The night the moon turned red, everything changed.
In the quiet village hidden deep within the forest, no one spoke about the Alpha. Not out loud. Not anymore.
But Kael Draven was not a man you could forget.
He ruled the Nightfang Pack with a presence that made even the strongest wolves lower their heads. Cold. Ruthless. Untouchable.
And he had no mate.
Ayla had spent her whole life trying to stay invisible.
No wolf. No power. Just a girl living among creatures who could tear her apart if they wanted. She knew her place—and she stayed in it.
Until the night of the Blood Moon.
The air felt… wrong.
Heavy.
Like something was watching her.
Ayla hurried through the forest path, her heart beating faster with every step. The wind whispered through the trees, carrying a scent she couldn't explain—dark, wild… dangerous.
Then suddenly—
A hand grabbed her wrist.
She gasped.
Before she could scream, she was pulled hard against a solid chest.
"Found you."
The voice was deep. Commanding. Not a request—a claim.
Her breath caught as she slowly looked up…
And froze.
Silver eyes.
Glowing.
Piercing straight into her soul.
"Mine."
Her heart stopped.
Because standing in front of her… was the Alpha.
Kael Draven.
"I—I'm not a wolf," Ayla whispered, her voice trembling.
A low growl rumbled in his chest, his grip tightening just enough to make her pulse race.
"You are mine," he said again, slower this time. Certain.
"As my mate."
The word hit her like lightning.
Mate?
That was impossible.
Mates were fated between wolves. Strong wolves. Not… her.
She shook her head, panic rising. "No… you're wrong. You have the wrong person."
For a second, everything went still.
Too still.
Then Kael leaned closer, his forehead almost touching hers. His voice dropped into something darker… more dangerous.
"I never make mistakes."
And that was the moment Ayla realized something terrifying—
You don't reject an Alpha.
Especially not one who has already chosen you.