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.

Solenn

My alarm cuts through the silence like a blade. I sit up and press my palms into my temples. My head thuds with every heartbeat. I shouldn't have finished that last bottle.

'At least we washed our face first,' Eva says. She’s too awake for seven in the morning.

I forced myself out of bed early for a reason. I have to leave at eleven. This is the last time I can let my wolf out for a run. Once we get to Axel’s territory, I’ll be a prisoner to my own skin. No mark means no running. If his guards catch a strange scent on their land, they’ll kill me before asking for my name.

I slide out from under the duvet. My joints pop and crack as I stretch. I throw on a robe and some slip-ons, creeping down the stairs to avoid waking my mom.

The smell of burnt grease hits me in the kitchen. I close the door to trap the stench. My dad is standing by the stove, looking defeated.

"What did you kill this time?" I ask. I grab a newspaper and fan the smoke away from the charred mess in the pan.

"I tried to make your mother an omelet," Asher sighs. He dumps the black sludge into the trash. "The phone rang. I got distracted."

He looks at my robe and the way I'm hovering by the door.

"Stay away from the east quarter if you're running," he warns. "Packs are training there. I don't want you in the middle of it."

"I'm meeting Esme," I say, heading for the glass doors.

'Are you out yet?' I link her.

'Old oak tree. With the swing,' Esme snaps back. 'You have two minutes. Then I’m gone.'

She isn't joking. Esme hates waiting. I sprint to the edge of the woods, stash my robe and shoes in the little cage hidden in the brush, and let the shift take me. It’s seamless. Bones break and reform. Fur sprouts. I shake out my coat and let Eva take the lead.

We find her in seconds. Esme’s wolf, Riven, is a sleek grey with fur that looks like hammered lead. She has cold, intimidating eyes. Eva is different. She’s a shaggy, light tan mess with eyes the color of glowing amber. People tell me they’re beautiful. I just think they look like trouble.

'You actually made it,' Esme laughs.

'You told me to move. Where are we going?'

Esme gives me a toothy wolf grin. 'Sending you off in style. We’re getting you a new piercing before you leave.'

She bolts toward the village. I curse in my head and chase after her. She’s a tank in a fight, muscular and heavy, but she’s slow. I gain on her easily.

'I don’t have room left on my ears, Esme.' I have six in each already.

'Fine. New jewelry then. Who knows if the piercers in the north are any good.'

We both have our fair share of ink. Most of mine is hidden—swirls of black across my thighs and my back. We’re "decorated," as the older females say. My dad loves it. He took me for my first one on my eighteenth birthday. Most of the pack is too conservative for tattoos, so it’s always a shock when we show up in bikinis during the summer.

I don't fight her. I’ve wanted a new nose stud for weeks.

We reach the parlor and Esme taps a paw against the glass. Zara, our usual artist, looks up and beams. She unlocks the door and tosses us two towels.

We shift back in the dim light of the shop.

"Thanks for opening early, Zara," Esme says, shivering as she wraps her towel around her.

I shift slower, feeling the ache in my muscles. Zara is on me instantly. She grabs my arm and squints at the ink on my bicep.

"Want me to touch this up before you go?" she asks.

I look at Esme. She just shrugs and takes a seat on the leather bench.

"If it won't take forever," I say. I drop onto the bench next to Esme.

Zara’s face lights up. She disappears into the back room to grab her ink and needles.

Esme crosses her legs and leans back. She watches me closely. "So. How does it feel to have the Sovereign Circle hunting you?"

"Oh, having fifteen of the deadliest wolves on the planet on my trail? It's great. Best morning ever," I say. I can't keep the bite out of my voice.

Zara walks back in, laughing. "I heard about you and the Alpha. You really don't do things by halves, do you, Solenn?"

She starts rubbing numbing cream onto my bicep. I feel the cold spread over my skin.

"Don't look at me. Blame the Fates," I mutter. I scrunch my nose as the first needle prick hits.

The tattoo is a massive tree that spans my upper back. The branches crawl down my shoulders and onto my arms. Zara is working fast, filling in the lines. Esme watches for a second before flinching and looking away. She hates needles. She couldn't even look at her own ink until the skin stopped bleeding.

"Don't you have to work?" I ask her.

Esme shakes her head. She's staring at the jewelry case now. "Not until eleven. There’s some assembly at the school. I dodged it."

I nod and close my eyes. I tune out the world and focus on the buzz of the machine. Zara is a blur. She uses her wolf speed when she works, which is the only reason I’m not sitting here all day.

