Bloodbound to the Witch Heir: Claimed By Four

Celeste’s POV

*****

"Uhm..." I crawled out of the desk, placing my arms awkwardly in front of me.

Silas stood just a few meters in front of the door, arms folded and brows arched. The way he stared at me made me feel like I wanted to levitate.

Not in an ’aww, he’s staring at me’ type of way. But in a ’get me the fuck out of here’ way.

This wasn’t my original plan at all. He wasn’t supposed to be—

"You’re suddenly mute?" He chuckled, taking two steps forward. "Or do you still need time to process almost getting in trouble?"

Taking a long drag of air, I forced a smile. "I mean, you’re standing there staring at me like I’m in a lot of trouble—"

"You are." He uttered plainly, taking more steps closer. "Ignoring the fact that you’re technically not supposed to be here, you did something last night that... Deserves some kind of repercussions."

I tried to say something, but all I could manage was some weird sounds as my lips parted and closed repeatedly.

Fuck...

My heart beat quickened when he moved. Not toward me though. Instead, he walked to the fridge at the corner, pulling out a bottle of something before shutting it softly.

Definitely alcohol.

"Vodka?" He glanced over his shoulder. "You didn’t seem too interested in my whiskey last night—this one’s chocolate flavoured."

Once again, I couldn’t find the words to respond. Just stood behind that desk, blinking and probably drooling on my shirt. Even fully clothed, there was something about him that still stuck.

"I–I think I’m good," I managed a smile, fiddling with my fingers. "I’m sorry for dragging you into this. Damien is a senior and I could’ve put you in trouble with—"

He laughed. A low, amused sound that echoed off the walls as he waltzed toward a seat in front of the desk. Dropping his glass and another one, he took a small drag from his cigarette.

There’s got to be a health rule somewhere against smoking and drinking at the same time. But I guess being a wolf reduces any risks drastically. It also helps that he looked hot when he—

—Crap, what am I thinking?

Letting out a puff of smoke, his smirk broadened, eyes trailing me slowly. "For an Alpha King’s daughter, you’re cute when it comes to things like this. No offence, love."

Uhm, all offence taken!

What’s that supposed to even mean? 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝙬𝙚𝓫𝒏𝓸𝓿𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝙤𝓶

Pouting, I was about to tell him to take that back when he continued. "Being a senior doesn’t automatically give you status in this academy. Or any other supernatural academy. Even being an Alpha isn’t much help..." He paused, head tilting. "Should I begin delving into how one pack could be more powerful than another?"

I shook my head. "That won’t be necessary. It’s just... You’re a Beta. Luther is the Alpha in your family."

Silas shrugged. "And?"

Dear gods, this was getting me nowhere.

It seemed he noticed my frustration and enjoyed it, pouring himself a drink. "The West Star pack is one of the top three packs in Europe. With direct ties to the continent’s Luna Queen and Alpha King."

Oh, wow...

Ironically, I’ve heard my parents talk about Europe’s supreme werewolf rulers—especially Luna Queen Janelle. And how they helped end the war in North America first before taking it to a global stage.

Still... I didn’t come here for a lesson in werewolf politics.

"I get it," I raised my hands. "You said I... Did something last night that deserves repercussions." Pursing my lips, I placed my hands on the desk. "May I know what it is?"

He blinked once, eyes glued on me as he took a sip from his glass. It was long, infuriatingly so. He took his sweet time, making the pressure in my chest flare up.

Just when I made a mental note to look away, he smacked his lips. "My offer to drink with me is still available, by the way." He winked, placing the glass on the desk.

My eyes trailed to the glass. And the light golden liquid in it. For a moment, I picked up the scent of the chocolate he was talking about.

"You left me, Celeste," Silas dropped the words with a deadpan expression. "We were having a good time. Getting close. And you... Left. Simply because my brother showed up."

... Oh.

Curling my fingers on the desk, I tried and failed to avoid eye contact. "I... I didn’t want to be anywhere close to him. Also, I could feel the awkwardness when he saw us alone together—"

"Awkwardness?" Silas sniggered, placing his arms on the desk. He leaned closer, gaze never leaving mine. "Why would there be?"

I clenched my jaw. "He’s... He’s my ex. And you’re both brothers."

"And I’m your mate as much as he is," he took one last drag from his cigar, looking away from me so he could blow out the smoke. Then he killed the fire on an ashtray, flicking his nails. "It’s not my fault if he decided to treat you like a second option. Like you meant nothing."

To my surprise, he got on his feet. Each step he took around the table made pressure build behind my ribs, breath hitching like he had a loaded gun pointed at my heart.

When he got beside me, he didn’t say anything. Or do anything—for several seconds. All he did was silently stand there, staring at me like it was his first time.

I struggled not to meet his gaze. Not to turn to him and melt completely under his hazel orbs.

"Celeste," he whispered finally, right hand touching strands of my hair. "You have no idea how much I’ve waited for you. My fated mate."

His scent from this distance was strong. Cinnamon, cedar wood and something spicy. Plus a hint of the vodka he took. His breath was warm on my face, fingers coiling respectfully around my hair.

"I don’t care if there are other mates." His voice lowered, calm and confident. "Just... Let me show you all the care and affection my brother failed to. Allow me to unlock desires you didn’t even know you had."

Something thrummed in me. The pull of the bond, unavoidable and inevitable.

Slowly, I turned to face him, eyes immediately locking on his. His lips curled—not cocky or proud. In relief.

He made the first move, face pulling closer to mine. My right hand clenched tight, nails almost digging into my palm. Not because I didn’t want it. But because I did—and it excited and scared me at the same time.

However, when his lips finally met mine, tender and grounding... All thoughts slithered out of my mind.

His right hand brushed into my hair, holding the back of my head firmly. He deepened the kiss, but still kept it at a slow pace. As if he was giving me space to pull out if I wanted.

Fuck that.

Grabbing his arms, I kissed him back, my tongue making its way into his mouth. I couldn’t stop myself from moaning, heart racing as realisation hit me.

This wasn’t ending at a mere kiss. And we both knew it.

Not pulling away for a second, Silas’s hands found my legs. He grabbed them, raising me off the ground and placing me on the desk.

I gasped, breaking the kiss, right hand on his chest. "T–The door—"

"Locked." He murmured breathlessly. "No distractions this time."

When we kissed again, it was hungrier. Like we’ve both been starved for years and finally got thrown a chocolate bar. Unable to get enough.

And somewhere deep in my chest, the bond snapped tight.