Chapter 2

SERIS’S POV

Strong hands caught me before I could fall. A large warm hand held me steady, preventing me from hitting the cold ground. My heart was still hammering from the pain Cassian had caused me, my chest tight with betrayal. I looked up through my tears, blinking to clear my blurry vision.

Golden-amber eyes stared at me. They glowed faintly in the dim streetlight, intense and piercing. The man was tall, with an athletic build that radiated pure power. His dark hair framed a sharp jawline, and his presence made the air around us feel heavier, like the whole world had shifted.

His touch sent a strange jolt through my body, like electricity sparking under my skin. For a moment, a warm feeling bloomed deep inside me, easing the sharp ache in my heart just a little. It was confusing. How could a stranger’s hand make me feel... seen? Wanted?

“Are you alright?” He asked. His voice was deep, low, and rough, like it came from somewhere primal. His thumb gently wiped away the tears on my cheek, then tucked a loose strand of my auburn hair behind my ear. His fingers brushed against my cheeks again, sending another spark racing through me.

I should have pulled away. I was a mess. My eyes red and swollen, my green dress rumpled from running, chocolate still staining my hands from the cake I had thrown. But I couldn’t move. Those golden eyes held me in place.

“I’m sorry,” I whispered, my voice breaking. “I wasn’t watching where I was going.”

But the man didn’t let go. Instead, his grip tightened just a bit on my shoulder, it was firm and possessive. I felt that strange warmth again, pulling at something inside me I didn’t understand. Before he could say anything else, voices echoed from the nearby pack house.

“Kaelan!” someone called out.

The man, who I now know as Kaelan released me slowly, his hand lingering for a second longer than necessary. He looked at me one last time, his eyes flickering with something I couldn’t read, before turning and walking toward the pack house without another word.

I stood there frozen, my skin still tingling from his touch. The pain from Cassian and Willow flooded back, but now it was mixed with this confusing pull. Who was he? Why did colliding with him feel like the Moon Goddess herself had intervened?

I wiped my face quickly with the back of my hand and hurried back home. The small house I shared with my father felt even smaller tonight. Darius Varyes was slumped in his usual spot on the worn couch, watching an old show on the TV. A bottle of cheap liquor sat beside him. He didn’t acknowledge me when I walked in, his bald head with that full mustache barely moving. He never did these days. He was too lost in his own bitterness since my mother died. I didn’t expect comfort from him anyway.

I rushed to the bathroom, splashing cold water on my face. My eyes were still puffy, but I couldn’t hide the redness completely. The green dress that had made me feel pretty earlier now felt like a reminder of everything I had lost. I changed into something simple. A plain top and jeans but I kept my hair down. I needed to go to the alliance meeting. Everyone in Silvermare Pack was expected to attend, especially after the news of Cassian’s rejection would spread like wildfire.

My hands shook as I walked toward the pack hall. The building was packed with wolves. Some I recognized from Silvermare. The familiar faces that would soon be whispering about my humiliation. Others were strangers, dressed in finer clothes that screamed wealth. Cassian and Willow were already there, standing near the front. Cassian’s shirt still had faint chocolate stains, and Willow kept her eyes down, avoiding my gaze.

But then I noticed something that made my breath catch. On the high chair at the center of the stage sat the handsome stranger I had collided with earlier. Kaelan. He sat with commanding ease, his golden eyes scanning the room like he owned it.

The meeting started with formal greetings. Vyctor Rho, Cassian’s father, stood tall with his strong muscular bud and full beard. He looked excited, his authoritative voice booming through the hall.

“Alpha Kaelan Virex, we are honored by your presence,” Vyctor said, nodding respectfully. “The alliance between Silvermare and Moonsfang will benefit both packs greatly. Stronger trade, shared territories, and protection in Furcity’s power struggles.”

They talked for a while about borders, human districts, and how the packs could work together against threats from the Wild Mountains. Kaelan listened quietly, his expression restrained and strategic. Everyone knew of the Moonsfang Pack. The richest and strongest in Furcity, with mansions nestled in deep forests. Kaelan was their ruthless Alpha, only twenty-seven but already legendary.

Then Kaelan spoke, his deep voice cutting through the room. “The alliance is acceptable. But I also seek a mate. A Luna for Moonsfang Pack. I wish to choose her from your territory tonight.”

The hall erupted in murmurs. Excitement buzzed through the crowd. Wolves shifted in their seats, whispering eagerly. Vyctor’s face lit up with thrill, his eyes gleaming with opportunity.

“Of course, Alpha Kaelan!” Vyctor gestured proudly to the front seats where his daughter and a group of other omegas sat, all dressed elegantly. “We have many strong candidates. My own daughter, or these fine wolves here. Any of them would make an excellent Luna for your powerful pack.”

My heart pounded. I stood in the corner, trying to stay invisible after everything that had happened. The last thing I needed was more attention. Cassian glanced at me with a mix of anger and something like regret, but Willow stayed close to him, her deceptive innocent look firmly in place.

Kaelan’s eyes swept the room slowly. Then they locked directly onto mine. My stomach dropped. No. This couldn’t be happening.

He cut Vyctor off sharply. “No.”

The room fell silent. Kaelan pointed straight at me, his golden-amber eyes glowing with intensity.

“I want her.”