Chapter 3 The Alpha of Nyctilux Pack Arrives

Selene's P.O.V

My mother hesitated for a few seconds. Maybe seeing how stubborn I was, she finally nodded. "Fine. I'll let you choose. But remember, your decision will affect the future of the pack."

I nodded without hesitation.

To officially mark my return and give me a chance to meet potential mates from other packs, my mother decided to hold a grand banquet.

The night of the banquet, the hall was blazing with light, filled with guests.

Many Alphas had been invited to the banquet. Some were young and brilliant, others older and steady. Their eyes scrutinized me, curious, calculating, or weighing the strength of the Lunaris Pack.

I wore a gown that marked me as the heiress. Even with my mother absent, I handled each greeting with grace.

After all, if I was going to inherit the Lunaris Pack, I had to be able to navigate the delicate politics of the powerful on my own.

Halfway through the banquet, I assumed everyone who was coming had arrived. I relaxed slightly, thinking about stepping aside to rest for a moment.

Then, a subtle commotion erupted near the entrance. The once-bustling hall fell noticeably quieter.

Almost every gaze turned instinctively toward the doors.

A tall, imposing figure stood against the light, radiating an invisible yet undeniable pressure as he began walking toward the banquet hall.

I couldn't help but be drawn to it, my gaze locking on him without thinking.

As he came closer, the light revealed his sharp, striking features and cold, intense eyes.

I froze for a moment.

Blake Lancaster? The same man Aria had mentioned to me just a few days ago was actually here?!

My eyes widened in shock, and whispers rippled through the nearby guests.

"Isn't that Blake? What's he doing here?"

"Yeah, doesn't he hardly ever attend events like this?"

I heard the murmurs too, and I shared their surprise.

Though I was close to Aria, I barely knew Blake.

As the Alpha of the Nyctilux Pack, he was not only powerful, but fiercely proud. He rarely appeared at social events. And today was just a simple welcome banquet, offering almost nothing in the way of advantage.

I wondered silently what Blake had come for, but I kept a polite smile on my face and took my glass as I walked toward him.

Officially, he was the Alpha of the Nyctilux Pack. Personally, he was Aria's brother. I couldn't afford to be careless.

I raised my glass to him, keeping my tone measured and showing just the right amount of surprise. "I didn't expect to see you here tonight, Mr. Lancaster,"

Blake arched a brow. "I had an invitation. Am I not welcome, Ms. Kingsley?"

"Of course you are," I replied immediately, maintaining my smile. "It's just a surprise. Your presence is an honor."

He gave a slight nod, as if accepting my explanation. Then he said something that caught me completely off guard.

"Ms. Kingsley, may I have the honor of the first dance of the evening with you?

He held out his hand with perfect, effortless grace, his gaze fixed on mine.

Blake was usually so proud, so why would he take the initiative to ask me to dance?

My first instinct was to wonder if he had some ulterior motive. But the music had already started, filling the hall with its opening notes.

I looked at his outstretched hand, weighing my options.

Dancing the opening dance with a high-ranking Alpha would certainly spark speculation. But refusing an Alpha in full view of so many eyes would be unwise, especially one of Blake's stature.

And for some reason, I had a feeling that refusing him might only make things more complicated.

"Alright." After a moment's thought, I placed my hand in Blake's.

I had met Blake many times before, but his proud, aloof nature always made me keep my distance. This was the first time we had been this close.

The moment our skin touched, a jolt of electricity ran down my spine, and I couldn't help shivering.

My heart raced, and my legs felt weak.

Even after three years with Malcolm, I had never felt anything like this.

I even heard the low, excited growl of my wolf stirring within me.

For the past three years, I had to rely on the potion every day to disguise myself as an Omega, so she hadn't appeared in a long time.

This was the first time I felt her so excited, and she was constantly urging me closer to Blake.

What on earth was going on?