Claiming The Alpha's Heart

Clara's POV

"Is this the way it finishes?" Just a whisper, my words drifted over the frigid air between us. I stood with my back against the rough stone wall of a deserted castle far into the forest. Marcus's shadow loomed over me; his breath came in quick gasps and his eyes were black and fierce. Blood poured down his temple, a sobering reminder of the fight we had just barely escaped. Still, here we were—enemies once more.

"It need not finish like this." His fists tightly at his sides, he moved forward. You don't have to keep battling me.

"You see this as about fighting you?" My chuckle was bitter, a rough edge to which I lacked control. "You made your decisions, Marcus. decisions that caused me to break.

His eyes softened, a terrifying transformation that made my heart seize. "I know. And I would sell anything to undo it.

"would you?" I stretched myself, away from the wall. "You seem to be always following the same damned road. Stories, lies, secrets, half-truths. When is it going to stop?

Marcus's jaw grew hard, his suffering obvious. I am attempting to shield you.

"With me kept in the dark?" I shook my head, fury burning under my flesh. "You cannot now choose what is best for me. That ship sailed many years ago.

Desperate and unforgiving, he closed the space between us in one quick swoop with hands grabbing my shoulders. Selena will come to see you, Clara. She won't stop unless she has what she wants.

Then let her join. I stared back at him, defiance raging in my chest. "I have no fear of her.

You should be, he said, his voice breaking. You have no idea what she is capable of.

And whose mistake is that? I pulled away from his grip, fury boiling up. Marcus, you kept me off the battlefield. I became weak under your direction.

"Never." He shook his head, suffering blazing over his face. You are not weak at all.

Then show it. I moved forward, our faces barely apart. "Stop supposing me to be delicate. Enough trust here to tell me the truth.

He stopped—just for a pulse—but it was plenty. Enough to let me know he still wasn't ready to turn his secrets over. I went aside, my heart thumping. I am unable to accomplish this.

"Clara." His voice was harsh but begging. "Please.," said

Years of unspoken words weighted the quiet that separated us. I made myself keep moving, every step more difficult than the next. But his following comments froze me before I could go.

It was more than just shielding you. The admission hung there, raw and cutting. I was shielding myself as well.

My heart racing, I turned slowly. "What are you debating?"

"I could not bear to lose you," he said, every word a confession. "Not to her. Not to anybody, not at all, I thus chose, selfishly, what to do. It would be simpler if I drove you away or made you despise me, I thought.

His comments carried weight that knocked me down and left me gasping. "You think that makes it better?"

Not at all. He drew near, never looking away from me. But you should know that I never stopped—"

"Don't. I tremblingly raised up a hand. Never mention it.

"Love you." The words fell out nonetheless, a broken, desperate cry. "I never stopped."

Tears blinded my eyes, but I would not let them drop. You are not allowed to say that.

"Know." He stretched for me, his touch wary as though I could shatter. I was afraid. Still, the truth is what it is.

"truth?" Again I laughed, the sound empty. "You hardly know what that is anymore."

He shook, and for a moment I saw the guy he used to be—the one who had once made me feel secure. Still, that man was gone, replaced by someone I hardly knew. Someone who had misled, betrayed, and destroyed me.

"You're right," he said gently. I do not merit your confidence. I have nothing to deserve you.

Good. I moved back, separating us as much as I could. " Because you won't have me."

Ground under us shook before he could respond. A familiar, chilling breeze carrying the scent of decay swept into the fortress. My blood ran frigid.

I said, "She's here," anxiety gripping my chest.

Marcus's face became firm, the tenderness lost. "Stay near."

"No." I pulled my sword, resolution hardening me. "I'm done doing as directed."

The power of the breaking doors to the stronghold sent splinters flying. Selena walked into the space, fury flaring in her eyes. She said, "How touching," her voice was like poison. "Reunions are always rather lovely.

Marcus yelled, "Stay away from her," stepping defensively in front of me.

Selena slanted her head and fluttered a cruel smile over her lips. Still acting like the hero, Marcus? How reliable?

"I'm not afraid of you," I said, trying to keep my voice steady.

Selena said, "Oh, you should be," staring at me. But not for the causes you believe in.

Her hand outstretched, she moved with explosive speed. Dark energy swirled about her, a power I felt in my bones but not yet understood. Marcus hurried and intercepted her attack. They battled; their force illuminated the room.

I battled beside him, each blow motivated by years of resentment and loss. But Selena was really strong—too strong. Her laughter resounding from the walls, she pushed Marcus to his knees.

"Is this the best you can do?" She teased, then focused on me. "Passionate."

I charged, my knife pointing to her heart. But she was prepared. She threw me whirling against the wall with a flick of her wrist. Though agony shot through me, I resisted giving in. I got myself standing, blood flowing from my cuts.

"You can't win," Selena said, moving carefully forward. "You're nothing without him.".

"watch me." I surged once more, this time using every bit of my strength. Light flared, blind and wild and uncontrolled. Selena yelled and her body wavered.

But as I thought we had a chance, she whirled and fixed Marcus. She yelled, "You can't save her," terrible force coiling about him.

"Clara, hurry!" He yelled, his voice choked with grief.

No. I moved ahead, not going to forsake him. Not this time.

But it was already too late. Selena's strength surged, Marcus