Solenn

The room is silent. The air feels heavy, thick enough to make the hair on my arms stand up. It makes my skin crawl. I glance around and lock eyes with Stella.

'It's going to be okay,' I link her.

I let my claws slide out from my nail beds. The partial shift hums under my skin, grounding me. Stella nods, her face pinched with worry as she rests her hands over her massive pregnancy bump.

Footsteps thud in the hallway. My Alpha and my father appear in the doorway. The man leading them is massive. He makes my father look small, and Asher Thorne is a brick wall of a man.

A bubble of nervous laughter hits my chest. It’s ridiculous. I try to choke it back, but a small giggle slips out. I slap my clawed hand over my mouth, careful not to gouge my own cheek. My father cuts a sharp glare at me. It’s too late. I get the bad timing from my mother; she never could stay serious.

Martel, my Alpha, looks at me in pure horror. His eyes widen, then flash.

'Solenn, that is Alpha Fenrys. Fire Wolf pack,' Martel links me. His voice is tight, urgent.

My mind goes blank. I don't know the name, which is rare. I never forget a face.

'And?' I link back.

I see Martel wince. 'The rampage last year? He killed eighteen soldiers for looking at his sister.'

Right. I remember the stories now. He was tried and fined enough to ruin any other pack. I should be shaking, but I’m not. I don’t scare easily. Maybe it’s because he isn’t throwing his dominance around yet, or maybe I’m just stubborn.

Fenrys looks livid. He scans the kitchen like he wants to burn it down.

"Is this a joke?" he spits.

He bunches his fists. The veins in his forearms bridge and strain against his skin. I can’t look away. I’ve always had a thing for hands and arms, much to my best friend's confusion.

"Alpha Fenrys, forgive us," Martel says. His voice has a nervous edge. "Is what a joke?"

My joints ache. The flu is starting to settle into my bones. I ignore the pain and reach out to set the timer for my cake.

"Where is my mate?" Fenrys demands. He slams a fist onto the marble counter. The crack echoes like a gunshot.

Stella gasps and whimpers. Martel is at her side in a second, shielding her.

"Kids, office. Now," Martel orders.

The pups scramble out, the oldest hauling the youngest toward the door.

"Alpha Fenrys, there are no female Alphas here," Martel explains quickly. "The only woman of rank is my mate." He gestures to the mark on his neck.

"I can smell her," Fenrys snarls.

My father’s face goes white. "Fuck," he whispers.

He looks at me. I shake my head, my heart starting to hammer against my ribs.

"I'm a Beta," I say, backing away. "It isn't me."

"The scent is in this room," Fenrys hisses at Martel. "Give her to me, or I'll take her."

"Search the house," Martel says, stepping back toward the hallway with Stella. "There are no female Alphas here. I only have sons."

I try to follow them. I have to pass Fenrys to get to the door. As I move by, his hand shoots out. His fingers wrap around my bicep like a vice.

I let out a sharp cry and rake my claws across his skin. He doesn't let go.

"You smell like her," he growls.

"I’ve seen a male doctor and my family. That’s it," I snap. I wrench my arm out of his grip. I don't do well with being handled. "I don't have your mate's scent on me."

He stares down at me, his eyes dark and predatory. "I see no reason to complain."

I raise an eyebrow, my lip curling. "I do."

"My only complaint," he smirks, "is that you're not in my bed yet."

I scoff, a wave of disgust rolling through me. I back up until I hit my father’s side. "You're vile."

"I've been called worse."

Martel clears his throat, trying to regain control. "Now that we’ve settled that she isn't your mate, can we get back to the meeting?"

Fenrys chuckles. It’s a low, dark sound. "I didn't say she wasn't the one. She’s right here."

Nausea hits me. This isn't the flu. I'm the only unmated girl in the room. I must have been so focused on getting away from him that I missed the sparks when he touched me.

"I'm leaving after the meeting tomorrow," Fenrys announces, his gaze locked on mine. "You're coming with me. By choice or by force."

I don't give him the satisfaction of an answer. I turn on my heel and slide past him.

He clears his throat, a command for me to stop, but I keep walking. I don't look back.

I can’t tell if he’s the one. My nose is stuffed from the flu, and Eva was too busy snarling to check for a soul bond when he grabbed me. All we felt was a need to bite back.

I make it to the front door before a heavy arm hooks around my waist. I’m pulled back against a wall of a chest. I don't think. I drive my fist upward. My knuckles crunch against his jaw.

"Let go," I growl. My eyes heat up, ready to shift.

Martel and my father spill out of the living room. They stop and watch. My father stays back. He knows I can handle myself, and he never interferes unless I’m losing.

