Aria's POV.
The morning air was crisp, biting at my skin as I stood in my room, my hands trembling over the leather straps of my luggage.
Today was the day we'd leave Shadow Claw for the Fang Pack, the trip for recognition Alpha Kael had announced.
My heart raced, a mix of fear and hope swirling in my chest. This was my chance to make Kael fall for me, to bind him so tightly to my heart that when the truth came out—that I was Aria, not Celeste—he'd choose me anyway.
But the weight of the lie pressed heavy, like a stone in my gut. One wrong move, and everything could crumble.
I reached for my bag, my fingers brushing the rough leather, when the door swung open with a creak.
I froze, my breath catching as a stranger strode in. He was tall, his broad shoulders filling the doorway, his dark hair falling in soft waves over warm brown eyes.
His smile was easy, almost too friendly, and my guard went up, my wolf stirring warily. "Who are you?" I asked, my voice sharper than I meant, my hand tightening on the bag.
He bowed, a graceful dip that felt oddly sincere. "Luna Celeste," he said, his tone light but respectful.
"My apologies if I haven't introduced myself yet. I'm Beta Brian, just resumed duty after a week away. I'm sorry I missed your coronation ceremony." His smile widened, crinkling the corners of his eyes, and something in my chest loosened.
He seemed… kind. Not like the cold, calculating wolves I was used to.
I nodded, forcing a small smile. "It's fine," I said, my voice softer now.
"Nice to meet you, Brian." His name felt strange on my tongue, but his warmth was disarming, like a fire on a cold night.
He stepped closer, his eyes bright. "I'll make sure you feel at home here, Luna. Whatever you need, I'm your guy." His tone was playful, and I couldn't help but smile, a real one this time.
For the first time in days, I felt a flicker of comfort, like I wasn't entirely alone.
I reached for my bag again, but Brian was faster. "Let me," he said, his hand brushing mine as he took the luggage.
The touch was brief, a spark of warmth, but it sent my heart racing. I yanked my hand back, my cheeks flushing as I met his eyes.
His smile didn't waver, all easy charm, no hint of anything more. But Goddess!!!!!, he was handsome.
Not just handsome; beautiful, with sharp cheekbones and a jaw that could cut glass.
My inner wolf, Kyra, perked up, a low growl rumbling through me, hungry and reckless. She had a thing for pretty faces, always had.
"Stop it, Kyra," I muttered inwardly, my voice firm. "He's not our mate. Kael is. We have a plan." Kyra whined, playful but stubborn.
"He's cute, Aria. Can't I just look?" I shook my head, biting back a laugh.
"No messing around. Focus."
Brian glanced at me, oblivious to my inner battle, and hoisted the bag. "I'll take this to the vehicle," he said, then turned and left, his boots echoing down the hall.
I pressed a hand to my chest, willing my heart to slow. Kyra's antics were trouble, but she wasn't wrong about Brian's charm.
Still, I had bigger things to worry about. Kael. The Fang Pack. The lie I was living. I smoothed my hands over the blue gown I'd chosen, its fabric soft and flowing, with a daring slit up the left thigh.
It was bold, not my usual style, but it made me feel powerful, like I could be the Luna they expected.
I pulled my hair into a loose braid, letting a few strands frame my face, and took a deep breath. Time to face the Alpha.
The packhouse courtyard was bustling, warriors loading supplies, their voices low and purposeful.
I stepped outside, the morning sun bright against the stone walls, and my eyes found Kael immediately.
He stood by a sleek black car, his tall frame clad in dark leather, his silver accents gleaming. He was *freaking* handsome, all sharp angles and raw power, his presence swallowing the air around him.
The moment his onyx eyes met mine, he froze, his gaze locking onto me like a predator spotting prey.
My breath hitched, my skin prickling as Kyra stirred again, her growl louder this time, hungry and desperate.
"Mate," she purred, her voice a low hum in my mind. "I want him, Aria. Now."
I scolded her inwardly, my cheeks burning. "Kyra, stop it. You're just being playful. You don't even know what you want."
She huffed, defiant. "Whatever, Aria. I *know* I want our mate!" I bit my lip, fighting a smile.
