Chapter 3

Raina

Tara’s porch light flicked on just as my paw touched the first step. The shift back to human tore a groan from my throat—every bruise screaming for attention

Tara opened the door, one look at me and she froze.

“Raina,” she whispered. “What happened?”

Her voice shook with anger as her eyes scanned my face, taking in the swelling on my cheek, the bruises on my arm. I didn’t say a word. I didn’t need to. She already knew.

She pulled me inside and slammed the door shut behind me. “Did he do this again? Was it Kael? Selene?”

I sank onto her couch and stared blankly at the wall. I didn’t have the energy to answer.

Tara paced, fists clenched. “I swear to the moon, I’m going to kill them. I’ll burn their damn house down.”

“You can’t,” I said quietly. “We both know how this works. If you go against them, it’ll fall back on you.”

“But they hurt you,” she snapped, her voice breaking. “And Selene? That backstabbing witch—Raina, I should’ve done more. I was busy chasing clout and I left you to drown.”

I didn’t respond. I didn’t even know what to say. I was numb.

She came back with a cup of tea—hot, bitter, and herbal. “Here. Drink. It'll help.”

I took a sip out of habit. The warmth hit my stomach and spread through my body like slow fire. Almost immediately, the throbbing in my head eased. The aches in my ribs softened. I looked down—bruises that had been deep purple just minutes ago were already fading.

Tara’s eyes widened. “No way. That tea’s not that good.”

“I inherited healing abilities,” I murmured. “From my mom.”

“That’s insane,” she said, genuinely amazed. “You’re gifted. Like really gifted.”

“I don’t use it,” I said. “I don’t want Selene to feel… threatened. Again.”

Tara scoffed. “Threatened? She’s already got your mate, your room, your life. What more does she want—your soul?”

I gave a weak laugh, but my chest still felt heavy.

“You need a break,” Tara said. “Let’s go out. Clear your head.”

“I don’t have the energy—”

“It’s a masquerade party,” she interrupted. “No one will even recognize you.”

I hesitated.

“You can be someone else for a few hours. No Kael. No Selene. No past. Just music, masks, and a little freedom.”

I sighed. “One hour.”

Tara grinned. “Deal.”

---

The red dress she gave me hugged every curve. It was bold, revealing, and so unlike me—but for once, I didn’t care. I tied on my mask and looked in the mirror.

I didn’t see a broken girl anymore. I saw someone new. Someone rising.

We pulled up in one of Tara’s flashy rides, the venue already pulsing with energy. Music thumped through the walls. Lights danced across the floor.

Inside, the party was already in full swing—laughing, flirting, drinking. Everyone was masked, everyone anonymous. Tara dragged me into the VVIP lounge and handed me a champagne glass.

“You’re safe here,” she whispered. “Relax.”

Then she disappeared to go flirt with some guy in a suit who clearly paid her rent.

I was alone.

I took a sip of my drink, trying to blend in, but I could feel eyes on me.

And then, I felt him.

I turned. And saw him.

Across the room, standing by the bar like he owned it.

Tall. Broad. Dressed in black. His mask was simple—sleek, matte black with sharp silver accents. It covered half his face, but I could still see the stubble on his jaw, the slight part of his lips.

Something in me stirred. No, ignited.

My breath hitched.

My skin flushed.

Every part of my body screamed for his attention.

He didn’t move. Didn’t smile. He just watched me.

And the craziest part? I felt like I already knew him.

Like I’d been waiting for him all along.

No, stop. I already had a mate. A cruel, brutal one. I wasn’t supposed to feel this way. Not again. Not ever.

But my body didn’t care.

My heart raced. My thighs pressed together. I was hot. Burning. Wet.

I swallowed hard and looked away, trying to cool down. Tried to think. Breathe.

Then, suddenly, I heard a voice in my head.

Come to me.

I froze.

I looked up.

It was him. He hadn’t moved, hadn’t opened his mouth—but I heard it. Felt it. The bond.

Mates?

No. That wasn’t possible. That couldn’t be. Not again.

I stood, legs shaky, and made my way toward the side exit. My heels echoed on the marble floor as I walked, pretending I wasn’t falling apart inside.

Outside, the cold air slapped my skin. I leaned against the wall, trying to steady my breathing. My body was still humming with heat, my mind spinning.

Then I heard footsteps.

I didn’t have to turn around to know it was him.

He stopped behind me. I could feel the warmth of his presence even before I saw his face.

I turned slowly, heart in my throat.

He didn’t speak. He didn’t need to.

His scent hit me first—dark, woody, crisp with something ancient buried in it. My wolf purred at the smell. She wanted to curl up in it. Melt into it.

He stepped forward.

Our eyes locked.

His were silver-gray. Piercing. Like he could see through every mask I’d ever worn.

And somehow… I didn’t feel afraid.

I felt seen.

Come with me, his voice whispered again—inside my head, not aloud.

And I did.

I followed him without asking where. Without asking why.

Because in that moment, it didn’t matter who he was.

All that mattered was how he made me feel—alive. Like I wasn’t broken. Like maybe I never was.