"My name is Axel. What’s yours?" he asks. His voice is a low rumble near my ear.

Static shocks me everywhere our skin touches. His sleeves are rolled up, and my arms are bare. It feels like being plugged into a live wire.

"This isn't possible," I say, shaking my head. I squirm until I slip from his grip.

He scoffs. "Tell me something I don't know."

I step back, putting distance between us. He scowls.

"What's your name?" he asks again.

I don't answer fast enough. He roars, slamming his fist into the drywall next to my head. The house seems to shake.

"What is your name?"

He didn't even give me a second to breathe. I straighten my spine, pulling myself up to my full height. I refuse to look small.

"Solenn," I say. My voice catches, but I hold his stare.

He’s a ticking time bomb. I don’t want to be around when the fuse hits the end. I turn and walk out the door. I don't run. I won't give him the satisfaction of a chase, and I won't trigger his wolf's drive to hunt.

'Eva, stay down,' I warn. My wolf is already whimpering, wanting to submit to an Alpha that isn't hers. I can’t risk it.

I just want to be home. I want soft clothes and a bed. The flu is winning, and my head feels like it’s full of lead. I look up at the bruised, purple clouds. If it rains on me, I might actually cry.

Once the packhouse is out of sight, I break into a jog.

'This shouldn't have happened,' Eva whispers. She feels small. Isolated.

'I know. We should have a Beta mate,' I reply.

We’re pack animals. If I’m mated to an Alpha, I’m an outcast. I won't fit with the Lunas, and the Betas won't see me as one of them anymore. Then there’s the Sovereign Circle. They don’t like anomalies. They'll judge us, and they aren't known for being kind.

'Asher has no heir now,' Eva realizes.

I nearly trip over my own feet. I stop dead in front of my house. "Shit," I breathe.

I push through the front door.

"Solenn? Is that you?" my mother calls from the kitchen.

She pops her head out, her face lighting up. She rushes over and throws her arms around me in a suffocating hug.

"You found him! And you didn't link me?" She pulls back, faking a pout. "Is he cute? Please tell me he’s nice. You have to spend forever with him. Unless there's a rejection, but god, I hope not. I don't want a sad, rejected daughter."

"He's an Alpha," I say.

I push past her into the kitchen. I haven't eaten all day. I need fuel for the hibernation I'm planning. I'm not going to that meeting tomorrow. He didn't ask me to go; he commanded it.

"Honey, that’s impossible," my mother says, her smile fading. She nudges me away from the stove and starts ladling soup into a bowl. "The laws. A Beta and an Alpha? It doesn't happen."

"I know. We'll have to reject each other," I mutter. I blow on the steam rising from the bowl.

She sits beside me, sighing. "Your dad linked me to say you found him, but then he went silent. He must be panicking. This has only happened once before, back when your father and I were young."

She starts flipping through a newspaper, her voice dropping to a murmur. "That girl didn't make it. Her mate killed her. He said she wasn't strong enough to handle him."

I freeze, my spoon halfway to my mouth. My hands fly out to my sides as I stare at her in pure horror.

"What the fuck?" I gasp.

I push my bowl of soup away and stand up. My heart hammers against my ribs. "Are you saying I'm going to die?"

My mother’s eyes go wide. She bites her lip and looks at the floor. "No, honey. I’m just saying the last person who stood where you are didn't have a happy ending."

I don't want to hear another word. I turn and storm out, my boots heavy on the floor as I head for the stairs. I just want to sleep. I want this day to disappear.

I throw my bedroom door open and freeze. He's there. He's sitting on my bed like he owns it, a dark smirk tugging at his lips.

A shriek rips from my throat. I scramble backward, my heels skidding on the hardwood as I try to put distance between us.

"Don't run from me, baby," he says. His voice is a low, mocking crawl. He stands up and reaches out a hand to catch me.

I ignore it. I grab the banister and haul myself up, my knuckles white.

"Mom!" I scream.

The house shakes as she runs up the stairs. She stops dead behind me, her breath hitching. "Oh shit," she whispers.

'So you didn't set this up?' I project the thought at her, my mind sharp with panic.

'No. I'm a romantic, Solenn, not a psychopath,' she snaps back. We both stare at the man. He’s tall, solid, and dangerous.

'Just talk to him,' Vivienne pleads in my head. 'Maybe he wants to fix this before our wolves get any more obsessed.'

I look at her, horrified. She’s giving up.

"Would you like to talk in my office, Alpha Fenrys?" I manage to keep my voice steady. I point down the hall.

My mother vanishes. She’s probably going to find Asher and his men. She knows she can't fight him, and neither can I.

