too.

“I will not let you kill anyone here. And now that you are bound to me, you have to do what I wish. So...” I clarified.

His expression told me all I needed to know. He wanted to strangle me. The hate in his eyes was present and reassuring, but I did not care if he loathed me. All I cared about was if the angered wolf in front of me made it out alive. That was all that mattered.

“I don’t know how the fuck you bound me to you, but I promise I will find a way to kill you, little girl.” Alijah threatened.

I softly nodded, acknowledging my peril at his hands. There was no more time to speak. I could sense them coming. Dad... Aiden... Caden... I would protect all of them, along with Alijah. I would open the mad Lycan’s heart to this world. And maybe close mine to him.

After all, once he knew he could see his beloved again. It would fill him with all the joy he needed. There was no room in his heart for me. That much I knew.

‘Sometimes it is better not to meet the celebrity one has the hots for. Rem, this sucks!’

“Okay! But for now, shift!” I clapped my hands.

He growled in response to my command but had little choice but to do it. If we stayed here the way we were, he would end up at a disadvantage. It was not like I would have allowed Dad to kill him, but I could not fight him off, either. Eventually, Alijah would have ended up dead or in a prison. Two things I wanted to avoid.

Once his shift into his beast/wolf's form was completed. Wasting no time, I climbed onto his back. However, before he took off, I cautioned him about something important. Adding a little white lie with it, too.

“If I die. You will forever be stuck as a normal Lycan forever. So, protect little oh me, Alijah-tan,” I snickered a warning to him.

Thanks to my connection to the soul cairn, it was found that I could not die. The day of the accident revealed it all. Although I remembered little of it. After I fell, I should have been dead. After all, I splattered my brain on the floor when I hit the ground. I also broke multiple bones. Yet somehow, I was still standing here.

Mom explained to me that something healed me, saving me from death’s door. I was not an ordinary hybrid, thanks to that. A growl left his lips upon hearing the nickname that came out of my mouth.

“Fucking luma...” Alijah huffed, suddenly bolting forward through the forest and away from the lake.

I had only ever ridden Dad or my brothers before, but Alijah’s silky black fur seemed to be softer than theirs in my hands. He was also faster than they ever were. If I were not stronger than the average human, his speed alone could have easily blown me off. By the gods, if I could feel this speed with my paws. That would be...

‘Irrelevant. Something I will never feel.’

For Alijah, all I could do was keep his special powers in check, but not his physical strength. In that, he would always excel. So, I was not accurate when I said he would be a normal Lycan. No, he would always be much more than that. However, he was bonded to me, so even with his strength, he could kill no one unless I allowed it.

And that was something I would not permit. I wanted him to be free in this world, not pursued because of the crimes he committed. In this time, he had killed no one. So, he had a chance, and I would fight for it.

The way the black wolf maneuvered through the forest was flawless. In an instant, we were clear of the entire thing and on our way to our adventure. We ran for the complete night and most of the morning hours of the next day. We only stopped by the edge of a hybrid village because of how exhausted Alijah was.

From the distance, I could see a giant sign with the name Luxon on it. The poor wolf was breathing heavily, too. Part of me felt bad for having him run for so long. It was also the first time he had gotten hungry or needed to relieve himself in six thousand years. This would be a whole new experience to the grumpy wolf, who cursed under his breath at any chance he had.

Sitting by the outer edge of the village, hidden away from their view, Alijah tried to catch his breath while I scavenged my bag for clothes for him. I had brought some for him, fearing that he would stick out in those ancient rags he had in my mom’s portrait of him. Grabbing the clothes from my bag, I handed them to him and told him to change.

At first, he looked at me like I was crazy, but it soon turned into a tug of war. I tried to take off his vest as he resisted.

“Just take it off!!!” I growled.

Alijah tried to get me off him while I yanked on his vest. It was already revealing as it was! Though it did not help, I was hungry too.

‘Girl... You are assaulting the poor man.’ A ghost pointed out, irritating me even more.

Why would they never shut it? They knew nothing!

'Just leave me alone already!'

“Fuck no! I don’t know what the hell is wrong with you!” Alijah tried to push me off him.

I was not relenting.

‘Ah... I never explained myself, did I? Maybe if I did, he would listen to me, right? Right?’

“You can’t go into town looking like that! You will stick out like a sore thumb!” I tried to make him understand.

