Alpha Caspian

Lulu

The he-wolf stepped closer, his deep ocean eyes locked onto mine with an intensity that sent a shiver down my spine.

We were only inches apart now, and I could feel the warmth of his body contrasting sharply with the cool forest air.

"Who did you just call slow?" he asked, his voice deep and gravelly.

I folded my arms across my chest, unimpressed by the way he was looking at me—like I’d just ruined his day.

"You, obviously," I shot back. "If you were fast enough, you’d have caught that deer before I startled it."

His jaw tightened. "Are you always like this?"

I frowned. "Like what?"

"Annoying."

I let out a scoff, offended. "Oi, listen here. This forest is big. I didn’t see any sign saying ‘Do Not Walk Here Because a Grumpy Bloke is Hunting’. If your deer ran off, maybe it just had good timing."

His eyes narrowed. "That was my deer, not yours."

I met his glare, refusing to back down. "Well, if it was yours, why did you let it get away?"

He took a deep breath, as if forcing himself to stay calm. "You really don’t know who you’re dealing with, do you?"

I tilted my head up at him, unfazed. "Should I care?"

The he-wolf stepped forward again, and I instinctively stepped back—only to find myself pressed against the rough bark of a tree. My breath hitched as realisation set in.

I was trapped.

He just stood there, watching me. I had no idea what he was expecting me to do, but the intensity in his gaze made my chest feel tight. I swallowed hard and dropped my eyes—only to catch sight of his Adam’s apple bobbing as he swallowed too.

As if the universe decided to mock me, my stomach suddenly let out a loud, embarrassing growl, easily drowning out the gentle rush of the nearby river.

Bloody hell.

He exhaled sharply, almost like a suppressed chuckle, before finally taking a step back. "Are you hungry?"

I lifted my chin defiantly. "Not your problem."

His expression was unreadable. Then, just as I thought he might say something else, his deep ocean eyes clouded over.

I recognised the sign instantly—he was using a mind link.

When his eyes cleared, he hesitated briefly before turning away. Within seconds, his body shifted into a magnificent grey-and-white wolf.

I could only watch as he disappeared into the trees, leaving me standing there with an odd, unexplainable feeling in my chest.

I shook my head, pushing the thought aside. I had more important things to focus on—like finding something to eat.

I eventually reached an open field overlooking a wide river. On the far side stood a massive mansion, its grand architecture a stark contrast to the wilderness surrounding it.

Black cars lined the driveway, entering through the large gates with precision. This place looked far too lavish to be just an ordinary pack house.

I scanned the area, trying to piece things together. Could this be Sapphire Water’s pack house?

If so, this was my chance. I could find food here—and, if luck was on my side, I might even find Morpheus.

With renewed determination, I strode towards the entrance. But just as I reached the gates, two guards in navy-blue uniforms stepped in front of me, blocking my path.

"Stop right there," one of them ordered, his voice sharp with authority. "Who are you?"

I raised my hands, attempting to appear non-threatening. "Lulu McCarthy. I come from a cabin in the woods."

The two exchanged glances before one of them fell into a mind link, his eyes momentarily glazing over as he communicated telepathically.

I waited patiently, though my stomach continued to protest loudly. When the guard finally refocused on me, his expression was unreadable.

"You need to come with us to the main hall."

I frowned. "Why?"

"Just come."

I knew better than to argue, so I sighed and followed. As we walked, I shot them a side glance. "By the way, any chance I can get some food first? I’m starving."

Neither of them answered.

I groaned inwardly and cursed them both in my head.

The moment I stepped into the main hall, I nearly forgot my hunger.

The place was enormous. Towering navy-blue pillars stood like frozen waves, their smooth surfaces gleaming under the soft, ambient lighting. The ceiling was adorned with crystal droplets that refracted light in a way that made them look like suspended raindrops.

But the walls? They were the most mesmerising part. A moving mural of the ocean covered every inch, its waves shifting as though they were alive and breathing.

At the centre of it all was a throne. Made entirely of aquamarine stone, it shimmered like the deep sea itself.

I swallowed. They really take the whole water theme seriously, don’t they?

I stood there, growing increasingly impatient, wondering what was meant to happen next.

Then, a group of werewolves entered the hall, walking past me as if I was completely invisible. I felt like a misplaced extra on a stage where no one had given me a script.

That’s when I saw him. The he-wolf from the forest.

Without thinking, I called out casually, "Oh, it’s you again."

Immediately, a sharp voice snapped, "Watch your mouth!"

I blinked, taken aback as a large he-wolf stepped forward, his face filled with outrage.

"You’ve just shown an appalling lack of respect by addressing Alpha Caspian so informally!"

I froze. Alpha… who?

I turned to look at him—the Alpha—who was now watching me with an unreadable expression.

He’s an Alpha?

My mouth parted slightly in shock. I’d just spent the last couple of hours arguing with an Alpha. No respect. No deference. No fear.

I’d just greeted him like we were old mates catching up at the pub. I swallowed hard.

"Now you know who you're dealing with, don’t you?" Alpha Caspian grinned.

Lulu, you absolute idiot. You’ve already gone and picked a fight with him.

My head was starting to spin, and my stomach wasn’t letting up on its demand to be fed.

Oh, Moon Goddess, what the hell am I supposed to do now?

I was so screwed.