"Why the title? You know my name," he says. He sighs, but he follows me.

'Be nice,' Eva whispers in the back of my mind. 'Maybe if we’re friendly, he won't kill us like the girl in the story. Offer him coffee. Just be polite.'

I hate that my wolf is right. We both just want to stay alive.

"Because it’s your title, Alpha," I say. I lead him into the small room and sit behind my desk. I feel safer with a heavy slab of wood between us.

I don't have a guest chair. There’s just an old armchair in the corner where my mother sits to gossip. He perches on the edge of it, his presence making the room feel tiny.

"It’s not my name," he repeats. He’s scowling now.

"I’m not comfortable using your name. You got aggressive when I didn't speak fast enough earlier. To be honest, I don't feel safe with you."

He looks surprised. His stony expression cracks for a split second before it hardens again. "I'm not that bad," he grumbles.

"Alpha, you can't even control your temper around other leaders. I'm a Beta. I don't have your strength. I can't protect myself if you snap."

I keep my face like ice. I can't let him see the terror. I’m fighting to keep my scent neutral, praying I don't smell like the prey I feel like.

"Just call me by my name and we won't have a problem," he snarls. He folds his arms, looking irritated. Then, a slow, predatory smirk spreads across his face. "I'll give you a hint. It's the name you'll be screaming when I have you in bed."

Eva gasps in my head. The crudeness of it makes my skin crawl.

"That's a high bar to set for yourself," I spit back. I lean forward, my eyes locking onto his. "Most men who brag like that are overcompensating for something they lack. I doubt I’d scream for you, and I know I won’t be getting into your bed."

I watch him, waiting for the explosion. He’s out of his mind if he thinks he can talk to me like that.

Solenn

"You have to come with me," he says. His voice is hard, like a command.

I stare at him. I don't blink. I stand up slowly from my desk, my blood starting to simmer. "Did the Moon Goddess send a new memo? Some rule I missed?"

I'm a Beta. I was born to this rank, and I earned it. I don't take orders well, especially not from an Alpha who isn't mine. Technically, he has no power over me.

Axel shrugs, looking bored. "I'll get you to my pack one way or another. I don't care how."

I breathe in through my nose, sharp and cold. I sit back down and lace my fingers together. I keep my eyes locked on his. "Try to force me, and I will reject you."

'We can't! He's our mate,' Eva whimpers in my head.

'Shut up,' I snap back. 'I’m playing a hand here. I’m not dropping my life just to go cook his dinner.'

'I like cooking,' she grumbles.

I ignore her and wait for Axel to speak.

"You won't reject me," he says. He actually scoffs. "Your wolf needs me too much."

A laugh bursts out of me. It isn't a nice sound. I stand up again and start walking toward the door. "You’d be surprised how little she needs you."

As I try to pass him, his hand shoots out. His fingers wrap around my wrist like a vice. He squeezes hard. My inner wolf rumbles, a low growl vibrating in my chest. I don't think; I just react. I unsheathe my claws and twist my arm, digging into his skin to draw blood.

He doesn't flinch. He just tightens his grip until my bones ache.

Fine. I lean in and sink my teeth into his hand. I bite down until I taste copper.

Axel yelps and lets go. I stumble back, my heart hammering against my ribs. I glare at him.

"What the fuck?" he snarls, clutching his bleeding hand. His eyes flash a dangerous, predatory gold. "Why did you bite me?"

"You didn't let go," I hiss. I reach for the office door. "Don't put your hands on me."

"Since when are you so delicate?" he growls.

I don't answer. I bolt out of the room and head for the stairs. I need to get to the ground floor. There are weapons down there, and more space to run if he decides to shift and hunt me.

"I think you just marked me!" he yells from the hallway.

I don't care. I scramble down the steps, my feet skidding as I hit the kitchen floor. My mother is there. She spins around, barely moving out of my way as I charge past.

"Solenn? What's happening?"

I grab her hand and yank her toward the back door. I can hear his heavy boots hitting the stairs. "Move," I mutter. I fumble with the lock, push her out onto the porch, and slam the door behind us.

Inside, Eva is a mess. She’s paralyzed with fear. Axel let out a wave of Alpha dominance back in the office, and it’s still crushing her.

"Where are we going?" my mother whispers. Her eyes are glowing. She’s trying to link my father, but she’s shaking too hard to focus.

"The barracks," I say.

We sprint. My mother finds her stride, her Beta strength kicking in. I’m a tracker, built for speed and stealth, not just raw power. My senses are sharp. As we hit the tree line, the air clears, and I finally catch his scent. It’s heavy, like cedar and rain. And it’s getting closer.

"Mom, faster," I bark.

