The Unexpected Wolf

The grand hall sparkled with candlelight reflecting off crystal glasses and silver platters. Laughter and conversation flowed like the expensive wine being poured. Everyone was dressed in their finest—silks, velvets, and jewels on display like peacock feathers.

Everyone except me.

I wore the only decent dress I owned—a simple navy blue that had once fit perfectly but now hung slightly loose on my frame. I'd lost weight since the miscarriage. Since the rejection.

I sat rigidly at Dorian's table, directly across from him and Selene. The perfect vantage point for their show of affection. Every touch, every whispered word between them was meant for my eyes and ears.

Dorian stroked Selene's hand, his eyes fixed on me. "Isn't she beautiful, Elowen? The way a true Luna should look."

I forced my lips into the semblance of a smile. "Very beautiful, Alpha."

"Did you know that Selene comes from pure bloodlines?" His voice carried to nearby tables. "Unlike some... diluted stock in our pack."

Selene giggled, leaning into him. "Dorian, darling, you'll make me blush."

I remained silent, my knuckles white as I gripped the edge of my chair. I watched my mother weaving between tables with a pitcher of water, her eyes downcast, her movements efficient and practiced. Years of servitude had taught her how to be invisible.

Until Dorian decided to make her visible.

"You! Old woman!" he barked suddenly. "This glass has been empty for thirty seconds. Are your legs failing you as well as your eyes?"

My mother hurried over, head bowed. "No, Alpha. Forgive me, Alpha."

Selene watched my face as she spoke. "Dorian tells me you once thought you'd be Luna. Isn't that adorable? As if someone of your... station... could ever lead a pack."

As my mother bent to pour, Selene shifted suddenly. The glass tilted, red wine cascading down my mother's worn uniform.

"Oh! Look what you made me do with your clumsiness!" Selene exclaimed, eyes glittering with malice.

She placed a hand over her mouth in fake innocence. "Ooops! Your shabby dress is ruined. Though how could anyone tell the difference?"

Something snapped inside me. I rose from my chair, fists clenched at my sides. "You did that on purpose, you spiteful witch."

Selene gasped theatrically, hand flying to her chest. "Did you hear what she called me, Dorian? Your little pet has quite the mouth on her."

Dorian's voice dropped to a deadly quiet tone. "Elowen. Remember your place. This is your Luna, and don't you ever speak to her that way again if you value your mother's position. Or her fingers."

His eyes bored into mine, the threat unmistakable. "Sit. Down. Now."

My mother's eyes filled with terror. "Please, Elowen. Please sit."

I sank back into my chair, watching as my mother dropped to her hands and knees to clean the spill.

Dorian turned to the surrounding tables, spreading his arms wide. "Isn't this wonderful? Everyone enjoying themselves? My perfect Luna by my side, the pack thriving under my leadership."

Selene leaned toward me, voice low enough that only I could hear. "He screams my name when we're alone. Did he ever scream yours?"

The first strains of music began to play.

Dorian stood and held out his hand to Selene. "Would you honor me with this dance, my goddess, my true mate, my everything?"

I recognized the words—the exact same words he'd once whispered to me under the stars the night of our mating.

Selene shot me a triumphant smile. "Yes, my Alpha."

As they walked toward the dance floor, Dorian looked back over his shoulder. "You could mingle now, Elowen, but let's be honest—who would want Alpha Dorian's used goods?"

I watched them glide across the floor, her in his arms, his lips at her ear whispering things meant to make her laugh. The same dance steps, the same smiles, the same intimate gestures he had once shared with me.

I stood abruptly. I couldn't bear another minute of this spectacle. I slipped between tables, heading for the nearest exit, blinking back tears I refused to shed.

I'd nearly reached the doors when they suddenly burst open. The music stopped. Conversation died.

A collective gasp rippled through the hall as two men stepped into the room.

"Alpha Kaius..." someone whispered fearfully. "The Ravenhollow Alpha..."

An elder wolf grabbed a younger pack member's arm. "Don't look directly at him. His pack conquered three territories last winter alone."

I froze, unable to move as I recognized the imposing figures.

Alpha Kaius Valerian of the Ravenhollow territory stood like a dark sentinel, his imposing frame filling the doorway.

Standing well over six feet tall, his broad shoulders were accentuated by the tailored black suit. His angular features set in an expression of detached superiority. Long black hair fell past his shoulders, partially tied back to reveal a strong jaw and the hint of a scar that ran from temple to cheek. Beside him, equally formidable, stood his Beta, Frost.

Dorian rushed forward, his voice too loud, betraying his nervousness. "Welcome, Alpha Kaius! What an unexpected honor! You didn't inform us that you would be gracing our humble celebration with your presence. We would have prepared a proper welcome for —"

Kaius cut him off with silence, not even glancing his way.

Frost's cold smirk was barely perceptible. "The Alpha doesn't require your permission to enter any territory, pup."

"Of course, of course!" Dorian attempted to save face. "Please, we have reserved seating for distinguished guests—"

I tried to make myself invisible, pressing back against the wall. But to my horror, Kaius ignored Dorian completely and began walking directly toward me. The crowd parted before him like water.

My heart pounded against my ribs. "Why me? There must be some mistake..."

Kaius stopped before me, his amber eye locked on mine. When he spoke, his voice was like thunder, silencing the entire room.

"Mate."

The word hung in the air between us. I shook my head in disbelief.

"No... that's impossible. I've already been—"

From across the room, Selene's shrill voice cut through the silence. "Dorian! What is happening? Do something!"

Dorian stepped forward, attempting to reassert his authority. "Alpha Kaius, there's some confusion. This girl is nobody, just a low-ranking—"

Kaius finally acknowledged Dorian with a look of such contempt that Dorian physically recoiled.

"You've touched what's mine." Each word was a deadly promise.

Frost's hand moved to the weapon at his side. "An offense punishable by death in our territory."

Panic bubbled up inside me as Kaius approached closer. "Please, I don't understand what's happening—"

"She's nothing!" Dorian's voice cracked with desperation. "Take her if you want her! She was just a temporary—"

"Dorian!" Selene hissed. "You can't just—"

But Kaius ignored them all, his focus entirely on me. "I've searched for you. Across territories. Through seasons."

I stared up at him, bewildered. "But you don't even know me."

He reached for my face with surprising gentleness. "I know your soul, little wolf."

The collective gasp of the pack echoed through the hall as he pulled me close. My mother watched from the corner, hands over her mouth in shock or prayer.

His lips met mine in a kiss that sent an electric current racing through my body.

"Kiss me back, Elowen," he whispered against my lips, too low for others to hear. "If you wish to leave this place, kiss me back. Trust the bond you feel forming. I am not like him. I protect what's mine."

Something stirred inside me—a warmth where there had been only cold, a lightness where there had been only heaviness. I didn't understand what was happening, but in that moment, with Dorian's cruelty still fresh and this stranger offering escape, I made my choice.

I kissed him back.