Chapter 5

Cammy POV

Justine and I arrived at the hotel with Gran and Grandpa. Gran had insisted I ride with them instead of driving myself—likely hoping I wouldn’t need my car when I left. I rolled my eyes at the thought but didn’t argue.

The moment we parked, a strange sensation washed over me. My lungs felt tight, though I could go hours without needing to breathe. Still, the pressure was suffocating. As soon as the car stopped, I pushed the door open and inhaled deeply, focusing on slowing my breath. Inhale. Exhale.

"Cams, wait up!" Justine’s voice pulled me back. I blinked, realizing I had already walked halfway to the entrance, my body moving on autopilot.

I had to force myself to stop and wait as she caught up. Gran and Grandpa stood together nearby, wrapped in each other's arms as if they couldn’t bear to be apart. The sight made my chest ache. I wanted what they had.

Justine finally reached me, her dark hair shimmering under the glow of the streetlamps. Her light gold eyes were accentuated by dramatic makeup, her black lace dress hugging her frame. The high slit revealed long, toned legs that made her look almost ethereal. She was stunning. No one would compare to her tonight.

"You okay?" she asked, nudging me gently.

I nodded, forcing a small smile. "Yeah. Just... weird energy tonight."

We stepped up to the entrance, where Grandpa held the door open for us. The moment I crossed the threshold, an odd sensation rippled through me, making my skin prickle. My wolf stirred restlessly. Something was happening.

The ballroom was alive with color and sound—gold chandeliers casting a warm glow over the polished marble floors, the scent of flowers and expensive cologne mingling in the air. A chorus of voices erupted into a cheerful "Happy Birthday!" as guests showered me with streamers and confetti. I should have been grinning, soaking in the celebrations and attention. Instead, everything blurred. My heart pounded against my ribs. The laughter and music became distant.

An overwhelming force took hold of me, like a tether pulling at my very soul. My wolf clawed at my insides, desperate for control. I barely noticed Justine beside me or the dozens of eyes watching as I moved, yielding to my wolf's guidance. My vision tunneled.

I weaved through the crowd, my breath coming in shallow pulls. My steps were steady, purposeful, though I had no idea what I was searching for. The closer I got to the center of the room, the stronger the sensation became. It was unlike anything I had ever felt before, an undeniable pull, like a current guiding me toward something—toward someone.

And then—

I stopped. He stopped.

The air between us crackled with an undeniable energy.

Nathan Andrews.

He stood just feet away, his expression unreadable, his sharp features tense. My breath caught in my throat as he took a single step forward, his dark blue eyes locked onto mine.

Something deep inside me shifted, my wolf howling in recognition. My heart thundered in my chest, my knees weakening beneath the weight of the moment.

Nathan’s gaze burned with intensity as he opened his mouth, his voice steady and filled with certainty.

"You're my mate."

A sharp gasp escaped my lips.

Everything inside me stilled. The world narrowed to just him, to the impossible revelation hanging between us. The energy coursing through me felt almost unbearable, the weight of the mate bond crushing in its magnitude.

The room faded into silence, eyes locked on us as whispers rippled through the crowd.

My wolf surged forward, yearning for confirmation. A part of me expected to feel complete, to feel the unshakable certainty that came with finding one’s mate. But instead—

A strange hesitancy clawed at my chest, something… off.

Nathan’s eyes bore into mine, searching for something.

And then—

A gasp beside me.