Chanel’s POV
Kios leaned against his sleek black car, arms crossed, watching me with amusement. He opened the passenger door and tipped his chin, motioning for me to get in.
"We need to talk privately," he said in a low voice.
The logical part of me screamed that this was reckless. Kios wasn’t just any Alpha. He was powerful, dangerous, and notorious. Getting involved with him was playing with fire. More like dancing in the flames of a volcano.
Kios chuckled. "You’re scared. I get it," he mused. "But if you don’t take risks, those who mock you will keep doing it. You’ll keep being their fool."
I suddenly recalled Daniel’s betrayal, Miranda’s smug laughter, and Alpha Gary’s mocking smirk. I wasn’t going to let them walk all over me forever.
Without another word, I slid into the car.
Kios smirked and shut the door before rounding to the driver’s side. He settled in and reached into the compartment and pulled out two small bottles of liquor. He handed me one.
"A toast to our new partnership."
I wavered again, eyeing the bottle. "Why do I have to drink with you?"
Kios smirked. "Because partners celebrate, and trust starts somewhere."
I sighed but accepted it.
"Relax, Chanel. If we’re going to be partners, we should be comfortable with each other," Kios said, tilting his bottle before taking a slow sip.
I took a tentative sip, the burn spreading down my throat. "Do you really treat a sacred mating bond as a business partnership?" I asked, glancing at him.
Kios laughed. "Even a human marriage is a business transaction, Chanel. What’s the difference?"
I frowned. "Then why do you want a mating bond with me?"
For the first time, Kios didn’t answer immediately. His fingers tapped lightly against the steering wheel, his gaze focused on the windshield as if deep in thought.
I studied him and took a steady breath. "If I’m your business partner through this mating bond, then you should be open with me too."
His gaze snapped to mine, amusement flickering in his silver eyes. Then, he smirked. "I’m already liking you."
Heat rushed to my cheeks, and I looked away, cursing my reaction.
Kios leaned back in his seat, a slow smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "Daniel and his pack were always my target."
My stomach twisted at his words. "Are you saying you're going to destroy my entire pack?"
He let out a low chuckle, shaking his head. "No, Chanel. My target is Daniel and his bloodline. I’ll cut out the rot and replace it with something stronger, which is my rule. And since you’re the most potent weapon against him, it only makes sense for us to work together."
I tightened my grip around the bottle, my nails pressing into the glass. "And what do I get out of this? Because from where I’m sitting, it sounds like you're just using me, just like Daniel did."
"Oh, I am using you, Chanel,” he admitted. “Let’s not play pretend. But unlike Daniel, I don’t make empty promises. When I win, you win. And believe me, victory will taste far sweeter than revenge alone."
Kios was blunt, unapologetic, and dangerously persuasive. And yet, despite his sharp words, I didn’t feel uneasy. If anything, I felt at ease. His honesty was oddly comforting.
And besides, the thought of Daniel and Miranda on their knees was so intoxicating that I could barely contain my excitement.
I met his gaze and nodded. "We’ll continue discussing the plan in the next few days."
Kios smiled, satisfaction gleaming in his eyes. "Good. Now, let me take you home."
I shifted in my seat. "I can get home on my own."
Kios arched his brow. "I insist. You and I are partners now, Chanel. That means I take care of what’s mine."
I swallowed, unsure if it was the possessiveness in his tone or the quiet command in his words that sent a shiver down my spine. "I’m not yours, Kios. This is an arrangement."
He chuckled. "Of course. Now, be a good partner and let me drive you home."
My protest died in my throat as he started the engine.
