Chapter 4

Erin's POV

I slowly regained consciousness with a pounding headache. I blinked a few times, trying to make sense of my surroundings. The familiar pale blue walls came into focus, along with the glow-in-the-dark stars my father had stuck on the ceiling when I was little.

How did I get back here?

The last thing I remembered was the forest, moonlight filtering through the pine trees, and then... Derek Stone's face looking down at me as I collapsed.

I sat up abruptly, a wave of dizziness washing over me. I groaned, pressing my palms against my forehead, willing the room to stop spinning.

I glanced at the digital clock on my nightstand—11:30 PM. In half an hour, I would officially be eighteen. This day, which I had looked forward to for so long, now felt hollow and meaningless.

A soft knock on the door interrupted my thoughts.

"Erin? Are you awake?" my mother's gentle voice came from the other side.

"Yes, come in," I answered, my voice raspy.

The door opened, and my mother walked in. Her long brown hair was loosely tied in a bun, and there were traces of flour on her faded jeans. Despite the late hour, she looked completely awake, her eyes scanning me with maternal concern.

"How are you feeling?" she asked, sitting on the edge of my bed.

"Like I've been hit by a truck," I admitted. "How did I get home?"

"Your brother brought you back." She brushed my messy hair from my face. "He said the Alpha found you in the forest at the edge of Pack territory. You had fainted, and when Aaron came to check on the situation, he recognized you and brought you home."

My heart sank a little. So Derek hadn't personally brought me home. I wasn't sure why that disappointed me.

"I see," I said softly.

"Aaron was worried sick," my mother continued. "He said you were as pale as a ghost when he found you."

I lowered my gaze, not wanting her to see the pain in my eyes.

"Oh, dear." She pulled me into a warm embrace. "Do you want to talk about it?"

I shook my head, leaning into her shoulder. "Not now. Maybe tomorrow."

She didn't push, just held me tighter. After a moment, she pulled back slightly, her hands still on my shoulders. "Well, I think we should try to salvage what's left of the day. It's almost midnight, after all."

Before I could respond, there was another knock at the door. It swung open to reveal Aaron, wearing a ridiculous party hat on his head. He was holding a small chocolate cake with a single candle flickering in the center.

"Almost happy birthday, sis," he said, his usual gruffness softened by a rare smile.

The sight was so unexpectedly sweet that I felt tears welling up in my eyes again.

"You didn't have to do this," I said, struggling to keep my voice steady.

"Of course we did," my mother replied. "It's not every day our little girl turns eighteen."

Aaron set the cake on my nightstand and checked his watch. "Two minutes until midnight. Better make a wish soon."

I stared at the small flame dancing on the candle, trying to think of what to wish for.

Yesterday, my wish would have been clear—that Bradley would be revealed as my Soul Bond. Now, the thought made me sick to my stomach.

What did I want now?

As the time approached midnight, I closed my eyes.

From now on, wherever the moon guides me, I will follow my destiny.

Just as my digital clock flipped to 12:00, I blew out the candle.

"Happy birthday, Erin," my mother and brother said in unison.

I smiled, genuinely touched by their efforts to make this moment special despite everything. "Thank you both."

We shared the chocolate cake right there on my bed, chatting and laughing as if it were any ordinary night.

"Oh, I almost forgot," my mother said at the door. "The Alpha's Binding Ceremony is tomorrow night."

My stomach dropped at the mention of the ceremony. The last place I wanted to be was at an event where I might see Bradley and Lily together, not to mention Derek and his fiancée Mya.

"I don't think I'll go," I said softly.

My mother's expression immediately turned serious. "You must go, Erin. It's the Alpha's Binding Ceremony."

In our world, tradition and Pack obligations were paramount, especially for an omega like me who couldn't defy tradition.

"Fine," I relented. "I'll go."

"Good." She nodded, satisfied. "Now get some rest. You've had a long day."

---

When I woke again, it was already afternoon. I slipped into the white dress my mother had left out for me, pleased to find it fit perfectly. The dress was simple yet elegant, with delicate lace details at the neckline and hem.

As we approached the estate gates, I could see dozens of luxury cars lined up at the entrance. Pack members in formal attire streamed toward the main building, which glowed with warm light against the darkening sky.

Aaron parked the car in the designated Enforcer area, then turned to me before we got out.

"Once we're inside, I'll have to leave you," he said. "I need to make sure the ceremony goes smoothly."