Her stubbornness was almost cute, but I couldn't let her distract me. I had a plan, and Kael was the key.
I walked toward him, my gown swishing, the slit revealing flashes of my thigh. His eyes followed every step, dark and intense, and my heart pounded.
He stretched out his hand, and I took it, the touch electric, sending a jolt through my veins. His palm was warm, calloused, and I fought the urge to lean into him.
Kyra whined, but I ignored her, climbing into the car. Kael slid in beside me, his presence overwhelming in the tight space, while Brian took the driver's seat, his easy smile visible in the rearview mirror.
The engine roared, and we left Shadow Claw behind, the packhouse fading into the distance.
The journey to the Fang Pack was long, the road winding through dense forests and rolling hills.
The car was quiet, save for the hum of the engine and the occasional rustle of Brian adjusting the wheel.
Kael's gaze kept drifting to me, heavy and unreadable, like he was trying to see through my skin.
My stomach twisted, a mix of nerves and something warmer, sweeter. Was he feeling the mate bond too? Or was he suspicious, piecing together my lie?
I turned to him, my voice soft but bold. "Why do you keep staring?"
He blinked, caught off guard, and a faint flush crept up his neck. "There's… something in your hair," he said, his voice gruff, unconvincing.
He turned away, staring out the window, his jaw tight. I smirked, my heart lifting. He was embarrassed.
My plan was working. Every glance, every touch, was pulling him closer. I just had to keep it up.
Night fell as we reached the Fang Pack, the sky a deep indigo, stars scattered like diamonds. The Fang Pack's territory was stark, all sharp cliffs and towering pines, the air thick with the scent of earth and wolf.
A tall man waited at the gates, his blond hair glinting under torchlight, his eyes sharp and assessing. "Welcome, Alpha Kael, Luna Celeste," he said, bowing slightly.
"I'm Beta Nathan. Alpha Nicholas is waiting for you." His gaze lingered on me, curious, and my stomach tightened.
Did he sense something off?
Nathan led us through the packhouse, its halls lined with dark wood and flickering lanterns.
Warriors watched us, their eyes tracking my every move, and I forced myself to stand taller, to wear Celeste's confidence like a mask.
Nathan stopped at a heavy door, gesturing inside. "Your room," he said. "Alpha Nicholas awaits in the throne chamber for the welcome party. It starts soon." He turned to leave, but I hesitated, my mind racing
A single room? For me and Kael?
"Wait," I blurted, my voice sharper than I meant. "Where's my room?" The words slipped out before I could stop them, born of panic.
I wasn't ready to share a bed with Kael again for now, not when my nerves were raw, my secret teetering on the edge.
Nathan paused, his brow furrowing.
He glanced at Kael, then back at me, forcing a laugh. "I don't understand. You're the Alpha's Luna. You'll share a room with him." His tone was polite but firm, and my cheeks burned.
Of course. Lunas shared rooms with their Alphas. How could I be so stupid?
I opened my mouth to protest, but Kael moved faster. His arm slid around my waist, pulling me close, his grip strong and startling.
My breath caught, my body pressed against his, the heat of him seeping through my gown. "Don't worry, Nathan," Kael said, his voice smooth, almost amused.
"My Luna has a sense of humor. You may leave. We'll be down soon." Nathan nodded, a flicker of confusion in his eyes, and left with Brian, who'd dropped our bags on the bed.
The door clicked shut, and before I could react, Kael spun me around, pinning me against the wall.
My heart leaped, my back pressed to the cool wood, his body close enough that I could feel his breath.
His onyx eyes burned into mine, intense and darkly sweet, a low growl rumbling in his chest.
"Are you now scared of me?" he teased, his voice low, rough. "You don't want to sleep in my bed? We had sex a few days ago, remember?"
My cheeks flushed, my mind flashing to that night—the heat, the bond, the way his hands had claimed me.
Kyra stirred, eager, but I fought her down, my breath shaky. "I'm not scared," I lied, my voice barely steady.
His eyes trailed downward, lingering on the slit in my gown, and my skin prickled. His growl deepened, possessive, sending a shiver through me.
"You're mine, mate," he said, his voice a low rumble, each word filled with promise. "And you go nowhere unless I say so."