Alethea
The entire pack is buzzing with excitement. The ball is tonight. Everyone is talking, planning, rushing around-and honestly, it’s a bit overwhelming.
But for me, the ball means one thing: I’m finally leaving.
A part of me is relieved. I’ve been holding my breath for so long, waiting for a break. I’ve done the work-seen a therapist, poured my heart out, faced my fears, even let someone in.
But still… another part of me wants to stay.
It’s confusing, this tug-of-war inside me. Staying means hope. Leaving means peace.
I turn slowly in front of the mirror, admiring the gown laid out on my bed last night. I hadn’t expected it. It came with a note, and just reading it made me smile like a fool.
He thought of me.
The gown is stunning-midnight black, with delicate shimmer that catches the light when I move. It hugs my body in all the right places, smooth against my skin, elegant and bold. It’s the kind of dress that turns heads.
But it’s not just the dress. It’s the note that steals my breath:
“I thought of how perfect it would look on you when I saw it. Save me a dance, my Luna.”
My heart tightens in my chest. The words echo through me, raw and real, stirring emotions I’ve tried hard to bury.
“You’ve zoned out again, Ally,” Amelia says gently, nudging my arm as she dabs at my face with a makeup brush.
I blink, then sigh-a deep, tired sigh. She catches my eyes in the mirror.
“Everything feels so… uncertain, Ammy. I want to believe he’s changed, but part of me still doubts him.”
“You should talk to him,” she says softly. “Really talk to him. What if you’re just assuming the worst without knowing the truth?”
“Doctor Gregory said the same thing,” I admit. “But when it’s just me and him in a room, the words never come out.”
“Try, Ally,” she pleads. “Just try. I want to see you happy. And Declan… that boy needs a home that’s stable, loving. Not one where he’s being moved from place to place all the time.”
Her words hit home.
I nod slowly, my eyes misting over. She’s right. Declan deserves both his parents. A real family.
But I need to know that Asher truly wants me-not just out of duty, not because of our bond-but because he sees me. Wants me.
“Enough about me,” I say with a small smile. “I hope you find your mate tonight, Amelia.”
She grins at me, and I glance up at her. Members from neighboring packs have been invited-it’s tradition. But security has been tight all day, ensuring everything stays safe and under control.
“Oh, Goddess,” Amelia sighs dramatically. “When I see my mate, I don’t think I’ll be able to hold it together. I swear I’ll pounce on him and take my pound of flesh through some heated sex-for showing up this late in my life!”
I burst out laughing. “Oh my-Amelia, you are just…” I trail off, completely speechless.
Suddenly, the door bursts open.
“Girls, let’s get going!” Kayla slurs, stumbling in.
“Don’t tell me you’re already drunk?” I stare at her, wide-eyed.
“No time, Ally!” she waves her hand. “I don’t *want* a clear mind tonight. I fully intend to f*** Ryder silly.”
I choke on air. These girls…
It’s obvious Amelia has rubbed off on Kayla-or maybe Kayla’s always had this wild side and just needed the right friend to bring it out.
“That’s not such a bad idea,” Amelia smirks. “Getting loose, having fun, and not thinking about a certain green-eyed Alpha who’s made you lose your damn mind.”
I roll my eyes, but I know she’s right.
“Yeah,” I mutter. “Maybe getting drunk and forgetting tonight isn’t a terrible idea.”
“That’s the spirit,” Kayla grins. “Come on, girls-let’s go!”
We make our way down the hallway. Heads turn as we pass, but we walk like we own the place-confident and glowing, showstoppers in our gowns.
When we enter the grand hall, I’m momentarily stunned. Everyone is dressed to perfection. Neon lights swirl through the air, casting soft shadows across shimmering fabrics and glowing faces.
I spot a waiter with a tray and grab a drink, downing it in one swift gulp.
“Slow down, tiger,” Amelia teases, but I just roll my eyes and keep walking.
There are so many unmated wolves here tonight. It’s clear some are hoping to find their fated one. I glance around, scanning the crowd.
But there’s no sign of him. No green eyes. No Asher.
I’d promised to save him a dance… but Maybe he’s not coming.
The music picks up, pulsing through the air. The beat wraps around me, and I find myself swaying to it without thinking. I head to the bar and order something stronger.
One drink. Then another. Then another. And another.
The lights blur. My head swims.
I look around, but Amelia and Kayla are nowhere in sight. “Traitors,” I mutter with a sloppy laugh. “They chose d*** over me.”
Just then, mMy favorite song plays. A spark lights inside me.
I shoot up from my seat, drink in hand, and head to the dance floor. My body moves on its own-wild, free, unbothered. I can’t even remember the last time I let go like this.
When the music fades, I stumble back to my seat, breathless and flushed.
Around me, unmated wolves are pairing up-some smiling like they’ve just touched the moon, others tense and angry, clearly not happy with who fate gave them.
It’s a mess of emotions, and somehow, it tugs at something deep in my chest.
I wave down to the bar attendant. “Another drink, please,” I say, voice low.
Maybe if I drink enough, I won’t feel this ache.
“Don’t you think you’ve had enough to drink for tonight?” a deep, velvet voice slices through the haze clouding my mind.
I turn slowly, blinking through the blur, and my breath catches.
A man stands before me-no, not just any man. He’s striking, with onyx eyes so dark they seem to hide a thousand secrets. His face is all sharp angles and perfection like he was carved by the gods themselves. There’s something magnetic about him. I shamelessly let my eyes roam over him, from his broad shoulders to the way his shirt clings to his strong chest.
He notices.
A slow, knowing smirk tugs at his lips. “You’re not even trying to be subtle,” he says, amused.
I giggle, tipsy and bold. “Where’s the fun in being subtle?”
Without thinking, I reach out and trace my fingers along the edge of his jaw. His body stiffens at the contact, like he didn’t expect it.
“Look who’s reacting to my touch,” I tease, laughing softly.
“I’m Trent,” he says, voice dropping a little lower. “And you are?”
“Zoe. Trent, nice to meet you,” I reply, tilting my head as I study him. He looks young, but there’s something in his eyes that feels older. Wiser. Or maybe it’s just the alcohol messing with me.
The music changes-now it’s slower, sensual, the kind of beat that pulls bodies together.
Trent stretches out a hand toward me. “Zoe, may I have this dance?”
I hesitate. My eyes sweep the room, half-hoping to catch a glimpse of one particular green-eyed Alpha. But he’s nowhere to be found. My heart aches a little.
Screw it.
“Okay,” I say, placing my hand in Trent’s. He leads me to the dance floor, and my legs feel like jelly. The alcohol hits me all at once, making everything spin just a little. Still, I move with him, letting the music guide us.
But then-it happens.
A strange prickle crawls up my spine, like static electricity. The tiny hairs on the back of my neck stand up. My body tenses, instinctively alert.
Something’s off.
I try to ignore it, but the feeling only grows stronger. I glance at Trent. He gives me a sheepish smile, but it doesn’t quite reach his eyes.
And just like that, the mood shifts. The air feels heavier. My gut twists with unease.
Something isn’t right.