Chapter 1

Aria

It's so fucking beautiful! I spin around in the middle of the suite Ethan booked for us. The luxurious carpet, velvet curtains, sparkling chandeliers—is something straight out of a magazine.

The annual Christmas cruise ship tour hosted by my school, Crescent Wolves Academy, is everything I’ve ever dreamed of but never thought I’d experience.

Me, Aria Whitlock, standing here on a freaking cruise ship? No way. I’m an eighteen-year-old, lowly omega scraping by in a world that couldn’t care less about me. But tonight? Tonight, I’m not a nobody.

Nope. Tonight, I’m Alpha Ethan’s mate. My Ethan, the future Alpha of the Full Moon Pack, my personal knight in shining armor.

The Moon Goddess must’ve finally stopped ignoring me.

“Aria, move your ass! We're going to miss the welcome party at this point.” Mia’s voice yanks me out of my thoughts. She barges in, her wild auburn curls bouncing, looking like a fiery storm in her emerald-green dress. Right behind her is Lily, the complete opposite with her soft, blonde hair and shy smile, rocking a simple blue gown.

They’re my best friends… the only ones in the entire damn pack who treat me like a fucking person instead of crap.

“Wow,” Lily’s blue eyes widen as she takes in the suite. “You and Alpha Ethan’s room is so much prettier than ours.”

“That’s because Ethan wanted me to experience the absolute best,” I squeal, practically bouncing on my toes.

Mia gags dramatically. “Ugh, you sound like you’re in some cringe romantic movie. Stop it before I puke.”

“Shut up, Mia,” I shoot back, grinning.

She flops onto the bed like she owns the damn place. “Look, I’m just saying, Alpha Ethan better step up tonight. You’ve been waiting forever for him to announce you as his Luna. If he pulls some crap, I’m kicking his stupid face.”

“Mia!” Lily gasps, looking scandalized. “Be nice! This is a big night for Aria.”

“I am being nice,” Mia shrugs. “Just stating facts. Alpha Ethan’s been dragging his feet for months. And I don’t know how far I can trust him.”

“Stop,” I sigh, trying to keep my voice steady. “He promised me, okay? He said tonight, he’s telling everyone. It’s finally happening.”

Mia raises an eyebrow, like she wants to argue, but Lily grabs her arm. “Leave it, Mia. Let Aria enjoy her night.”

Mia rolls her eyes but holds her tongue. I turn back to the mirror, fluffing my long black hair and adjusting my floral dress. It’s not anything fancy—just the nicest thing I own. Ethan knows I don’t care about flashy clothes, and besides, he’s already paid for me and my friends to come on this cruise. That’s more than enough.

—---

The party hall is like something straight out of a movie. Christmas lights sparkle from every angle. The air smells like cinnamon pine trees. And everyone’s dressed to kill.

And I mean everyone. These are the elite kids from all the top werewolf academies. Future Alphas and Betas, their perfectly dressed selves, and their annoyingly perfect lives.

Me, Mia, and Lily? We don’t belong here.

“Maybe we should’ve stayed in the suite,” Lily murmurs, her wide eyes darting around the room.

“Nope,” Mia says firmly. “We’re here, so we’re owning it. Stand tall, ladies. Don’t let these stuck-up assholes make you feel small.”

Lily nods hesitantly. And I try to do the same. But the whispers, stares, and judgmental glares… it’s all fucking too much.

“I’m gonna find Ethan now,” I throw quickly. “You guys grab some drinks. I’ll catch up with you later.”

“Good luck,” Lily says, her soft smile making me feel a little braver.

“You got this, future Luna,” Mia adds with a smirk, but I can tell she means it.

Future Luna. The words make my heart flip.

I wander through the party, scanning the crowd for Ethan. My wolf stirs nervously, the back of my mind itching like something’s off. I try to shake it off. Ethan’s here somewhere, probably waiting for me.

A few minutes later, I spot some hockey players relaxing in a corner and laughing about something... Relief floods me as I approach.

“Hey, guys. Have you seen Ethan?” I manage an awkward smile.

The laughter stops. The way they look at me... Like I was some fucking crap under their shoes. It makes my skin crawl.

“Why don't you check over there?” One of them nods towards a dark corner of the hall.

The others snicker. All except one.

Alpha Lucas of the Shadow Pang pack.

He’s leaning against the wall, arms crossed, his intense gray eyes fixed on me with an unreadable expression. Lucas Russo—captain of Ethan's rival team. A notorious playboy. Ethan’s archenemy.

I’ve heard their packs have been at odds for generations, their rivalry dating back further than anyone can remember. Both are future alphas of their respective packs, both locked in a bitter feud, both hating each other with a passion.

My wolf, Gail, shifts uncomfortably under his gaze. But I ignore her. “Thanks,” I force a smile, turning toward the corner.

I make my way through the crowd, my stomach suddenly twisting in knots.

And then I see him at the front.

Ethan.

My Ethan… his hands are on Vanessa—the Academy’s head cheerleader, the most popular girl in school, and my personal nightmare. And he’s standing on a stage or something, holding a microphone.

"Everyone, gather around. I want to introduce you to my Luna and mate, Vanessa."

What… the fuck? What’s going on?