OSBORNE

I hadn't gone to the pack square to search for my mate-not because I wasn't of age, but because I already had someone in mind. The problem? Every time we met, nothing happened. No bond. No pairing. And I hated it.

No one ever seemed to notice her like I did. Maybe that's why I held on. I've waited for her to mature, to come of age and finally be paired with me, but lately, it feels like all hope is slipping away. Sometimes, I think I should just claim her already and be done with it.

So again, I stayed back in my room while others went out. Alex had gone, dragging his girlfriend with him. Strange how he had a girlfriend despite not having met his true mate. What would he do if he finally found her? Or if his girlfriend turned out to be someone else's mate? That kind of heartbreak ruins people.

Anyway, his father had made sure he went this time-wanted him to meet his mate and accept the bond. The beta even tagged along to make sure of it.

It had been a while since he left, and I figured he'd be back soon. This house could feel so empty sometimes. Maybe I should've tagged along, just to get a glimpse of her like I usually do. Just the thought of her made me smile.

Her cute frame. Those oversized glasses. Every time I saw her, it was a struggle to control myself. At first, I thought I was just sick in the head, but no-it was her. Every inch of her. The way she bit her lip when she was nervous made me want to crash my mouth into hers. Just thinking about it had me hard.

Suddenly, the door burst open and Alex stormed in, visibly angry. Veins popped along his forehead, and he was practically fuming.

"Can you imagine who I got mated to?" he barked, slamming the door behind him.

I chuckled, amused. "Who? Someone I know?"

He sighed in frustration. "That fat fuck."

Immediately, my smile dropped. My body stiffened. My voice turned cold as I rose from my chair. "Who?" I asked, already dreading the answer.

He faltered then, noticing the shift in my energy. "You know... Aina," he mumbled.

I didn't let him finish.

My fist slammed into the table so hard it cracked. I gritted my teeth, forcing myself not to punch Alex right then and there. Rage swirled inside me like a storm. What the hell did he just say?

"What's your problem?" he asked, genuinely confused now.

I was breathing heavily, trying to calm myself down when the door creaked again and Miranda walked in.

"Did you tell him already?" she asked Alex, a wicked little laugh escaping her lips. "And make sure you tell him how you rejected her."

My head snapped in her direction. "He rejected her?" I asked, voice low, dangerous.

Even Miranda froze, eyes darting between Alex and me, sensing something was off.

Alex slowly nodded.

"Why are you so worked up?" he asked, brows furrowed, clearly not understanding what he'd triggered.

I closed my eyes and took a sharp breath in. He was lucky-I was so close to doing something I'd regret.

"Nothing," I finally muttered. "Just remembered something I need to take care of."

I grabbed one of my car keys off the hook and walked out, leaving them behind in the silence and confusion of what just happened.

I drove straight to the pack square, my gut telling me she was still there. What would I do when I see her there? Damn, I'll have to hold myself back.

Pulling to a stop, I watched lovers strolling away, hand in hand, giddy with connection. Some of them would be tangled in sheets before midnight, claiming each other in ways I hadn't yet known. The thought made something bitter curl in my chest.

I walked slowly to the pack square and there she was.

Right where I imagined she'd be. Aina.

She stood on a spot, unmoving, like a statue carved out of heartbreak. Alone-as usual. But her back... it trembled, just slightly. It was enough. I could feel her unraveling, even from this distance.

I've never been rejected before-I wouldn't even pretend to understand that kind of pain she must have been going through, only those rejected truly know how it feels. But watching her hurt for another man? That... that felt like a blade through my chest.

For a guy who doesn't even look her way and calls her a fat fool, a guy who would parade another woman in front of her like she was invisible. For someone too blind to see the gem he let slip through his fingers.

So I stood there, hidden, watching her like I always did. Quietly. Constantly. The way she grieved in silence, holding in tears that burned to be released-it pulled something primal in me.

And when the sun dipped low, leaving nothing but the blue of twilight, I smiled to myself. That's enough, my sugar plum.

So I said her name.

"Aina."

She spun around at the sound of my voice. Her eyes locked onto mine, wide, startled-and in that moment, the current running through me surged, damn near knocking the wind out of me.

I smiled at her.

She didn't know what to do with her expression. A dozen emotions flickered across her face all at once-shock, suspicion, confusion. It was adorable.

I moved toward her slowly, deliberately. Then I stopped, leaning down just enough so her eyes could meet mine properly, even behind her glasses.

"Aina," I said again, voice low and sure. "It's good he rejected you."

I saw the flicker in her eyes. The sting. The way her breath caught, like she didn't know whether to cry or slap me. Her lips quivered as she bit down on the lower one, trying to steady herself.

God, I wanted to kiss her right then.

But I gave her what I truly meant to accomplish.

"Because I would have killed him myself, if he hadn't."

Her eyes widened, searching mine like she wasn't sure she'd heard me right.

But I meant every damn word.

Aina

I blinked, stunned by what I had just heard. Was this really Osborne-the Alpha's son? My chest tightened as I swallowed hard.