"I understand," I assured him. "I'll be fine on my own."

Mother, suffering from back pain, hadn't been able to accompany me to the ceremony. She had insisted that I go with Aaron, no matter how much I wanted to stay home with her.

I walked into the grand hall of the Darkwood Estate, where crystal chandeliers cast prismatic light over the gathered Pack members who stood in clusters, sipping champagne from delicate flutes. Silver and midnight blue decorations hung elegantly from the high ceilings, twining around marble columns.

Aaron gave my arm a gentle squeeze before being called away by the Chief Enforcer. "Be careful," he whispered before leaving.

Now alone, I moved toward a less crowded corner of the room, hoping to blend into the background. I had almost reached my destination when I caught a familiar scent.

Bradley.

I turned slightly to see him standing with a group of young Pack members, Lily at his side. Her hand was possessively looped through his arm.

I quickly looked away, not wanting to draw their attention. Unfortunately, I nearly bumped into someone else.

"I'm sorry," I began to say, then stopped when I realized who I had almost collided with.

Mya looked even more stunning than yesterday. Her gown, a deep silver that shimmered like moonlight on water, hugged her figure perfectly before flowing elegantly at the knees.

"You again," she said, her voice cool and dismissive. "The girl from Derek's room."

"I've already apologized for that," I said quietly, trying to move past her.

She blocked my path, a small smile playing at her lips. "It’s strange that you're here alone. No date?"

I forced myself to stay calm. "I'm here because it's my duty."

"How... dutiful," she replied, drawing out the word as if she found it amusing. "Aren't you the widow's daughter? Your mother didn't come?"

A familiar pang shot through my heart at the mention of my deceased father. He had died when I was twelve, leaving our family behind.

He wasn't even a high-ranking Beta. He was a battle wolf, respected for his courage. After his death, my mother had worked tirelessly to support us. Aaron had climbed to the position of Enforcer through sheer determination and grit, becoming an Omega. And I had focused on my studies, determined to make something of myself through education.

My cheeks burned. Before I could think of a response that wouldn't get me in trouble, the entire room suddenly fell silent. I looked toward the main entrance and felt my breath catch in my throat.

Derek Stone had arrived.

He moved through the crowd with the natural authority of an Alpha, Pack members automatically stepping aside to clear a path. His tall, muscular frame was encased in a perfectly tailored black suit, the only adornment being a silver wolf head pin on his lapel—the symbol of his position as Alpha.

Now, I found I couldn't look away. Derek's sharp jawline seemed carved from marble, high cheekbones casting shadows on his pale skin. His lips were full but pressed into a serious line, rarely smiling. His short black hair was combed meticulously, emphasizing the severe angles of his face.

Yet it wasn't his striking, intimidating appearance that made my heart suddenly pound violently in my chest. It was his scent.

I had only vaguely noticed his scent before, but now I felt it—rich and masculine. That scent seemed to surround me, infiltrating my senses, making it hard to think clearly.

Unconsciously, I took a step toward him.

Mya had already left, hurrying to take her place at Derek's side as his soon-to-be mate. I barely noticed her departure, my attention completely captivated by my magnetic pull toward the Pack Alpha.

What was happening?

Derek's gaze swept over the gathered guests, his expression unreadable. When his eyes briefly met mine, I felt an electric current run through my entire body.

Then his expression hardened, and he deliberately looked away.

But it was too late. In that brief exchange, something fundamental inside me had shifted. My wolf, dormant until now, suddenly rose to the surface of my consciousness.

“Mine. Mate.”

The voice inside grew stronger, more insistent. I felt a strange heat spreading through me, radiating outward from my core. My vision suddenly became sharper, colors more vivid, scents more pronounced. I caught a glimpse of myself in a decorative mirror on the hall wall—my eyes had changed, the usual hazel now glowing amber, my wolf's eyes staring back at me.

I could no longer control my movements. My wolf had taken over, pushing through the crowd surrounding Derek and Mya.

I could only see him. I could only smell his intoxicating scent calling to me.

Without realizing it, I found myself standing directly in front of Derek, whose eyes widened slightly as they met mine. Mya stepped back in shock, her mouth falling open. Looking at his cold, fierce eyes, my wolf didn't cower but became more excited.

Under the gaze of all the guests, my wolf prostrated herself before Derek, limbs trembling.

"Mate," my wolf whispered.