Selene's breath was uneven, her pulse racing beneath her skin as she stood frozen in the empty street. The neon glow of the city painted Kieran's face in sharp shadows, making him look even more untouchable.
But she knew better.
He wasn't untouchable.
He was relentless.
And the way he was looking at her now—like she was the only thing that had ever mattered—was more terrifying than any monster she had ever faced.
She clenched her fists. "I'm not yours, Kieran."
A dark smirk curled at his lips, slow and knowing. "Aren't you?"
Selene's nails dug into her palms. "You can't just claim me like some prize you've won."
"I didn't win you," Kieran said, stepping closer, his voice lower now, more dangerous. "I saved you."
Selene swallowed hard. She hated the way those words sent a sharp ache through her chest.
Because it was true.
He had saved her.
But at what cost?
—
Kieran watched her, his patience wearing thin.
She was fighting him.
She always fought him.
And yet, she was still here.
Not running. Not pushing him away.
Just waiting.
Waiting for him to give her a reason to hate him.
A reason to leave.
But he wouldn't give her one.
Because Kieran wasn't like Damien. He wouldn't cage her, wouldn't force her into submission.
No.
He'd make her choose him.
Even if it destroyed them both.
—
Selene took a slow breath. "What do you want from me, Kieran?"
His jaw tensed. "Everything."
The word hung between them, heavy and suffocating.
Her heart slammed against her ribs. "That's not fair."
His lips twitched, but there was no humor in his eyes. "Life isn't fair, Selene."
She hated him.
Hated the way he could say things like that and make them sound so simple.
She turned away, staring at the city lights in the distance. "I just need time."
Kieran's silence stretched between them.
And then—
"You have until sunrise."
Selene's breath caught. She turned back to him, confusion flickering in her gaze. "What?"
His expression was unreadable. "If you want to walk away, I won't stop you. But if you're still here when the sun rises…"
He stepped closer, his presence overwhelming.
"Then you're mine."
Selene's chest ached with something she couldn't name.
A part of her wanted to run.
The other part?
The part she didn't want to admit existed?
It wanted to stay.
---