"What do you mean by that?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

This was the first time I had ever spoken to him directly. I'd always seen him from a distance-rarely, at that. And whenever our eyes did meet, he would quickly glance away. Not out of disgust, no... he never looked at me that way. But still, he never acknowledged me either. We were strangers.

He held my gaze now, unwavering. "I meant that I don't want any man to have you... except me."

My heart thudded loudly in my chest. I stood frozen, unsure if this was real or just a cruel joke.

"Are you here to mock me?" I asked quietly.

But Osborne shook his head, standing tall before me. That signature smirk curved on his lips as he looked down at me like I belonged to him.

"I, Osborne Cliff, future Alpha of the Silver Crest Pack, take thee, Aina Wilfred, to be my mate. Let the Moon Goddess bear witness."

The words hit me like a bolt of lightning.

I instinctively stepped back, but his scent wrapped around me like a blanket-warm, dominant, and irresistible. My wolf, who had been silent and withdrawn all day, suddenly howled with renewed life.

"Mine!" she screamed.

What... what just happened?

Before I could even process his declaration, a wave of weakness washed through my knees. My belly tingled as if something deep inside had been awakened.

Then I felt it. The pulsing heat in my core. My body was responding to him, crying out for something only he could give. And worse-my scent filled the air.

Oh Goddess... I'm in heat.

Then I heard it-a low, rumbling growl-and it came from him.

I looked up, met his eyes, and froze.

Oh no.

There was a raw, primal hunger in his gaze-like he was holding himself back by sheer willpower alone. As if one more breath from me would break whatever control he had left.

I opened my mouth to speak, to say something-anything-but nothing came out.

This... this couldn't be happening.

But in two long strides, he was in front of me. He grabbed me-firm, possessive-and pulled me against his chest like I belonged there.

His face dipped into the curve of my neck, and I shivered as his nose brushed my skin. He inhaled deeply, groaning as if my scent was driving him wild.

Then I felt it-his tongue, warm and wet, grazing my neck.

"Please... wait," I whispered, breathless, barely able to think.

He paused-but only slightly-his voice a low, gravelly whisper laced with desire.

"Your scent... I want to devour you."

His words sent a shiver straight through my spine. My body tightened in response, and a soft moan escaped my lips before I could stop it.

I felt it too. The pull. The need to lose myself in him.

His scent, thick and masculine, invaded my senses. I was dizzy from it. Craving it.

And then-just like that-his mouth crashed into mine.

Hungry. Possessive. Raw.

A kiss that wasn't asking-but claiming.

His tongue slipped into my mouth-hot, demanding-and I let him in, moaning softly against his lips. I'd never kissed anyone before. Was I doing it wrong? Probably. But somehow, he didn't seem to mind. If anything, the more we kissed, the more he seemed to unravel.

His hands gripped my waist, pulling me tighter against him, and I instinctively reached up, fingers tangling in his thick hair. He let out a growl that vibrated through my chest as he kneaded my backside like he was memorizing every curve.

"Open your mouth more," he murmured, voice husky with desire.

I obeyed without thinking, and our lips moved in sync, a rhythm we seemed to fall into with ease. I pressed closer, craving his warmth, his scent, the possessiveness in his touch. I wanted more-more of him, more of this-things I couldn't even name yet, only feel deep in my bones.

Then the shrill ring of my phone shattered the moment.

He pulled back, both of us breathing heavily, our chests rising and falling like we'd just surfaced from deep water. I glanced at him. His hair was disheveled-I had done that. A strange thrill rushed through me.

I swallowed and reached for my phone. It was my mom. My stomach dropped. Dinner-I'd forgotten I was supposed to cook. It was already late.

"I have to go," I whispered, guilt sinking in fast.

He didn't respond right away. His eyes stayed locked on me, pupils dilated, gaze dark with something wild. "Not when you smell like this," he muttered, voice rough and full of need.

I stiffened. I wanted to stay. Goddess, I wanted to stay so badly. But if I didn't get home soon, my father would lose it.

"I really have to," I said again, more firmly this time, even though I hated every word.

Osborne stared at me like he wanted to argue. Then slowly-almost reluctantly-he leaned in again, nose brushing the crook of my neck as he inhaled deeply. I trembled at the low, primal sound that came from him.

"I'll take you home," he said at last. "It's too dangerous for you to walk around smelling like this."

But I doubt anyone would even notice, I thought, casting my eyes to the side.

No one ever does.

Not a chubby, glasses-wearing girl like me...

Oh. Right.

Osborne Cliff does.

We drove in silence, the air thick with everything unspoken. I sat rigidly in my seat, still trying to process what had just happened. Osborne had claimed me-actually claimed me-before the Moon Goddess. We'd paired. How was that even possible?

And then... he kissed me. Not just any kiss, but one that burned and branded.

He hadn't acted embarrassed or disgusted. No, not at all. He'd taken me-possessed me-with a hunger I didn't understand but felt all the way down to my soul. I had a thousand questions swirling in my head, desperate for answers, but right now, none of them mattered more than getting home.

I just hoped it wasn't too late.

My father didn't take disobedience lightly.

As soon as the car pulled up in front of my house, I turned to glance at him.

