LEAH

Hefty, uneven breaths echoing through the early morning silence stir me from sleep. It takes me a moment to realize they're not mine. They're his. The sound draws me in, urging me to turn over, and when I do, the sight that greets me steals whatever remnants of sleep I have left.

He lies beside me, bare-chested and beautiful in the kind of way that makes my breath hitch. The duvet has slipped down below his waist, revealing the sculpted lines of his abdomen, the dips and ridges of muscle carved like art into bronze. His arms are folded loosely beneath his head, biceps taut even in rest, veins visible beneath the skin.

The moonlight filtering through the curtains casts a soft glow across his skin, making him look almost unreal. His face is softer now in sleep. The sharp edge to his jaw is relaxed, and his black hair is a tousled mess of silky strands falling across his forehead.

A lump forms in my throat as my gaze drops to his lips. My lips part slightly, as last night’s moments replay in my head. The warmth of his touch, and even the way he looked at me settled in my belly like honey, sweet and slow.

I stretch my hand, reaching out to brush a few messy strands of hair from his face. But I freeze midway, my fingers trembling.

Dark scars run from the base of his neck and disappear beneath the duvet trailing down the expanse of his back.

"Damn, now I know how he got his name, the Scarred Alpha" I thought.

Goosebumps rise along my arms, as I stare at the scars, a sharp sting coiling in my chest.

“Are you scared?” His voice cuts through my thoughts, raspy from sleep.

I jerk my hand back and clear my throat awkwardly as his cold, grey eyes meet mine. I drop my gaze, the sudden heat on my cheeks burning hot with embarrassment. Damn he's sexy, even when he looks sleepy.

“I... no...I'm...” I fumble, throat tightening as I clear it quickly, trying to recover.

He doesn’t wait for my excuse. He sits up in one swift movement, almost making me squeal in shock. His biceps seem to flex themselves as they bulge more, making my heart beat faster than usual.

He presses a hand to his temple, and closes his eyes. He's mindlinking someone, I figured. I've seen some of the warrior wolves do it in the pack, even Layla, as spoiled as she is. Mindlinking is a gift all werewolves should have naturally, but with my wolf almost non-existent, I don't have it.

He looks back to me, his jaw getting tense.

“I've asked Theron to bring you a dress, we're leaving now.”

I blink. "Leaving?"

He nods once, already moving to the closet to pull on a shirt. "Now."

My heart stutters.

His pack, I'm going to his pack as his mate.

A panic forms in my chest as I try imagining what life in the Blueridge pack would be like, my thoughts begin spiraling. What if they hate me? What if I’m nothing but a girl without a wolf to them just like I am here. What if they never accept me?

I feel a warm touch lift my chin up and I look up to meet Lucian's eyes.

"What are you thinking about, my little flower?" He asks softly. "Is it about my pack?”

I nod blankly, wondering how he knows exactly what I was thinking about.

"Don't worry", he smiles. "You’re not going to relive what you had here. You're mine now, and..."

I swallow hard as I stare directly into his eyes, they are softer and soothing now.

“...my people will accept you. And I’ll make sure you’re safe, and loved.” His thumb grazes my cheekbone. “You’re not going to live in fear anymore, my flower. Not with me.”

My breath catches.

Loved?

His words melt something deep in me. I feel my thoughts slowing down just long enough to imagine what life could be like, being his Luna, waking up beside him every day, being accepted. Being his.

My pulse quickens as he leans slightly closer. His scent surrounds me, warm and intoxicating, and my head tilts without permission, ready to meet whatever comes next.

For a second, I let myself want it. All of it.

But just as quickly as my heart starts to bloom, it shatters. He steps away abruptly, running a hand through his hair. "Get ready," he says over his shoulder, all business again.

His warmth recedes as he stands and my skin suddenly grows cold. I blink, trying to act unaffected, but the heat of humiliation crawls all over me. Of course, it's him, the cold, scarred Alpha. I must be delusional to think that he actually meant what he said.

A loud knock on the door snatches me back to reality. Lucian answers, and it's Beta Theron, carrying a box. The two exchange a few quiet words I can’t catch, and then Lucian turns back to me.

"It’s time."

Beta Theron hands the box to Lucian, and gives me a subtle nod,

as he quietly leaves.

Lucian turns to me and hands me the box. “Wear this”

I take it with unsure hands, and carefully place it on the bed. I open it to see a dress so beautiful

It's deep emerald green, so rich it almost looks black in certain light. It flows like water between my hands, elegant but strong, with silver embroidery along the bodice in the shape of delicate vines. There’s even a faint shimmer to it. Not too revealing, but not overly modest either.

I rise slowly, gathering my thoughts along with the sheet still clutched around me. "Aren’t we... going to inform Alpha Terran?"

His mouth curls, almost into a smirk. “I’m the Lycan Alpha,” he says smoothly. “I don’t need his permission. I go wherever I want, whenever I want. Your Alpha won't dare protest.”

I stare at him, unsure whether I’m shocked... or impressed.

Maybe both.

LEAH

The air outside bites softly against my skin as I step out.

