Zander’s POV.
The next woman to approach me was Lila, a fierce warrior from a Southern pack. She immediately stood out from the rest of the women in the room.
While others wore extravagant dresses and accessorized with glittering jewels, Lila’s outfit was simple and practical, with no unnecessary decoration.
Her posture was strong, her shoulders squared, and her expression was serious. She didn’t waste time with pleasantries or trying to soften her image. Her no-nonsense demeanor was a stark contrast to the polished charm of the others, and that alone caught my attention.
“Alpha,” she said, extending her hand to shake mine with a firm grip. Her voice was strong and direct, with no hesitation. “I’m not here to play games or charm you with sweet words. I’m here because I believe I can make a difference as Luna.” Her tone was confident, almost challenging, as though daring me to question her sincerity.
I raised an eyebrow, feeling a flicker of curiosity at her boldness. “And what makes you think you’re the right choice?” I asked, keeping my voice calm but firm. I wanted to see how she’d respond to the challenge.
Lila didn’t hesitate. Her eyes met mine steadily as she answered, her voice unwavering. “I’ve fought in battles that would make most men cower,” she said, her tone filled with pride and conviction. “I know the burden of leadership, and I know what it means to protect those who depend on you. That’s what you need in a Luna-someone who can stand beside you in the hardest moments, not just someone with a pretty face.” Her words were sharp, cutting through the superficiality of the evening like a blade.
I respected her honesty. There was strength in her words, and I could see she believed them fully. But as much as I admired her straightforward nature, I felt nothing beyond that. There was no spark, no connection that made me think she was the one.
As I moved to step past her, Lila took a step closer, her hand brushing lightly against my arm. Her tone shifted, her confidence taking a more personal edge. “Zander,” she said, her voice softer now, almost intimate. She dropped the formal “Alpha,” her gaze flickering with something new. “I can give you more than leadership. I can give you what you need, what you want. A Luna who doesn’t just lead-but who knows how to make her Alpha feel… satisfied.”
I paused, narrowing my eyes slightly as I studied her. Her boldness was unexpected, and the way her voice lingered on the word “satisfied” made her intentions clear. “What exactly are you offering, Lila?” I asked, my voice low but firm, testing her resolve.
She smiled, leaning in just enough that her presence felt closer than necessary. “I’m offering myself,” she said bluntly, her voice husky now, dripping with confidence. “Not just as your Luna, but as your woman. Your partner in every way.” Her hand moved subtly, grazing my forearm, her fingers deliberate and slow. “You’ve had a long night, Zander. If you want, I could help you… unwind. Just say the word, and I’ll make sure you don’t spend tonight alone.”
Her words hung in the air, heavy with meaning. I could feel the tension crackling between us, but it wasn’t the kind of tension that stirred anything in me. Her actions felt calculated, deliberate, and far too rehearsed. I pulled back slightly, creating distance between us, my expression unreadable. “That’s a bold offer, Lila,” I said evenly, my tone giving nothing away. “But I don’t think you understand what I’m looking for in a Luna.”
Her smile faltered ever so slightly, but she quickly recovered, stepping even closer. “I understand perfectly,” she said, her voice dropping to a near-whisper. “You’re under pressure. You’re carrying the weight of this entire kingdom on your shoulders. You deserve someone who can take some of that weight off… someone who knows how to make you forget about all of this,” she gestured vaguely toward the room, her fingers brushing against my chest. “Just for one night.”
I caught her hand gently but firmly, stopping her from taking another step closer. My voice was calm but unyielding. “Lila, I don’t need someone to distract me or make me forget. What I need is someone who understands me-someone who can stand by my side for the right reasons. This,” I gestured between us, “isn’t it.”
Her confidence cracked for a brief second, a flicker of frustration flashing in her eyes before she masked it with a coy smile. “Are you sure, Alpha? You might be surprised what I can offer.”
I released her hand and stepped back, putting more space between us. My tone remained steady, but there was no room for argument. “I’m sure,” I said simply. “Thank you for your time, Lila. Enjoy the rest of the evening.”
She hesitated, clearly debating whether to press further, but something in my expression must have told her it was a losing battle. With a small nod, she stepped back, her mask of confidence slipping back into place. “Of course,” she said, her tone polite but colder now. “The offer still stands, Zander. In case you change your mind.”
I watched her walk away, her steps sharp and purposeful as she disappeared into the crowd. I let out a slow breath, shaking my head slightly. Lila was strong, confident, and determined-but her actions tonight had made one thing clear. She wasn’t here for me. She was here for power.
One by one, the women continued to approach me throughout the night, each one trying her best to outshine the others. They were all beautiful, talented, and strong in their own ways. Yet, no matter how hard I tried to focus on them, none of them could compare. None of them were *her.*