"And how do you know where I live?" I asked, narrowing my eyes.

He simply grinned in response - that same maddening, confident grin. Oh, goddess.

He didn't bother answering.

"I'll get going," I muttered, reaching for the door.

But before I could fully step out, he pulled me back to him and kissed me again - just like earlier. I didn't fight it. I let him in, parting my lips for him the way he'd silently asked before.

"Be ready. I'll come meet you here tomorrow," he said against my mouth.

I shook my head weakly, flustered. He gave me one last soft peck before I quickly stepped out of the car.

I practically sprinted to the front door, flung it open, and slammed it shut behind me. My heart was still racing.

As I tiptoed deeper into the house, I spotted my father sitting on the couch, reading a book with a glass of fruit juice in hand.

Just then, my brother came marching down the stairs with his mate in tow.

"Look who finally decided to come home," my mother sneered from the hallway.

My father put down his paper and stood, making his way toward me. I instinctively braced myself, expecting the usual punishment for being late.

But instead, his gaze locked onto my lips.

"Why are your lips so red?" he asked sharply. "Is that... a bite mark?"

Startled, I touched my lips instinctively, feeling them burn under my fingertips. My cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

Now it was my brother's turn to chime in.

"And why do you smell like that?"

That caught my mother's attention. She came closer, sniffing the air.

"Yes! You reek of someone - it's flooding the whole house," she hissed.

Then she snapped.

"Did you throw yourself at another man after being rejected?!" she shouted.

Suzy, my brother's mate, snickered.

"I... I," I stammered, barely able to speak.

My father's eyes widened in disbelief.

"You didn't, did you?"

I swallowed hard and finally forced the words out.

"I got a second chance mate," I breathed.

Silence fell.

"What?" my mother asked, half-laughing.

But my father wasn't amused.

"Who is it?" he demanded.

"Osborne," I whispered.

The entire room froze.

And then, laughter erupted - from my father, my brother, even my mother.

"You?" my mother laughed cruelly.

"You think the Alpha's son would ever choose you?"

"Are you drunk?" my father scoffed. "Or did some random guy pretend to be Osborne and you just went and kissed him?"

I clenched my fists.

"No. It was him. He claimed me - even said he'd be here tomorrow. He drove me home."

The laughter died. Silence returned.

My mother rushed to the window, peered outside, and then turned back slowly.

"You're not lying?" my father asked, staring hard at me.

I shook my head earnestly.

"I swear, Dad. I was just as shocked. He came to me... he claimed me, and it felt like my whole body was on fire."

I cut myself off, suddenly remembering what had happened between us. My lips burned again, the bite mark too obvious to hide.

My father looked to my mother. Even Suzy and Josh exchanged glances.

"Go make dinner," my father finally said.

I quietly nodded and left the room, retreating fast.

But even as I walked away, I could hear their murmurs.

"She must have lost her mind," someone whispered.

None of them believed me.

Heck, even I wasn't sure I believed it myself.

How could a man like Osborne - the future Alpha, strong, devastatingly handsome, and so completely out of my league - ever claim someone like me? Just a plain girl?

The next morning, I woke up before the sun. I had so much to do-clean the house, prepare breakfast, and most importantly, prepare myself. He said he would come, though he didn't say when. Still, I couldn't stop thinking about last night... the way I had craved him. One moment changed everything. My entire life shifted in the blink of an eye.

Today felt unlike any other. A strange joy bubbled in my chest, unfamiliar but warm. Even my wolf was restless, pacing inside me with excitement.

"Clean that area properly," my mother barked.

"I will!" I replied cheerfully, a smile tugging at my lips. She looked at me as if I had gone mad, but I didn't care.

For some reason, my father didn't go to work. My brother and his mate were also home. I had a feeling they were waiting-to mock me again, probably. None of them believed I had found my second chance mate. Not really.

By noon, their laughter rang through the house.

"We should really get her checked," my brother said, chuckling.

My mother joined in. "You should've seen the look the beta's son gave her. Disgust, pure hatred. And when he rejected her, she didn't even fight back. How did I raise such a daughter?"

Their words stung-sharp and cold-but I tried to ignore them. Still... why was Osborne taking so long?

I sat alone in silence, my ears tuned to every sound. The earlier joy had faded into quiet uncertainty.

Then, suddenly, it hit me.

A wildfire blazed through my body. My heart raced painfully fast, breath caught in my throat. It was hard to breathe. My skin burned, my head throbbed, and between my legs-I was wet. Embarrassingly so.

It was happening again... no, this was worse.

Heat.

But why now? He wasn't even here.

I doubled over, trying to steady myself, vision blurring. And then I heard Suzy's voice.

"The scent... it's coming from here. I think Aina is in heat!"

Footsteps pounded toward me. My father's voice followed. "Why is it so strong? Someone get a glass of cold water!"

My mother crouched beside me. "Breathe, Aina. We might as well find you a mate ourselves. Maybe then you'll stop clinging to your little delusions."

They were wrong.

Osborne was real.

And he was coming.

Before the water reached me, my body gave out and I collapsed.

But just before darkness pulled me under... I heard it.

My name.

"Aina."

His voice.