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 My wolf, who had been silent and withdrawn all day, suddenly howled with renewed life.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.

Osborne

"The shares in the company within the Waterford Pack are increasing by the day. I want you to go check it out, son. As you know, we've maintained a good relationship with them for a long time."

My father's voice echoed in my head, calm but heavy with the same expectations that had followed me for years. I gave a stiff nod, trying to mask my irritation.

"I know, Father. But when does it end?" I looked him in the eye. "I should be elsewhere by now. Doing what I was born for, not babysitting alliances."

He studied me quietly for a second, then nodded as if he'd anticipated this resistance. "I see. But there's a party tonight. I want you to attend... with Bella."

Ah. So that's what this is really about.

I scoffed inwardly and stood. "You could've just said that from the start."

We both knew what this was. He wanted me to claim Bella-to mate with her for power, not love. That's why he never forced me to attend the gatherings in the pack square like the other unmated wolves. He'd always had Bella in mind. Always waiting, always scheming.

But tonight, I'd shatter that plan.

"I won't be going with Bella," I said coolly. "I'm going to see the woman I've already claimed."

He froze mid-motion, eyes lifting slowly to meet mine. "What did you just say?"

"I said," I repeated calmly, "I'm going to the woman I have claimed."

His face twisted with disbelief before rage began to crack through his polished exterior. "You haven't even been officially mated! Don't stand there and speak nonsense to me."

"I'm not," I said, standing my ground. "I claimed her under the moon goddess. I marked her in truth."

He surged toward me, grabbing the collar of my shirt in a tight fist. His fury poured off him in waves. "What. Have. You. Done?"

"I've followed my heart," I answered steadily. "I love her, Father."

His hand dropped from my shirt, but the anger didn't leave his face. This wasn't just disappointment-it was betrayal in his eyes. To him, I wasn't a son. I was a tool. And tonight, I'd dared to bend the blade away from the grip.

"I want no part in your politics with Alpha Hamilton," I added. "I'll go to the party, but not with Bella."

His shoulders tensed, his jaw clenched. He didn't speak. Silence meant fury, and I welcomed it.

"Excuse me," I said, turning my back on him.

My heart pounded as I stepped out of the room. The weight of defying him was heavy, but it didn't slow my stride.

Shit. I'm late.

She'd be waiting. Probably confused. Maybe hurt.

I'll bring her a flower. Something soft to make up for the sharpness of my delay.

As I stepped out, I spotted my mother heading toward my father's office.

"Are you two arguing again?" she asked.

I shook my head quickly. "No, Mom. But I really need to be somewhere," I replied, already halfway past her.

She took a step closer. "Your father must have mentioned Bella-"

I cut her off, not wanting to get into it. "Later, Mom. Please, not now." I hurried off, leaving her watching me with concern.

I reached my car, only to be stopped yet again-this time by Alex.

What the hell?

"Hey, buddy," he greeted.

I exhaled sharply. "Not now!" I snapped, slamming the door shut and driving off without another word.

I drove straight to a nearby flower shop, my thoughts completely consumed by Aina. The moment I stepped in, I could feel the attention shift toward me.

"Who do you think he's buying flowers for? Is he already mated?" one girl whispered with clear jealousy.

"Oh God, please let it be me," another giggled.

Ugh. Seriously?

I paid quickly, ignored the unnecessary attention, and headed back to my car. I just needed to see her. As I drove, my mind drifted to her-how she looked last night, how she felt. I gripped the wheel tighter. I was almost there when it hit me.

A wave of heat slammed into my chest and shot down my body. My cock hardened painfully, demanding her. It was the same uncontrollable ache as last night-but this time it was more intense. Like a primal force was dragging me toward her.

Then I caught it.

Her scent.

Oh, goddess.

Sweet. Potent. Irresistible. And it wasn't just inside the house-it reached outside. Fuck. That shouldn't happen. No one should know how my mate smells. No one should know she's going into heat.

I pulled up in front of her house and jumped out, heart racing. That's when I saw them.

Three guys loitering just a little too close to her block. They were sniffing the air subtly, eyes narrowing in the direction of her home.

They smelled it too.

No. Hell. No.

My protective instincts kicked in so hard I saw red. I clenched my fists and stalked toward them. One of them, a lanky omega with twitchy eyes, dared to speak.

"Smells like-"

"Don't." I snapped.

The moment they saw my face, they froze. Recognition flickered in their eyes. One stepped back. The other two immediately lowered their heads and bowed.

"Alpha," one muttered quickly, trying to act like they hadn't just been sniffing around my mate's scent like hungry dogs.

I didn't care who they were. I didn't care if they belonged to this pack or the next. My glare could've burned holes through them.

"Next time I see you this close to her house," I growled, my voice low and lethal, "you'll be crawling home without your noses."

They didn't wait. They backed off quickly, practically tripping over themselves.

Without wasting another second, I turned and stormed toward her house. No knocking. No hesitation. I shoved the door open and followed her scent like a predator locked on prey.

It led me straight to the living room.

Her family was gathered there-faces tight with worry.

And then I saw her.

Aina.

She swayed on her feet, eyes fluttering closed. Her body gave out beneath her, and without thinking, I shouted her name.

"Aina!"