CHAPTER FOUR

Alaric’s POV 

"Are you going to Bella's wolf party, brother?" My sister Viki asked, her tone steady as the door to my office swung open. 

I dropped my glasses onto the desk with a sigh, already bracing myself for what was coming. "No. Why?" I asked, trying to keep the frustration from slipping out. I knew exactly where this was going.

"Because you need to get out of this rut," she said, crossing her arms over her chest. "It’s been five years, Alaric. You can’t keep hiding away."

I clenched my fists, the memories of her still fresh and raw. "I’m not interested in meeting anyone," I muttered, my voice thick with unresolved emotions.

Viki’s expression softened, "I get it, Vanessa hurt you. But you need to relax a bit. You’re not going to heal in isolation."

The mention of her name hit me like a punch to the gut, but I forced my face into neutrality. I wasn’t going to show weakness, not now. "I’m fine," I replied, though the words felt hollow in my mouth.

Viki wasn’t convinced. "Mom’s already talking about the heir, you know," she continued, her voice low and serious. "For Moonvally’s future, I suggest you take the initiative to pick your Luna. If Mom starts meddling, trust me, you won’t like it."

I knew she was right. The weight of the pack's expectations, the whispers of doubt—whether I was fit to lead or not—pressed down on me like a vice. Some even thought I was gay, or worse, that I couldn’t produce.

I stood, the tension in my muscles evident. "Fine," I muttered, my voice laced with defeat. "I’ll go to the damn party."

Viki’s triumphant smile was the last thing I saw before she left the room. Frustration boiled inside me, but there was no other choice.

The moment I walked into the bar, the noise hit me like a physical force—laughter, music, chatter—all blending into a haze.  

"Alpha, you made it.” Bella greeted me with a surprised smile.

I gave her a brief nod in return. "Viki insisted. Just call me Sir here," I muttered.

Bella smiled knowingly, her eyes glimmering with understanding. "She asked me to make sure you’re comfortable tonight."

I exhaled slowly, my jaw tightening. "You shouldn’t take Viki so seriously," I said, my tone firm but not unkind.

She nodded courtly, "I wouldn’t dare make decisions for you, Sir," she said, "But a little enjoyment wouldn’t hurt, would it?"

I shrugged. "I guess."

Bella guided me toward a private VIP room. As I stepped inside, my gaze landed on three elegantly dressed women seated comfortably on the plush couches. Their poised expressions shifted the moment they saw me, their eyes glimmering with intrigue. It was clear they had been briefed on my arrival.

"Sir," Bella said smoothly, offering an honorific nod in my direction. "These lovely ladies will be your company for the evening. I trust they’ll make sure you enjoy yourself."

One of the women, a striking brunette, smiled with confidence. "Of course, Bella," she said, her tone warm but measured.

Before I could respond, Bella stepped out, closing the door behind her. The air in the room subtly shifted as the three women turned their attention toward me—not with overbearing eagerness, but with quiet, knowing interest.

One of them leaned forward slightly, "Would you like something to drink, handsome? We have a fine selection."

Her approach was bold, yet there was no desperation—only intrigue and a quiet acknowledgment of my status.

Another woman gently rested a hand on the back of my chair, her presence calm and controlled. "Just relax, handsome."

Their interest was obvious—the way they lingered, the way they tried to pull me in. But it did nothing for me. I had no time for this.

"Enough. I need some fresh air," Without another glance, I walked out.

As I made my way to the bar, my eyes scanned the room, and that’s when I saw a special girl, a hybrid, I can tell.

She was sitting alone, drinking a couple of drinks. There was something effortlessly captivating about her, a quiet beauty that seemed to pull at something deep inside me. I couldn’t explain it, but I was drawn to her.

Then, our eyes met.

Time seemed to slow. My heart raced in my chest, my mind reeling with confusion. What the hell was this?

Before I could make my move, I saw her dancing with another man. His hand was on her waist, and she was laughing, caught up in the moment.

Without thinking, I shoved my way through the crowd, my body moving on its own accord. This was stupid. I didn’t even know what I was doing, but I couldn't stand the sight of her with him. 

My wolf growled low in my mind, a strange yet overwhelming sense of possessiveness surging through me. I knew I had to have her.