Chapter 15 – The Hunt Begins

                Alpha Atticus stepped into the venue through the VIP entrance, a masked and shadowed figure slipping effortlessly past the velvet ropes and eager, flashing cameras.

                 The place was packed, a sea of faces belonging to the world's elite and countless celebrities. They had all come from around the globe, drawn by the promise of this prestigious event. Everyone knew Lunar Crest Fashions created exclusive designs where quality and high price went hand in hand. Being seen wearing one of their exceptional creations was considered a great honor.

                The air buzzed with excited chatter, the clinking of glasses, and the soft pulse of music.

But despite the buzz for the brand itself, everyone was truly there for one person, Anna Vega, the new shining star in the sky of the fashion industry. She was exotic and unique, with a innocent, elusive look that set her apart.

                Many famous fashion houses were fiercely competing for a contract with her. Yet, she remained loyal to Manager Andrew, who looked after her like a mother hen, protecting her fiercely. No one seemed to know anything about her private life. Paparazzi tried constantly to interview her and followed her everywhere, but so far, they had always failed.

                What no one knew was that Atticus was the one putting a stop to their efforts, making sure she remained safe and private. His iron "shadow army" had eyes and ears everywhere, ensuring her life stayed exactly as he wanted it.

                "The private lounge with the balcony is ready, Alpha," Beta Jax stated, leading the way up a grand staircase. "No one will disturb us there."

                Jax moved with his usual quiet efficiency, a dark, well-dressed shadow beside Atticus.

They reached the secluded lounge, a luxurious space with soft lighting and comfortable chairs, overlooking the main event floor. As they settled into their seats, Atticus immediately fixed his attention on the catwalk below. He adjusted the mask covering the lower half of his face, ensuring his vision was clear.

                A moment later, the lights in the main hall dimmed, and the show began.

                 The host, a famous personality, started his long introduction, explaining the designers and models. When Anna’s name was finally mentioned, the entire hall erupted in an unprecedented roar of cheers and loud clapping. This was no polite applause typically heard at such high-profile gatherings, it was heartfelt excitement, a truly extraordinary welcome for the star of the night.

                After the introduction, a few top models walked onto the catwalk, showcasing brilliant designs. Each one was striking and memorable, but Atticus could feel the audience below him almost impatiently waiting for the highlight of the night.

                A taut silence shimmered with excitement filled the air, even though the models currently in the lineup were being well received. Everyone was waiting for her.

                Atticus himself could barely stand the waiting any longer.

He, too, was here only for Anna, to see her alive and in person after so many months. The last time he had seen her, she had been completely stressed out and defeated, sitting on the bench in the courtroom, openly mourning Axel. That image had been burned into his mind, a reminder of the bond he had so brutally severed. He knew she had changed, but he needed to see it with his own eyes.

                "What is taking her so long?" he murmured, the words barely audible, as he gripped the armrest of his chair. His knuckles turned white from the force of his grip.

                "Have patience, Alpha," Beta Jax grinned from beside him. "It will be richly rewarded, I promise."

                Jax seemed to enjoy Atticus's barely contained eagerness, a rare sight from his usually stoic Alpha.

                The show continued.

                An hour passed, and the crowd could barely hold back their impatience. Then, Jor and Amy appeared on the catwalk. They were not models themselves, everyone knew they served as a kind of mascot for Anna, helping to prepare the audience  for her arrival. They moved with a confident stride, their presence building the excitement even further.

                The audience launched to their feet, a wave of cheers crashing through the room as every gaze zeroed in on the catwalk’s mouth; Anna was about to claim the night.

                Alpha Atticus recognized Jor and Amy at once.

                They were the childhood friends of his beloved. A bitter, almost twisted, smile crossed his face. He didn't have good memories of Amy, their relationship was lukewarm at best. He remembered one time, after he had first tried to approach Anna, Amy had harshly told him that her friend wanted nothing to do with him and that he should not push it.

                She had emphasized that Anna would accept no one but her fated mate, and that he should accept this truth and stop wasting his time. A cold anger flickered in Atticus at the memory, but he quickly pushed it down. Amy’s words meant nothing now.

                As the house lights dimmed even further, and a powerful, rousing music filled the air, Atticus knew it was time. The moment he had waited for, longed for with such intensity, had finally arrived. His gaze snapped back to the entrance of the catwalk, where the graceful silhouette of a woman slowly began to appear.

                Even from the distance of his private lounge, he could already scent her.

                It was the wonderful, fresh scent of Lilies, a scent he recognized everywhere, a signature that belonged only to her. Again, he was surprised that his ability to scent her from so far away was so abnormally strong. It was a connection that went beyond the ordinary, a bond that spoke of fate, no matter what others believed.

                “Anna,” he whispered lightly, with a deep longing and barely audible, just a breath of sound. His burning eyes were fixed completely on her. His face, usually hard and controlled, softened, becoming almost vulnerable as the breath he had unknowingly held finally released from his lungs.

                As the dim light slowly brightened, revealing her more clearly with each step she took further up the catwalk, a wide smile spread across his lips. His eyes followed her smooth, flowing movements, taking in every detail of her features and her stunning body. She moved with a confidence he hadn’t seen in her before, a self-assuredness that made his wolf stir with possessive pride.

                And then, in an unguarded moment, as she paused at the center of the stage, their gazes clashed.

                Across the vast, crowded hall, his masked eyes locked onto hers. A shiver of pure pleasure went through the Alpha, a deep satisfaction. His powerful wolf stirred within him, thrumming with fierce hunger.

                “You are mine!” he breathed, a silent vow across the distance, a truth whispered only to the pounding rhythm of his own heart.