CHAPTER : THE UNWANTED

It was Ariana.

And her face was full of cold rage.

Without a word, she walked over, holding a glass of water—and poured it over Rosemary’s head.

Rosemary gasped, jumping to her feet.

“What is your problem?!” she shouted.

Ariana smirked. “Just marking my territory. Stay away from Austin. That kiss today? That was a mistake. He’ll never love a human like you.” Ariana's eyes glowed with fury, and her fingers twitched like claws itching to strike.

stepping closer. “You think that kiss meant something? That Austin cares for you?”

Rosemary’s breath hitched. “I’m not afraid of you.”

But Ariana wasn’t listening.

Her body began to shift. Bones cracked, fur started to sprout, and her growl echoed off the walls. She was shifting. Charging.

Rosemary froze, panic setting in. She was human—she didn’t stand a chance against a wolf.

But just as Ariana lunged forward, the door burst open.

“Enough!”

Austin’s voice thundered through the room like a storm.

He moved with impossible speed, placing himself between Ariana and Rosemary. His hand shot out, stopping Ariana mid-shift with a forceful growl of his own.

“What do you think you’re doing?” he barked.

“She provoked me!” Ariana shouted, her voice half-feral.

“She’s human,” Austin snapped. “You know the law. You’re never to attack a human—especially not my wife.”

The words hung heavy in the air.

Rosemary blinked. Wife. That word again. Did he mean it now?

Ariana’s eyes widened at his protective tone.

“Austin—”

“Leave,” he ordered coldly. “And don’t come near her again.”

With a low growl and a furious glare toward Rosemary, Ariana stormed out, slamming the door behind her.

The room was quiet for a beat.

Then Austin turned back to Rosemary. His eyes flickered to her damp dress, clinging to her skin from the earlier mess. His brows furrowed.

“Your clothes…” he said, his voice lower now.

Rosemary tried to move but stumbled slightly. The shock and exhaustion were catching up with her.

Before she could hit the ground, Austin caught her.

Their bodies pressed together for a moment, his arms steady around her.

It was the kind of moment that should’ve been in a fairy tale.

Their eyes met.

His hand lingered on her waist.

He leaned in, eyes locked on hers.

For a heartbeat, it felt like he was going to kiss her again.

But then he straightened and gently helped her stand.

“Well,” he said, masking his emotion, “seems like you're putting yourself in the middle of everything lately.”

Rosemary blinked, trying to steady her breathing.

Austin continued, his voice more distant now. “You should clean up and get ready for the party. You’ll need to look like a proper Luna.”

And with that, he walked out, closing the door quietly behind him.

The silence didn’t last long.

Ariana stormed in again the moment Austin was gone.

“You slut,” she sneered, her voice dripping venom. “You’ll see what it means to cross a werewolf.”

She didn’t wait for a reply—just dropped the words like poison and disappeared again, slamming the door harder than before.

Rosemary stood frozen, her hands clenched at her sides.

Before the anger and confusion could overwhelm her, the door creaked again.

This time, it was Maya.

“Oh no,” she gasped, taking one look at Rosemary. “You need a new dress. A strong one. You can’t show up like this.”

Rosemary gave a tired laugh. “I guess tonight’s not done with me yet.”

Maya smiled and pulled open the closet. “I think I have something that will work for tonight. You’re not going to that party looking like a drowned human bride.”

She tossed a sleek dark blue dress onto the bed.

“Now,” Maya said with a wink, “let’s show them what kind of Luna you really are.”

The party was in full swing downstairs. Laughter, clinking glasses, and soft music filled house. Alpha Austin stood near the bar, a drink in hand, trying to ignore the whispers and stolen glances directed his way.

Beta Alex joined him, chuckling softly as he leaned on the counter.

“So,” Alex said, nudging Austin with his elbow, “I heard you saved the human girl from a little trouble upstairs. Gotta say, I’ve never seen you so worked up over a girl. It’s kinda refreshing.”

Austin didn’t flinch. He sipped his drink and replied coolly, “I did it for the pack. That’s all.”

Alex smirked, raising a brow. “Yeah, sure. Whatever you say, Alpha.”

He took a sip of his drink before continuing, “Seriously, though. Did Ariana really almost shift into a wolf in front of the human? That’s insane.”

Austin’s jaw tightened. “Yeah, it was weird. It’s like… she couldn’t handle facing Rosemary without bringing out her wolf.”

Alex frowned. “What are you saying?”

Austin looked into the crowd, voice low. “Just… think about it. Do you really believe Ariana is my mate? Then why can’t I mark her? Why can’t I feel the bond anymore?”

Alex was silent for a moment. “Maybe she just feels threatened. Jealousy can mess with people. You know how Ariana gets.”

“I know,” Austin said quietly. “But something doesn’t add up. I want you to look into it.

Alex nodded. “You got it. But hey—tonight’s the first full moon since you found your ‘mate.’ That means you’ll go into heat soon. And it’s your wedding night, Alpha. What are you going to do about that?”

Before Austin could answer, laughter rose from a corner of the ballroom. Ariana sat with her mother, both dressed in glittering gowns, sipping from crystal glasses with smug smiles.

“I can’t wait to see that bitch make a fool of herself,” Ariana whispered with glee. “Her cheap little dress was soaked. She probably smells like wet fabric and fear.”

Her mother laughed, clinking her glass. “Absolutely. It’s time she learned who really belongs here.”

Just then, a hush fell over the crowd.

A voice whispered, “Oh my… is that Austin’s bride?”

Heads turned. Even the musicians missed a few notes.

Ariana’s glass froze midair as she turned slowly. Her breath caught in her throat.