C1

Stevens POV

"Your music sounds like magic tonight, young wolf," Noah says, holding open the door to the dressing room.

My hands shake as I put my violin case down on the table. My heart goes fast, hitting my ribs hard.

"Did you see Magnus in the front row?" I ask, my voice small and tight.

"The Future Alpha King does not usually come to the Moonsong Arena," Noah says, stepping closer to me. "But he never takes his grey eyes off you."

"He only looks at me because of the sacred mate bond," I say, looking down at the heavy moonstone ring on my finger. "My father Tronte Nielsen forced this alliance on us."

"You are twenty-four now, Stevens," Noah whispers, his hand touching my shoulder. "Next year you must marry him and join the Andersen Silverclaw Royal Pack."

"I remember when I was eighteen," I say, my breath catching in my throat. "My father slammed his fist on the big table at Moonfang Manor and yelled at me."

"What did the Supreme Alpha King say to you back then?" Noah asks.

"He told me playing music was a huge distraction," I say, my chest feeling tight as I remember the fear. "He said no male wolf of the Nielsen Moonfang Pack would waste his time on a stage, and that my only job was to stay in the Alpha's den."

"But you ran away that night," Noah says, his voice very low.

"I ran all the way to the Silverclaw Royal Citadel at midnight," I say, my face getting hot. "I knocked on Magnus's door because I was desperate for freedom."

"Did the Crown Alpha Heir get angry with you?" Noah asks.

"He opened the door and he had nothing on but a small towel around his waist," I say, swallowing hard as my body feels a sudden heat. "His skin was wet from the shower, and his big chest made my knees shake so much I could barely stand."

"What did he say to you?" Noah asks.

"He looked at me with his sharp grey eyes and asked what the fuck I was doing there so late alone," I say, my hands gripping the edge of the table. "I told him I ran away because my father wanted to lock me in a cage and stop my music."

"And Magnus helped you?" Noah asks.

"He told me to come inside," I say, nodding fast. "He stood there with his arms crossed over his bare chest and told me to play my violin right then to prove I was not wasting his time."

"Were you scared?" Noah asks.

"I was so scared my fingers felt like ice," I say. "But I played with everything I had, and when I finished, he called the Moonsong Bard Guild and signed me immediately."

"He bought you your freedom," Noah says, moving even closer until I can smell his cologne. "He paid for your scholar years."

"He told me it was because I wear his ring," I say, my heart thumping. "He said he wanted me to come to his bed without any regrets."

"Magnus is a cold wolf, Stevens," Noah whispers, his eyes looking down at my lips. "He has never even touched you in all these years, but I am here right now."

"Noah, do not," I say, backing up until my legs hit the chair.

"You do not have to be lonely tonight," Noah says, reaching out to touch my face. "Let me help you forget about the cold Alpha King."

"Get your hands off him and get out," a deep, angry growl barks from the doorway.

My whole body freezes as the heavy door slams against the wall. Magnus stands there, his huge frame filling the entire space, his jaw tight and full of pure fury.

"Alpha Magnus," Noah stammers, his face turning completely white as he jumps backward. "I was only saying great job to him."

"Get out before I tear your throat out," Magnus says, his voice like cracking ice.

Noah runs past him like a scared pup, not even looking back as the door clicks shut behind him. The air in the room gets super hot and heavy, making it hard for me to breathe.

"You did not have to scare my advisor like that," I say, crossing my arms to hide how much my hands are shaking.

Magnus steps toward me, his grey eyes locking onto mine like a predator catching its prey. He looks down at my body, his chest rising and falling fast under his dark suit.

"Yes, I did," Magnus says, his voice rough and deep.

"Did you actually enjoy my performance tonight at the Moonsong Grand Hall, Alpha?" I ask, trying to sound brave.

"It was not your best," Magnus says, his lips tightening into a hard line.

My jaw drops open and I stare at him, my anger suddenly flaring up hotter than my fear.