I hesitate for a moment at the door, curling my fingers around the hem of the dress Lucian gave me. The dress makes me feel different. It fits like it was made just for me, hugging my body in the right places.

Lucian stands by the car, tall and imposing in a black shirt rolled at the sleeves and matching pants. His hair is still rough from sleep, and his eyes are piercing.

His gaze lifts the moment he sees me, his eyes scanning me throughly.

"You look... perfect," he says, voice smooth, low, and dangerously soft "Emerald suits you."

Heat rushes to my cheeks. I murmur a quiet, "Thank you," as I glance down, fidgeting with the edge of my sleeve.

To my surprise, he steps forward and opens the car door, holding it like some regal gentleman.

"After you," he says.

I slip into the sleek black vehicle, the scent of leather and his cologne instantly enveloping me. It’s rich and warm, like pine, and cedar. Goosebumps erupt on my arms as Lucian settles in beside me and closes the door.

“Let's go Kylo”, he calmly commanded.

“Yes Alpha”, the driver replied without looking back. The engine hums to life, and we pull away from the pack house.

I press my hands together, knuckles going white, as the thudding of my heart refuses to calm. Everything still feels like a fever dream. Hours ago, I was a rejected mate with no future. Now I’m beside the infamous Lycan Alpha, going to his pack, as his mate.

The space suddenly feels too tight. I feel his thighs press into mine closely. Dear Goddess, he's large. My eyes flick to him briefly. His arm is resting lazily on the console. He's not looking at me, but I can still feel his warmth radiate all over me, making my heart keep skipping in ways that feel dangerous. How is he this beautiful?

"You're quiet," he says after a moment, glancing at me. "What's wrong?"

I shake my head too quickly. "Nothing… just overwhelmed, that's all."

I force a smile as he looks back at me, his eyes seeming to never leave.

"I understand," he says simply. "But I don't think you'll miss your pack that much. Besides, my pack is your pack now.”

I chuckle nervously. "You make it sound so dramatic."

"Isn't it?" he says, lips twitching into something close to a smile. I risk a look at him, his gaze stays on mine like it's on pause, making me look away first.

The awkward air hangs between us like a thick curtain.

He clears his throat, tapping his fingers lightly on the console. "So, Leah... tell me something about you. Anything.”

I let out a short breath, surprised by the question.

"Um... I read a lot," I say slowly. "Mostly fantasy. Stories about places I’ll probably never go”

He hums. "You’ll travel now. I’ll make sure of it.”

I peek at him. “Even fairytale places?”

His lips curve faintly. “Yes… even those.”

A soft laugh escapes my throat before I can stop it, surprising both of us.

“See?” he says, looking pleased. “That wasn’t so hard.”

"What about you?" I ask before I can stop myself. "Do Lycans... read?"

That earns me a proper smirk. “The wise ones do.”

I smile before I realize I’m doing it.

Just as the warmth in the car begins to grow, something violent rips through the air. My body jerks forward before the seat belt catches me. My breath punches out of my lungs as the car spins, glass shattering, and tires screeching.

Lucian’s arm flies out instinctively, pinning me back against the seat just as the vehicle slams into something hard and jerks to a stop.

"Stay down," he growls, his voice primal.

My heart pounds in my chest like it’s trying to escape. Smoke curls in from the engine. My fingers tremble as I reach up to touch the side of my head, as blood spills from it. I blink slowly, forcing my eyes open, as I see Lucian’s body move like a shadow.

His pupils begin to glow, and his irises burn molten gold. His chest rises and falls with powerful intensity. Almost immediately, his fingernails sharpen into claws. His jaw tenses, veins bulging, and for the first time, I witness what it means to be a Lycan.

He kicks the crushed door open like it’s made of paper. Wind howls in as I see some strange looking wolves, circling the wreck, snarling and growling.

“What the…” I muttered. Their eyes of the wolves are pitch black and they look soulless. I try to move but my legs feel numb. Suddenly, one of the wolves lunges at me, slamming me into the side of the car and yanking me out.

The cold air bites my skin, pain exploding in my ribs. As the wolf sways me. I try to fight back but he's just too strong. My lungs burn as I try to scream, but the pressure around my chest crushes me.

“Lucian...”

The name barely escapes my lips before everything goes dark around the edges. The world fades. My limbs go numb. But just before consciousness slips from me, I see Lucian, rising from beneath two wolves who had pinned him. He shifts in one fluid, terrifying motion. His bones crack, stretching into his Lycan form.

He rips the wolves apart, their blood splattering across the grass before he turns to me, shifting back.

“Are you okay?”

LUCIAN

The crash comes fast, almost unbelievable, with metal crunching, and tires screeching. The second the SUV flips, my instincts scream. I don’t wait to assess the situation, waiting could be dangerous. I kick open the mangled door before the dust settles. My lycan is already snarling and clawing to get out.

“What the...” my words get stuck in my throat as I see at least a dozen wolves, maybe more, crawling out from the treeline. At first I think they’re wolves, but as they get closer, I see that they aren't, no rogue would dare attack the Lycan Alpha's convoy. There's something off about them. Their eyes are pitch black, no whites, no irises, just black. An evil aura pulsing from them from afar.

