Chapter 22

I felt my face burning as Ethan and Kieran continued chatting, seemingly oblivious to my embarrassment. They were talking and laughing as if they'd known each other for years, not hours. Ethan, who had been so protective of me my entire life, was now acting like Kieran's new best friend.

"So you've been running the Silver Moon territory for five years now?" Ethan asked, clearly impressed.

Kieran nodded, his hand still resting casually on my thigh. "Took over after my father stepped down. Been expanding our borders ever since."

"Impressive," Ethan said, raising his glass in a toast. "To new family connections."

I resisted the urge to kick my brother under the table. Where was his overprotective streak now? I shifted uncomfortably in my seat, looking longingly toward the dance floor where couples were swaying to the music. Anything would be better than sitting here while these two bonded over...whatever this was.

Kieran, ever attentive to my movements, caught my gaze. A knowing smile crossed his face as he followed my line of sight.

"Would you like to dance?" he asked, his voice low enough that only I could hear.

Without waiting for my answer, he stood and held out his hand. I took it gratefully, relieved to escape the table. As we walked away, I heard Ethan call out, "Don't do anything I wouldn't do!"

I groaned in mortification. "I'm going to kill him later," I muttered.

Kieran chuckled, pulling me close as we reached the dance floor. "I like your brother," he said, his arm encircling my waist. "He cares about you."

"He's supposed to be protecting me, not encouraging you," I grumbled, but I couldn't help smiling as Kieran guided me into the rhythm of the music.

I'd expected Kieran to be many things, but an elegant dancer wasn't one of them. Yet he moved with surprising grace, his steps confident and measured as he led me across the floor. My body followed his naturally, as if we'd danced together a hundred times before.

I became aware of the eyes watching us—pack members and visiting wolves alike, their gazes filled with curiosity and, in some cases, envy. We were the center of attention, the Alpha King and his new Luna, moving as one through the crowd.

A strange pride swelled in my chest. This powerful man, desired by many, had chosen me. Me—ordinary Lena Thompson, who had never felt special a day in her life until now.

As the music slowed, Kieran pulled me closer, his chest warm against mine. I let myself relax into his embrace, my head resting against his shoulder. In that moment, all the rumors I'd heard about him—his cruelty, his ruthlessness, his cold heart—seemed impossible to believe. How could someone who held me so tenderly be the monster others claimed?

Perhaps this was our chance to start fresh. To build something new together, something that defied the stories and expectations that had come before.

Kieran's hand moved to cup my face, his thumb stroking gently across my cheek. His eyes studied me intently, as if memorizing every detail. Slowly, reverently, his fingers traced the outline of my face—my forehead, my eyebrows, the bridge of my nose, finally coming to rest on my lips.

The air between us thickened with tension. The music, the crowd, the entire room seemed to fade away until there was nothing but the two of us, caught in this moment of shared anticipation.

I felt a flush spreading across my skin as Kieran leaned closer, his breath warm against my neck. His lips grazed the sensitive spot just below my ear, sending shivers down my spine.

"You smell divine," he murmured, his nose skimming along my jawline. "Like moonlight and honey."

His mouth traveled lower, pressing more insistent kisses against my neck, approaching the spot where a mating mark would forever bind us together. I felt the slight scrape of his teeth, not quite breaking skin but promising what was to come.

A jolt of panic mixed with desire shot through me. Here? Now? In front of everyone?

I pulled back slightly, my hands pressing against his chest. "Kieran," I whispered, embarrassment coloring my voice. "Not here."

His eyes had darkened to molten gold, pupils dilated with hunger. A slow, dangerous smile spread across his face.

"You're playing with fire, little wolf," he warned, his voice rough with restraint. "Teasing an Alpha is a dangerous game."

Something reckless stirred within me—a desire to test his control, to see just how far I could push him before he snapped. I returned his smile with one of my own and slipped out of his arms, backing away playfully.

"Maybe I like danger," I replied, surprised by my own boldness.

For a moment, Kieran stood frozen, stunned by my unexpected defiance. Then his expression changed, a predatory intensity taking over his features. In one fluid motion, he closed the distance between us, his arm snaking around my waist and pulling me forcefully against him.

Before I could react, his mouth claimed mine in a kiss that obliterated all thought. This wasn't the gentle, exploring kiss we'd shared earlier. This was possession, domination, a statement to anyone watching that I belonged to him and him alone.

His hand tangled in my hair, tilting my head back to deepen the kiss. Despite myself, I melted against him, my body responding with a hunger that matched his own. My hands clutched at his shoulders, no longer pushing him away but pulling him closer.

Heat flooded through me, my heart pounding so loudly I was sure everyone could hear it. The world spun around us, but Kieran's embrace kept me grounded, anchored in the storm of sensation.

When he finally pulled away, we were both breathless. I stared up at him, dazed and trembling, my lips tender from his kiss.