Whispers rippled through the square like wind cutting across a still lake.
"What's happening?"
"Why is the Alpha getting in the square?"
"Oh no, is he looking for a mate?!"
"Can you believe this?"
The crowd stirred with disbelief. Gasps, murmurs, half-suppressed laughter, it all melted into one rising wave of confusion and awe.
I couldn't take my eyes off him.
"A–Alpha, are you…" The Elder facilitating the dance stammered, voice trembling with uncertainty.
"I just want to join the dance. I suppose that's not forbidden?"
The Elder blinked, then broke into nervous laughter.
"Of course not! Of course!" He clapped his hands, eager to please. "The Alpha is joining the dance! Continue, everyone!"
He's only joining the dance, not the Mating Hunt. That's what it meant… right?
Why would he take a mate from the women here, when he was planning to awaken the Celestial Wolf and claim her instead?
Still, the thought left an uncomfortable knot in my chest.