I want to shift, but Eva is still frozen. I have to stay on two legs and pray. We know these woods better than anyone; we spent years patrolling these trails.

"He's right behind us," my mother calls out.

"Shift and run!" I yell.

She doesn't hesitate. In one fluid motion, she shifts. A large grey wolf hits the dirt and surges forward, weaving through the brush. I stay human, jumping over fallen logs and dodging branches.

A roar tears through the forest behind us. It’s loud enough to make the leaves tremble.

'Dad,' I mind-link, my thoughts frantic. 'We’re heading to the barracks. Axel is coming. I think he’s going to kill me.'

My father’s voice explodes in my head, full of rage and curses. 'Get there. I'm locking the place down.'

I don't look back. I push my lungs until they burn. My ears twitch, and Eva finally helps, sharpening my hearing. I can hear his breathing now. I can hear the dirt churning under his feet.

He’s gaining on me.

The heavy thud of paws hits the dirt behind me. He’s shifted. I can hear him struggling with the thick brush of my home turf. He doesn't know these woods.

I take a sharp left toward the barracks and kill my scent. I sniff the air. My mother’s scent is gone too. She made it. I can hear the muffled voices of the guards taking her inside. They’re asking about me.

I’m standing in the open like a target. I grab a nearby trunk and climb. The bark bites into my palms and scrapes my forearms, but I don’t make a sound. I reach the higher branches and tuck myself into the leaves. As long as he doesn’t look straight up, I’m invisible.

I used to do this for fun. Now I’m hiding from a mate who wants to break me.

'Maybe we should have just talked,' Eva whispers.

I feel for her. She grew up seeing mates as equals. That’s how it’s supposed to be. Rank matches rank to keep things fair. But the Fates messed up with us. I’m a Beta. He’s an Alpha.

'We're going to be a Luna,' Eva says, sounding stunned.

I never wanted that. Other girls dreamed of Alphas and pups, but I went to university. I prepared for my career. I wasn't built to be some man's trophy or a pup-machine. Tomorrow the whole world finds out. The mating ballot will be public. Everyone will know the great Alpha Axel is mated to a tracker who won't obey him.

Movement below stops my thoughts. He’s pacing. He smells my mom, but he’s lost my trail.

I start moving, hopping from branch to branch like a ghost. The barracks gate is right there. If I jump down and sprint, I can make it before he shifts back.

I reach for a limb, but my foot slips on damp moss. My stomach drops. I’m falling. I tuck my chin and brace for the impact of the hard earth.

It never comes.

Warm, thick arms catch me. I open my eyes and stare into Axel’s face. He looks murderous. He drops me onto the ground like a sack of grain.

'I guess we fell for him,' Eva giggles.

I ignore her and scramble to my feet, dusting off my jeans. I wince as my fingers brush the raw scrapes on my arms.

"What is wrong with you?" he snarls.

"Me?" I hiss back. "You’re the one using muscles to get your way."

I start backing toward the barracks. I can see our patrol officers on the perimeter. They’re watching us, waiting for a signal.

"You won't even talk to me," he says, his voice rising. "What am I supposed to do?"

"Maybe think about why I’m running. You tried to scare me. You called my wolf weak. What did you think would happen?"

His face turns a deep, dark red. He’s fuming.

"Listen to me," he rumbles. The sound vibrates in the air, sending birds screaming from the trees.

I’m shaking inside, but I keep my face like stone. "I’ve done nothing but listen. It’s my turn."

He laughs, a dry, nasty sound, and steps toward me. I move back. My heart is a drum in my ears. I’m only a few meters from the gate now.

"You’re a Beta," he says, his voice dropping to a low, vibrating growl. His whole body is shaking. He looks like he’s about to explode.

'Get ready,' I tell Eva. She’s finally with me, focused and tense.

"You are worthless," he snarls.

His fist swings. Wood splinters right next to my head as he punches the tree I was standing in front of. I don't breathe.

'I hope he gets splinters,' Eva growls.

I don't stop to look. I keep moving backward, my hands feeling behind me to make sure I don't trip. I stay light on my feet.

"You're weak," Axel says. His voice is a low hiss. "Much weaker than me. You're a coward for running. I don't want you. That's a fact."

I swallow hard, but I don't let my eyes drop. I keep them cold.

"Our pups would be pathetic," he snarls. He's shaking with rage now. "My pack would be a joke. I won't let that happen."

He lunges. His claws are out, swinging for my face.

The second he moves, I shift. My bones snap and reform in a heartbeat. I hit the ground as a wolf and bolt. He's still human, stunned by my speed. That’s all the lead I need. I fly through the barracks gates just as they slam shut. The guards are already there, rifles raised and aimed at the tree line.

