The Beast's Possession

**Aife

pov**

Why was I so damn scared? Why couldn't I look into Killian's eyes and just come clean with him? After all, he was the man who provided the shelter and security I so desperately needed.

The only thing that grounded me and kept me somewhat sane was Jonathan's reassuring grip. His hand, that I was clutching as if it was my lifeline. Just hours ago, this man looked at me with so much anger and distaste, just to become the savior I needed as we discussed the secret I carried under my heart.

I opened my mouth, about to question them both, but as soon as I did, my throat dried up, a massive lump appeared out of nowhere and I couldn't utter a word.

My struggle went unnoticed as Killian and Jonathan spoke about something, gradually raising their voices and waving their arms as if they were arguing, but I couldn't hear a word. It was as if my mind blocked out every word my ears caught

on.

Was everything and everyone in my life against me? It seemed as though the universe conspired against me, each twist of fate further entangling me in the web of my own making. I didn't want to stand aside and act like a sorry victim. Self- pity offered no solace. My reality was harsh, but it also was one, crafted by my own choices.

As Killian's voice rose in frustration, I felt a pang of immense guilt tighten in my chest. "We can't keep her hidden here forever, Jonathan," he exclaimed, his tone edged with concern. "The longer she stays here, alone, the more danger she's in. And even if she pulls through, remember that it'll take only a few months until she has to give birth. There is no doctor and midwife that will ever agree to assist labor at someone's home, especially Luna's labor." My eyes followed his hand as Killian brought it to the bridge of his nose and hissed out a whisper, "the father is too powerful, she might not make it."

Jonathan's brows furrowed in response as his grip on my hand tightened, just a little, but still enough for me to feel. "But where else could she go then? You, better than anyone, should know what that crazy bitch of a sister is capable of," he retorted, his voice laced with urgency. "And Bane.. if he finds out.."

Bane. The mere thought of him sent a shiver down my spine. It didn't matter that my heart still beat for him, for his presence, touch, the warmth of his arms.. After I saw what he was capable of, how far he was willing to go to hurt me - the very person he was supposed to love and cherish. Yeah, I still believed that fleading from that place was the best decision I had ever made.

Perhaps not for now, but in the long run, I was sure it would be for the best. For myself and our unborn child.

"I think we need a plan," Jonathan continued, his voice bringing me out of my thoughts. From the corner of my eye, I could see his gaze flicker between Killian and me. "Somewhere safe. We need somewhere where she can lay low until we figure this out. As much as I wish I could say this house is okay, with a twist like this - I think we both know it's not safe to keep her hidden in the territory. Do you have the ownership of any neutral lands already? We could use a place like that right now."

Killian nodded, his expression grim. "I think I have a couple of contacts I could reach out to," he announced as a newfound wave of determination washed over him. "We will find a place, just like you said, somewhere off the grid where she can't be traced. Neutral lands might be the best solution since no one could legally follow her there too."

Relief flooded through me as my grip on Jonatha's hand loosened. The prospect of a place, safe enough for my baby, was bringing a sense of happiness, if only temporary. However, even as hope shone through the darkness that surrounded me, the weight of uncertainty still lingered like a shadow, a constant reminder of the path I was about to walk. Alone.

Jonathan and Killian didn't waste much time. Both instantly emerged into a discussion about their plans and possibilities, while I let my mind race. Sure, most of my thoughts were enveloped in thick, dark coats of doubts and fears, but being cautious couldn't be a crime.

Still, I couldn't help but wonder. What if Bane was still stuck in that psychotic episode? What if he sent someone out to find me and drag me back now that he knew that there was more that connected us than a couple of nights we spent together? Mate bond could be as much of a curse as it could be a blessing.

Then, there was another problem on my plate. I didn't believe that my father and Milly would back down this easily. They both weren't known for throwing in the towel the moment problems arose. Those two doubled down on whatever they wanted - there was no such thing as failure for them. Ever.

"Yes, but we can't afford any mistakes," Killian muttered, gripping my attention with the strength of an invisible iron claw. "She's not safe here, not with the stakes so high."

Somewhere at the back of my mind, some of my thoughts turned into a different direction. What had happened for everything to turn so backwards in a matter of hours? It wasn't that long ago when Killian was buying me off my father like some product, but now, he stepped up and acted like a real leader, a true protector of his pack while I wasn't a part of one at all.

As I glanced at Jonathan, his gaze softened and he instantly squeezed my hand, as if giving me an unspoken promise. "We will do whatever it takes to keep you safe, Aife," he whispered, seemingly saying less than he truly wanted to. And yet, his voice was so steady despite the gravity of this situation that I couldn't help but believe him. "I won't let anything happen to you or the baby."

Tears welled up in my eyes and my bottom lip trembled as a wave of emotions overwhelmed me. The warmth of his words offered a sense of comfort, a ray of hope fighting though the wildest of the storms that raged within me.

As Killian and Jonathan delved deeper into their discussion, I couldn't shake the feeling that time was slipping through our fingers like grains of sand, each passing moment bringing us closer to the inevitable downfall that awaited us all. "I'll go with her!" Jonathan suddenly shouted, scaring me so much that I jumped in my seat.

"What?" I managed to force out the word, weak, but still audible.

He shifted in his seat to face me and grabbed both of my hands. "Killian can't go with you, Aife, he is the Alpha and the pack needs him. I, however, am nothing but a personal driver. I'm sure Alpha won't mind it if I take some time off, after all, I haven't had a vacation in ten years."

In response, Killian groaned. "Hate to say goodbye to my best driver, if only for the time being, but I think he has a point. If one of us can remain at your side at all times, that will give us all a little more sense of safety."

With that being said, Killian slapped his hands against his thighs and stood up. "I guess we agreed on this one then. I need to return to the pack house to see where you two could hide and in the meantime, as I pull on the strings, you two can stay here and get to know each other better."

Killian didn't wait for an answer. He headed for the door and stopped, as if he forgot to add an important detail. "Before I forget - I'll arrange a doctor's appointment for you before we set the plan in action. We need to make sure that you and the baby are okay to travel."