The moon hung low and full in the velvet sky, its glow turning the mist over the Everpine woods to silver. Aria stood on the edge of her family's territory, her bare toes curling into the cool grass, heart thudding like a distant drum. Tomorrow, she would be eighteen. Tomorrow, she'd come of age—and the mate bond could awaken.
Most girls didn't find their mates right away.
Most girls didn't already have a boyfriend they were hopelessly in love with.
She smiled to herself, hugging her arms tight across her chest as she thought of him. Dorian. He was everything—steady, strong, and patient with her wild heart. From the moment he'd first shown up with his small pack from the lowlands, she'd been drawn to him. And he'd chosen her—Alpha blood or not.
He wasn't the heir of some massive territory, like her mother always hinted she deserved. But Aria didn't care. He was hers. She hoped the moon agreed.
She heard footsteps behind her. She didn't have to turn to know who it was.
Dorian.
His scent hit her like a tidal wave—pine and firewood and something else.
Her breath caught.
Everything in her froze.
Her wolf stirred, stretching deep in her chest with a sharp, sudden intensity.
Oh Moon.
That scent.
That pull.
Her body turned before her mind did, and her eyes locked with his. Dorian's were wide, glowing faintly gold beneath the moonlight. She didn't have to ask.
He smelled it too.
"You're…" Her voice cracked. "You're my mate."
A slow, stunned smile spread across his face. "Aria…"
Before he could finish, she was in his arms, the mate bond snapping into place like a thread pulled tight between their souls. It wasn't just love anymore—it was fate. It was fire and forever. Her knees went weak, and she clung to him, heart pounding with joy.
"I knew it," she whispered. "I always knew."
They stayed like that until the sound of cheers broke the stillness. Her parents had followed, sensing something was happening. Her father's eyes misted as he clapped Dorian on the back. Her mother kissed her cheeks, glowing with pride.
"Our girl," her mother beamed. "Fated to someone who loves her already. Selene has truly blessed us."
The pack gathered that night to celebrate. Bonfires were lit. Wine flowed. Aria's hand never left Dorian's.
This was everything she had dreamed of.