"Solenn? Are you okay?" My mother is there instantly, holding out a thick blanket.

I shift back and wrap the wool around me like a robe. I’m breathing hard, my skin stinging. I walk right up to the heavy iron gate and look through the bars at him.

"It’s not all about you," I yell. "If you don't want me, reject me. You have one week to decide. If you don't, I’m going to the witches to sever the bond myself."

His eyes glow a furious gold. "You wouldn't dare."

I let out a short, sharp laugh. "You have no idea what I’m capable of, Axel. And you never will."

I turn my back on him and walk away.

My mother is waiting in the stone hallway, her face tight with worry. "Your father is coming. He’s livid."

I shrug. "He started it. I swear to the Goddess."

Right on cue, thunder cracks overhead. The sound echoes through the barracks.

"See?" I say. "Even she agrees."

I head for my father's office. I need real clothes. I keep a spare dress in his desk—one of the soft cotton ones my friend Esme calls my 'teacher outfits.' Anything is better than this itchy blanket.

'Esme,' I send through our link.

'Oh, look who finally called,' she shots back. I can feel her rolling her eyes from miles away.

'I have news,' I say.

'If you're pregnant, don't tell me. I can’t handle more baby news this week.'

I laugh as I pull the dress over my head. 'No. I found my mate.'

'Finally! Which Beta is it? Is he local? Can we still do brunch?'

'He isn't a Beta,' I say slowly.

'What? A second-born? Is he moving here for you?'

I take a breath. 'No. He’s an Alpha.'

The link goes dead. Silence. I finish fixing my hair and sit in my dad's chair just as the desk phone rings. I pick it up.

"Beta Thorne’s office."

"Bitch, excuse me?" Esme screams.

I pull the phone away from my ear. "I said what I said."

I turn on the computer and pull up the security feed. Axel is pacing the perimeter like a caged animal. He looks like he’s looking for a hole in the fence. He won't find one. He punches a concrete wall in frustration.

'He's going to break his hand,' Eva mutters.

'Good,' I tell her. 'Let him hurt.'

"The pack won't want a Beta Luna," Esme groans on the other end. "Who is it, anyway?"

"Alpha Fenrys."

There’s another silence. I hear typing. "Oh, he is hot," she gasps. "Wait. Holy shit, Solenn. He’s been investigated for some really dark, illegal stuff."

"Yeah. He also just tried to kill me. Or something close to it." I rub the marks on my neck.

"That prick," she spits.

'Solenn, your dad is here,' my mother’s voice cuts into my head.

"I have to go, Esme. My dad just walked in. I’ll text you later." I hang up before she can argue.

I stand up and walk into the strategy room. The air is thick with tension. Alpha Martel is already there, looking grim.

"He wants to declare war," Martel says.

My father looks like he’s aged ten years. He throws his hands up. "What happened out there?"

"He grabbed me," I say, my voice steady. "He wouldn't let go, so I bit him. Then he tried to crush me with his Alpha aura. I grabbed Mom and ran."

My father sinks into a chair and groans. "Goddess help us."

"He wants you handed over by midnight," Alpha Martel says. He runs his hands through his hair, looking defeated. "If not, he declares war."

A cold weight settles in my gut. I keep my face blank. "Fine. I’ll go pack my bags."

"No," my father snaps. He shakes his head. "We’re fighting this, Solenn. He doesn't get to bully smaller packs just because he has deeper pockets. He isn't taking you just so he can kill you in some dark corner of his own house."

I shift in my seat. I look around the room. My mother nods in agreement with him. Our Gamma looks exhausted. He usually looks tired because of his kids, but today he looks like he’s aged a decade.

"I don't want anyone getting hurt," I say. I raise my eyebrows at the men. "He’ll bury us in lawsuits and legal paperwork first. Then he'll strike while we’re distracted by the lawyers. That’s his move. I won't let this pack fall for it."

"You aren't property," the Gamma says. "He can't just demand you. If we ignore the mating bond, this is a trade. He has to give us something in return."

Alpha Martel leans forward. "We can win this, Solenn. I’ve already called our allies. They’re standing with us."

"Honey, stay," my father pleads. "He tried to kill you here on our land. Think about what he’ll do when he has you alone on his."

My mother stands up. She walks over and puts her hands on my shoulders.

'I can make them all leave if you need to think,' she whispers into my mind.

I feel a pang of love for her. She’s always been my shield.

'Maybe we should think,' Eva suggests. 'Thinking is safe.'

'Did you sleep through history class?' I snap back. 'Thinking is how most people get caught.'