"You’re really breaking every rule we have," Esme says. Her voice is airy, distant.

I open one eye. "Meaning?"

"The ranks. You're a Beta, he's an Alpha. The Sovereign Circle is going to lose their minds."

I groan. It’s a deep, vibrating sound in my chest. Zara pauses for a second, making sure I’m not in pain, then keeps going when I don't move.

"They won't kill us," I say, trying to convince myself. "They aren't that stupid."

"Probably not," Esme admits. "He’s an Alpha. And you were supposed to be our next Beta. It would be a messy war."

"Plus, our pack supplies half the doctors in the region," Zara adds without looking up. "Killing you would be a massive headache for everyone."

I’m glad I finished my other arm weeks ago. I don’t think I could handle a double session with this hangover. Eva is quiet in the back of my mind. Usually, she’d be whining about the sting, but today she’s taking it like a soldier.

"Whatever," I sigh. "I might still break the bond anyway."

Esme snaps her head toward me. Her eyes are wide. "You can’t be serious."

"I am. I told him he needs to make a choice. If he doesn't want me, fine. I’ll come back here and work. But he needs to decide before Eva gets too attached to his wolf."

Esme leans in. "Did he actually say he was going to reject you?"

I bite my lip. The memory of his voice makes my skin crawl. "Not exactly. He just went on a rant about how weak our kids would be. How they wouldn't stand a chance against other Alphas' heirs. He called the idea embarrassing."

Esme’s jaw drops. Her lip curls in total disgust. "I hate him already."

"I don't care, Esme. His words don't burn me. I was just as freaked out as he was. Our kids wouldn't fit in. That’s just the truth."

We go silent for the last twenty minutes. The only sound is the hum of the needle. When Zara finishes, she starts wiping away the excess ink and blood.

"Want gauze over the wrap?" she asks.

I hesitate. I don’t know how Axel’s pack feels about ink. If they’re as conservative as everyone says, showing up with a fresh, bleeding tattoo might not be the best first impression.

"Yeah. Cover it up," I decide.

Zara wraps my arm tight. I stand up and stretch, feeling my spine pop.

"You guys want shirts?" Zara calls out from the back as she cleans her gear.

"Please," we shout back together.

We’ve known Zara since high school. We weren't close back then, but she's the only person I trust with a needle now. She comes back and tosses us two oversized black tees. I catch mine and pull it on, letting my towel drop to the floor.

"It’s so dark out there," Zara says, looking toward the window.

"I know," Esme grumbles. "My alarm went off and I thought it was a mistake. I wanted another hour."

I try to look at the new ink on my arm, but the movement stings. I scowl and pull the sleeve down. "Thanks, Zara. I’ll send the money over."

"Don't worry about it yet. You still want that jewelry Esme told me about?"

I nod. "My current nose stud is driving me crazy."

Zara leads me to a small wooden chest and pulls out a tray. "Gold, right?"

"Always."

She picks out a tiny, delicate gold stud and holds it up. It catches the dim light of the shop.

"Perfect," I say. I can't help but smile. At least one thing is going right today.

My old piercing is a relic from a work meeting I hated. I rip the jewelry out and swap it for the new stud. It feels right.

"Send me an invoice," I say. I catch my reflection in the mirror and grin.

Zara laughs, her head falling back. "Don't worry. No freebies here."

"I wouldn't expect any." I pull her into a tight hug.

Esme hugs her too, and then we’re out the door. The air hits us, sharp and fresh.

"Pancakes?" Esme asks. She’s already looking at the diner across the street.

"Only if we take the woods back."

We sprint. I beat her to the door by two seconds, the bell jingling over our heads as I gasp for air. Lilibet looks up from the register. We went to high school together—cheer for me, dance for Esme.

"To go?" Lilibet asks.

I nod, my chest still heaving from the run.

"Chocolate chip?"

"You know it," I say.

We sit at the counter. Lilibet taps the screen, her eyes moving between us. "You two hitting the trails this morning?"

I laugh. "We’ve been up since before the birds, Lilibet."

"Always busy, Solenn," she says. She bags the food and slides it over.

"See you later." I wave over my shoulder and we head out.

Esme yawns into her arm. "I don't know how you’re so nice to everyone. It looks exhausting."

I shrug. "I was raised to be a Beta. Friends are better than enemies. It's just math."