“This better not be what I'm thinking”, I snarl. They charge, and I meet them halfway. My body moves on instinct. One leaps at me, and I catch him mid-air, slamming him down hard enough to shatter his bones. I hear them snap under my weight. Another claws at my side, teeth catching my ribs. I turn, grab his snout, and twist it. With my free hand, I slash at his throat.

Just as I turn away, two of them jump on me, pinning me down. As I try pushing them off, I see one grabbing heading to the other side of the car, tearing open the door.

“Leah”, I muttered, panicking. My heart flinches. Within a split second, the wolf grabs her, dragging her by the arms. Her head lolls, eyes fluttering like she’s fighting to stay conscious. Something snaps in me. My lycan begs to be let out as he sees our mate being dragged like prey.

I leap over the hood, my eyes catching the tail end of her scream as the wolf drags her from the passenger side. I shift pushing the wolves pinning me down with a heavy shove. Rage fills me as my pupils dilate, gold flaring in my irises. Every sound dims around me except for her helpless voice.

The first wolf doesn’t even get the chance to turn. My claws split him from collar to hip. Another lunges and I crush its skull with a single swipe. Blood splatters across my fur, warm and slick, but I don't stop. I can’t stop.

I tear through the mass, my growl louder than the chaos. My Lycan, Fenrir, has never been this blood-thirsty. Leah's sweet scent, laced with blood calls to me. I roar, shaking the trees violently.

The wolf dragging her looks back a second too late. I hit him like a storm, aiming directly at his throat. I tear his lungs out with one furious bite, his screams echoing.

Leah tumbles from his grasp, crumpling onto the leaves. She’s covered in scratches. Her arm, and head are bleeding. Her eyes flutter slowly. Fenrir pouts as he sees her in pain. I lower my snout to her face. Thank the Goddess, she's still breathing, relief nearly breaks me.

I shift halfway, my arms forming enough to cradle her. "You're safe," I mutter, my throat raw and bitter. My mind is a blur of blood and the pounding of war drums in my ears.

Dark snarls rise around us. The wolves regroup, trying to circle me. Smart, but not smart enough. I bare my teeth, still holding her. I can't shift fully now, not with her in my arms. But I fight anyway as three more wolves charge at me. I spin, using my body as a shield for Leah. My claws rip open a chest. Another gets close, and I throw my weight, crushing him beneath me. The third lunges for her. Big mistake. I lunge back, my jaw snaps shut on his spine.

A shrill howl cuts through the noise, backup. About damn time. My Beta, Theron bursts through the trees, leading a dozen warriors, all of them shifting simultaneously.

"Secure the perimeter!" he shouts before he shifts unto his wolf form too. The rest scatter, attacking the black-eyed wolves. Screams and yelps of pain fill the ear as I hear bones snapping and flesh getting ripped. The remaining black-eyed wolves begin retreating, vanishing into the trees the same way they came.

I drop to my knees, still cradling Leah. She's half-conscious, blood matting her hair.

Theron lands beside me, panting. He drops a shirt and a pair of shorts beside me “You good?”

“You're late”, I snap at him. I glance down at Leah in my arms. She’s barely breathing. “I need a medic,” I growl.

“Medic!" Theron bellows.

A healer rushes over, his pack uniform soaked with sweat. He kneels beside me, and reaches for Leah. His hands hover over her, too close. I growl low in my throat making hands flinch.

"Alpha, I need to examine her."

I say nothing, but my eyes say “touch her wrong, and you’ll lose your fingers.”

He nods, swallowing hard, then begins tending her head. Leah groans softly, her eyes blinking open.

She looks up at me first.

And the Goddess help me, I feel something shift in my chest.

"Lucian?" she whispers.

"I’m here," I answer, my voice coming out hoarse.

Theron appears behind me again, frowning.

"They knew exactly how and where to hit us. This attack wasn't random."

"No shit," I snap. "We were compromised."

His eyes flick to Leah. "Are you sure about this”, he says, gesturing to her. “She’s weak”

I stand slowly, leaving Leah in the medic's arms and slipping on the clothes Theron brought. My muscles tense as I tower over him.

"Say that again," I murmur.

Theron glares. "You know I’m right. She’s barely a wolf."

My fists clench, and my jaw ticks. As much as I want to deny it, Theron is right. Leah isn't exactly Luna material. She's weak and too tender. But then I remember I haven't told Theron the truth about her.

He stares at me blankly, his eyes searching mine for answers. Theron has always been the wise one. He's not just my beta, he's my younger brother. He knows there's definitely something more to my decision, but he hasn't asked because he respects me as his Alpha.

Knowing it would do me no good to keep hiding the truth from him. I take a deep breath and come clean.

"She might be my second chance mate”, I mutter.

Theron goes still as the words hang heavy in the air.

His eyes widen, his mouth opens like he wants to say something, then he stops. He takes a step back.

“Are you sure?” He asks softly.

“Yes”, I reaffirmed.

I look down at Leah again as Theron’s eyes still widen in shock. She's pale, and fragile.

Fenrir pouts softly, mine.