I give my mother a weak smile and look back at the table. "It isn't worth the blood. His pack is a machine. They win because they always win. They’ve crushed packs twice our size. We won't stand a chance."

I stand up, my chair scraping against the stone floor.

"Tell him I’ll go. But demand a year of elite training for our warriors in exchange. If I'm going, I’m getting something useful for this pack."

The room goes silent.

'She would have been a hell of a Beta,' the Gamma links my father.

I don't need to hear the words to see the grief on my father’s face. He just stares at me like I’m already gone.

Solenn

Anxiety sits heavy in my chest. It feels like a physical weight pressing against my ribs. I tug at the collar of my shirt, trying to find some air. I have a bad feeling I might be literally suffocating soon enough.

Esme is staring at me. Her eyes are sharp, like she’s trying to peel back my skin and read my soul.

"You volunteered?" she asks. Her voice is low. Her fists are clenched white on her knees.

"Yeah. It isn't worth a war. I don't want people dying for me." I gnaw on my lip, my heart racing.

Esme moves fast. She’s off the bed and swinging before I can blink. Her small fists thud against my shoulder.

"What the hell!" I shout, grabbing her wrists to stop the onslaught.

"Solenn! You are our future Beta!" she screams. She shakes me hard, her face twisted with fury.

I get a flash of irritation. I’m not in the mood for this. I peel her hands off me and push her back firmly. I need my space. "I know who I am. And as a Beta, I know our pack would lose. I can handle myself. You know that."

Esme throws her hands in the air. "He's an Alpha! You're a Beta. You can't fight that kind of power."

A soft knock sounds at the door. My mother edges in, carrying a tray of tea and biscuits. She looks like she’s been crying. "Don't mind me," she whispers. She sets the tray on the dresser and slips back out.

She hates this. She’s stubborn, just like me, but she’s out of moves. She raised me to be selfless, and now she has to watch me pay the price for it.

'Mom is listening at the door,' Eva says.

I grab a pillow and hurl it. It hits the wood with a soft thud and the door clicks shut.

"I'm going to apologize to him," I say, going back to the clothes piled on my bed. "I shouldn't have bitten him."

"He put his hands on you!" Esme yells. she snatches a dress out of my hands before I can fold it. "You had every right to draw blood."

"It was childish. If I’m going to be a Luna, I can’t act like a brat." My voice sounds cold, even to me.

Esme sighs, her anger deflating into sadness. She starts helping me fold. "That's if you live long enough to be a Luna," she mutters.

I hear her. I don't say a word. I just tuck a stack of shirts into the first suitcase.

"How are you going to fit your life into four bags?" she asks.

I let out a small, dry laugh. "Mom will send the rest later. My dad brought these down from the attic. I thought he was crazy, but he reminded me they have to fit in a car and then Fenrys’s private jet."

Esme scoffs, her nose wrinkling. "Of course the bastard has a jet. Assholes always get the shiny toys." She starts packing my makeup into small bags. "Why do you call him Fenrys?"

"I feel like he’d kill me faster if I called him Axel. Axel sounds too personal. Too real."

Esme doesn't push it. She knows how my mind works. She climbs onto the suitcase, using her weight so I can pull the zipper shut.

"When do you leave?"

"Tomorrow. I want to be ready early. I don't want to give him a reason to start a fight before we even get to the airport. I’m meeting him tonight."

Esme claps her hands. Her eyes light up. "Okay. Change of plans. I’m calling Cross and Blaze. The four of us are going to dinner. No arguments. I’ll walk you to your meeting myself to make sure you’re on time."

I look at my wardrobe. It’s mostly empty now. "Fine. Where are we going?"

"The fancy Italian place. We’re dressing up." She’s already mind-linking our friends.

I think of Cross and Blaze. They’re the perfect pair. Cross is a nurse at the clinic, calm and patient. Blaze is a disaster of a warrior who is always covered in bruises. They met in chemistry class. Cross literally fell off her stool when she saw him.

I feel a sharp sting in my throat. I won't be here when Esme finds her mate. I won't see her face when she finally clicks with someone.

Esme squeals with excitement, and I force the sadness down deep. She’s always been able to read my moods like a book. She’s a teacher for a reason—nothing gets past her.

I am the odd one out in our group. I have a master’s degree in marketing from a human university. For two years, I’ve worked remotely for a firm in the city, tucked away in my office while the others deal with people face-to-face. I’m good at selling things. I make a lot of money doing it. I knew I’d have to quit once I took my place as Beta, but having those skills usually makes a high-ranking wolf more valuable.

"I booked a table for five," Esme says. She skips over to me, looking far too happy for a girl whose friend is being sold off. "Your dad said the meeting is at seven. That gives us plenty of time."

