#Chapter 1 - The Unfortunate Meeting

Mira

A week. We’d been married a whole week, and my husband Tyler still hadn’t come to my room to consummate our marriage. Instead, he spent all of his time working with his secretary.

Every night, I’d prepared – shaved my legs, curled my hair, put on perfume. And every night, I’d wait by the door, only for it to never open.

Ash, my wolf, seethed. She’d paced inside me for days, snarling that Tyler wasn’t even my mate, that he was just the son of a beta, that she was tired of waiting around like an unwanted toy.

But I’d known Tyler since we were children. And even though we weren’t mates, I still loved him. Ash and I just had to be patient while he worked to start his career.

Besides, tonight would be different. Tonight, I would spend the entire evening with Tyler at our pack’s banquet for the Lycan King!

My father had told me the Lycan King was visiting to strengthen trading bonds with our pack. However, the maids whispered he was visiting for another reason: to find his second chance mate.

I didn’t know much about the Lycan King, but I’d heard rumors about how he was a cruel ruler eager for the blood of others. I didn’t envy the poor girl who would end up bound to him.

It was terrifying, imagining someone like him visiting our pack. It didn’t matter though – I’d be too busy enjoying the night with Tyler to worry about the Lycan King.

That night, I arrived at the banquet in a modest blue dress. The mansion was filled with members of the pack. My father was greeting guests, and I spotted my best friend Amber and Tyler chatting in the corner.

Amber had become Tyler’s secretary a few months ago. Her father – another Beta of the Eclipse Pack who’d served my father for twenty years – was stepping down from his seat in the Werewolf Council. Amber was helping Tyler campaign for that seat.

The media called them the “golden pair.” They turned heads with their sharp looks and fresh ideas. Even tonight they looked lovely, he in his navy suit and her in a dazzling silver gown.

I was delighted to see them both. They worked long hours for the campaign, so I rarely spent time with them anymore. Even Tyler and I’s wedding had been much smaller than we’d wanted so that he could focus on his work.

“Tyler!” I laughed, throwing my arms around him and kissing his cheek. Even though I’d known him for fifteen years, my heart still skipped a beat every time I saw him.

“Hi Mira,” Amber said, smiling her perfect smile she’d practiced for the cameras. “You look…cute.”

“Thanks, it’s my mother’s old dress,” I said giddily. “Tyler, the first dance is about to start, let’s–”

“Sweetheart, later,” he interrupted, pulling out of my arms. “The Lycan King is here, and I can’t pass up the opportunity to meet him. Amber, let’s go.”

“I can come–” I said, but he walked past me. Amber patted me on the shoulder before following after him.

I stood there, suddenly feeling alone in a room filled with people. A band played, and chatter echoed throughout the room, but it seemed so quiet without my husband and my best friend with me.

“He’s never going to take you anywhere dressed like that, sis.”

I turned to look at my brother, Ethan. His sarcastic smile made my hands clench into fists.

“It’s one of Mom’s dresses. Show some respect.”

“Mom wore that when she was 40, Mira,” he scoffed. “And it makes you look 40 too. You really think Tyler wants to be seen with someone dressed twice his age?”

“It’s his favorite color!” I snarled.

“You really don’t understand men at all, do you?” he asked. “Silver’s about to be his favorite color tonight after seeing Amber in that dress.”

“No, you don’t understand my husband!” I snapped. “He’s just doing what’s best for his career. You watch, he’ll talk to the Lycan King, and then he’ll come back.”

Ethan laughed. “Sure. Tell me that after he spends a night in your room.”

I blushed, the words stabbing.

“Now if you’ll excuse me,” he said, eyeing a she-wolf in a tight black dress, “I have a banquet to go enjoy.” He strutted over to the woman, inviting her to the dance floor.

That prick! Ash said to me. You should go over there and teach him some manners!

I growled in agreement. He’s an idiot, but he’s not worth it. Not tonight.

But as the banquet dragged on, Tyler still hadn’t come back, and I couldn’t shake what my brother had said. Was I really that unappealing?

No. I wasn’t unappealing, and I knew how to make my man come to bed tonight. Tyler loved me – I just had to show him what he’d been missing.

I raced up to my room and found it: my special dress. I’d been meaning to save it until the night he was elected onto the council, but I’d wear it tonight to get his mind off work and onto me.

Looking into the mirror, I barely recognized myself. The dress glowed deep ruby, and the tight fabric draped off my curves seductively. The plunging neckline and high slit would have Tyler in my bed before the night was over!

When I returned downstairs, the party was slowing. Several members of the pack had already left for the evening, but I still didn’t see Tyler. I needed to find him before it was too late.

The men I passed as I looked for my husband gave me double-takes, some staring at me with a slack jaw and wide eyes. I didn’t pay any attention to them, though, as I found one of the maids.

“Excuse me,” I said, “Have you seen Tyler anywhere?”

She turned to me, and her eyes became saucers as she looked me up and down. It took her a moment to respond before she said, “I saw him go towards Room 14.”

I thanked her and hurried to find my husband. I couldn’t keep the smile off my face. He wouldn’t be able to stop himself from touching me like this!

My hands shook in anticipation as I opened the door of the room. It was dark, but I could just barely make out the shape of a body lying on the bed – a man’s body.

This scent, Ash whimpered thickly. He’s in heat.

Of course! I thought back. Tyler’s heat must have started during the party! He probably came in here to hide.

Ash growled softly. Perhaps. This is a strange scent, though.

I brushed her off, aching for Tyler’s touch. This was our moment! I snuck to the side of the bed, reaching out to brush my husband’s back with my fingertips.

Suddenly, large hands seized my wrist in a powerful grip, and I was thrust to the bed, shrieking as the man pinned me under him. His powerful body pressed into me, and I looked up into unfamiliar eyes.

Unfamiliar, but unbelievably handsome eyes.

The man looked down at me sternly, as though I was prey that he was deciding how to eat. My breath hitched as I saw his face – his striking, strong face. His breath was hot as it caressed my cheeks, and his grey eyes, steely like gunmetal, glinted and screamed danger.

“Who,” he growled, low and sensual, “are you?”

It’s him! Ash howled inside me. This is our fated mate!