Chapter 4

Ersa

I kept the pull I felt toward him carefully hidden. Did he feel it too—or was I the only one caught in this strange, magnetic tug? No, that couldn’t be right. Being mates meant wanting each other… didn’t it?

I shook my head and forced a composed smile. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Alpha.”

He looked effortlessly commanding—dirty blonde hair slicked back, golden eyes, and bronze skin that caught the light. He wore a crisp white button-down, sleeves rolled to his elbows, paired with black slacks and polished leather shoes.

“I hope I’m not underdressed,” he said, a teasing smile tugging at his lips as he sat down with ease. “I was supposed to attend a meeting with Alpha Ynovar, but I figured spending the day with you ladies would be far more… entertaining.”

Seraph leaned toward me, her elbow nudging my side lightly. “You, okay? You barely looked up when we greeted him.” Her whisper carried a trace of worry, her eyes searching mine.

I offered a small nod, trying to calm the sudden flutter in my chest.

During dinner, one thing was obvious: the Alpha was a natural charmer. His words rolled off his tongue effortlessly, even when they carried little meaning.

“I’m most curious about you…” he said, his gaze sweeping toward us. “Seraphine,” he added, then flicked his eyes to me with a teasing smirk, as if to say, ‘You thought I’d call your name, didn’t you?’

I didn’t expect much from him, and I never assumed he’d be curious about me, so I just kept eating, quietly listening as the conversation unfolded.

“What are you curious about, Alpha?” Seraphine asked, her hand casually resting over her chest, drawing attention without effort.

“Your family owns Moon Kiss, correct? The largest pleasure house across all the packs,” he said.

“Indeed,” she replied, slowing her words with a playful drawl, her tone flirtatious. “Perhaps you’re curious if I possess the talents… women of pleasure are known for? But of—”

“Enough.” Everine’s voice cut through sharply. I glanced at her as she set her spoon and fork down with a sharp clink. Her jaw was tight, eyes icy. “This is a dinner table, not a whorehouse,” she said, her words laced with quiet fury, as if Seraph’s very presence grated on her.

“Relax, little sister. I know how inexperienced you are, but don’t shove your shortcomings onto me,” Seraph said with a smirk, her eyes flashing venom.

I lowered my gaze to my plate, noting once again the hidden natures of those around me. Everyone had a reason to fight in this competition, and this—Seraph’s sharp edge—was just one of them.

Suddenly, Eve slammed her hands on the table as she stood, and Seraph rose too, towering over her from the other side.

“I think it’s best we end dinner for now. We can resume when everyone’s had a chance to cool down,” the Alpha said, wiping his mouth with a casual grace, though his gaze lingered on Eve as if disappointed.

Eve’s eyes dropped to the floor, cheeks heating with embarrassment.

Finally, the Alpha stood and left, Lyanna trailing behind with a sharp, “Immatures.” Seraph and Eve followed soon after, leaving me alone with my slightly untouched plate.

The meal had been prepared with care, but it seemed no one had the appetite for it. I gestured to Rose, who was waiting patiently with the other servants.

“Can you send the rest of the meals to my room later?” I asked.

“Of course!” she replied, her voice bright.

I gave a small nod and left the dining room. What a mess. I had imagined meeting the Alpha would be exciting—but instead, I found him downright repulsive.

There was no way Conan would ever treat women like that. Mate or not, there was no way I’d accept him.

Before I could reach my room at the far end of the hall, the sharp crash of breaking glass echoed from one of the rooms.

I hesitated, but worry outweighed caution, and I found myself knocking gently on the door.

“I’m sorry for intruding, but… are you okay?”

Silence answered me. I was about to turn away when the door creaked open just a crack, revealing Seraph—her hair tousled, her expression a mixture of frustration and exhaustion.