ight of him. I have met the Alpha once before, and I was awkward as usual. He probably wouldn't remember me if he saw me. Alp

he sight of her. I don't know much about her, other than she's beautiful, graceful, and the perfect match for the Alpha. They look so

ot. My heart leaps into my throat as I feel myself tipping forward. I claw at the bark of a nearby tree to catch myself, but it's n

veins. I feel like a fool. T

eir eyes searching the shadows for the source of the disturbance. I shrink further, hoping I can fade into th

rying through the trees with a melodi

ric, feeling the gritty texture stick to my fingers. A nervous laugh escapes me, and I try to compose myself. "Sorry," I stammer, tryi

The Luna finishes my sentence, h

he mateless gathering is something I'm supposed to attend, but I wasn't exactly looking forward to it. The idea of mingling with

My gaze flicks straight to my Alpha, as if on instinct. He's standing near the front, just a few feet away, his posture imposing. He stands with such authority

rong that it nearly knocks the wind out of me. His features are striking-sharp jaw, deep-set eyes, and dark hair that falls just enough to frame his face. But it's more than just h

in my cheeks and my pulse quickening. I can't explain it. It's as if the very air around him has become thick, charg

e does. I shouldn't be thinking this way-about any man, let alone someone of his status. He's untouchab

thing

isdain. His eyes shoot to mine, then quickly shift away, as though he's trying to ignore the pull between us. But then they return, only to dar

m. My heart pounds in my chest like a drum, erratically, as though it's trying to break free of its con

me. It's a silent communication, something that hums between us, unnoticed by the others but all

nsations. And then, before I can make any sense of it, the voice

a's voice is calm, but there's an underlying

my dry lips, my mouth suddenly feeling too small for the words I need to say. I want to run. I want to disappe

the turmoil swirling inside me. I turn quickly, trying to walk away with what little dignity I have left, but I ca