"You clean up nice for someone who fights in the dirt all day."

Aria stood in front of her mirror, smoothing the emerald green dress one last time. She absolutely refused to spend the entirety of the evening stumbling about in heels, so she pulled on a pair of black flats instead.

Then she turned to find her father leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed.

"Damn, thanks for the glowing review, Dad."

"I'm serious." Damon stepped into the room, his expression shifting to something softer. "You look beautiful, Aria. Your mother's probably crying in the hallway."

"She'd better not mess up her makeup. I refuse to be responsible for that disaster."

"I understand that I can be hard on you sometimes, but it's for the best. One day it will be you standing in my place, and I want you to be prepared when the time comes."

Aria adjusted her necklace and faced him. "Aren't you nervous? About me officially taking over?"

"Should I be?"

She considered this seriously. "Probably. I have... different opinions about how things should be run around here."

"I'd be worried if you didn't." Damon moved closer. "The pack needs a strong leader, Aria. Someone who isn't afraid to make hard choices."

"Even if those choices upset people?"

"Especially then."

A knock interrupted them. "Are you two having a heart-to-heart without me?" Celeste peeked in, her eyes already glassy.

"Mom, no crying," Aria warned. "I mean it."

"But you used to be so tiny, and now look at you, all grown up. " Her mother held Arias' face in her hands. "My perfect daughter, my pride and joy."

Lexi bounced through the door, announcing. "Ready to find your mate?"

Aria's stomach fluttered, but she kept her voice steady. "It's just a birthday party, Lexi. Don't take it so seriously."

"Ha! I bet you won't be singing that tune when you find him." Lexi grinned. "Come on, I can hear the music. And I may have already spotted three potential candidates from my bedroom window."

"Everyone give it up for Lexi Chen, future matchmaker to the supernatural community," Aria said dryly.

"Hey! Don't you dare mock my talents."

They headed downstairs together, Aria's parents standing beside them. The evening air was perfect, and the conference centre glowed with lights and music.

"Nervous?" Lexi asked quietly.

"Of course not." Aria rolled her eyes. Her Alpha bravado was coming back on as Kestra raised her head. She had everything under control, nothing could possibly go wrong.

"It's going to be amazing."

"I'm sure. It's definitely going to be something."

They reached the entrance, and Lexi practically vibrated beside her. "Okay, game plan. We walk in, you look stunning and mysterious, I scout for potential mates..."

"Lexi."

"...and we definitely avoid Jessica because she's been talking about her mate-finding strategy for weeks, and frankly, it's exhausting..."

"Lexi."

"What?"

"Breathe."

Lexi took a dramatic gulp of air. "Better?"

"Just calm down is all I'm saying."

They stepped through the doors, and even Aria had to admit the place looked incredible.

Twinkling lights created a canopy over the dance floor, the food spread was impressive, and the energy was electric.

"Wow, looks like your parents don't do anything halfway, do they?" Lexi murmured.

"We love a great party. Runs in the family."

"Speaking of which--" Lexi's nose twitched and she went still. "Oh. Oh wow."

"What?"

"I think I... excuse me." Lexi drifted away, following her nose through the crowd.

Aria watched her friend weave between groups of people, then abruptly stop and turn around, shoulders slumping.

"False alarm!" Lexi called out, trudging back.

Aria sighed and facepalmed.

"Story of my life. One month, Aria. One whole month of being eighteen and nothing."

"Patience isn't your strong suit."

"No one likes waiting too long," Lexi perked up as music shifted to something with a heavier beat. "Do you hear that? It's our song! Come on."

"I should probably mingle first, then thank people for coming."

"You should probably have fun first. It's your birthday, remember?"

Aria considered this. Lexi was right; when was the last time she'd just enjoyed herself without thinking about pack politics or training or responsibilities?

"Alright, fine. One dance," she decided.

Lexi let out a small scream and took Aria's hand, dragging her off through the crowd.

They made their way to the dance floor just as Jessica rushed over, practically glowing with a tall, dark-haired guy attached to her arm.

"Aria! Lexi! This is Derek!" Jessica's voice was breathless with excitement. "We just found each other!"

Derek looked like he'd been struck by lightning. "She's incredible," he said, never taking his eyes off Jessica.

"Congratulations," Aria said warmly. "You both look very happy."

"We are! Oh, Aria, when you find your mate, you'll understand. It's like... like everything just clicks into place."

"I'm sure it is."

As the new couple floated away, lost in their own world, Lexi sighed heavily, losing all her desire to dance.

"See that glow? That's what I want."

"You'll get it one day, Lexi. Everyone does eventually"

"But when?" Lexi whined.

"When you're supposed to."

Lexi shot her a look. "That's not helpful."

"What do you want me to say? At least it's honest, right?"

"I don't want honesty right now. I'd much rather be optimistic, thank you very much."

Aria smiled, the first genuine smile she'd had all evening. "Fine. You'll find your mate tonight, he'll be devastatingly handsome, and you'll live happily ever after."

"Thank you. Was that so hard?"

"Ehh... A little."

