chapter 4

As Lydia entered, she noticed a few cameramen moving around, capturing every angle and moment of this important event. It was, after all, one of the biggest balls of the year, and high-ranking individuals from various packs had gathered. She should have expected some publicity.

Lydia smiled as she spotted her mother and father talking to a lean, tall man about her father's age—Alpha Lorcan, her uncle, who had come from another part of the globe. He smiled brightly at her.

“Oh my God, look at the goddess!” he exclaimed as he pulled her into a hug, just like her father always did. “Oh my God, Lydia, you’ve grown!”

Lydia forced a smile. She was happy to see him, but she knew she had to act normal—no one should know about her circumstances.

“Ah, Blake!” Uncle Lorcan called again as he drew in her sister. “You’re no exception from Mimi. She’s been talking about you for a week, always looking forward to the two of you meeting. I hope you can visit our pack one day, though I know it’s not as large as this.” Uncle Lorcan was the Alpha of a small pack in the north. He had taken over as Alpha from his father. While it was a small pack, they were known for their excellent warriors and battle tactics, which is why he was considered one of the high-ranking wolves.

“We will, I promise,” Lydia said to her uncle, who sighed in relief.

Luna Alice patted her daughter’s arm. “Lydia, let’s go greet some of the Lunas and leave the men to talk,” she said, leading her daughters away. Alpha Damon had wanted to speak with them, but as soon as they left, a handful of Alphas crowded around him, clearly waiting for him to be free.

“Hey, I can tell you’re nervous,” Luna Alice said as soon as they were out of sight.

Blake grumbled, “Well, I think—"

“I’m okay, Mom,” Lydia lied.

Blake nodded. “Yeah, she’s fine,” she agreed.

“Just know that I’m here for you, okay?” Luna Alice assured her.

“Yes, Mom, I remember that.”

They walked over to the Lunas, who welcomed them warmly and began to chat. Lydia flinched nervously as the conversation turned to her finding a worthy and powerful mate tonight, just like her mom found Alpha Damon. Blake noticed her discomfort and excused them to get some drinks.

“I know how it is, sis; it’s going to be okay,” Blake said, taking two glasses from the omega.

Lydia sighed. “I hope so. Anyway, have you seen Beta Andrew?”

“No. Why? Are you looking for Thalia?”

“Yeah.”

“Well, there she is,” Blake pointed out. Lydia saw the brown-haired girl in a pink gown. Thalia looked beautiful; her dress was simple yet elegant. She was chatting with some she-wolves she knew from school, but when she spotted Lydia, she excused herself and walked over.

“Hey, Lydia! You’re here!” Thalia exclaimed.

“Thalia!” Lydia replied, smiling.

“Yes, I just got here not long ago,” Thalia admitted.

“I am so excited about this whole event! I mean, it went just as I wanted. I’m sure it’s going to be great!” Thalia smiled as she watched her friend. Lydia noticed something different about Thalia she seemed high-spirited and lively, which was unusual since her mother had passed away. Ever since that tragic event, Thalia had not been herself. Without her mother, Luna Alice, Thalia would have been lost, and Beta Andrew would have been alone. Thalia had kept to herself, always shy and scared, much like when they first met in the garden. But now, she was acting strangely.

Lydia noticed Blake looking at her sideways. “Thalia seems a bit off,” Blake remarked.

“Yeah,” Lydia replied.

They were about to discuss it further when the ballroom door suddenly flung open. An incredible smell wafted through the air, almost lifting Lydia off her feet. It was intoxicating, and without her wolf, she couldn't identify it. Three heavily built men entered, radiating power. Even Alpha Damon bowed his head in their presence. The men were strikingly handsome. The one in front wore an expensive blazer and had black hair and blue eyes. The man to his right had a sculpted body that made his suit seem almost too tight, and his long black hair partially obscured his face. The third man, taller and muscular, wore a wine-colored suit and had wavy blonde hair, and striking black eyes. Despite their similarities, each had an individuality Lydia couldn’t quite place. Just then, someone beside her gasped, breaking the silence.

“The three lycan princes!”

Suddenly, something shifted within Lydia, as if she had been expecting this moment. A voice in her mind, Circe, stirred to life.

“MATE,” it exclaimed, resonating with a deep longing. The aroma intensified; it was a blend of hot coffee and honey. She recognized that the scent was coming from the man in front. Without thinking, she began to walk toward him, feeling the pull of her instincts. Circe hadn’t failed her; she felt drawn to hug him and plant kisses on his cheek. But before she could reach him, the prince walked past her and scooped up Thalia in his arms. Thalia giggled as he brought her down, his breath filling the room as everyone watched in astonishment.

“My mate,” Thalia echoed, and their lips collided, tasting each other as if the world had melted away. Lydia felt like her world was crumbling beneath her. How could her mate be Thalia? She clutched her heart, feeling that something was wrong—very wrong. This wasn't supposed to be; his scent was strong in front of Lydia.

Circe woke up again. “Mate,” she called, and all eyes turned to her. Her dad looked at her questioningly.

“What’s wrong, Lydia? What are you saying?” her dad linked.

She felt every gaze on her as murmurs began to spread through the room.

“Circe. What’s happening? What is our mate doing?” She linked with her wolf, and to her surprise, it responded.

“He is, Lydia. He is our mate, but for some reason, he doesn't know us. Our scent…” She trailed off.

“Scents?” she repeated.

What happened to our scent? she thought.

She looked at Thalia, who didn't break apart from her mate, and it tore her inside. As soon as Thalia separated from her mate, Lydia smelled it. She recognized the fragrance of bluebells and snow saints—it was coming from Thalia. She sniffed at herself, not wanting anyone to see her. She smelled of honeysuckle, which was Thalia's scent.

“She is wearing our scent,” Circe said. “I don't know how, but it…”

Circe went blank again. Lydia tried to reconnect with her but was unable to. No, no. Thalia can't be smelling like me. How can she? It's impossible. But it wasn’t a dream; her scent was coming from Thalia, who was hugging the man in front of her while she reeked of honeysuckle—Thalia’s real scent.

A strong arm wrapped around her.

“I know. Just act like it,” he spoke into her ear. She turned to see the long-haired Lycan, his green eyes locking onto her own.

“Mate,” he growled, drawing her closer.

Lydia's eyes widened in shock as he leaned down and kissed her, then whispered into her ear, “Don't worry. I know you are not mine. Just pretend.”

She didn't know what to do, but she complied; she couldn't cause a scene here and now in the ballroom. She had to play along with the man in front of her. She nodded and hugged him. It felt odd to her, not hugging her mate. She had dreamt of the two of them sharing this moment tonight, and now she was hugging her friend’s mate while her friend hugged hers.

This had to be resolved sooner rather than later. She needed to find a way, even without Circe around. Even if their scents got mixed, it meant one thing. She looked at Thalia, who smiled back at her.

“It is what you are thinking,” Circe said again.