He growled, trying to get me out of his hair.

“Back off,” Alijah warned.

He seemed to get uncomfortable with my advances, but I would not give up. I needed him out of those clothes and into the new ones. The last thing I wanted was for these hybrids to single him out and harm him. Or try to at least. Alijah was no pushover, but he was also defenseless because of our bond.

“Then just put the stupid clothes on!” I huffed, finally pulling off his vest, only to tumble against the tree.

It knocked all the wind out of me. I slid onto the floor while Alijah gazed at me, not knowing how to handle me. He was utterly unamused that I had somehow harmed myself. Even though I was the assailant.

“Oi... You did not just knock yourself out, did you?” Alijah asked, coming towards me.

My back and neck hurt from the fall I had endured. I probably scratched them against the wood; they would heal, though. Even so... It stung.

‘You kind of deserved that one.’ Another annoying orb commented, making me lose my cool.

I was just like any other Lycan with my temperament issues. Maybe even worse…

“Stupid grump of a wolf, if you would just listen to me!” I tried to growl at Alijah, only to end wincing in pain from the fall.

For a moment, he stopped being the prick he usually was. He bent down to me, seeing if I was alright. Maybe what I said the previous night stuck with him somewhat.

“Here, let me look.” Alijah suddenly started.

The change in demeanor caught me off guard. I thought he would call me some profanities instead. Did he hit his head on something? No, that was just me. Did I get a concussion and was hearing wrong?

‘Arg... It did not matter!’

“It is fine.” I pushed his hands aside, worried he would see my silver hair if he got too close.

If he saw I was a Silver Fang, he would surely make more of a fuss. Or at least I thought he would. After all, he hated us silver bloods. The moment I rejected his help, he stood up and grabbed the clothes I had brought for him.

“Fine...” Alijah sighed, not wanting to continue fighting.

The emptiness of our stomach was getting to us, leaving little energy to argue with. However, much to the detriment of my heart’s health. He slowly stripped in front of me, causing me to face plant my eyes onto the ground to avoid seeing his privates. Seeing his chest was already heart clenching. But... his... No... I would not survive!

“Don’t!” I yelped, covering my eyes.

My heart could not experience him that way. Instead of listening to me, he continued to dress in the clothing I had brought him. For the longest time... I had a crush on this man. Ever since I saw him in a portrait while at Mom’s workshop. But that was all he was all this time. A picture I could look at occasionally while in my waking moments.

Maybe dream of him in naughtier ways, but for him to undress in front of me was too much. I had hoped that when I met him, all my hopes and feelings would end. But I found myself pulled towards him even more. What was wrong with me? He was cruel and mean, yet I... saw what he could be.

This was just the beginning of this adventure with Alijah, and I already felt like I was going to lose my mind with such a simple act. Somehow, without my help, he figured out how everything went. Even though I had imagined what he would be like since I had never seen him. Well, other than in my dreams. Somehow, I picked out clothes that were his perfect size.

All that was left to gather were the shoes, and we could get some in the village. Getting up from the ground, I slowly walked over to Alijah, handing him some contacts to hide the color of his eyes. And a hat for him to hide his adorable fluffy ears.

In Celestelia, everything that made him a Lycan marked him as a target. We hybrids were known for raiding and trafficking people. I even hid my tail before I got here, but that was for Alijah rather than for others. Although if I got thrilled, it would wag through my pants, as it did with Shade.

After Alijah placed the black hat on, it matched his white shirt and black jeans. I grabbed onto his tail before stuffing it inside his pants, much to his annoyance. However, he complained less because he was getting hungrier with every second we wasted.

We were both famished. I had never felt hunger like this before. Taking out a vacuum-sealed bag from mine, I handed it to him. Any supplies he wanted to get from the village stores, he could deposit them there. Once ready to set out, I softly clasped onto the grumpy wolf’s hand, tugging him along.

“I’m not a kid,” Alijah growled at me for treating him like one.

I stuck my tongue out, refusing to let him go.

“No, you aren’t a child, but this world is not the one you remember. So, stay near me.” I informed him, rolling my eyes a bit.

Though I knew little of this world, too. But that was something he did not need to know. Not having the energy or the will to argue anymore, Alijah let himself be led. We traversed the rural town, looking for a hot meal and a place to rest.

