CHAPTER 5: THE FEELING'S FOR YOU

There stood Rosemary at the top of the grand staircase.

Her hair flowed like a dark waterfall over her shoulders. The deep blue dress hugged her curves perfectly, its silver embroidery glowing under the chandeliers. Her calm, graceful descent made her look like a queen. A real Luna.

People murmured, stunned. “They make a perfect couple,” someone whispered.

Ariana’s jaw tightened. “No way.”

Alex nudged Austin again. “Gotta say, man… you’re so lucky.”

Austin said nothing. He couldn’t stop staring. Not even if he tried.

Before he knew it, Rosemary stood alone by the drinks table, a soft smile on her lips. Two men made their way toward her, laughing and clearly trying to get her attention.

Alex chuckled. “Looks like your bride is the center of attention.”

Austin’s eyes narrowed. “I don’t care about her,” he said, but his drink was already forgotten on the counter.

One of the men reached out and placed a hand on Rosemary’s shoulder. They leaned in, speaking softly to her, clearly enchanted.

Ariana, watching with her mother from across the room, smirked. “See? Austin doesn’t even care. That slut could wear a wedding dress or a trash bag, he wouldn’t blink.”

Her mother nodded. “Exactly. No matter how much attention she gets, she’ll never be you.”

But their smugness shattered in the next moment.

Austin crossed the ballroom like a storm, eyes locked on the man touching Rosemary. He stepped in without a word, removed the man’s hand from Rosemary’s shoulder, and stared him down.

“Do you have a problem with my wife?” he asked, voice deadly calm.

“N-No, Alpha Austin,” the man stammered, taking a step back. “It was just a misunderstanding. Excuse me.”

He fled, leaving Rosemary blinking in surprise.

“Thank you,” she said quietly.

Austin took off his jacket and placed it over her shoulders. “You’re welcome.”

“I’m not cold,” she said, unsure of his sudden concern.

He looked at her, his gaze unreadable. “So you enjoy being gawked at?”

Rosemary’s smile disappeared. “What did you just say?”

She pulled the jacket off and shoved it back into his hands, turning to leave. But she didn’t get far.

In one smooth movement, Austin picked her up in his arms, ignoring the gasps around them.

“What are you doing?” she hissed.

“Taking you upstairs,” he said simply.

And without another word, he carried her to the upstairs.

Ariana’s breath caught in her throat. Her wine glass slipped from her fingers, shattering on the marble floor.

But she couldn’t move.

She couldn’t scream.

She couldn’t chase.

All she could do… was stand there. Silent. Furious. Burning with jealousy that twisted inside her like a knife.

Austin kicked the door to his room shut behind them, his jaw tight, his eyes burning with something dangerous. He carried Rosemary in his arms like she weighed nothing, then laid her gently on the edge of the bed. But his movements were anything but calm.

He didn’t pull away.

Instead, he hovered above her, one knee on the mattress, the other foot planted firmly on the ground. His strong hands pressed hers into the sheets, pinning her gently but firmly as he looked down at her like she was the only thing he’d ever wanted—like he was barely holding himself back from devouring her whole.

His face was close. Too close.

Rosemary’s breath hitched. His scent, thick and intoxicating, curled around her like smoke.

“Who gave you permission to dress like that?” Austin’s voice was low, rough, barely under control.

She blinked. “You're insane. Ariana ruined my dress. This was all I could find.”

His eyes darkened as they swept over her again. “That dress is a family tradition,” he said through clenched teeth. “It’s only worn by the Luna of the pack. Are you really that desperate to become my Luna?”

“I didn’t know,” she said quickly. “Maya found it. She was just trying to help. I’m sorry if it caused any misunderstanding.”

Austin pulled away slightly, running a hand through his hair in frustration. “You’re my wife. In name only,” he muttered.

Rosemary stood up, her chin high. “Fine. I’ll take off your precious dress right now.”

She turned, reaching behind her to unzip it—but before her fingers could reach the zipper, Austin was already there.

“No,” he said, standing at her back.

He moved closer. Too close.

His hand brushed hers away and slowly pulled the zipper up, his fingers grazing the warm skin of her back, trailing over her shoulder as if he couldn’t help himself. His whole body was tense, rigid, his breath growing unsteady.

Outside, the full moon shone high above the trees. Its energy stirred the wolf in him, the mating heat crawling through his veins like fire.

This heat is going to drive me crazy, he thought.

He turned her around suddenly, his hands gripping her waist.

And then, without warning—he kissed her.

Not soft. Not gentle.

It was deep. Wild. Desperate.

Their lips collided like they’d been starving for each other.

Her hands tangled in his shirt, his arms wrapped around her like he’d never let go.

They wanted more.

More of the kiss.

More of the fire.

More of each other.

But just as his hand slid up her spine…

There was a knock at the door.