Chapter 3

Eleanor

“Are you alright?” Eli asked.

My brows pinched. “Eli?”

Only it wasn't Eli.

The Eli I knew had a soft tenor voice but this Eli had a deep baritone.

When I lifted my eyes to meet his gorgeous green eyes, my blood ran cold and realization hit me like a punch in the face.

This wasn't Eli.

This was his twin brother, Killian.

If Eli was dangerous, Killian was dangerous himself.

He was sporting the NightFall Wolves Biker Gang's leather jacket as usual. His long black hair pulled back in a loose bun. I tried not to start at the way his jacket stared across his broad shoulders or how his dark tattoo peeked from his collar. He was ruggedly handsome.

He must've noticed me staring before he released me with a sigh, annoyed that I mistook him for his brother.

“My younger brother is that way.” He pointed behind him. “And watch where you’re going next time.” he added as he brushed past me.

I nodded shyly and made my way back to the Pack Hall. When I looked over my shoulder he had already disappeared into the crowd.

Killian rarely showed up at the pack or any ceremony it held. He was always in the Biker's den. I wonder why he came here. Or did he come here to find his mate too? That must be the reason.

A muffled gong echoed through the air, reminding me it's time for Eli to give his speech.

I smiled as he took his place under the flowered archway, his parents flanking him. When he lifted his hand in midair, a silence fell over the crowd. He was every inch an Alpha.

“Thank you for coming to our pack’s most sacred tradition—our mating ceremony,” Eli said in a loud voice. “Let us bow our heads and honour the Moon Goddess, the one who will provide us with our Fated Mates.”

While everyone bowed their heads, my gaze lingered on Eli. He must've felt me staring at him.

For a moment, I feared he'd look away. But to my surprise, he didn't. He winked at me and resumed the prayer.

A few minutes later, the prayer ended and the pairing began.

Wolves, older and younger than me, found their fated mates and promised each other forever. I stood in my little corner admiring them and prayed my mate would come find me soon.

He didn't.

When the band stopped playing, I knew it was time to call it a night. I made an excuse to Khloe and her newfound mate and left the ballroom, making sure to smile and nod at the few people who were still smiling.

After bawling my eyes out in the bathroom, I let out a long, slow breath, straightened up and stepped out.

As I walked down the empty hallway, I wondered if I was truly cursed. I can't shift into my wolf and now, I don't have any mate? What was wrong with me?!

My mind drifted and I sighed. Even Eli wasn't my mate. The goddess must think it embarrassing to pair him with someone like me.

Still, I wished he was my mate. I wondered if he found his. I didn't see him leave the Pack Hall.

A loud thumping sound interrupted my thoughts. I lifted my gaze from the floor and looked ahead. My heart stopped.

Eli was in front of his hotel room door with his key in his hand. His black jacket was discarded on the ground next to him, his shirt sleeves were rolled up, and his red tie that matched my dress was loose around his neck. I could see the defined muscles through his white shirt, and my heart began to beat frantically.

Eli tried to slide his key into the slot again, but he couldn't manage it. He lifted his hand and banged on the door with his fist in frustration and mumbled under his breath.

So, that was what the thumping sound had been.

I couldn't help but smile at how cute he looked when he was drunk.

“Alpha Eli, do you need help?” I asked softly as I made my way over to him.

He turned toward me, and the expression on his face made me pause.

The look in Eli’s eyes wasn't the usual icy indifference that they held whenever he glanced my way. His green eyes were full of heat and longing as they slowly traveled down my body.

Oh…

His eyes scanning my body made my hands shake, and I forgot why I had been so mad at him a moment ago. For a second, I forgot my own name. As he eyed my cleavage, a lazy grin crossed his face.

“Hello, Eleanor,” he said, sounding as if we were lovers.

My brain shut down for a second. He knew my name?

“Uh, hi,” I replied. “Having trouble getting into your room?”

“Yep. One of the maids must have given me the wrong…what's the word for this?” He pointed to the key in his hand.

Before I could answer him, he swayed slightly, and I had to grab his forearms to hold him steady. An electric shock went through me at the contact. His red and watery eyes shot down to my lips, and I had to clear my throat and drop my hands before I did something I'd regret.

“Dear Goddess, Alpha Eli. How much did you have to drink?” I asked.

“Only…uh, one glass.” He shrugged and scrubbed a hand down his flushed face.

I shook my head. Well, I guess he was still sober enough to mess with me.

“Here, give me your key, and I'll open your door,” I said. “The maid didn't give you the wrong key. You just aren't using it right.”

“Key! That's the name!” Alpha Eli said and fumbled with the key  before handing it over.

Goddess, his words were slurred.

It took me two tries to fit the key into the slot, but I managed to get it open.

“Come on, let's get you inside,” I said, leaning down to pick up Alpha El's crumpled jacket, then taking his hand and dragging him through the door.

His room was brightly lit with silver candles and it looked very beautiful. Everything was ivory-colored. From the walls, the large reading chair in the corner, and the vanity table, which only held a black comb. The far wall was mostly taken up by a large window overlooking the Pack. Since it was nighttime, all I could see were hundreds of small twinkling lights.

But all I could focus on was the king-sized bed in the middle of his room. The image of Eli's naked body sliding under his sheets came into my mind, and my grip on his arm tightened. What would his mouth feel like against mine?

Stop imagining kissing your Alpha!

I guided Eli to the bed, and he slumped back, leaning on his elbows, smirking up at me. Eli's body was long, muscular, and perfect. His black hair flopped over his forehead, and the way his hazel eyes studied my body made me shiver.

He was so sexy.

I took off my heels, biting my lip so I wouldn't moan out loud at the instant relief I felt.

On the kitchen table, I found a pitcher of water and grabbed two glasses; one for me and two for him. I opened and poured him a.glass of water. When I handed him his, our hands brushed, and my stomach dropped.

Our eyes locked, and even when he drained the contents of his glass, he didn't look away from me.

Now that he was safe in his room, I should leave, right?

But I didn't want to.

My heart was pulling me toward Eli, insistently tugging me in his direction. I didn't want to leave just yet.

I sat down on the bed next to him, our knees touching. My right arm was pressed against his left, and the warmth of his body made me shiver. This moment felt dreamlike. Could my unrealistic fantasy actually become a reality? I didn't dare to even hope.

Our heads turned toward each other at the same time, and a jolt went down my spine when I realized his face was only an inch away from mine. More than close enough to kiss.

“How are you feeling?” I whispered, my eyes on his mouth.

“Better now that you're sitting beside me.”

Oh my Goddess! Did he actually just say that?

His hand reached out, and he put it on my upper thigh.

I sharply inhaled, and then I forgot how to breathe. What if I passed out right here because I forgot how to exhale?

“Thank you for helping me get into my room tonight,” Eli said. His voice was the deepest I'd ever heard it.

“Why are you being so nice to me?” I asked before I could think better of it.

One of his dark eyebrows raised, and he opened his mouth, but I kept going before I lost my nerve.

“I know that you don't like me,” I admitted and dropped my gaze to his hand that was still on my thigh, afraid to look directly into his eyes. “I can tell by the resentment-filled looks you give me and the way you always avoid me.” I glanced back up, squared my shoulders, and looked into his eyes.

Eli was silent for a full minute, and my anxiety spiked with each passing second. I'd give anything just to know what he was thinking.

“You're wrong,” he finally replied.

Before I could even fully process his words, Eli grabbed the back of my head, and kissed me.