This place was nothing like Silverant. Even the roads were made of dirt. Most of the houses were made from wood, too. That was a rare sight back at home. Though, something you did not see back home were vehicles. Then again, here in Celestelia, everything was legal.

On our way in, I noticed a hovercraft on the side of the town. Those were the worst, yet were great to traverse the desert lands of this continent. Whoever had that must have been a gang or something along those lines. And someone we had to avoid.

Vehicles and hover crafts were especially illegal in Silverant or in any big city. The legal way to transport anyone was by airship or horses. I mean, everything was mechanical back home, but things like cars and crafts weren’t permitted. Something about nature elves fearing their pollution. They already had a fit when Dad made airships legal. That was a mess.

It was not like they ran on gas, but the noise pollution was also a big concern for the elves. And of course, to keep the peace, every race had to keep to those mandates. Much like the vampires can’t drink blood without consent. Every race had limitations.

So, this vehicle thing applied to everyone. Well, all but the Blaze elves who were engineers and the hybrids. One lived near volcanoes, though. So, there was little pollution they could do with those erupting volcanoes. Plus, they also needed it to make their precious metal.

Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

Sadly, Dad had no reach here to enforce the council’s rule. Even in the twenty years, he had tried to make relations with the people here, the tear between the hybrids and the purebreds was too much to mend easily. Probably would never change. Well, not in our lifetimes.

Fortunately, we found a tavern with rooms and meals to get us through the afternoon and night. We had to keep moving after the daylight broke. I knew how Dad worked and he would not stop until he found us, but he also needed to rest. But unlike us, he had an army to send.

Thankfully, since Dad did not have power in Celestelia. He could not send Cerberus Order, a peace-keeping organization, to find us freely. They were not welcomed here without starting a civil war. So, this helped us stay ahead.

After relieving ourselves in the tavern’s bathrooms, Alijah ordered the first thing with meat on the menu. Instead of following his example, I ordered something lighter to digest and water for us both.

While we waited for the food, I pulled out a digital map I had sniped from Dad’s office. With it in hand, I headed to the bartender to help locate us. Sadly, I could not use the GPS setting on it, since it would have alerted my family to our location.

It was why I left my phone behind, too. No temptations were allowed on this trip! As long as we stayed away from them and cameras, we would be fine. Satellites were light-based. So, as long as they did not know where to look or we had cover, we would be fine too. And much to our luck, Celestelia was a big continent.

With Alijah’s speed, we made one heck of a hike from the howling forest we met in. We found ourselves in the middle of Celestelia. The heart of the nation. We had to be more careful than I first thought. If they found us out, Alijah, surely, would...

Let us say that the locals were not nice to purebreds due to how they were treated on the mainland. Finding my way back to Alijah, I noticed him with a peredhil girl. He had smitten the half-elf with his appearance. However, he seemed uncomfortable with her advances. Yet instead of screaming or yelling profanities, he just glared at her, hoping to scare her away.

Celestelia was already around in his era, so he must have known to be wary of the hybrids in this nation. Still, I had already ordered Alijah not to kill anyone. So, the bond seemed to work. Although the moment I got closer, he scowled at me worse than he did her. He hated me more than a random chick that came near him.

Even though it hurt my heart to see the grump’s gaze at me that way. I slowly made my way towards him while the girl continued to fawn over him. It probably ticked him off from not being able to chase or kill her off by himself.

“You are not from here. Right? I would of notice a hybrid like you if you were.” The half-elf suddenly sat next to him, seductively reaching for his shoulder.

He pulled away from her. After all, he had no interest in her or anyone.

“Don’t touch me,” Alijah warned the female peredhil, trying to not cause a scene.

I stepped in to help him. Though I could not help the words from spilling out of my mouth.

“Honey! What is the matter? I leave for a few seconds and you already trying to get a girl? Hm? Am I not good enough?” I started, catching both off guard.

Alijah’s expression was one to behold. He gazed at me like I was crazy for calling him that. The surprised expression on his face was godly, too. Though I wished he had those crimson orbs present rather than the blue contacts I had given him.

“Honey?” Alijah mumbled in disbelief.

The girl sized me up. She was not ready to back down without a fight. Oh, a fight she would have if that was what she desired.

“What?” the annoyed female peredhil questioned my interruption.

