Chapter 3

Claire's POV

I watched him from across the ballroom, my heart racing with anticipation. Edward Harrington.

He had no idea what was coming.

"Stay focused," I reminded myself as I adjusted my indigo dress. The fabric hugged my curves perfectly, I'd chosen it specifically for tonight. Every detail had been planned. The timing, the location, even the small vial of jasmine oil I'd dabbed behind my ears.

I know what my dad's up to, and I'm gonna help him out. "I want to meet the Pineridge Pack Alpha," I'd told him weeks ago. "For networking."

Those two years abroad hadn't just been about getting a master's degree. I'd learned things that would make my father's fur stand on end. Advanced biochemistry. Pheromone enhancement techniques. Ways to amplify the mate bond that most wolves had forgotten centuries ago.

The old woman on that remote island had been particularly helpful. For the right price, she'd shared secrets passed down through generations of wolf physicians. Secrets that could turn a natural mate bond into an irresistible obsession.

I'd spent months perfecting the formula. Testing it on smaller targets first, random wolves at cafes, pack gatherings. The results had been promising. Men who wouldn't normally give me a second glance suddenly found themselves drawn to me like moths to flame. But Edward would be the real test. An Alpha. A mated Alpha.

Edward stood beside his wife, Eleanor, looking every bit the devoted husband. Seven years of marriage, from what I'd gathered.

Poor thing. She had no idea what was about to hit her.

I studied them both as I sipped my wine and waited. Patience was everything in this game. One wrong move, one moment too early or too late, and my entire plan would crumble.

Edward was powerful, respected, influential. Exactly what I needed for the first phase of my plan. But he was also loyal to his wife, which made him a challenge.

That's where the chemical enhancement came in.

I'd already taken the booster pill an hour ago. My scent would be irresistible to any male wolf, but especially to my fated mate.

Because that part wasn't a lie. Edward really was my fated mate. I'd felt the pull the moment I'd seen his photo in a pack newsletter six months ago. But fate was taking too long, and I had plans that couldn't wait.

When Edward left Eleanor's side to speak with another Alpha, I saw my opening.

I moved through the crowd with practiced grace, timing my approach perfectly. As I passed him, I let my scent drift in his direction, enhanced by the subtle pheromone booster coursing through my system.

The reaction was immediate.

Edward's entire body went rigid. His nostrils flared as his wolf caught my scent. I could practically see the moment his rational mind started shutting down.

Perfect.

I didn't look back. Not yet. Let him come to me. Let him think this was his choice.

I made my way to the bar, ordering another glass of wine. I could feel his eyes on me, could practically hear his internal struggle. The pull would be getting stronger now. The chemical enhancement was designed to mimic the intensity of a heat cycle, making the mate bond feel urgent, desperate.

"Alpha Edward," I said softly when he finally approached, not bothering to turn around. I'd been expecting him.

"You're..." he started, then stopped. His voice was already rough.

"Claire Richards," I supplied, finally turning to face him. "And yes, I felt it too."

The connection sparked between us like electricity. The mate bond was real, I hadn't lied about that. But I'd learned how to make it burn hotter and faster than nature intended.

"You felt it too," I whispered, letting my voice drop to an intimate tone.

"I'm married," he said, but his voice was already rough with want. His eyes were dark, pupils dilated. The scent of his arousal was intoxicating.

"I know." I stepped closer, letting my fingers brush against his chest. The contact sent electricity through both of us. "But you can't fight this. Neither of us can."

I'd practiced this conversation. Every word, every gesture designed to break down his resistance without making him feel like the villain.

His hands were shaking now. Good. The enhancement was working perfectly.

"My Luna—" he started.

"Will understand," I finished smoothly. "She's a smart woman. She'll see that fighting fate only causes more pain."

I could see him wavering, see the exact moment his wolf started overriding his human logic. This was always the critical point. Push too hard and he might snap back to reality. Not hard enough and he might walk away.

"I've been looking for you my whole life," I said, letting real emotion creep into my voice. That part wasn't entirely a lie either. I had been looking for him, just not in the romantic way he'd think.

He was wavering. I could see it in the way his hands shook, the way he kept looking at my lips. Time for the final push.

I pressed myself against him, letting him feel every curve of my body. "I've waited so long to find you," I whispered against his neck. "Don't make me wait anymore."

When his arms came around me, I knew I had him.

The kiss was hungry, desperate. His hands tangled in my hair as I moaned softly against his mouth. Perfect. Let everyone see how affected we both were. Let them see how helpless we were against fate.

But I had to be careful. Too far too fast, and he might snap back to reality once the immediate influence wore off. I needed him completely under before I made my next move.

"Your wife," I gasped, pulling back just enough to speak. "She's watching."

The guilt that flashed across his face was delicious. I watched him war with himself, duty versus desire, love versus lust. In the end, biology and chemical persuasion always won.

"I can't," he said, but his hands were still on me, still pulling me closer.

"You don't have to choose," I whispered. "Not tonight. Just feel this. Feel what we could have."

I guided his hands to my body, showing him exactly where I wanted to be touched. His resistance crumbled like sand.

"Upstairs," I breathed against his ear. "Please."

He didn't even hesitate. That was how far gone he was.

By the time we made it inside, to one of the upstairs bedrooms, he was completely mine. I made sure to leave the door slightly ajar. Not enough to be obvious, but enough that curious guests might notice.

The door opening was perfectly timed. I'd counted on curiosity, on someone eventually coming to look for the missing Alpha.

Edward's horror was genuine, but I recovered quickly, pulling the sheet around myself with just the right amount of shame and vulnerability.

Let them see. Let them talk. By morning, every pack in the region would know that Edward Harrington had found his fated mate.

As the crowd dispersed and Edward tried to apologize to his wife, I allowed myself a small smile.

Phase one: complete.

Getting into their home would be easy now. The council would demand it. Charles would rage and threaten, playing his part perfectly. And Eleanor... poor, sweet Eleanor would have no choice but to accept me.

But becoming Luna of Pineridge Pack was only the beginning.