Esme hooks her arm through mine. We’re both just wearing long t-shirts, and the morning chill bites at my bare legs. We hurry toward the tree line to hide from the growing crowd. The moment we hit the dirt path of the forest, the tension in my shoulders drops.

"Are you nervous?" Esme asks.

I tear open the bag. The scent of warm chocolate hits me, thick and sweet. This is our ritual. We used to do this with Cross every time we came home from school.

"It’s happening whether I like it or not," I say. I take a bite. "He’s taking me back to his pack. He wouldn't do that just to reject me."

"You’ll be a great Luna." Esme stuffs a pancake into her mouth, her confidence making her walk faster.

I groan, struggling to keep up. "I don't want to be a Luna, Esme."

"We don't always get what we want. You definitely didn't."

I stay quiet for a second. The reality is sinking in. "How far is his pack?"

"Four hours," I mutter. I'm picturing the map in my head. "That's a direct line. Driving will be more like six."

Esme looks glum. We’ve never lived more than three hours apart. "We’ll call every day."

"We have to. It's not going to be the same, though." I kick a rock, watching it skitter into the brush.

"If he'd just reject you, you could stay," she grumbles.

I tackle her. I wrap my arms around her in a massive hug, ignoring the sharp sting of the new tattoo on my arm. I squeeze her until she gasps.

"I wish he'd just decide," I whisper.

"If he won't, we'll make him," she says, pulling back.

Panic flares in my gut. I run my hands through my hair, gripping the strands. "I have zero Luna training. What am I supposed to do? I'm going to look like an idiot."

"They'll have to teach you," Esme says. She sounds nervous now, her voice tripping over the words. She knows I’m sensitive. She knows if they treat me like an outsider, I'll just shut down.

She pulls me up from the grass. "I’m walking you home. You need to pack. We aren't letting him think you're some mess."

I don't argue. I let her lead me.

'She's screwed,' Riven whispers.

I try to shut my wolf out. I pull my sleeve down over the bandage on my arm and stare out at the trees, biting my lip until it hurts. I’m tired of my phone. I’m tired of waiting. I just want to know what my life is supposed to be.

I’ve binged serial killer podcasts, finished a book, and edited a work proposal. I’ve shopped for the holidays, killed every crossword I could find, and texted everyone in my phone.

Nothing left. Two hours of this hell to go.

Axel glances over. His eyes snag on the bandage peeking out of my sleeve.

"Are you hurt?" He keeps his eyes on the road, one eyebrow arched.

"No." I watch the trees blur past.

"Then what's on your arm?"

I look at him. "A tattoo."

The forest is a smear of reds and oranges. It looks like the world is on fire.

"A tattoo?" He sounds disgusted.

"That's what I said." I catch my own reflection in the window and shrug.

"My pack doesn't like tattoos," Axel says. His voice is ice.

I just nod. I have nothing to say to that.

"How did you hide them? I haven't seen any until now. Did you do this today? Is this a middle finger to me?" He’s practically spitting the words.

I let out a soft laugh. "Relax. Not everything is about you, Alpha. I’ve had tattoos since I was seventeen. They weren't hidden. You just weren't looking at my arms or my back."

He goes silent. I fold my arms and turn back to the glass.

"Are we close?" I ask.

I’m done with this seat. My legs are cramping and my skin feels too tight. Axel doesn't answer. I look at him and see the vein in his neck pulsing. It looks like it’s going to burst.

Instead of talking, he slams his foot down. The Range Rover lunges. We fly past other cars, leaving a trail of angry honks in our wake.

Eva is pacing in my head. I tap my foot against the floor to get the blood moving.

"Stop that," he snaps.

"Can we pull over for a second? I need to stretch." I keep my hands in my lap. I keep my voice steady.

"You're pushing me," he snarls. The speedometer climbs higher.

I grab the handle above the door as the car swerves. "I'm not. My wolf is restless. If she doesn't get some air, she’s going to force a shift."

I keep my tone dead. Empty.

"So you have no control?" He sneers. "A Beta who can't even handle her own wolf. Pathetic."

I close my eyes for a heartbeat. "Sure. Whatever you say. Can we stop? There’s a rest area coming up."

He scoffs and mutters something under his breath. I don't care what it is. I just want out of this metal box.

"Fine," he spits. His knuckles are white on the steering wheel.

I grit my teeth. Eva isn't a fighter, but she doesn't like being talked down to. I feel my canines sharpen, pushing against my gums. I tuck my lip down to hide them.

I won't give him a reason to call me disrespectful. Not yet.