I turned off the map device, placing it on the table in front of me. She would leave if it were the last thing I did. I pulled no punches this time around.

“Yeah, we came here for our honeymoon. Sorry, but you are in my seat.” I pointed out, placing my hands on my waist, staring at the intruder condescendingly.

Alijah broke a smirk on his lips, realizing what I was aiming for. I did not know what was going through the grumps head, but it was nothing good. Either way, I had to focus on the girl. Any closer, she would notice he was not a hybrid like her. For a moment I thought she would not care, but she...

“Oh... excuse me, I did not know he was married.” The girl apologized, getting up from the seat.

Even though I was lying through my teeth, it seemed it worked. Although in her eyes there was something that I did not like. Well, as long as she left, it was all that mattered. Less of a scene, the better too. Eyes were gathering around.

“Yup. No problem, hubby here can sometimes be a handful. He is so pleasing in the eyes and all.” I assured her.

She smiled awkwardly, unsure of what to say at my remark.

“Though if you are married, then where are your rings?” The peredhil noted, gazing towards my ringless fingers.

It left me speechless for a moment.

‘Fuck... I forgot.’

Even Mom and Dad had one. Alijah, instead of staying quiet while I thought of a way out, made his move. All he saw in his eyes was a way to get payback.

“Forget the chatter and come here. You left me for a little too long there. So much that another almost swept me up,” Alijah smirked playfully, ignoring what the girl asked.

He tapped the seat next to him while I stared at him, unsure of what he was thinking. Sadly, the girl was still around, thus I had to continue acting. It seemed I had dug my grave. I did not like the fact that the eyes were piling up.

‘Fuck... What did I get myself into? I just wanted to help. Serves me right.’

“Yes, I left you too long, didn’t I?” I replied, trying to keep my surprise at his play-along under wraps.

'What are you planning, Alijah!?!?'

Hesitantly, I sat down next to him. The next moment, he suddenly grabbed me by my waist, pulling me closer towards him. I think my heart burst at that moment. The warmth from his hands was sinking into my clothes and seeping into my skin.

'Fuck... don’t... Please have mercy on me...'

I was getting jittery.

“Yeah... wife. Don’t leave me again like that.” Alijah growled lowly against my ear.

Before turning back to the half-elf, who was surprised to see his reaction to me sitting next to him.

“We have a special bond beyond rings.” Alijah began.

I gulped, trying to steady my heart. He was messing with me. I would not let him win, though. Maybe I should have let him win.

‘Will that be bad? Yes.... terrible.’

“Very special. We can’t live without each other!” I smiled, trying to hold myself together.

In response, Alijah’s hand went down onto my inner thigh before squeezing down on it. It caused me to release a slight gasp before I held onto his hand. This was to prevent him from stirring me up further. He did not know how much I desired this attention from him. And that made it an unfair move, but because of that, the girl backed off upon seeing Alijah’s ‘loving’ his ‘wife’.

I stared at her leave while the others also got back to their own business, noticing there was nothing more to see. Though Alijah would not let it go as they did. Instead, he intertwined his hand with mine and came close to my ear. He was messing with me... to the point; I felt like I was going to break. It hurt.

Alijah did not know what effect he had on me, though. He probably thought I would push him away or yell at him and make a scene, causing chaos to break out. Probably what he wanted, but I... was left saddened by the whole thing. This would be something I would never have. Something that would never be mine.

I... did not want a glimpse at this. What it could be if his heart did not belong to another. Why couldn’t he be a stranger to me? Why did he have to be so similar to what I experienced in my dreams?

“Are you going to treat me like your husband tonight, luma?” Alijah whispered into my ear, allowing his fiery breath to brush my skin.

I took a deep breath to steady myself and glanced at him firmly. He could never know what I felt for him. That I was weak to him. He would use it with little to no hesitation against me. I had to appear strong. So strong that I would be invincible against him. He did not own my heart! Even though... he did...

“My name is Rem,” I informed the grumps, knowing I had never formally introduced myself to him before.

I did not know what expression I had on my face, but he seemed in awe of my resistance to him. Releasing a sigh, I pulled away from his grip and stood up, sitting back down on the other seat on the opposite side of the table. When our meal came towards us. The whole time I avoided his gaze, I did not know what to expect from him.

