Alpha Brandon stood at the center of the dim chamber, no longer relaxed, no longer silent. His rare golden eyes glowed with raw power, pupils narrowing like a wolf scenting prey.
"Seal the doors," he commanded, his voice low and commanding, like a predator marking territory.
The heavy doors shut with a resounding thud, echoing like distant howls in the forest.
Emma swallowed, heart hammering. "You summoned me?"
"Yes." His voice was calm now. Controlled. Dangerous. "You seem far too comfortable wandering my den."
"I was only looking for breakfast."
"And instead, you stumbled into my private training grounds."
She stiffened. "That… that was unintentional."
"Was it?" He stepped closer, claws subtly flexing, a low growl rumbling from his chest. "You have a habit of stepping exactly where the sigils respond, Luna."
Her pulse spiked, heat pooling in her veins. "If you think I was spying—"
"I think," he interrupted, "that your curiosity burns as fiercely as your scent pulls me."
Silence stretched like a taut silver thread between them.
"You are my mate," he continued, voice lowering into a guttural growl. "You do not need to sneak around my territory."
"I wasn't sneaking."
"You were."
She lifted her chin, defiance trembling in her voice. "Then maybe you shouldn't build a den that feels like a labyrinth."
For a second, something primal and unreadable flickered in his wolfish gaze.
"You will join me at the gathering tomorrow," he said suddenly.
"A gathering?"
"Yes. And you will stand beside me as my Luna."
Her breath hitched, chest tightening. "I—"
"You will not embarrass me," he added, voice a dangerous whisper that rumbled like distant thunder.
"And if I refuse?"
His gaze hardened, amber fire igniting. His voice remained steady. "You won't."
Silence.
"Walk with me," he said, claws brushing subtly against the stone floor as he moved. She turned and followed him, senses alert, every instinct screaming awareness of his Alpha presence.
The spiral stairs coiling around the central pole loomed ahead, perfectly circular like the full moon. The architecture radiated the elegance and dominance of an Alpha's den.
She walked slowly, unsure if she could trust him fully, every step feeling the heat of his aura brushing against her, a subtle twitch in her tailbone reminding her of her own wolfish nature.
The rooftop terrace stretched ahead, adorned with roses in delicate vases. Brandon's enforcers stood at each corner like shadowed wolves guarding their Alpha. A bottle of rich red wine and two crystal cups sat on one of the polished jet-engine tables.
Emma's eyes drifted to the helipad attached to the den. Her heart raced at the sight of the flying beast for the first time. She was mesmerized while he moved a few steps away, his posture rigid, tail bristling ever so slightly, as he took a call.
She edged closer to the terrace rim, taking in the panoramic view of the crystal-clear lake below, surrounded by towering trees of the estate. The Sky Lounge offered a perfect vantage to claim the territory in her eyes.
Then, a possessive hand gripped her waist, sending a shiver through her body, and she almost toppled off the edge.
His Alpha scent enveloped her, primal and intoxicating, the kind of pull only a true Alpha could wield. Her pulse thudded erratically, her trembling hand brushing against his, futilely trying to anchor herself. After a few seconds, he released her—but when she tried to flee, his hand latched firmly to her arm, stopping her.
He guided her to the glass table, gesturing at a chair. She sat slowly, quietly, while her fear mounted. His enforcers left the terrace, leaving his piercing wolfish gaze fixed on Emma.
"I went for Alpha vitality inspection and was supposed to stay for a week. But when I remembered you were coming, I couldn't wait another night," he said, lips curling into a low, seductive smile. The deep rumble of his voice sent sparks through her, like a call deep into her wolf instincts.
"We are celebrating our howling union tonight," he whispered, stepping closer; she pulled back instinctively.
"Howling… what—" she stopped, heart racing.
"Afraid of me, Luna?" His smirk was predatory. She shivered and nodded. His presence, enhanced pheromones, and Alpha dominance made her instincts spin, fingers tapping lightly against his leg.
His open shirt revealed a sculpted chest, six packs coiled with brown fur. Her heart jumped; a wave of apprehension hit her. She became desperate to escape, yet his gaze, ever fixated on her, pinned her like prey.
She stood, unable to withstand his piercing stare, wolf instincts thrumming in her veins.
"Sit," he commanded, eyes on his phone. She obeyed, coldly, studying him. Brandon was the most imposing Alpha she had ever seen—face chiseled like stone, jaw sharp as a dagger, ears slightly alert.
He relaxed, legs crossed, like a true Alpha in his domain. She wondered why an Alpha so captivating and innocent-looking would choose the ruthless path of a crime Alpha. Her gaze dropped when his piercing eyes lifted toward her again.
"I see you've made a friend already," he murmured, a hint of jealousy sharpening his tone. She shook her head, eyes averted.
"Relationships with your pack are important, but you must keep your distance. Bernard is fully grown, with wolf-blood coursing through his veins," Brandon said, pouring a drink. She froze. A simple conversation with Bernard had sparked this warning. She took the glass, then placed it back deliberately.
"You dislike my company?" he asked, voice dropping lower. Silence was her only reply.
"Need anything?" he probed. "No," She shook her head, still avoiding his gaze.
"How do you find your new territory? I've grown plenty of roses for you." She said nothing, letting silence stretch.
"This is yours," he said, sliding a golden metal card toward her. "Use it for your needs."
She picked it up, refusing to utter thanks—she never wanted to partake in ill-gotten Alpha wealth. He drained his wine, rising.
"Brandon, I'm… sorry, I'm not ready," she murmured. He ignored her, moving to the edge of the flat roof, posture taut, fingers tapping lightly against his arm.
She fixed her eyes on her mysterious Alpha mate. Beyond a classically handsome face, his wolfish physique radiated virility and power. Muscles rippled under fur-covered skin, posture perfect, aura commanding. He gazed at the lake and trees, drinking in his territory before retreating.
"Thank you," she whispered. He paused, eyes cold, displeasure clear, claws flexing ever so slightly.
"We have a pack gathering tomorrow at noon," he said, voice calm but commanding, every syllable vibrating with Alpha dominance.
"I have nothing to wear," she murmured, disappointed.
"I already arranged it. My personal pack aide will deliver."
"Does she know my exact size?" she asked, astonished. He only glanced at her gown and walked away.
She wondered, blinking rapidly, who had orchestrated the wardrobe. She had never shared such details with anyone—not Evan, nor her Luna mother .
"Pack gathering," she muttered aloud. Likely his powerful Alpha allies. She realized he intended to introduce her to the pack elite. Not the life she wanted, but nowhere else to go. Brandon's allure was undeniable—handsome, enchanting, commanding—but his Alpha ways clashed with her values.
She descended the spiral stairs slowly, thoughts tangled in the contradiction of his dual nature, instincts pulling her closer to him even as her mind resisted.
"Why did he claim me?" she asked aloud, a question her heart demanded answered, senses tingling with unease.
"Brandon! Where have you been?"
A female voice called. Curiosity pricked at her as she hurried down, heart racing to see if he was embracing a she-wolf. Jealousy wasn't her thought—but he was his mate, legally bound to her.
Her tail stiffened, claws digging into the stair edges, instincts warning her that something dangerous—and undeniably magnetic—was about to unfold.
Should she trust him… or fear him? Please
Vote to unlock what happens next. Your support decides their fate.