Chapter 1

Ava’s POV

I stepped into my bedroom, a wide grin spreading across my face as my gaze landed on the elegant gown draped over the chair by my vanity. My fingers grazed the silky fabric, its softness sparking a thrill in my chest.

Tomorrow was the day I’d been dreaming of—Liam, the guy I’ve been head-over-heels for forever, would step up as Alpha. I couldn’t stop imagining him claiming me as his, but if he didn’t make a move, I’d decided to lay my heart bare and confess my feelings.

Still, a nagging fear lingered—what if he rejected me? Neither of us had found our fated mate yet, but every night, I dropped to my knees, whispering prayers to the Moon Goddess, pleading for her to bind our souls.

I was lost in my daydreams when Freya, my best friend, slipped into the room, her voice teasing. “So, you’re this hyped about Raymond taking over as Alpha?” she asked with a smirk.

I shot her a small frown.

I’m Ava, an orphan of the Oakwood Pack, tough as nails despite my low rank. The pack respects me, though—everyone knows I’m the one always at Liam’s side. My feelings for him are no secret, but he seems blind to them.

He’s been my protector since we were kids. At ten, he saved me from bullies who targeted me for being parentless. From that moment, my heart belonged to him.

Deep down, I’m in love with him, and I’d do anything for him. As the Alpha’s son, he’s about to inherit the title, though his father still frets about Steve, Liam’s stepbrother, who was exiled from the pack weeks ago.

“Liam’s earned the Alpha role,” I shot back at Freya, my tone fierce. “He’s got the heart of a leader—everyone sees it.”

She rolled her eyes, flopping onto my bed. “I just wish he’d see you the way you see him,” she mumbled.

I wasn’t in the mood for her doubts, so I told her to leave. Nothing was going to dampen my spirit before tomorrow. I needed to be ready to pour my heart out to him.

With a heavy sigh, I sank onto my bed, murmured, “Moon Goddess, please,” and drifted into sleep.

NEXT MORNING

I woke slowly, stretching with a soft yawn as sunlight filtered through my curtains. I climbed out of bed, buzzing with anticipation for the day ahead.

Dressed up, makeup on point, I stood before the mirror, smoothing my gown with a nervous smile.

Outside, a sleek black car waited—Liam had sent it to whisk me to the main hall. I slid in, and the driver sped off. When we pulled up, he hopped out to open my door. “Thank you,” I said softly, stepping out with care and striding toward the grand hall.

The moment I entered, I spotted Freya giggling next to Liam. My stomach twisted with irritation. Just yesterday, she was badmouthing him, and now she was all over him?

I approached, and Freya’s face soured before she plastered on a fake grin. “Guess what Liam just told me?” she said, grabbing my arm too familiarly.

I eased out of her grip, forcing a smile. “You know I’m no good at guessing games.”

Before she could go on, Liam tugged me away from her. “Why do you even bother with her? You know she flirts with everyone,” he said, his voice edged with frustration.

Was that concern in his tone? My curiosity piqued. “Are you keeping something from me?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

Liam’s soft smile sent warmth flooding through me. His steady presence, that effortless confidence—it was magnetic, pulling me in.

He stepped closer, and my breath caught. Being this close to him set my nerves on fire, and for a split second, I thought he might kiss me. I shut my eyes, heart racing, waiting for it. But instead, his low chuckle broke the silence.

I opened my eyes to find him staring, his gaze intense, unreadable. For a moment, it felt like he saw me—really saw me, like maybe he felt the same.

Flushing, I hid my face and hurried back to the party, my pulse hammering as I sank into my seat, trying to steady myself.

The room hushed as the Alpha took the stage, his commanding presence silencing the crowd. Revered across all packs, he was stepping down today, passing the mantle to his son.

The air buzzed with excitement. With Steve out of the picture, Liam was the clear choice for Alpha.

The Alpha spoke with pride, his voice full of hope for the pack’s future. Then, with a solemn nod, he declared Liam his successor.

The hall erupted in cheers, the crowd’s joy infectious. No one was surprised—Liam was as beloved as his father, the pack’s strongest wolf and its rightful heir.

I couldn’t stop smiling as Liam stepped up to address the pack. He spoke of unity, strength, and equality, his words resonating with everyone.

Despite his reserved demeanor, the pack adored him—that’s what made him a true Alpha.

When the ceremony wrapped up and the celebration spread, Liam found me again. “Do you think I’ll make a good Alpha?” he asked, a rare flicker of doubt in his voice catching me off guard.

I blinked, stunned. “Absolutely,” I said firmly. “You were born for this, Liam.”

Moments like these, just us, made me feel like I was someone special to him, second only to the pack.

Wanting to escape the crowd, we slipped away to a nearby bar. As we walked, his hand grazed mine, sending a jolt through my body.

We ordered tequilas and sat across from each other, a quiet comfort settling between us.

“I still haven’t found my fated mate,” he said, his voice rough as he swirled his drink. “Soon, the pack will start demanding for a Luna. And an heir.”

His words stung. A pack without a Luna could be seen as vulnerable. “I know, Liam,” I said softly. “It is not ideal, but you’re strong. You’ll handle it.”

Our eyes locked, and that same electric tension from earlier sparked again, heavier now, charged with something unspoken.

His fingers brushed my throat, and a shiver raced through me. His lips hovered so close I could feel his breath, teasing, not yet touching.

Then, in a rush, he closed the distance, his mouth crashing into mine with a raw, desperate hunger. I melted against him, my fingers twisting in his hair as the kiss deepened, our tongues dancing in a heated, needy rhythm. I craved more, my body aching for him.

He scooped me up effortlessly, my legs wrapping around his waist as he carried me to a dimly lit room nearby, pinning me against the door. My breath hitched, chest heaving with anticipation.

Clothes hit the floor in a frenzy, scattered carelessly. The tequila buzzed in our veins, but this was more—primal, undeniable.

We didn’t make it to the bed. Our desire was too fierce, too urgent. He lowered me to the floor, his lips never leaving mine, his hands roaming my skin with possessive intent. His fingers grazed my breasts, kneading them firmly, drawing low, throaty moans from my lips.

A shudder rippled through me as his hand slid lower, teasing my clit with deliberate, torturous strokes until I writhed beneath him, consumed by his scent, his touch, his everything.

I gasped as he parted my thighs, easing into me with a slow, deliberate thrust that blurred the line between pleasure and pain. I clung to him, nails digging into his back, urging him closer.

His pace quickened, each thrust harder, deeper, our bodies locked in a rhythm that felt like it could shatter me. My gasps turned to cries, his growls vibrating against my skin as we moved as one, lost in a haze of sweat and whispered need.

He gripped my hips, pulling me tighter against him, his lips grazing my ear as he murmured my name, voice thick with desire. I arched into him, every nerve alight, my body trembling as waves of pleasure built, threatening to break.

When release came, it was explosive, tearing through us both. He collapsed beside me, our breaths ragged, bodies tangled. We stumbled to the bed, spent, and sank into a deep, sated sleep, the world fading away.