His sudden intrusion into my space made my skin prickle. He was too close...close enough that I could feel the warmth radiating from his body, close enough that his scent, something dark and intoxicating, like cedar and smoke—wrapped around me. My chest tightened with discomfort, but when my gaze finally locked with his, I faltered.
Up close, he was even more dangerously handsome than I'd imagined. His blonde hair was mostly combed back, but a few rebellious strands had slipped loose, falling across his face and nearly veiling one of his crimson eyes. That single detail made him look even more untamed, like a predator on the verge of striking. Those blood-red eyes, unnatural, predatory only heightened the aura of danger that clung to him like a second skin.
It was unfair. His face was flawless, the kind that belonged in paintings or carved into marble statues—high cheekbones, sharp jawline, lips curved with natural arrogance. He radiated masculinity and confidence, dripping with something raw and magnetic. I hated it. I hated that someone as insufferable, as cruel, as insufferably smug as Alexander could look like living art.
My fingers curled at my sides, fighting the urge to shove him away.
"I came late and didn't have time to change. If you're here to mock my outfit..." I started, my voice sharper than I intended.
"No. I came because it's you."
The words slipped from him so smoothly, so casually, yet they hit me like a blow. For a fleeting second, the world around us stilled—the rustling leaves, the distant chatter from the party, the glow of lanterns swinging in the night breeze—all of it faded into silence.
My heart betrayed me. No matter how I willed it to stay steady, it fluttered recklessly, like a bird desperate to escape its cage.
He didn't help by repeating his words again but this time in a whisper.
Then his laughter rang out, deep and hearty, echoing through the garden. He stepped back, still chuckling, his shoulders relaxed as if my flustered state amused him endlessly.
"Look at your face, Elena," he teased, smirk tugging at his lips.
Rage burned through me, quick and hot. Without thinking, I lifted my hand, ready to strike him across that perfect face, but he was faster. His fingers closed around my wrist, firm yet effortless, halting me mid-swing.
"You're the first person to ever look this angry just from seeing me," he said with a wolfish grin, finally releasing me.
I ripped my hand back, scowling. "Maybe if you weren't such an a**hole, I wouldn't be."
For a brief instant, something softer flickered across his expression—so subtle I might have imagined it. And that was the problem. My heart betrayed me again, fluttering at the sight. But then the softness vanished, replaced by his trademark wicked smirk, the kind that begged to be slapped off.
Why did he have this effect on me? Why did his teasing crawl under my skin and set me ablaze? I didn't want to feel anything when it came to him. Yet here I was, flustered and furious, both at him and at myself.
"Elena!"
My sister's voice cut through my tangled thoughts. I turned to see Katherine walking toward us, her face glowing with excitement.
"Alex!" she squealed the moment she saw him, flinging her arms around him as though they were lifelong friends instead of predator and prey.
My jaw nearly hit the ground.
Alexander smirked, of course he did and caught her hand, twirling her as if they were dancers in a ballroom. Kathy's giggles filled the garden, and I felt my stomach twist.
"I must admit, you're the most beautiful lady I've laid eyes on today," Alexander said, his voice dripping charm.
I rolled my eyes so hard it almost hurt. Kathy's cheeks flushed crimson, and she ducked her head with a shy smile.
"Thank you," she whispered, clearly enchanted.
"The last time I saw you, you were so small," Alexander mused, his crimson gaze softer now.
"I wasn't that little—I was twelve," she shot back playfully, grinning at him.
I wanted to gag. Watching him soften his tone, speak gently, and smile at my sister was nauseating. The same man who had mocked me mercilessly a heartbeat ago was now acting like some charming gentleman. It was infuriating.
Unable to stomach the scene any longer, I turned away, ready to slip back into the party. But Kathy's voice stopped me.
"Mother's looking for you," she said.
Of course she was.
I groaned inwardly. Today was turning into one disaster after another. First, I woke up sick. Then, I ran into this arrogant vampire. And now, my mother, the very last person I wanted to face was looking for me.
Mother would insist I mingle with eligible men, parading me like some prize mare for sale. As Luna of the Green Lineage Pack, she lived and breathed status and appearances. Since my fated mate had yet to appear, she had shifted her obsession to marrying me off.
"I'm heading in," I muttered, sweeping past them into the crowded hall.
