Zuria
I stood frozen, Arien's words ringing in my ears. My mate. He was my mate?
The pack square, once alive with chatter, had gone silent. The shock in the air was palpable. My wolf, Adelaide, was practically howling in excitement, but I couldn't share in her joy.
Arien Calloway—the same arrogant playboy who had slept his way through half the pack—was my fated mate?
Arien didn't hesitate. He stepped forward and wrapped his arms around me, pulling me into a tight embrace. A rush of warmth spread through me, the mate bond igniting a tingling sensation where our bodies met. My heart pounded, my instincts screaming to lean into him. Against my better judgment, my arms unconsciously lifted to hold him back.
But reality crashed down like ice water. I stepped away abruptly, searching his face for any sign that this was some kind of joke.
For the first time, I really looked at him. His golden-blond hair caught the light of the lanterns strung around the square. His sharp jawline, strong nose, and light brown eyes—almost golden—made him look every bit the powerful Alpha heir. The same boy I had spent years avoiding now stood in front of me, his gaze locked onto mine as if I was the only thing that mattered.
A few moments passed before the silence broke.
Clapping. Cheers.
I turned, startled, to see pack members reacting. Some beamed with joy, whispering excitedly about their future Alpha finding his mate. But I also caught the glares. Women who had hoped to be Arien's chosen Luna stormed off, their mothers shaking their heads in disappointment.
Well, excuse me. It's not like I asked for this.
Arien grinned, ignoring the mixed reactions as he took my hand in his. The warmth of his skin against mine sent another shiver through me. He led me toward where Alpha Harvey and Luna Lorrie stood, both watching with expectant smiles.
"Welcome to the family, Zuria," Luna Lorrie said warmly, taking my hands in hers. Her eyes crinkled at the corners, proof of her sincerity.
Alpha Harvey, his arm wrapped protectively around his wife, gave me a nod. "You'll make a fine Luna one day."
Luna? My stomach twisted at the thought. Was I even ready for this?
Before I could respond, a familiar voice cut in.
"Alpha, Luna," my uncle, Peter, spoke as he and his wife, Celeste, approached. "I'm Peter Silva, and this is my wife, Celeste. Zuria has been under our care since she was a child. It's an honor to see her mated to your son."
Peter shook Alpha Harvey's hand, his usual slimy charm on full display.
Suck-up.
"It's truly wonderful," Celeste added, stepping beside me and wrapping an arm around my waist. Her grip was too tight, her nails pressing into my skin. "We've always treated her like our own daughter."
Lying witch.
I clenched my teeth, resisting the urge to elbow her away.
Arien, to my surprise, frowned slightly, as if sensing something off. Without warning, he pulled me from Celeste's grasp, his hand firm around mine.
"Let's go talk," he said, leading me away from the crowd.
I didn't resist.
—
We sat on a stone bench near the fountain, away from prying eyes. I shifted slightly, leaving space between us. The silence stretched for a moment before he finally spoke.
"What's your name?"
I blinked at him.
"You don't know?"
He chuckled, running a hand through his hair. "I do now. But I've never seen you before."
I scoffed. "I've lived in the Blue Moon Pack since I was four. We went to the same schools."
He leaned back, his brows raising in surprise. "Really? How did I never notice you?"
"Maybe because you were too busy chasing skirts," I muttered.
Arien burst out laughing. "Fair point."
I studied him for a moment. "Why did you sleep around so much? If you knew you'd find your mate someday, why bother?"
He grew serious, his fingers tapping against his knee. "Because I knew it wouldn't matter in the long run. A real relationship before finding my mate would have been pointless. It would only cause unnecessary attachments."
I narrowed my eyes. "Tell that to Cherry."
He winced. "Okay, Cherry was... persistent."
I snorted. "That's an understatement."
He sighed, turning to me fully. "You don't have to worry about that anymore. You're my mate, and I won't cheat on you. I promise."
I held his gaze, searching for any sign of deception. "You better keep that promise."
A slow smile spread across his face. "For my own sake, right?"
I smirked. "Exactly."
—
The walk back to my house was... different.
For the first time, I saw Arien as more than just the pack's golden boy. He tripped over a rock, laughed at his own terrible jokes, and admitted his insecurities.
"You know, I'm scared of the future," he admitted as we stopped beneath a towering tree.
I turned to him. "Why?"
He hesitated, looking out at the darkened woods. "One day, I'll be Alpha. There are so many expectations, so many responsibilities. I don't know if I'll live up to them." He exhaled, running a hand down his face. "And now… there's you. My Luna."
My heart stuttered.
He turned to me, his light brown eyes filled with uncertainty. "I just don't want to fail."
I hesitated before resting a hand on his back, rubbing gently. "You're not alone in this. You have your parents, your pack, and me. We'll figure it out together."
His shoulders relaxed as he smiled at me. "Thanks, Zuria."
—
By the time we reached my house, most of the lights were out.
Arien held both my hands, his grip warm and steady. "Goodnight."
I hesitated. "Goodnight."
He tilted his head. "No goodnight kiss?"
I rolled my eyes but leaned up, pressing a quick peck to his cheek. Before I could escape, he caught my wrist, pulling me back. His lips brushed mine, soft and teasing.
I stumbled back, wide-eyed, my cheeks burning.
His smirk was downright smug. "See you tomorrow."
Flustered, I stepped forward and kissed him—properly this time—before darting inside, shutting the door behind me.
I pressed my fingers against my lips, a smile creeping onto my face.
But my moment of happiness shattered when the lights suddenly flicked on.
I froze.
Peter stood by the switch, arms crossed. Celeste lounged on the couch, her eyes cold and calculating.
"Why are you back so late?" Celeste's voice was sickly sweet.
"Arien wanted to talk. I couldn't say no," I answered cautiously.
Her smile twisted. "That's not my problem. You have chores to finish before work tomorrow."
I clenched my fists. "I'll do them when I get back."
Celeste's expression darkened. In a flash, she grabbed my hair, yanking me backward.
"You think you can talk back now that you're mated to the Alpha's son?" she sneered.
Pain shot through my scalp.
"Let go!" I screamed, struggling.
Peter did nothing—just watched, as always.
Celeste shoved me hard. My head hit the wall. Stars exploded in my vision.
Then—
A deafening crash.
The front door was ripped from its hinges.
A furious growl echoed through the house.
Then everything went black.