Chapter 3

FREYA'S POV

The doors swung open. My heels hit the floor hard. Chloe and Raven walked in with me. The room went quiet. All eyes turned on us, their expressions laced with curiosity.

“Is Luna Freya… she’s just arriving?” Whispers filled my ears, accompanied by the pheromones of wolves swirling through the air.

“It’s so unlike her to be Luna for a celebration,” another mumbled.

I kept my head straight. Narrowed my eyes. Held my shoulders straight. 

That’s right. For as long as I could remember, I had followed the rules, being the perfect Luna, adhering to formalities without complaint.

But if their Alpha could do as he pleased, why shouldn’t I?

Besides, today was for his mistress, not me.

My gaze met Eric’s, well-dressed, his aura screaming dominance. He was alone, and his eyes lit up when they found mine.

He started to move, but Alyssa stepped in front of him, tugging his arm and let her stop him.

My wolf growled, but I turned my face away.

“Luna, let me get you something to drink,” Chloe said softly.

I gave a nod, knowing she was just trying to make me feel better.

Raven moved closer, and I tilted my head toward her. “It’s a party. You shouldn’t cling too much to me. Try to enjoy yourself.”

“But…” Raven started.

“I want to be alone,” I said firmly, and she nodded.

Chloe noticed the shift in my expression as she handed me the drink. I gave a subtle nod.

I watched them as they strolled through the crowd, and a smile formed on my face.

As I turned on my heel, I felt my foot twist painfully, and I faltered, body stumbling forward. I closed my eyes, expecting the harsh welcome of the floor, but a strong hand grabbed me, yanking me close.

My blinked, finding myself in someone’s arms.

The glass of wine lurched forward and splashed on his face. The drink dripped from his hair down to his chin. 

I flinched when cold drops splashed my face, my breath catching at the contact.

My wolf leaned closer, pushing me along.

She knew him, even if I didn’t.

His scent was unlike anything I had ever taken in in my life.

Who was he?

His brown eyes seemed to sparkle as he panted. 

“Maya, is this really you” He calls. 

His voice made my heart clench. The pain between his eyes was undeniable, and even though I had never met this stranger, he felt like… home.

My eyelids fluttered as pain rippled through me. Vague images flooded my mind, rising up.

I slumped further against him, my face hitting his chest, panting. The glass I was holding slipped, shattering on the floor.

My eyes closed tightly as the pain continued and those strong hands refused to let me go.

Loud, quick footsteps echoed in my ears, and then I felt a hand clamp over my shoulder, tearing me away.

I staggered backward, meeting Eric’s eyes, red with fury. He hissed, turning back toward the man in front of us.

His face went pale, and his throat bulged. “Lord Zaynx Valemount,” he gasped.

Everyone’s attention was fixed on us, and my heart sank as the name sank in.

Zaynx Valemount—the Lycan beast king of Dark Hollow Pack. One of the richest and deadliest packs in the werewolf faction.

As the rumors said, he was a man of no mercy. And I had just dumped my drink on him.

My knees quickly hit the floor, head bowed, panting. “King Zaynx Valemount, I’m so sorry. My behavior earlier …”

When our gaze met, I couldn’t say anything

 His eyes were intense, his face devoid of any expression. He just stared at me hard. 

My wolf jumped, but I turned my face away. What was this familiarity that my wolf could sense even when I couldn’t?

“Who is she to you?”

Lord Zaynx didn’t take his eyes off me, even when he addressed Eric.

Eric gave a slight bow. “She’s my Luna, Freya.”

“Freya,” he whispered softly, and I felt my cheeks burn with heat. I gulped, trying to stare at anything but those brown eyes.

“It’s a shame. I thought you were someone else.” With those words, his eyes turned and he walked past me.

I felt a sense of longing, wanting to reach out to him, but I kept my head down.

Eric stretched out his hand to pull me up, but I remembered everything he did. I forced myself to my feet, and he blinked.

I brushed my shoulder past him, but he caught my wrist.

“Let me go,” I groaned.

“What is your problem?” he shot back.

“You seriously want to do this? In front of everyone? Fine.” I scoffed. “My problem is you.”

“Me?” Eric shook his head in disgust. “I wasn’t the one all over another wolf. I saw the way you were looking at him…”

Disbelief rushed through me. I scoffed, yanking my hand from his grip. “He was helping me. That should have been your job as my mate, but you’re too busy frolicking around with your precious Alyssa…”

“Alyssa is my fated mate!” he growled.

Silence.

He clamped his mouth shut, realization crashing over him, but it was too late.

Fear nudged through me.  

“What…what did you just say?” My voice cracked, horror lacing every wor

Eric swallowed hard, realizing what he just said, eyes darting away from mine. 

He took my wrist and mumbled, “Let’s talk somewhere else…”

I snarled, yanking free. “What’s the point? Everyone’s going to know anyway. How long have you known?” A low, humorless laugh rumbled from my lips, tears brimming.

“The child she’s carrying. It’s yours, isn’t it?”

Eric’s eyes widened, and he grabbed my shoulders. “How did you…”

Thud!

A loud sound filled the air. Mumbles filled the room.

“Lady Alyssa has fainted! Quick, call a healer!”

Eric jumped, his eyes snapping toward the sound. “Alyssa,” he rasped, his body already tensed to rush to her.

I snatched his arm. “Eric…”

“Just hold on, let me attend to Alyssa. She’s more important than this.” He slid out of my grip, and I took a step back, feeling a tear fall.

“Since she’s so important, then make her your Luna.” I gritted my teeth.

Eric’s step faltered. His body turned rigid.

****