and excitement had spiraled into a cacophony of bad decisions. She couldn't shake off the feeling of dread as she thought back to Delbee, who had left her in a huff. All she could think a

he night. People danced and mingled, their laughter echoing in the grand hall, but for Maya, time felt like it was dragging on. Conversati

handsome man approached her. The corner of his mouth lifted in a teasing smirk as he pointed to her m

ky comeback but stumbled over her words, completely captivated. "You think s

," he said, stepping closer, his aura utterly magnetic. She

her insecurities. There was a depth to their conversation that felt refreshing compared to the banal exchanges she had shared with others tha

her. She was a nineteen-year-old girl, bursting with dreams of travel and adventure, not someone destined to become the mate of an alpha, much less Alpha Nikolas of the infamous RedClaw Pack. The sudden

e've all been waiting for the chosen mate of our strong and noble Alpha Nikolas of the RedClaw Pack!" The words reverberat

a Sa

zen, a statue of disbelief. She recognized the name from stories whispered among wolves tales of ferocity, power, and a legacy steepe

s, all of it dissipated like smoke in the wind. Her heart ached at the thought of what she was losing: her freedom, her choices, her possibilities. Tea

ty. Her mother stood with a proud smile, beaming at the news like it was the happiest day of her life. But De

was unfolding. And her father? He wore a face of deep hurt, wrestling with the rea

seemed to part the sea of onlookers. As he reached her, his eyes intensely warm and searching made her feel both seen and vu

s she blinked away the grief clouding her vision, struggling to comprehend the enormity of what he was implying.T

uld she..." "Is it even possible?" "Does she

se had flipped a switch, extinguishing her aspirations in an instant. Her carefully laid plans crumbled like dry leaves in autumn, swirling away just as quickly as they ha

dream sequence than a reality. Much of her life was already packed up in anticipation of travel and change, but this was n

an with a heart that longed for stability, seemed almost relieved. "This is a great opportunity for you, Maya," she said, a

contrast to Delbee, who was openly weeping. "How can you just go? What if he's cruel?" Delbee's fear seeped into

ya! You have to run!" His voice broke, desperation lacing his words as he stepped forward, grasping her shoul

shing for the familiarity of their family dinners, the laughter that echoed through their home, the comfortin

pered, her voice trembling. "But what

figure this out together." But deep down, Maya could see the fear

ng thought struck her. What if Nikolas was everything they said he was? What if he was cruel and heartless, a monster disgui

d by the flickering memories of her cherished past. She thought of her friends, her family, and the life she had meticulously built, n

matter the outcome, she had to step into her new reality with strength. Perhaps she still had a choice

felt like a wolf in sheep's clothing, a sleek black sedan that seemed to promise danger with every polished curve. The driver, a ston

offee shop, the park where she had spent countless afternoons with Meral and Delbee, the corners of her neighborhood that had always held a s

to her resolve. "What if he doesn't like me? What if I never fit in?" The thoughts swirled relentlessly

d with ancient trees that created a natural barrier to the outside world. The landscape shifted from the gentle hills of her home t

ling estate. The mansion was majestic yet intimidating, a stark reminder of the power dynamics at play within thi

ace what lay ahead. She opened the door, feeling the cool, crisp air fill her lungs. But before she could ste

, she caught the glimmer of his dark hair, just long enough to tousle slightly with the wind, and piercing green eyes that held

lling, a soft command that sent a shudder