She scans the few clothes left in my closet and points. "Wear the red one."

"I haven't touched that since graduation," I say.

Esme shrugs. "Your boobs have finally grown in since then. It’s a crime to leave that dress in the dark." She pulls it off the hanger and holds it up like a trophy.

"Leave me and my chest alone," I mutter, crossing my arms.

"I would, but there’s actually something there to look at now. Unlike in high school." She cackles and grabs a pair of black heels from the floor.

I take the dress from her and laugh. "They only grew because I finally got away from you and your teasing." I walk to the mirror. "What time is it?"

"Four," Esme says, checking her phone. "Can I trust you to be in this dress with red lipstick and heels in one hour?"

I nod. "I can do that. I’ll get my dad to drop me off at the restaurant."

"Is Betsy still dead?"

I scowl at her. "The shop keeps finding new things to fix. It’s annoying."

"Just get a new car, Solenn. Betsy is a wreck."

I gasp, feeling genuinely offended for my car. "Excuse you. You lost your virginity in the back of that wreck. Cross got her first positive pregnancy test in there. Betsy took us on every road trip we ever had. Show some respect."

Esme whines, but a grin breaks across her face. "You had to bring up the virginity thing."

"You insulted my car. I had to." I brush my hair over my shoulder.

"See you in an hour, bitch," Esme laughs. I hear her boots thumping down the stairs.

Once she says goodbye to my mother, the silence of the room hits me. I sit on the edge of the bed and rub my temples. The pressure in my head won't go away.

"Do you need help?" my mother asks softly from the doorway.

I look up and force a smile onto my face. I won't make her worry more than she already is. "No, I’m fine. Just getting ready for dinner with the girls. And Blaze."

"Blaze is basically one of the girls now," Mom says with a small smile. Her eyes land on the red fabric. "Esme's idea? I remember you hated that dress the day we bought it."

"She thinks I’ll fill it out now."

Mom chuckles. "She’s probably right. I’ll let you get to it. Call me if you need anything."

She closes the door. I let out a long, shaky breath. I need a shower. I’ve been packing all day and I feel like I’m covered in dust and anxiety. I walk into the bathroom and turn on the water. I brush my teeth and stare at my reflection. Twelve hours ago, my life was normal. Now, everything is breaking.

'Dad, can you drive me to the Italian place when you get back?' I link him.

'Sure. Is Betsy still in the shop?' He sounds tired.

'I don't think she's ever coming home,' I tell him. He grumbles a response and closes the link.

I hop in the shower and scrub my skin until it’s red. I shave my legs in record time, glancing at the clock. If I’m late, Esme will actually kill me before Axel gets the chance. I dry off and slather myself in coconut moisturizer. If I can't be on a beach, I can at least smell like one.

'Forty minutes until your dad gets here,' Eva warns.

I jump, hurrying back into the bedroom. I’m always on time. I hate being rushed. I pull on a matching set of black lace underwear and a strapless bra.

I look at the dress on the bed. It’s a deep, blood red. One sleeve sits off the shoulder, the other goes straight up. It looks tiny. I pick it up and hold it against my body, wondering if I can even squeeze into it anymore.

I have more curves than I did in high school. If I don't fit into a six-year-old dress, I won't let it ruin my mood.

I unzip the fabric and slide it up my body. My eyebrows shoot up when the zipper actually closes. It is just as short as I remember. Since I haven't packed my heels yet, I slide my feet into the stilettos Esme picked out for me.

I spin in front of the mirror. I can't help but giggle at how the skirt moves. I grab a black clutch from my drawer and check my reflection. This restaurant is where the Alpha usually takes visiting high-ranks. It is fancy, and I need to look the part.

I clip my hair back and grab the makeup bag Esme helped me pack. It is time to beat my face into submission. The foundation and powders go on smooth. The bronzer deepens my skin just right. Even my brows are cooperating for once.

I glance at the clock and my eyes go wide. I have five minutes.

I wing out a quick cat-eye and swipe on a deep red lipstick. I fluff my messy waves with a bit of oil until they shine. I look good. I haven't tried this hard in a long time, but I love feeling like a princess. I drop my phone, keys, and cards into my bag and nod at myself.

Getting dolled up is a good distraction. If Esme hadn't forced me out, I would have spent the evening moping about my meeting with Axel later tonight. This is better. I get to see my three best friends and eat great food.

The front door opens downstairs. I grab my bag and a black blazer, navigating the steps with caution. These heels are my biggest enemy right now.

"Hey," I say, grinning at my parents.

My mom, Vivienne, claps her hands. Her face lights up. "The dress!"