The music pulsed around them, and despite her nerves about the future, Aria found herself relaxing.

This was nice; just being eighteen, just being Lexi's best friend, just being herself for a few minutes before everything changed.

"So," Lexi said, scanning the room, "ready to meet your destiny?"

Aria followed her gaze across the crowded room. Somewhere in here might be the person who would stand beside her as she led the Silver Crest pack. They would understand the weight she carried and they would be strong enough to share it.

"As ready as I'll ever be."

The music pounded through Aria's chest as she walked around the room, accepting birthday wishes and dodging overly happy aunts who wanted to pinch her cheeks.

The emerald pendant Lexi gave her caught the bright lights, and she'd lost count of how many people had complimented it.

"Smile's getting a bit stiff there, birthday girl," Lexi materialised beside her with two cups of punch.

"My face hurts."

"Thought so. That's what happens when you're being fake-nice for an hour straight." Lexi laughed.

Aria gratefully accepted the drink. "I have to get used to it, it's called diplomacy and it's basically my job."

"It's actually called exhausting." Lexi nudged her shoulder. "When's the last time you actually enjoyed one of these things?"

"I enjoy them."

"Liar. You only like the part where everyone goes home."

Before Aria could argue, she heard excited chatter coming from near the entrance. She turned to see what had everyone's attention, expecting another late arrival from one of the allied packs.

Two wolf men had just walked in, both tall and clearly wolves by the way they carried themselves. The first one was handsome enough with dark hair, nice smile, the type who probably had no trouble getting dates.

But his friend knocked the breath out of her.

He had golden hair that looked effortlessly perfect, shoulders that stretched his suit jacket in all the right ways. He was tall enough that she'd actually have to look up at him, which usually happened because she was 5"11.

"Oh," Lexi breathed. "Oh wow."

"Don't stare at them."

"Too late, half the girls in here just stopped dancing."

The blonde's gaze swept across the room before landing directly on Aria. Even from across the dance floor, she could feel the intensity of his attention like a physical touch.

"He's looking at you," Lexi whispered.

"He's probably just--"

"Nope, it's definitely you. And he's coming over!"

Aria did her best to suppress her nervousness. She forced herself to turn back to Lexi, trying to look casual. "Act normal."

"I am acting normal. You're the one who looks like you're about to run away or something."

The crowd seemed to part as he moved through it, conversations quieting as people registered his presence. He was definitely an Alpha. No one kind of wolf could command that kind of unconscious respect.

"Breathe," Lexi muttered.

"What are you talking about. I'm breathing fine."

"Your heartbeat slowed down, I heard it. You're holding your breath."

That's when the warm and addictive scent of pine and vanilla hit her, cutting through all the smells of perfumes and food and dozens of other wolves. It wrapped around her like smoke, making her head spin till she felt nearly dizzy with desire.

"Holy shit," she whispered.

"What?"

Mate, Mate, Mate. Kestra's voice was barely controlled excitement in her head.

No. Absolutely not. Aria's logical brain rejected the idea even as every instinct told her that her wolf was right. The scent was getting stronger as he got closer, making her feel faint and reckless and completely out of control.

"Aria?" Lexi's voice seemed to come from underwater. "You okay?"

"Fine," she managed, though she definitely wasn't.

He was close enough now that she could see his deep blue eyes, like the ocean right before a storm.

His smile was easy and confident, the kind that suggested he was used to getting everything he wanted, damn the consequences.

Lexi had gone completely quiet, probably sensing the shift in energy radiating off Aria.

He stopped right in front of them, his smile never wavering. Up close, he was even more attractive, so much so that Aria had to look away so she could focus.

"Rafe Southpaw," he said, extending his hand.

His voice was exactly what she'd expected it to sound like. It was deep and smooth with just enough roughness to be interesting, and she knew he could probably talk someone into just about anything.

Aria stared at his offered hand, knowing she should say something polite and normal. Ask which pack he was from, maybe. Definitely do not mention that her heart was trying to beat its way out of her chest.

Instead, she reached out and took his hand. "Aria Blackwood."

The second their skin touched, electricity shot up her arm. His eyes widened as he felt it too; the immediate and undeniable mate bond that crackled between them like lightning.

Tell him, Kestra urged. Now.

But something in Rafe's expression shifted when she said her name. His easy smile fell, replaced by something she couldn't quite read.

"Blackwood." He said her family's name slowly. "As in Alpha Damon Blackwood?"

"That would be my father, yes."

His thumb brushed across her knuckles where their hands were still connected, sending another jolt of electricity through her system.

For a moment, she thought she saw the same want and recognition she had for him within his eyes.

Then his expression went completely blank.

"Well," he said, flinging her hand away like it had burned him. "How unfortunate."

"What?" Aria blinked, certain she'd misheard him. "What do you mean by that?"

Rafe's jaw tightened, and she watched him step back away from her in disgust. "You're the daughter who's supposed to take over the pack, right?"

"I'm the heir, yes." This wasn't how it was supposed to go. What the hell was he playing at?

"Right. The famous Aria Blackwood." He said her name like it left a bad taste in his mouth. "I should've known."

