Chapter 14

*Hazel*

 I wore a flay skirt, the band firm against my tiny waist, perfectly outlining my wide hips and round ass. I had always known I was curvy, but with the proper nutrients and care I had received since arriving at the Dark Silver Pack, my body had taken on an even more striking allure. Every curve felt more pronounced, yet natural, giving me a confident sway with every step. The skirt hugged me in all the right places, highlighting my figure without being too revealing, a balance I had learned to appreciate.

 I paired it with a brown fitted top, the fabric stretching slightly across my breast, showing just enough to hint at my curves without overstepping. I was about to style my hair when Mira burst in, her energy as vibrant as ever.

 “They won’t even let me lift a finger,” I laughed softly, watching her busy herself with my hair.

 She worked skillfully, applying the product the Beta had provided earlier. The scent was light, warm, and intoxicating — delicate yet impossible to forget. Mira didn’t stop complimenting my outfit or shape, her admiration clear in the bright blue of her eyes.

 “You are very beautiful too, Mira,” I said sincerely, my gaze meeting hers. “Your eyes are unique.”

 Her cheeks flushed immediately. The soft blue of her eyes stood out in a crowd, complementing her pointed nose and delicate features. “Thank you, my lady,” she murmured, barely able to meet my gaze.

 Bella, ever the voice of practicality, interrupted gently. “We should start going.”

 Mira gave my hair one final rub and stepped back proudly. “Perfect.”

 When we stepped outside, the cool evening air brushed my skin, sending shivers down my spine. The night market stretched out before us like a world painted in lights and movement. Lanterns glowed in reds, blues, and golds, bouncing reflections across polished wooden stalls. The scent of spices, sweets, and fresh bread filled the air, mingling with laughter, music, and the low hum of conversation.

 “This is so beautiful,” I whispered, taking it all in. People moved gracefully, exchanging goods, chatting freely, smiles everywhere. I felt a rare lightness in my chest, a fleeting sense of freedom that I hadn’t experienced since my parents were exiled. It was intoxicating, comforting, and terrifying all at once.

 For the first time in days, I felt almost at peace. Almost.

 ORION

 I couldn’t control Ray. My wolf paced, snarled, and growled within me, demanding release, demanding attention, demanding Hazel. My heart thudded in my chest, my hands clenched so tightly I could feel the blood rushing through my veins. I needed to be near her, but she was here with another male presence, unaware of the danger of her own scent.

 “Lover?” I hissed through gritted teeth. The thought of another male daring to occupy her space ignited a fire inside me I had never known. “How dare she…”

 “Your Majesty, please calm yourself,” Shane warned, moving carefully backward. “She may not mean it that way—”

 “Another word,” I growled, my wolf’s low rumble echoing through the room, “and I will send your body straight back to the palace.”

 Shane fell silent immediately. He understood. He always understood.

 “Where is she?” I demanded, my entire body taut with need and possessiveness.

 “She is likely at the market with her ladies,” Shane said, bowing slightly.

 I didn’t hesitate. I pulled on my shirt, my movements sharp and furious. “I am going to meet her. And you are coming with me.”

 Every nerve in my body screamed at me. She belonged to me. Every thought of another male touching her, standing close to her, laughing with her… it was unbearable. I would not tolerate it. I would not allow anyone else to claim what was mine.

 I, Orion, do not share what is mine.

 And Hazel… Hazel is mine.