The rules

Emily

An awkward tension settles between Roman and me after my failed attempt at seduction. I bite my lip, unsure what to say next.

Inside, I'm frustrated he resisted my advances so easily. I thought I was being pretty bold for me, yet he didn't even blink. Looks like it'll take more than some light flirting to get this Alpha's attention.

Roman clears his throat, glancing away almost shyly. "So...have you given more thought to accepting my offer?"

I blink in surprise at the sudden topic change. "Oh. Um, I'm still not certain yet. But I am considering it."

He studies me intently and I try not to squirm under his piercing gaze. "What reservations do you have? Perhaps I can ease your worries."

What can I tell him? That I'm afraid if I marry him, I'll be trapped in a cold, loveless union at the mercy of his iron will? And yet it's also my best chance to get revenge on Dorian and Lily?

Yeah, probably shouldn't mention any of that.

I scramble for a safer excuse. "Well, I had hoped to find my true mate. Marrying you would prevent that." There, that sounds reasonable enough.

Sympathy flashes in Roman's eyes, along with something else I can't quite decipher. Disappointment? Regret?

"Believe me, I understand," he says quietly. "But as Alphas, we have duties to our packs that must come first. This marriage will strengthen us both."

I give a small sigh, casting my eyes downward. "You're right, of course. I know it's selfish of me to wish for romantic love when our packs need this alliance." I allow a tiny catch to enter my voice for effect.

Roman steps closer, his hand coming up to graze my cheek lightly. My breath hitches at the contact.

"It's not selfish," he murmurs. "You deserve love and passion. I wish I could offer you that. All I have is my promise to guard you with my life and try to make you happy."

His words send an unexpected pang through me. He sounds so sincere, so concerned for my feelings, even though we only just met. Could there be more to Roman than the cold exterior? More than I bargained for?

No, I can't let myself be swayed. Not when I'm so close to getting what I want.

I give him a tremulous smile. "Knowing I'll be safe and protected is enough. My pack needs this alliance too. I'll agree to be your mate, Roman."

Joy and relief flare in his gaze. Impulsively he grasps my hands, pulling me closer. "You won't regret this, Emily. In my honour, I'll care for you."

Before I can react, he presses a soft, fleeting kiss to my forehead. It's tender and affectionate. And despite myself, it makes my heart skip a beat.

Get it together! I scolded myself. I can't lose focus now.

Clearing my throat, I step back and Roman releases me. His stoic mask slides back into place, but his eyes remain warm.

"We should inform Alpha Gavin of our decision," he says. "Let's go share the news before the party ends."

He offers his arm and I take it. As we walk back toward the ballroom, I feel a nervous flutter in my stomach. This is really happening. I'm going to be mated to the most powerful and feared Alpha in the region.

I just hope I haven't made a deal with the devil himself.

Roman

As Emily and I make the rounds informing all the guests of our decision to mate, I keep stealing glances at her. I still can hardly believe this bold, captivating woman is my true mate.

When we first collided earlier this evening, I felt our bond snap into place instantly. The missing piece of me I've spent years searching for, finally found.

Of course, Emily is too young still for her wolf to have awakened and recognize me in return. But her draw to me is undeniable, even if she doesn't understand it yet.

Watching her now, charming and mingling with our packs' nobility, you'd never guess at the darkness that surrounds her. But I sensed it within moments of meeting.

Pain, rage, a desperate thirst for vengeance. All lurking beneath the polite, demure exterior she presents.

I'm no fool. I know Emily has secrets and ulterior motives for agreeing to this union. Her innocence is a carefully constructed mask. And I doubt the rumours about her virtue are entirely unfounded.

Any other Alpha would reject such a deceitful mate. But the truth is, her fiery spirit intrigues me. I've never met a woman so determined to challenge the hand she's been dealt. So unwilling to bend to the expectations of others.

There's an undeniable attraction between us, though we both try to deny it. A primal magnetism I've never felt with another. She stirs something dangerous within me.

I must tread cautiously. I cannot allow desire to cloud my judgement. Emily has secrets; this I know without doubt. But I will discover them in time. And I will gain her trust. She'll learn that her safety and happiness are all that matter to me now.

For there is no force stronger than a wolf's mate bond. She can try to resist, but her wolf knows the truth deep down. We were meant for each other. Two missing halves of one soul.

"Roman?" Emily's voice breaks me from my thoughts. Her eyes search my face curiously. "Is something wrong?"

I realise I've been staring wordlessly. I offer a reassuring smile. "Just distracted thinking of the future, little moon."

She blinks at the nickname but doesn't object to the endearment. Another piece of evidence that she senses our bond, even if only subconsciously. She is mine.

Emily turns back to the circle of nobles we're conversing with, effortlessly charming them again. I have to admit, her skills hosting and navigating social politics are impressive. She'll make a fine Luna.

But taming her inner fire—that will be the true challenge. Something wild and untamed lurks within Emily, like a phoenix awaiting rebirth. I cannot wait to uncover all her mysteries.

For now, I'll bide my time and observe. Learn what I can about her secrets and how to breach her walls. Gain her trust before making demands or issuing commands.

Patience is key. She's accustomed to having her way. I must take care not to trigger that defiant side too soon. But bound her wolf will be to me, whether Emily accepts it or not.

A commotion across the room catches my attention. Raised voices signal a confrontation brewing. I recognize one as that wolf who accosted Emily earlier.

My protective instincts surge. But Emily places a hand on my arm, murmuring "Let me handle this."

Before I can object, she strides purposefully toward the altercation. I trail close behind, signalling my guards to stand ready.

Emily's voice rings out clear and steady. "Stand down. Now."

The command in her tone astonishes me. Both wolves turn to her with shock. Reluctantly they back away from each other.

I watch Emily closely as she defuses the situation adeptly. There is much more to her than meets the eye. She continues surprising me at every turn.

Perhaps that's what intrigues me most. She's a puzzle I'm determined to solve. And I look forward to unravelling each layer of deception and mystery.

No matter how she tries to resist or manipulate me, her efforts will prove futile. Her wolf knows the truth already, even if her mind fights it still.

She was made for me. And nothing will prevent me from claiming what is mine. I am resolute on this.

The only question is how much darkness I will uncover about my mate along the way. Somehow I know her secrets and lies are just beginning.