chapter 1: The Alpha I could Never Have

I had loved him long before I understood what love truly was. Maybe it started the day Alpha Kael smiled at me when everyone else ignored my existence. Or perhaps it was the way he looked at me not as the future Luna's younger brother, not as a weak omega, but simply as Elias.

Either way, loving him was the greatest mistake of my life.

"Stand up straight."

My sister's sharp voice pulled me from my thoughts. Selene adjusted the silver embroidery on her dress and frowned at me. Even without her Luna title, she already carried herself like royalty.

"You'll embarrass the family if you keep looking so nervous."

I forced a smile. "I'm fine."

I wasn't.

Tonight was the official announcement of her engagement to Alpha Kael.

The man I loved was about to become my brother-in-law.

The grand hall of the Moonfang Pack was filled with nobles, Alphas, and powerful elders. Laughter echoed around me, but all I could hear was the frantic beating of my heart.

"Alpha Kael has arrived!"

The announcement sent a wave of excitement through the crowd.

I looked up.

And there he was. Tall, Powerful, Untouchable. Dressed in black ceremonial robes, Kael walked into the hall like he owned the world. Every Alpha lowered their heads in respect. Every unmated omega stared at him with admiration.

But his eyes found mine.

For a single terrifying moment, the entire room disappeared. My breath caught.

Then he looked away.

Straight at my sister.

The crowd erupted into applause as Kael walked toward Selene and gently took her hand.

"They're perfect together," someone whispered beside me.

My chest tightened painfully.

" Yes, They were perfect."

And I had no right to wish otherwise.

Because Alpha Kael was destined to become my sister's mate. And loving him was a secret that could destroy us all.

The celebration begins after the engagement announcement. Music fills the hall as the elders invite Alpha Kael and Selene to share the first dance. Everyone applauds while Elias watches from the edge of the ballroom, forcing himself to smile despite the pain in his chest.

Unable to bear the sight any longer, Elias quietly went out onto a moonlit balcony. He tells himself this is the last time he'll let his heart ache over a man who can never be his.

Moments later, the balcony door opens.

Kael steps outside.

"I've been looking for you," he says.

Elias quickly wipes away the tears threatening to fall. "Shouldn't you be with your Fiancee?"

Kael studies him in silence before answering, "She isn't the one I wanted to see."

Before Elias can respond, voices echo from inside the hall. Someone is coming toward the balcony.

Acting on instinct, Kael pulls Elias into the shadows, trapping him between the cold stone wall and his broad chest.

The footsteps grow louder.

If anyone finds them alone together, rumors will spread instantly.

Elias holds his breath as Kael's hand remains around his waist... and the door slowly begins to open.