Nathan's POV
I have no clue who this woman really is, but the instant our eyes met, every instinct screamed that she's no omega. If she's not what she claims to be, then she damn well knows how to properly reject a mate bond. She's concealing her true nature, and that has my complete attention. What would drive an Alpha female, because that's exactly what Warren confirmed she is, to masquerade as something she's not?
Her chin lifts defiantly as she speaks. "I have absolutely no idea what you're talking about."
The urge to grin tugs at my mouth, but I suppress it. This Alpha pretending to be submissive might very well strike me if I show amusement. Though honestly, it might be worth the risk just to gauge her real strength. How Holt failed to detect what she truly is baffles me completely.
"How old were you when you first came to this pack?" The question rolls off my tongue with casual authority.
"I was just a child. I can't remember." Another fabrication slips from her lips.
"And your family? Where are they?"
"Gone. All of them."
My eyes narrow as I begin circling her slowly, studying every detail. The way her muscles coil with tension, how her spine straightens instinctively, tells me she assumes I'm evaluating her worth as a potential mate. She's wrong. Even if she truly were an omega, it wouldn't matter to me. It would surprise me, certainly, but my strength could easily handle an omega mate. I don't require an Alpha female at my side, though I'm genuinely pleased the Moon Goddess has blessed me with one.
What captures my attention is her physical form. She's attempted to disguise it, but careful observation reveals the truth. Her height exceeds typical omega standards, her body lacks the characteristic softness of her supposed rank. This means she has a wolf, and she exercises that wolf regularly through runs. An Alpha wolf demands frequent exercise and room to stretch. That kind of physical conditioning always manifests in our human forms, and my mate is no exception to this rule.
"Has Alpha Holt ever raised a hand against you?" The question comes out harder than intended. I wouldn't expect such behavior from him, but pack dynamics can hide dark secrets.
"What? Absolutely not! He's an honorable Alpha!" Her defense comes swift and fierce.
"An honorable Alpha who somehow missed having an Alpha female concealed within his own territory?" Disbelief colors my voice.
"I'm not concealing anything," she maintains stubbornly.
"Isn't that exactly what you're doing?"
"No, it's not." Her tone grows increasingly hostile.
I position myself directly in front of her, staring deep into those stunning amber eyes that seem to hold secrets I'm determined to uncover.
"SHIFT!" The command explodes from me with every ounce of Alpha authority I possess.
Instead of compliance, she releases a savage snarl, her eyes darkening to rich chocolate as fury takes hold and her wolf battles against my dominance.
"GO TO HELL!" she roars back at me.
"You're welcome to accompany me there if you prefer," I reply with deliberate provocation. "But I'd rather discover exactly who I'm claiming before I take her to my bed. And you can abandon this omega charade immediately. No omega, not even one destined to be my mate, could have withstood that command."
Her jaw clenches so violently I can practically hear her teeth grinding against each other.
"Since you're undeniably an Alpha, your identity deception becomes even more intriguing, and I demand to know your reasons."
She opens her mouth to deliver what I'm sure will be another sharp retort, but I cut through her attempt.
"Don't waste time pretending ignorance about your true nature. Every Alpha understands the proper rejection ritual. Even omegas know the correct procedure. Your refusal to reject me properly proves you're hiding your real identity, and I will have answers."
"My name is Krystal."
"Is that really your name?"
"Question anyone in this pack about what I'm called," she snaps with growing irritation.
"And what did people call you before your arrival here?" I press relentlessly.
"I don't remember. I was barely more than a baby when I came."
"So Alpha Holt chose your name?" I continue my interrogation.
I watch her mouth work soundlessly, clearly uncertain whether Alpha Holt would support her deception. Rather than risk an answer, she folds her arms across her chest defensively.
"Why does any of this matter to you?"
"Because the Moon Goddess has finally granted me the mate I've spent years waiting for." I lean closer, invading her personal space. "That mate is you, Krystal."
She retreats a step and I allow the movement. My mind races through available options. The celebration remains suspended, everyone waiting for my permission to resume, but their patience means nothing to me right now. They can wait indefinitely.
"What's your family name?" I demand.
"Ashford," she responds immediately, claiming Alpha Holt's surname.
"So he formally adopted you into his family?" I probe deeper.
"Yes, he did."
If this woman absolutely refuses to accept our mate bond, won't reveal her true identity, won't accompany me willingly, then I'll be forced into more extreme measures. I'd prefer to avoid that path. I respect Alpha Holt, and for whatever mysterious reason, he's sheltered my mate and aided her deception. For that protection, I owe him gratitude. But gratitude won't stop me from applying pressure to my mate. Pack law prevents me from taking her by force against her will. However, no law prohibits strategic coercion.
"So, will you accept me as your destined mate?" I ask with deceptive calm.
She fixes me with a look of pure Alpha arrogance and defiance. "I don't believe I will."
I return her arrogant expression with my own. "Very well then," I say, moving toward the door. Opening it, I turn back to face my stubborn mate. "Alpha Holt, please join us in here."
Her eyes narrow dangerously as he enters. I close the door and position myself between him and Krystal. "Alpha Holt, Krystal here is my fated mate. I want her to return with me to my territory and assume her rightful place as my Luna."
"You're aware that our laws strictly forbid forcing females into mate bonds," he states, his gaze shifting to Krystal. Her expression softens, and the obvious affection and mutual respect between them becomes clear.
"Absolutely correct, but I was hoping you might help persuade her that accepting me serves her best interests."
"And what makes you think I'd do that?" he challenges.
"Because if you refuse, if she continues rejecting me and won't come willingly, I'll declare war on your entire pack. I'll eliminate you and every single member under your protection, and then I'll claim what belongs to me. My mate."
"YOU CANNOT DO THAT!" she shouts at me.
"Oh, I absolutely can and will."