Lexi shifted uncomfortably beside her, clearly sensing the tension between them. Around them, other conversations continued, but Aria felt like they were in a bubble where everything had gone horribly wrong.

"Known what, exactly?"

"That the Moon Goddess would pull something like this." Rafe ran a hand through his golden hair, messing up the perfect style. "Of course she'd make you of all people my--"

He cut himself off, but Aria heard what he hadn't said.

"I don't understand." she pressed.

"I don't expect you to, forget it."

He's rejecting us, Kestra whimpered in her mind. Why is he rejecting us?

Aria took a step forward, her Alpha instincts flaring. "No, finish that sentence. You're what?"

"Look, princess--"

"Don't call me that."

"--This whole thing is a mistake. I'm not interested in whatever game it is that you're playing."

"Game?" Aria's voice rose enough that nearby dancers started glancing their way. "What game?"

"The helpless future Alpha looking for a strong mate to help her rule." Rafe's tone was casual, dismissive. "Find someone else to play house with."

Lexi sucked in a sharp breath. "Okay, that's a bit uncalled for---"

"Stay out of this," Aria snapped, never taking her eyes off Rafe. Her hands clenched into fists. "You think I need help ruling?"

"I think you need a lot of things. I'm just not interested in providing them."

Aria's hands shook with embarrassment and rage, but she fought to remain composed and refused to show weakness in front of her pack.

"Fine." Her voice went deadly quiet. "Then let me make this easy for you."

"Aria, don't-" Lexi grabbed her arm.

She shook her friend off, stepping closer to Rafe. Close enough to see the flecks of silver in his blue eyes, close enough to smell that intoxicating pine and vanilla scent that made her wolf howl with loss.

"You want to know what I think?" Aria's Alpha presence filled the space between them. "I think you're scared."

Rafe's eyes flashed dangerously. "Excuse me?"

"You heard me. You're terrified of having a mate who doesn't need you to take care of her, someone who might actually be stronger than you?"

"You don't know what you're talking about."

"Don't I?" Aria smiled, but there was nothing warm about it. "Big strong Alpha can't handle the idea of sharing power with his mate. How pathetic."

The crowd around them had gone completely quiet. Aria could feel her parents' attention from across the room, and she could sense the same tension they felt.

"How dare you, travel all the way from whatever backwater you came from, just to embarrass me and my family?" She asked, glaring daggers at him.

One onlooker gasped, putting a hand over her mouth in shock.

Rafe stepped closer, his own Alpha presence rising up to meet hers. For a moment, Aria thought he might actually challenge her right here on the dance floor.

"That's a lot of effort to waste on a mediocre daddy's girl, so no, that's not why I'm here." His voice was low, dangerous.

"I think you're exactly what everyone says you are. Cold, controlling, and far more concerned with your precious pack than anything else."

He doesn't mean it, Kestra whispered desperately. He can't possibly...

But Aria was past caring at that point. "At least I'm not a coward."

"A coward?" Rafe said, his voice dropping dangerously low, almost too low for her to hear. "Sweetheart, you have no idea what I am."

"You're right. I do', and I don't want to."

They stood there glaring at each other, the mate bond crackling between them like a live wire. Aria could feel it pulling at her, demanding that she reach for him to claim him and make this right somehow.

Instead, she took a deliberate step backwards.

"You know what the really sad part is?" she said conversationally. "I actually thought you might be different. That maybe the Moon Goddess had finally sent me someone worth my time."

Rafe's expression flickered for a second, but it was gone so quickly she might have imagined it.

"I share your disappointment, Blackwood. At least we can agree on that," he said.

Around them, werewolves watched with mouths wide open, astonished that an outsider would dare speak to their future leader with such a disrespectful tone.

Some started to transform, ready to defend her if need be.

Then out of nowhere, Rafe straightened his shoulders and looked directly into her eyes.

"I, Rafael Daniels, future Alpha of the Red Moon pack, hereby reject you, Aria Blackwood, future Alpha of the Silver Crest pack, as my mate."

Shouts of, "What did he just say?" and "Unbelievable" echoed around them, and Aria felt the mate bond shake in protest, fighting against the rejection even as pain shot through her chest.

But she was Alpha Damon Blackwood's daughter. She was raised to be strong and to never show weakness, to endure whatever the world threw at her.

So she lifted her chin and smiled. To hell with the mate bond, this rude good for good-for-nothing boy would not best her in front of her entire people!

"I, Aria Blackwood, future Alpha of the Silver Crest pack, accept your rejection, Rafael Daniels."

The bond snapped and Aria felt a part of herself being painfully torn away. Kestra howled in agony, the sound echoing through her mind until she thought she might lose her head.

But she didn't scream, she didn't cry and she didn't show any of the devastation that was currently ripping through her chest.

Instead, she looked Rafael Daniels dead in the eye and said, "Mark my words. If you ever see me again, then it will be the last thing you ever see."

"On the contrary, Aria, no one will ever see you or your people again after tonight." Then out of nowhere, Rafe shouted, "Red Moon! Attack!"