CHAPTER 1

Lisa's POV

My phone buzzed against the mattress. I reached for it and smiled the moment I saw the sender: Lucien.

A flutter stirred inside my chest as I opened his message.

[Meet me at Bliss Bar]

My heart skipped.

Lucien... the future Alpha of Bloodfang Pack... was asking to meet me? Was this... a date?

A giggle escaped my lips before I could stop it.

I jumped off the bed and hurried toward my wardrobe. Truthfully, I hated leaving the house; the stares… whispers and cruel laughter. It was easier to hide within four walls than become everyone's favorite joke.

Still… if Lucien wanted to see me, I'd go anywhere.

I slipped into my nicest lavender dress before turning toward the mirror.

The smile on my face slowly faded as my reflection stared back at me: round cheeks, thick waist, soft curves everyone loved mocking, and worst of all… no wolf.

Among my pack, I wasn't known as Lisa. I was known as "Empty Belly", a useless girl too fat to shift and too weak to awaken a wolf.

Sometimes I wondered if they even remembered my real name… but Lucien never called me that, to him, I was the beautiful Lisa.

My smile returned.

Grabbing my purse, I hurried out of the house.

Arriving at Bliss Bar music echoed while wolves laughed over drinks.

My eyes searched the crowd until they landed on Lucien. The moment our eyes met, he smiled. The same smile that had stolen my heart when I was eight years old after he'd chased away the boys bullying me.

My cheeks warmed.

I took a step toward him… but then my foot caught against the edge of the carpet.

"Oh!"

My balance gave out and in the next second, I crashed onto the floor.

The entire bar fell silent, then came the laughter.

"What an entrance."

"Careful! The floor might crack."

"Her poor legs are begging for mercy carrying all that weight."

Heat rushed into my face.

Great, I'd embarrassed myself again.

"That's enough." The deep voice cut through the laughter.

I looked up and saw Lucien standing there, his expression hard.

"She tripped," he said coldly. "It was an accident." His sharp gaze swept round. "Unless none of you has ever made a mistake before?"

The mocking voices immediately died down as my heart melted.

No matter how many people laughed at me… Lucien never did. He was always there, protecting me and making me feel like I mattered.

We hadn't seen each other for almost three weeks because he'd been busy preparing to become the next Alpha.

I missed him more than I wanted to admit. And now… here he was, standing up for me again. I silently thanked the Moon Goddess. If I had only one wish… it would be for Lucien to become my mate.

I pulled myself up using a nearby chair, then I approached his table.

"I'm sorry..." I mumbled.

"You don't have to apologize." His voice softened, he pulled out a chair for me. "Sit."

Butterflies exploded inside my stomach.

How was I supposed to stop loving this man when he kept treating me like I was precious?

The waitress arrived moments later carrying a silver tray filled with cupcakes, chocolate pastries and fresh strawberry tarts.

My eyes widened.

Lucien smiled. "I ordered your favorites."

"You... remembered?"

"Of course."

Warmth spread through my chest.

Everyone else criticized me whenever I craved sweets. They said they were the reason I looked the way I did. Only Lucien had never judged me, he understood me.

"Thank you."

I happily picked up a cupcake but before I could take a bite, a familiar voice came behind.

"Eugh."

I didn't even have to turn around, I'd recognize that voice anywhere.

Lucien looked past me and smiled. "You're here."

For some reason… that smile made my stomach tighten. I turned and saw my younger sister, Elara, standing a few steps away.

She was everything I wasn't; beautiful, intelligent and elegant. The daughter everyone admired.

Her gaze drifted to the tray before settling on me as disapproval flickered across her face.

"Lisa," she sighed. "You really should have more self-control."

Before I could answer, Lucien spoke first. "Let her enjoy herself." His voice remained calm. "People should be free to make their own choices."

I grinned. "Exactly."

I reached for another cupcake as Elara shook her head.

Then she looked at Lucien. "I'm sorry for the trouble she's causing."

"Lisa isn't trouble." He answered without hesitation. "She's my friend."

Friend?

The word pricked my heart for reasons I couldn't explain but still… he smiled at me.

"Go on."

"So you don't regret ordering them."

I laughed and picked up another cupcake.

"Suit yourself." Elara added before turning and walking away.

"Elara!"

Lucien immediately stood.

"I'll be right back."

Despite hearing her response he hurried after her as I watched them leave together.

Why did he look so worried that she'd walked away?

A few minutes later, Lucien returned. This time, his smile had disappeared.

"Lisa."

He called, his voice serious as he pulled his chair closer. "I need your help."

I blinked. "With what?"

He glanced around to make sure no one was listening before lowering his voice. "I need the Moon Orchid."

My smile vanished. "The Moon Orchid?"

He nodded.

"It only blooms inside Silver Moon Pack."

My fingers tightened around the cupcake.

Everyone knew entering Silver Moon territory meant walking straight into death.

Yet… Lucien reached across the table and gently took my hand.

"Please."

His warm fingers wrapped around mine.

For him… I'd walk into hell.