"I know!" I laugh and pull her into a hug.

"Solenn, you look lovely," my dad, Asher, says. "Can we go before the traffic gets bad?"

I roll my eyes. "Why do you think I'm already standing here?"

Mom leans in, inspecting my face. "Is that the red lipstick I bought you?"

"Matches the dress perfectly," I shrug.

"Perfect. Have a great night, sweetheart," she says. I blow her a kiss over my shoulder and head for the car.

"Watch your head getting in," Dad warns.

Naturally, I slam my head against the roof the second I sit down. I cringe and hiss a curse under my breath.

"Who are you meeting?" Dad asks as he backs out of the garage.

"Esme, Cross, and Blaze."

He nods. "Blaze is a good kid. He’s been great with the teenagers lately."

"Dad, he’s twenty-four. He isn’t a kid."

"My point stands. Enjoy yourself. And good luck with your meeting with the Alpha." He pulls the car over near the restaurant.

I look at him, my voice dropping. "Do you think he'll kill me?"

Dad turns to me fast. "No. I really don't. You're his mate. He wouldn't have tried to break into the barracks if he didn't want you." He leans over to kiss my forehead.

"You’re going to mess up my makeup," I grumble, pulling back.

"Then get out of my car," he says with a smirk.

I roll my eyes and slide out. I walk toward the restaurant, keeping my shoulders back and my chin high. I feel the weight of my father's gaze on my back, but I don't turn around.

I step inside and scan the room. I find the hostess booth and flash a smile. "Reservation for Esme McNamara."

"Two of your party are already here," she says, leading me to a window table.

Cross and Blaze are already waiting. I grin, thanking the hostess before I nearly tackle Cross with a hug. I squeeze her hard and then give Blaze a quick hug so he doesn't feel left out.

I settle into my seat, smoothing out my dress.

Cross raises an eyebrow at me. "We heard about you and Alpha Fenrys."

Esme slides into the last chair and wiggles her eyebrows. "So, are we talking about Solenn and her sexy Alpha?"

Blaze frowns. "The Sovereign Circle is going to hate this."

Cross hits him with a napkin. "Stop being a buzzkill. Let us have some fun before you get all logical."

Blaze rolls his eyes, but he's smiling.

"I have to see him at seven," I mutter, unfolding my napkin. My skin feels tight. "I bit him earlier. It was self-defense, but I need to apologize before he decides to kill me."

Cross looks at me. She's wearing deep blue, and Esme is in emerald green. "He won't kill you. You're too pretty to die."

Esme starts giggling just as the waiter arrives.

"Ready to order?" he asks.

Blaze looks at us. "A bottle of white wine, your best from the last twenty years. I'll have the lasagna."

"The same for me," Cross says.

"Spaghetti bolognese," I tell him.

Esme makes a face. "Ham and chicken pizza, please."

The waiter notes it down and bows. As soon as he's gone, I lean forward and clasp my hands. "I can't be late. I’m not giving him a single reason to end me."

"We'll get you there," Esme says, rolling her eyes.

They do, but it isn't pretty.

Three glasses of wine later, the ground feels soft. Cross tries to drown me in water, but my head won't stop spinning. It takes all three of them to haul me into the packhouse so I don't bolt.

Blaze steers me into the meeting room while Cross fusses with my hair. Their hands are everywhere. It’s annoying. I shove them off.

'Calm down,' Eva’s voice echoes in my head. I feel a sharp sting in my gut as she starts burning the alcohol out of my blood. I'm sobering up fast, and the headache is moving in.

"Go away. I'm fine," I snap.

They scramble out the door, nearly colliding with Axel on his way in. He watches them leave with a look of pure confusion.

"Beta Thorne," he says. He stops a few feet away. His nose twitches. He smells the wine on me.

I track him with my eyes. Everything is still a little blurry. "Alpha Fenrys. I'm here to apologize."

He raises an eyebrow. "For what?"

"I bit you." I lean back, trying to look steady. "Also, I'll be ready to leave for your pack at eleven tomorrow."

Axel blinks. He looks stunned. "Alright. Is that it?"

"No." I slide a thick stack of papers across the wood toward him. "I want you to sign this. It's a vow. You never touch my pack."

He picks up the pages. He reads the first one and lets out a short, dry laugh. He shakes his head.

"Fine. If this is what it takes."

He doesn't look at the paper anymore. His eyes roam over my body, slow and heavy. He knows I’m tipped, so he stays on his side of the table. He pulls a pen from his pocket and scrawls his name across the bottom.

"Good talking to you, Thorne," he says. He sounds tight. "See you tomorrow."

He turns and walks out before I can even stand up.