Surprisingly, Alijah stayed silent while the server came and placed our food down. Perhaps he was stunned that a female would actually turn him down. He was probably the prettiest man I had ever seen. Even his eyelashes were longer than mine. This man’s appearance was illegal, which was why every girl here was staring at him.

The grumps had all the girls around his finger when he was back in his time too; I bet. Though... at a point, he did not want them anymore. Yet they were still forced on him. The moment the server left, he sighed.

“So, I finally have a name to call you by,” Alijah commented, eating his food.

I took a chomp off mine. This was awkward. Why did I have to feel for this Lycan? All over a picture too... And those dreams...

‘Fuck...’

I had to be strong if I did not want to end up hurt by the end of this adventure.

“Yup.” I agreed, reluctantly taking my first glance at him.

Mom had said he was touchy, but to me. But him doing that was an attempt to get a reaction out of me than anything else. And since I denied him of one, he moved on with ease. Lucky for me, nothing else happened before we headed back towards the rooms I had separated.

Once there, Alijah stopped being as docile as he had been. I expected as much. He would have a lot to talk about now that we were away from other ears. Luckily, I had turned the sigil, a magical artifact, that made the room soundproof to the outside world, before he pounced.

In an instant, I found myself pinned against the wall of the room. He would not let me escape unless I answered him. Or ordered him to.

“So... Rem. You will tell me how to break this stupid bond. I think we have wasted enough time in this charade.” Alijah started, holding me in place.

I gazed up at him to meet with his contact-covered eyes, noticing a light shine come from them.

‘Will those eyes ever soften up for me? Never, right? I am still not used to you looking at me like that.’

While trying to ignore the other chatters from the floating orbs around us, I chuckled at his words.

“For what? For you to kill me and go off with the world too? Please... all you had before now was time.” I smirked.

He did not appreciate my remark. He wanted me to crumble, and that would never happen because I did not fear him. No, I dreaded failing him.

“I will enjoy ripping you to pieces, little Rem,” Alijah scowled, tracing me with his eyes.

I cupped his cheeks and gently smiled. Even though his threat of violence was real, it did not scare me. If only he could rip me into pieces. Out of my brothers and sister, I was the wild card of the quad.

The one he had to fear. But of course, I would not tell him that. He could not know I was from that family if I hoped to save his heart.

“I want to see you try, Alijah,” I whispered, caressing his cheek softly.

He grabbed onto my hand and pulled it away from him. He did not know what to do with me. I was not sane to him. Something out of the ordinary and fearless.

“You are not afraid of me? Why?” Alijah asked, staring at my hand, bewildered by how I had treated him.

No one had shown him kindness in all these years. That alone was sad. Sadder than anything else I could think of. Even though he was beautiful, his heart was shattered and broken beyond salvation. Or at least, my mother thought. I, on the other hand, believed his heart could be glued and patched up. With the time of course.

“Because to me, you are harmless.” I giggled, knowing no matter what profanity or threat came from Alijah’s mouth.

It would never come to fruition while we were bonded. Surprised by my remark, he slowly turned his gaze back to me. However, his eyes hinted at annoyance at my assessment of him. That shift in expressions did not take long.

“Hah?” Alijah mumbled, surprised by what I said about him.

Probably never thought I would call him that. After all, in the past, he had threatened to destroy every living thing other than my mother. That was going to be the first thing he did after being released from his eternal prison. In response, I shook my head and poked his nose.

“You heard me, you are harmless, Alijah-tan.” I tried to provoke him.

He took my bait faster than I could realize, pinning both my hands onto the wall behind us. He was trying to look like a big tough guy, but all I saw was a hurt boy underneath it. His past was dreadful. Why did he have to suffer like that? Why did no one want to help him?

'Don’t worry... Alijah, you have me.'

“I have other ways to hurt you besides physical violence, stupid girl.” Alijah declared, leaning closer.

I chuckled in response to his real threat, astonishing him yet again. He could not figure me out. Nothing he tried got the reaction he wanted out of me. Instead, the weirdest things came from me. However, thanks to him, I could not concentrate on the surrounding ghost, who made snarky comments.

Come to think of it, while our skins touched, I barely noticed them. He was stronger than Dad, even though I was suppressing his power.

“Oh yeah? Well, the only way I will break this bond is if you show me you changed. So, harming me is the last thing you want to do. Well, unless you want to be bonded to me forever. Until death does us apart hubby.” I teased.

