Chapter 1

Veyra pov

The sound of the door creaking open makes my lips stretch into a smile. I don't need to turn around to know who just joined me. Her sweet earthy scent always makes my ever racing nerves to calm down.

“ Are you ready, Veyra?” My best friend, Gina asks,her footsteps stopping behind me. I catch her smiling face in the reflection of my dressing mirror.

“ I don't know Gina. Everything feels so surreal, like it's a big dream.” I reply. I can't hide how anxious and excited I am to Gina.

“ I know. You've waited for this moment all your life. Finally,you are going to have the man of every girl's dream in this pack as your mate.” She announces. I can't help but smile at her words.

Indeed,Valen is the man every woman dreams of being mated to.

Today,he will be announcing his Luna,the woman who will stand next to him when he finally takes over as the Alpha of the pack.

“ I know. That's why I am excited. I can't wait to stand by his side and stake my claim on him.” I say,grinning.

“ Veyra, have you ever considered that Valen has a mate or perhaps you have your mate out there, waiting for you?” Gina suddenly asks. I frown.

“ Why are you asking that now? Do you know something?” I inquire,an unsettling feeling creeping insíde me.

Gina laughs it off, waving at me dismissively.

“ What? I was just wondering. Don't take it so seriously.” She explains. Only then do I react.

“ Don't say that even as a joke. Anyway, it's well-known in the pack that Valen can't smell his mate after what happened that night. As for me, my wolf is still dormant so it's impossible to recognise my mate, even if he stands before me.” I remind Gina.

“ That's right. What was I even thinking? I'm sorry for bringing that up.” Gina apologises. I smile, shaking my head.

“ That's okay. I have already made peace with the possibility of my wolf never resurfacing again. Either way,I lost her saving Valen. I think it's worth it.” I reply. Gina smiles awkwardly.

“ Enough about the unpleasant things. Today is a happy day for you and Valen. Let's not ruin it.” Gina suggests and I nod just in time for the pack bell to sound.

“ It's about time.” Gina announces. “ Shall we?” She says, offering her hand for my support. Together,we leave my room,my floor length gown hugging my body like a second skin.

We make our way to the pack hall where the Luna choosing ceremony is already ongoing. It's a big day for the pack and Alpha Theo, Valen’s father threw a big party to celebrate it.

As Gina and I step insíde the hall,the earlier chatter dies down and all eyes turn to look at us. I put on my smile and stride confidently like the Luna I am about to be.

“ Look at that. You were born for the spotlight. You don't need to do much to gain everyone's attention.” Gina comments from beside me. I giggle. Gina is right. I am indeed popular in the pack. Sometimes I wonder if it's because of dating Valen or because my brother,Alex is the beta of this pack.

“You are a natural charmer,Veyra. Anyone who lays their eyes on you will be instantly captivated.” Those were Valen's words. He is always murmuring sweet nothings to me and making me feel like a queen. Tonight though,I'll officially be his queen before the whole pack. The idea makes me feel giddy.

My eyes scan the room and it doesn't take long to spot Valen. He is dressed in a white tuxedo suit and his eyes trained on me. I smile at him when he starts making his way towards where we are standing.

“ Look at that. He can't keep his eyes off you.” Gina jabs me and I smile.

Valen is by our side in no time but instead of looking at me,I notice his eyes locked with Gina's.

“ You look beautiful, Gina” he comments. Gina smiles at him shyly. The smile on my face drops and for the first time that night,doubt starts creeping in.

“ I am nothing compared to Veyra. She is more stunning tonight.” Gina replies. Valen finally turns to look at me.

“ Hi Veyra.” He greets. I force a smile,trying not to appear awkward. From my peripheral view,I can see pack members watching us closely.

“ Hi Valen. It's good to see you.” I reply in a neutral tone.

Valen nods at me in acknowledgement and turns to look at Gina.

“ I didn't know that dress would fit you so well.” Valen says. If his actions shocked me earlier, now,I am completely taken aback.

“ He bought you this dress?” I turn to ask Gina, feeling betrayed. Valen got her a dress and she didn't bother telling me anything? I thought we shared everything without keeping secrets from one another.

“ W-well…” Gina starts, scratching her head awkwardly.

“ She mentioned not having a decent dress before I left for my Alpha training so I got it for her.” Valen answers with a shrug. My jaws clench,not in anger but in disbelief.

“ You didn't get me anything.” I say in a small voice. Valen was away for a month attending the Alpha training before he takes over after his father.

When he came back,he brought me nothing and now I am learning that he got it for someone else? I thought I am his girlfriend or is there something I am missing.

“ You have everything you want,Veyra. A mere dress won't make a difference. Don't make a big deal out of it.” Valen reprimands me.

“ Look at my beautiful sister.” I am about to say something when my brother's voice booms from behind me. I turn around to see him smiling at me. Taking my hand,he swirls me around.

“Stop it. You are embarrassing me.” I chide him softly.

“ What's there to be embarrassed about? You are beautiful and the star of the night.” He comments and I smile.

“ Excuse me. I'll go sit down with the others.” Gina says. I nod and as she walks away,I catch Valen staring at her with an indiscernible look on his face. My heart clenches,fear creeping in.

Alex turns to look at Valen.

“ It's about time.” He announces. Valen nods and excuses himself. He gives me a quick glance then he is gone,no smile,no nothing.

I watch as he walks to the pondium,a glass in his hand. He clears his throat and the room falls into silence,all eyes on him.

“Today is a special day to me and the woman of my dreams.” He announces and gives me a fleeting smile. My cheeks heat up at his words and subtle gesture.

The whole pack erupts into applause. I smile, my heart swelling with so much happiness it could burst.

“ I am excited to present to you my mate and future Luna of this pack.” He declares. Another round of applause follows.

“ Ladies and gentlemen,help me welcome my mate to the stage. Gina Howard.”