MINE

VELORA

“How is this possible?” I blink rapidly, still trying to catch my breath. “You're not supposed to awaken yet… I mean, I didn’t even know I had a wolf.” The words tumble out unevenly as I struggle to make sense of everything that had happened

Kira chuckles inside my head, a soft, bright sound that feels surprisingly playful.

“Wait. Wolves can laugh?”

All my life, I've assumed wolves were these serious, mysterious creatures that only existed to make us stronger. I never imagined mine could actually sound... human.

*What, did you think we just sit around growling and looking mysterious all day?

I let out a small laugh despite myself. “Are you always this cheerful?” 

*Only when my human looks like she’s about to pass out in a dressing room. You’re welcome, by the way.*

I shake my head, trying to catch my breath. “How come I can hear you now? Does this mean I have a mate now?”

I frown when she doesn’t answer right away. “Kira? Say something.”

She laughs again. This time, the sound echoes warmly in my head, almost like she's a real person sitting beside me. But truth be told, I'm not sure what's so funny. None of this makes any sense to me, and I'm trying very hard not to panic. Somehow, Kira sounds completely relaxed.

*You have a lot of questions, Velora. Cute ones, too.*

“Of course.”

*You don’t have to figure everything out in the next ten seconds. Breathe.*

I almost smile at the gentle teasing. Then her voice changes. The playfulness is gone, replaced by something quieter and much urgent. I almost don't believe it's her.

*There’s something you need to know.*

My faint smile disappears. “What?”

*We're in danger.*

My stomach tightens. “What?”

*We need our mate, Velora.*

I turn around and stare at my reflection again, heart beating harder. “Why?” I whisper. “What do you mean we're in danger?”

Before she can answer, the dressing-room door swings open.

“Oh!” Someone yelps.

I jump and spin around, towards the door. The salesgirl stands there, looking relieved. “There you are, ma'am. The dress is ready.”

“Yeah.” I nod quickly. “Thank you.”

“This way.” She gestures for me to follow, but then her eyes fall to the dress still hanging from my hand. “Are you taking that too?”

I look down. I'd completely forgotten I was still holding it. “Oh. No.” I shake my head quickly and carefully hang it back on the nearest hook.

She gives me a warm smile as she looks at the dress again.

“I think you should. It would look beautiful on you.”

I know it did. I also know there's no way I can afford it. That dress probably costs more than two years of my feeding allowance. Still, she means well.

I give her a small smile. “Thank you.”

She hands me the dress. I thank her again and hurry outside. That's when it hits me.

“Oh my Goddess. The time!” I quickly check my wristwatch.

My stomach drops. It's past seven. 

“Oh no. I'm dead.”

Aveline has probably already filled it with missed calls and angry messages. Rose will be waiting. There will be no excuses good enough this time. I flag down the first cab I see and climb in the moment it stops.

“Please, just go,” I tell the driver, my voice tight. My heart is already racing

As the car pulls away, Kira’s earlier words still echo quietly in the back of my mind. But right now, the only thing I can think about is how much trouble I’m in.

***

ERYX

I pull into the driveway and kill the engine. Not much has changed since the last time I was here. Father used to make sure we visited the Mayes every year for the Pack Festival. Coming back now feels different.

I pick up my phone from the cup holder and step out into the cool evening air. I knock once. The door opens almost immediately.

“Good evening, young Alpha.” The maid recognizes me before I even say a word.

I give her a small nod, and she opens the door wider.

“Thank you.”

She leads me into the sitting room and gestures toward one of the large chairs in the middle of the room.

I sit calmly and she disappears upstairs, but I notice the nervousness in her steps. It's the same everywhere I go. People see me and straighten their backs. They lower their eyes. They remember exactly who I am. I never have to remind them.

Five minutes later, Aveline finally walks into the room. MyMy eyes move over her face without interest. Whatever she's done with her makeup, it looks like she tried to bake her face in mud. I almost sigh.

“Eryx,” she says, smiling too wide as she walks toward me. I don't stand. Rose follows behind her, wearing the same practiced smile I’ve come to recognize as fake.

“Young Alpha,” she greets, bowing slightly. The gesture is precise, rehearsed, and completely empty.

I look at her before answering. “Good evening, Rose.”

She straightens and gives me another small smile. I don't return it. Only because I have no interest in pretending to like anyone.

“I thought you were coming by eight,” Aveline says, sounding almost too excited as she takes the chair beside mine.

“I'm sorry.” I glance at her. “I couldn't wait.”

Her eyes light up before I finish the sentence.

“...To break the news.” 

Rose is the first to react. “Erm…” she chuckles nervously. “What news could that be?” Her eyebrows lift up a little too hight. “Could there be something bigger than the engagement?”

“Oh, heavens.” Aveline’s face brightens even more, hope written too openly across her features. “Are you going to propose right now, Eryx?”

A small smirk pulls at my lips. But before I can answer, something hits me. A scent. My entire body goes still. I close my eyes, my fingers tightening around the arm of the chair as I force myself to breathe.

“Fuck,” I mutter.

It’s the same strange, restless heat I’ve been feeling since earlier, except this time there’s a scent attached to it. Sweet. Warm. Familiar in a way that sinks straight into my bones. I take another controlled breath.

Wild honey… Fresh aloe vera.

My eyes snap open instantly. That scent… Gold flashes across my vision. Magnus erupts beneath my skin, increasingly restless and violent, clawing against my control with a force I’ve never felt from him before.

I grip the chair harder. The wood creaks under my fingers.

No. This can't happen here. But… The scent grows stronger, flooding the room. My pulse kicks hard against my throat.

Magnus's voice tears through my head. *MINE!*

I stop breathing. For the first time in my life, he isn’t uncertain.  

He isn’t waiting for my permission. He’s certain. And every muscle in my body is already answering him.