Chapter 1: Almost Yours

Lexy’s POV

I was painting in my room. That’s what I do whenever my chest feels too full—happy, sad, angry, it doesn’t matter. If I get a free moment, I paint. Sadly, I don’t get many.

Once, I dreamed of art school. My dad called it a “stupid major.”

“You’re a werewolf, even if you’re wolfless,” he told me. “Think about the pack, not yourself. Study something useful—be a teacher, a nurse.”

So, to chase my dreams, I worked part-time after school, cleaning the pack house to save for an art school. At home, I cooked and scrubbed while everyone else claimed they were too busy.

My father, Jacob, is the Beta of Riverland Pack. My stepmother, Elizabeth, is his beta female. Both are always preoccupied with pack duties.

My half-sister, Samantha, never touched chores. She was their pride, a brilliant warrior, and also strong and beautiful. Dad never shut up about her:

“Samantha won another challenge.”

“She beat every female warrior.”

“Her wolf is stunning.”

Always Samantha. Never me.

I wasn’t abused. But I wasn’t loved either. Petite, wolfless, invisible. I tried warrior training, sweating and gasping until I thought I’d collapse, but I never shone like her. Dad said I lacked effort. The truth? I just wasn’t Samantha—and I didn’t want to be.

Elizabeth made sure I remembered I wasn’t her daughter. Just a mistake.

I looked like my real mother—ginger curls, green eyes, and delicate frame. She was an Omega, mated to my father during a pack visit, then rejected when he chose to stay with Elizabeth. Of course, Elizabeth was a strong beta, and my dad appreciated strength above all. My mother died, and I was left on their doorstep. This was a reminder of everything he didn’t want.

My wolf never came at eighteen. That day broke me. No wolf. No howl. No connection. Just emptiness.

But maybe the Moon Goddess pitied me. Because She gave me Leo.

The Alpha’s son. My mate.

When he came home from Alpha Academy, and our eyes met, I expected rejection. He was powerful, handsome, and destined to lead. I was wolfless. Instead, he smiled. Accepted me. Choose me.

He promised we’d announce our bond at his Alpha ascension—in three days. Three days, and I’d be Luna.

Tonight, we had a date.

I set down my brush, washed my paint-stained hands, and went downstairs. The house was quiet—my parents and Samantha were still gone.

Outside, Leo leaned against his car. When I climbed in, he kissed me quickly and flashed a grin.

“Hi, Lexy. You look stunning.”

Heat flushed my face. “Thank you,” I murmured, smoothing my plain grey tunic. There was not much to impress with, but it was all I had.

His eyes flicked over me, lingering a little too long. “You should let me buy you something nicer. You’ll be Luna soon. A Luna doesn’t wear… that.”

The words stung, though his tone was playful. I forced a smile. “I don’t need dresses. I’d rather save for the art school.”

He gave a short laugh. “You won’t have to worry about school once I’m Alpha. You’ll be busy enough as my Luna.”

I nodded, though something unsettled me. He made it sound like a promise. Or a warning.

He gestured toward the back seat. “Picnic?”

“Anything with you,” I said softly.

We drove to the riverbank, talking, laughing. His hand stayed on my thigh the entire ride.

The sun dipped low as we spread out a blanket and shared sandwiches.

“In three days, you’ll be mine forever,” he whispered, his eyes gleaming strangely.

Excitement fluttered in me. “I can’t wait to bear your mark,” I whispered back, blushing. “And your pups…”

That was all it took. His mouth crashed onto mine, hungry and urgent. The kiss was fierce, stealing my breath. My body melted against him, giving in as he eased me back onto the blanket. His weight covered me, his chest hard and warm above mine.

His lips traced fire down my throat, teeth grazing the tender spot where his mark would be. Pleasure shot through me like lightning. I couldn’t stop the small moan that escaped.

Leo’s hand found my breast, kneading, squeezing with growing insistence. Heat pooled low in my belly, my back arching against him. I wanted him—undeniable, I wanted him.

But another part of me panicked. Too soon. He promised me to wait till the mating ceremony.

“Leo…” My voice came out shaky as I caught his arm. “We should stop.”

He didn’t.

His mouth moved lower, hungry kisses against my collarbone. His hand slid down, fingers curling beneath the hem of my dress, pushing it higher and higher. My breath stuttered, my pulse wild.

“Come on, Lexy,” he whispered, his lips brushing my skin with every word. “We’re mates. You’re mine. Why wait? Your body already knows it—you want me.”

And he wasn’t wrong. My body was betraying me—heat flooding my core, thighs trembling under his touch, every nerve alive with sparks. My panties were already soaked, and when his fingers circled over the thin lace, slowly, teasing mercilessly, I nearly broke.

A soft moan slipped past my lips. My hips tilted against his hand, desperate for more, while my mind screamed to stop.

For one dangerous second, I almost gave in. Almost let desire drown me. Because I wanted him. I wanted to believe this was love.

But then his words echoed—you’re mine. Not we’re meant for each other. Not I love you. Just… mine.

The spell shattered.

“No.” My voice was sharper this time, breathless but firm. I pushed at his chest, my whole body shaking—not only from want, but from fear of how close I had come to losing control. “Leo, stop. We agreed to wait. You promised me.”

Something dark flashing in his eyes. For a heartbeat, he looked annoyed—angry, even. Then, as quickly as it came, it was gone, replaced by a wide smile.

“I’m sorry, baby,” he murmured, pulling me into his arms, kissing my temple. “You’re just too beautiful. I got carried away and lost control.”

I swallowed, my chest still heaving, heat fading into cold unease. I nodded, even though the knot in my stomach told me I shouldn’t.

“Let’s go home,” I whispered.

The drive back was silent, his hand gripping mine a little too firmly. His goodbye kiss lingered too long, more like a claim than affection.

When I stepped inside the empty house, my heart wouldn’t settle.

All my hapiness from earlier were gone.

Something wasn’t right.

Something felt… off.