The atmosphere inside was suffocating. Music drifted from a string ensemble tucked into one corner. Candles and lanterns cast golden light across polished floors and glittering gowns. Laughter, clinking glasses, the low rumble of voices—it all pressed down on me.
I spotted my parents standing with a man whose broad shoulders and tall frame tugged at my memory, though his face was turned away. I considered sneaking off to change clothes before Mother inevitably criticized me, but the hall leading to my room was just beyond them.
I moved as discreetly as I could, weaving through the crowd like a shadow. I was almost free...just one more corner and...
"Elena."
My mother's voice, sharp and unmistakable, sliced through the noise.
I cursed silently, forcing a smile onto my lips before turning back toward her.
"Mom, I was just looking for you," I lied smoothly as I approached.
"Where have you been? I wanted to introduce you to Mr. Lawson's son." Her tone was skeptical, eyes narrowing in that way that told me she saw straight through me.
I braced myself for a lecture about my clothes, but surprisingly, she let it slide—for now. Her glare, however, spoke volumes.
The man turned toward me. I dipped my head politely. "Good evening, Mr. Lawson."
"Mr. Lawson? Elena?"
That voice—deep, familiar—froze me. My head snapped up, and my breath caught.
Donald.
Alpha of the Blue Crescent Pack. My ex.
My stomach lurched violently as his black eyes locked with mine.
"It's been a long time, Elena," he said with an easy smile, as if the past between us didn't exist.
I stiffened, forcing my features into neutrality. I would not let him see me rattled.
But inside, the memories came rushing back like knives. Six years ago. My first mating party. The night I thought he would choose me. Instead, he'd found his fated mate, and I—stupid, blind, hopeful me—had clung to him, begged him not to walk away. The rejection had been public, brutal. He hadn't just turned his back on me, he had humiliated me in front of everyone. I could still hear the whispers, the laughter, the pity in their eyes as I broke down. That night, I swore I would never let anyone see me so weak again. Least of all him.
"Well, what a reunion."
That drawling, mocking tone could only belong to one person. Alexander.
He strolled over, Katherine at his side, wearing that infuriating smirk like a crown. He came to stand beside Donald, their contrasting auras filling the space until it felt hard to breathe.
Two predators, both staring at me. The both from my past. My chest felt tight, like I was prey caught between them.
"Good evening, Alpha Alexander," my father said warmly, clasping his hand. "Thank you for accepting my invitation."
Invitation? My brow furrowed. There was no such thing at mating parties. Everyone was welcome—it was tradition. Why would my father personally invite him? And Donald too?
"I wouldn't have missed it," Alexander replied smoothly, his eyes sliding to me with deliberate emphasis. His smirk widened when I rolled my eyes.
Donald's gaze sharpened, flicking between Alexander and me. His jaw ticked, subtle but noticeable.
"The party was organized by my Luna," my father continued proudly, nodding at my mother. "She worked tirelessly to ensure every detail was perfect."
Donald inclined his head politely. "Luna Irene, you truly have a gift for hosting."
My mother preened at the praise. "I put in extra effort since tonight is Katherine's special night."
Kathy blushed again under the attention.
"She was just a child when I found my first mate," Alexander said, his tone oddly gentle. "Now she's grown into a beautiful young woman."
"Alexander is right," Donald added smoothly, "Katherine looks stunning tonight."
Kathy's face turned even redder, and I fought the urge to drag her away from them both.
I had to admit—she did look beautiful. Her short brown hair framed her delicate features perfectly, and her eyes sparkled beneath the glow of lantern light. The red gown hugged her curves and gave her a glow of confidence.
But then Alexander had to ruin everything.
"And your first daughter," he drawled, eyes flicking to me, "clearly has… exquisite taste in clothing for such an event." He clicked his tongue, smirking.
My nails dug into my palms. I wanted to claw that smirk right off his face.
Donald's gaze shifted toward me then, sharp and assessing. His eyes softened only for a moment, as though silently questioning why I looked so tense. The weight of both their stares made me feel exposed, as though the entire hall could see my raw nerves.
"She was just about to change," Mother interjected quickly, her gaze sharp as a blade. Her eyes screamed fix this now.
I didn't wait another second. Spinning on my heel, I stormed off toward my room. The full moon was rising soon, and I refused to miss it.