Instantly, Alijah released me, glaring at me. To him, I was no better than those who had imprisoned him. Which was fine for now. I would show him otherwise in time. I was his only ally. The only one who did not want to harm or use him, like the witch that cursed me.

‘Oh, you tell him, girl!’ A ghost cheered from the side, causing me to twitch my eye.

'Shut up...'

“You are hilarious. You don’t know half of what I have gone through if you expect me to change.” Alijah growled, angered by my choice of words.

Change for him would never come easily, but it was something that needed to occur. I wanted it to happen. It had to be done!

“I don’t know what you went through, but I have a rough idea of what it was,” I sighed, not liking that thought to linger in my mind, taking a step away from the wall.

My words caused him to turn back to me, amused by what I had said.

“Oh? Who told you?” Alijah asked curiously, wondering who I was.

I placed down my bag on the floor by my chosen bed. There were two in the room, even though the tavern owner wanted to sell me the single bedroom. How could I make Alijah see me as something else other than his captor? Perhaps a little of truth?

“M...” I stopped myself, realizing I was going a bit too far with that.

“L-Lilith,” I answered in a stutter.

I usually called her Mom, rather than by her actual name. Though she rather had called herself Lily than Lilith.

“Lilith told you?” Alijah questioned, turning his gaze bitterly.

He was hurt by what she had done to him twenty years ago. Twenty years to her, but to him, it was just less than a day ago. Tricking the wolf was the only way she found to stop him from going on a rampage. Though this time around, she wanted to put him down on the ground. She had failed to find a safe way to save him through her years of research.

Mom tried everything. Well, all but one. When I came to her with my idea, she shot me down because it would be too dangerous for me. If only she knew it would have worked. Would she have let me?

‘Doubtful...’

All I was to them was a liability. A danger to be contained. Then again, that did not make me much different from Alijah.

“Yes... she found out your story from the elders. Apart from what you told her yourself.” I continued to answer his questions.

They kept coming. Once you open the jar, it was hard to keep it down. Especially when it had to do with the woman he loved. The reincarnation of the beloved that he lost before he was...

“So, this is her plan?” Alijah’s query continued.

However, in his tone was one of sorrow. In his eyes, no one would ever care for him the way he wanted. He truly was just a hurt child. Well, I did, but I would not be enough.

“No, she wanted to kill you, by the time you showed up again.” I sighed, remembering Mom rejecting my plan flat out when I came to her.

Why couldn’t she have listened and trusted me? It turned out fine. Kind of...

“Then why are you here, Rem?” Alijah’s voice broke upon hearing my mother’s intentions with him.

It made me want to hug him, but he could never know how I felt about him. Not for a second. Sitting down on the bed, I gazed away from him. I carefully maneuvered my way through this. It hurt to see him like this.

In my dreams, he was much happier, less cranky, too. Though he started like a grump, much like he was now. Though, I probably would have felt the same. It seemed he was my fated soul, even if I was not his.

If I were Alijah... And I was raped, battered, and a prisoner for two years straight, reliving the same every day. I probably would have wanted to kill the world, too. But all the people he wanted to hurt were long gone. Dead and turned to ashes. If I could show him that. That would be enough.

'Please... find a cheerful place in this era.'

“Because I don’t want you to die, Alijah,” I announced, not wanting to look at him.

'Why was I so weak? Come on, Rem. You can do better than this! Look at him and tell him straight on. Don’t break just because he is here and is looking pitiful. He is here... That is what you wanted. Right?'

‘Aw... So cute you love him, don’t you?’

‘Girls always fall for the bad boys.’

Ghosts commented in the background while I tried to ignore them. They were always so noisy, never silent, and knew nothing!

“Why? You don’t know me. Why care?” Alijah seemed confused why anyone would care about him.

No one had cared for all those years he was locked up and raped repeatedly. No... no one cared. And no one helped him. It must have been lonely, but I was here now. I would let no one else hurt him. At least they would have to go through my dead body to do so, which would prove difficult for them.

“Because I just do.” I simpered, gazing back at the troubled wolf.

My words just pissed him off worse than ever before. He could not understand why I cared without reason. But I had a motive, just not one he would believe either way. Even if I did not feel the way I felt.

