5 | Wrong Move, Little Wolf

STELLA

I stood in front of the mirror, smoothing down the stunning red strapless dress that hugged every curve like it was made for trouble. 

Short enough to turn heads and bold enough to feel powerful. I straightened my long black hair until it fell sleek, then curled the ends into loose waves that bounced when I moved. 

Minimal makeup- just enough to make my eyes pop and lips shine. Damn, I looked stunning. Dangerous. Ready to play the game I’d planned.

“Stella! We’re leaving soon!” Mom called from downstairs.

I stepped out, heels clicking, and headed for the stairs. Halfway down, I bumped straight into a solid figure. Kane Blackthorn. Black suit fitted sharp with top two buttons undone showing a hint of muscular chiseled chest and  hair styled back. 

He looked good. Really good but I wasn’t going to admit now, was I? I rolled my eyes and tried to slip past to reach first but…. He tripped me deliberately. My foot caught, eyes widening in panic as I realized I was about to tumble down the stairs- legs breaking, dress ripping and humiliation complete. 

A gasp tore from my throat. Nooo-

His hand shot out, grabbing my arm and spinning me. Suddenly I was dangling, one feet off the step and body twisted so only his grip kept me from falling. My heart, hammered in fear and my wolf whimpered inside, tail tucked. 

Kane smirked down at me and his eyes dark with twisted satisfaction. “Let me go, you psycho!” I warned, voice shaking but fierce. “I’ll scream.”

“Okay,” He pretended to listen and loosen his hold, fingers slipping a fraction. I gasped, clutching his arm tight with my free hand. “Kane!”

“Say it nicely,” he mocked, voice low and hot. “Ask me properly. Add please.”

My cheeks burned with fury and shame. Oh hell no, was I going to do it but wasn’t it better than breaking a leg? I gave in just for this.“Please… pull me up.”

He yanked me back onto the step, steadying me against his chest for a second too long. His scent- dark and commanding wrapped around me. “Good girl. Don’t forget who catches you when you fall.”

I pushed him hard, fuming, and stormed downstairs without looking back. Mom and Richard waited at the bottom. Mom’s eyes lit up. “Stella, you look beautiful! That dress is perfect on you.”

Richard smiled warmly. “Gorgeous. You’ll turn every head tonight.” I blushed, smiling despite the adrenaline still buzzing. “Thanks.” At least- their compliments helped my mood.

Then Mom turned to Kane, who walked down after me. “You clean up nice too, honey.”

Kane gave a slight smile, almost polite. I scoffed under my breath. “Let’s move now.” Richard spoke and held his hand out for mom as they walked out first. Outside, Ethan waited by the cars. He greeted us with a nod, then his eyes landed on me. “Stella… you look incredible.”

I felt shy suddenly, warmth creeping up my neck. “Thanks, Ethan.” Before we could say more, Kane cut in, voice sharp. “Enough. She’s not here for compliments. Let’s go.”

I walked off toward our car, ignoring him. Richard and Mom took the front. I slid into the back. Kane’s car roared past ours, speeding ahead with Ethan sitting next to him. Richard glanced back at me. “Should we beat him?” Mom laughed. “Don’t encourage them.” I grinned like a kid. “Yes. Beat him. He needs to know who’s the real alpha!”

Richard smirked and hit the gas. I cheered as our car pulled up beside Kane’s. I stuck my tongue out at him through the window and watched as he gritted his teeth, fuming, hands tight on the wheel. 

Of-course, Richard won, pulling ahead smoothly. I jumped out at the venue cheering, high-fiving Richard. He chuckled. Kane slammed his door, stalking over throwing daggers with his eyes. 

I hid behind Richard, acting all innocent. “What?” Ethan chuckled. I smiled back at him shyly while Richard teased Kane. “Calm down, son. We’re just having fun.”

I walked inside with Mom and Richard and was immediately amazed. The venue was beautiful- crystal chandeliers, rich decor and…. powerful wolves everywhere. Mom introduced me to her friends, people she knew. I sipped wine, relaxing into conversations, watching people dance and talk. Kane stood across the room, serious, radiating dominant alpha energy. 

Everyone lowered their heads in respect around him. He really was a good, powerful, trustworthy Alpha- well, that’s what I had heard about him all the time and it seems to be somewhere true. 

I didn’t realize I was staring until a deep voice spoke beside me. “Enjoying the night?” I turned and was met by a ….Tall, handsome man. Strong jaw, confident stance. My wolf recognized alpha energy instantly. 

He smiled. “I’m Marcus. Future alpha of the Ravenclaw pack.” The name hit hard. I glanced back. Kane was staring, eyes locked on us like he’d sensed it the second Marcus approached. Perfect. Thinking I had his full attention, I leaned into the conversation. 

Marcus got comfortable fast—playboy vibe, flaunting charm. Not an over-the-top flirt, but enough. He stepped closer, faces inches apart. His breath brushed my lips warm.

“You stand out here,” he murmured. “That red dress… dangerous choice.”

I blinked innocently, listening, letting him flirt. “I haven’t seen you before.” He said. “I just moved here.” I found him staring at my lips and hot tension built. Oh god- he was so close and I did not want to end up giving my first kiss just to make my plan work but- the moment I snuck a look at Kane, confidence drained fast. 

He was walking over, angry, not caring who saw. Maybe I’d pushed too far.

Marcus got pushed back suddenly and before I even had the time to blink- Kane grabbed my jaw, fingers and thumb gripping my cheeks in a tight, painful hold. 

He pulled me close, voice low and possessive, ignoring everyone around us. “Wrong move, little wolf. Talking to him. Letting him breathe on you like that.”

I gulped, scared now. Fuck- my was whimpering in submission and fear.  His grip hurt but sent weird heat racing through me. “Kane…”

“Not a good idea at all,” he continued, eyes burning with madness and raw possession.

 “You’re playing games you don’t understand. You Think I’d let that slide?”

My heart pounded. The venue faded. Only his grip, his fury, his body heat pressing in. Tension crackled hot and intimidating between us. My wolf whimpered again, submissive under his alpha aura. I hated it. Craved it. Feared it.

“You’re mine to torment,” he growled softer, thumb brushing my lower lip. “And now, no one’s going to save you.”