Alijah was also the key to my freedom. A lot depended on this. In the end, he would be happy, and I would have my freedom. It was a great payoff, right? Not to him... Well, he did not know.

“Oh... I hate your kind. Want to save the world, without knowing a goddamn thing about it.” Alijah snarled, suddenly pinning me onto the bed.

The moment my eyes met with his, all I could see was the anger and hurt that was spilling into him. He wanted to harm me. He really did, but the bond prevented him from doing so. Instead of feeling intimidated by him. By his hate, I sat up a little to get closer to his face.

I wanted to tell him I was here for him and only him, but...

“I don’t...” I stopped myself from saying the rest.

‘I don’t want to save the world. No... all I want is to save you, Alijah.’

And that saved the world from him, too. In my dreams, he was happy. I desired that for him. I wanted it so much that it hurt. Before I came into this trip, I swore I would accomplish it no matter who told me otherwise.

They were no use either way. Even if I said them now, he would just hate me more for it. Or call me a liar. Or worse. No... this grumpy, hurt wolf could never know. That I fell for him before this trip even began. Every minute I spent with him was torturous. I accepted him. No matter how damaged or angry he was.

“You don’t?” Alijah questioned harshly, gripping my wrist tighter.

I let myself go onto the bed once again while he straddled me. He probably wanted to crush them in his hands. It must have been so hard to want something, but not be able to take it like he usually did.

“You will not understand, my reasoning.” I simpered.

He seemed to lose it. After all, he wanted to be free but could not. He wanted to end everything that hurt him, but could not. I caged the wolf.

“Then make me understand, Rem.” The pain in Alijah’s eyes was excruciating for me.

Whoever saw him as a monster knew nothing of the poor man that tried to be tough. He was a man in agony. A pain I wanted to relieve him from... but I could not go soft on him or else he would walk over me. I could never let him know, even if my actions gave me away.

“I... don’t need to.” I stood my ground.

He growled at me, flashing his fangs. They were sharp, unlike mine, who were dull.

“Hah... of course. Then tell me this, just who the fuck are you?” Alijah snarled.

I sighed in response to his anger. I was his captor. A silver blood who was born from the woman reincarnated from his beloved.

“I am, Rem,” I answered, knowing full well that was not what he meant.

No... what he wanted to know, he could not. Not now or ever.

“I know your fucking name, girl. I mean, who are you, really? How did you get this spell to work on me, of all people?” Alijah clarified himself, adding more to his previous question.

It was almost as if he thought I might not have understood him before. I was not the smartest cookie, but I was not the dumbest of them either. Though my actions were full of recklessness.

“What I used on you would work on any Lycan, including red-eye ones,” I answered his question partially, leaving him wanting for more than I desired to give.

The usual wolves had amber eyes. My blood made this possible. My father was also a red moon Lycan, while my mother was the soul cairn vessel. Thanks to that, I could work with the souls of the living and dead. Even those stranded in the in-between realm. Though my magic was unstable, thus unusable without my dear sister, Vera.

“Yes, how?” Alijah asked, grabbing me by my chin.

He made sure I was facing him. I smirked, knowing what I said next would piss him off. But that seemed to be a normal thing for him. It was payback for the earlier grip, too.

“That is for me to know, and for you to never find out, Alijah-tan,” I replied, sticking my tongue out playfully.

His face warped in anger, pushing me back down onto the bed. In my dreams, we did this many times, but differently. Of course, that would only happen in my fantasies. I was not that foolish. All of that was never meant for me. I would never be the main girl in this man’s heart. No, that belonged to another, and that was okay.

All I wanted was for him to live. To love and be happy. Even if it was with another. I had to figure out how to save her too, but one step at a time.

“When... I... brake out of this spell, I will...” Alijah threatened, clasping his hands onto my neck.

However, the pressure was nowhere near as the night before. The bond had neutered him somewhat. This was getting boring, though. I would not allow him to handle me however he wished. I was not that easy of a target as he thought I was. Death did not scare me. No, what did was what came afterward.

“Yes, yes, you will kill me. I get it. I am not afraid of death, Alijah. Now get off me.” I ordered, triggering him to step away from me thanks to the bond.

For a bit, he growled at me, standing on the side. I slowly stood up from the bed and grabbed my bag. This was getting us nowhere. I needed some time to cool off, too. My temper was showing, and the ghosts’ sassy attitudes were not helping either.

“Though I hope you see I am not your enemy. I am the only person who will be by your side. No matter what.” I reassured the hostile wolf of my intentions.

He stared at me from where he was. Of course, he would look at me like that.

“I will be back. Take a shower, and rest on the bed or something while I come back.” I announced, heading out the door before he could say anything back.

Even though I walked out to let things cool. I wanted to find something to cheer him up with, too. Possibly try to get closer somehow.

‘But how? How can I try to do that in the first place?’

I was another enemy to Alijah. No, I was worse than that. I was his captor. From one prison to another. Of course, he would hate me. But was there another choice? I had none! It was that or his death. Or those of my family. Come to think of it, Mom always said that Alijah planned to kill the witches that summoned him.

The only person he did not want to kill was her. His beloved soul lived within her, after all. Maybe I was wasting my time trying to save him. Placing my headphones on, I walked out of the tavern and into the streets outside. The last thing I needed was a stupid ghost tainting my already negative thoughts.

The town seemed well off by itself, from the looks of it. The purebreds back at home had always said Celestelia was full of beggars and robbers. But I did not see any of that while inside the Luxon. I mean, it was full of hybrids everywhere, but that was it.

Other than that, it seemed like a normal town full of shops and pedestrians. It was also the first place I did not stick out like a sore thumb. Back in Silverant, all the purebreds would stare at me like I was not supposed to be there.

Though no one in my family ever made me feel that way. Or anyone close to them. Well, other than my great grandfather, who was extremely disappointed to be related to a luma. Perhaps it was the fact that Alijah hated my guts, but it hit me I had only been a day away from my siblings and parents. I already missed them terribly.

‘Perhaps I could send them a postcard?’

I gazed towards a souvenir shop, but I quickly stepped away from it. No... that would make it easier for them to find me.

‘Are they worried about me, though?’

Even though I did not regret any of my actions, part of me still wondered if they were alright. Although Vera called me loud and annoying. The nerve on that one. I pouted, trying to navigate my way through the town.

Luckily, I tracked down a shoe store for his shoes. And a bakery at the far end. Shade always loved sweets, and she was a horrible prude. Perhaps it would have the same effect on the grumpy wolf known as Alijah.

I ended up buying one of each they had available. Thanks to the fact I did not know what he would like. He probably had none of these back in his time, either. I felt happy with my purchase. However, before I could place my headphones. A ghost commented on something that planted an idea in my head.

‘You should not have left him alone. What if he leaves? They always leave in the end?’ A ghost that followed me from the tavern commented to a passerby.

They had been complaining about her boyfriend finding another woman, to her friend. In that instance, my heart stopped right where I stood.

‘He won’t leave, right? He can’t be that stupid.’

But then a worse thought crossed my mind. Edna... My heart raced while I jolted down the street towards the tavern. I left him in.

‘Fuck! I’m stupid!’

I bonded Alijah with me, but that bitch was not. If she found him then, he would surely follow her. After all, that witch had his beloved’s soul. Getting to the door of the tavern, I almost tripped on the stairs while I headed towards our room. Bursting the door open, my heart stopped the moment I saw him on the bed. He was still here.

Alijah had not left. He was out cold, sleeping like a log after showering. The run had exhausted the poor wolf. Relief washed over me, triggering me to drop the bag full of treats and his shoes onto the floor. I fell to my knees too. My body trembled at the thought of what could have been.

‘How stupid am I?’

I knew they sought him. I also knew Edna could find him any minute. Yet I left him alone. I could not let my anger or feelings impede protecting him. That could never happen again.

Standing up from the floor, I walked over to the sleeping wolf to see his peaceful expression. Even the most dangerous Lycan alive could have tranquil dreams. Though those dreams were probably full of her. This... entire journey was probably out of my hands.

Unlike my mom, father, and siblings, I was weak for real-life things. Purely inexperienced. I could not fight off shadow beasts or witches. If they came for us, I could do nothing without placing everyone in danger.

But... perhaps I could warm Alijah’s heart. Just enough so he would not destroy us all.

'Hey, Alijah... Do you think I might get a space in your heart? Even the tiniest piece, I would be happy with that.'

This journey would not be easy. Not at all. But I was determined to make the wildest Lycan in history smile.