Aitana had just come of age. She lived in the north of the Greyson Kingdom, in the Blue Moon pack, where her father served as Beta — a man beloved by everyone, just like his Alpha and closest friend. As a child, Aitana had been promised to the pack's future Alpha, Damian, and the two had forged a tender bond during their early years. Three years older than her, Damian had always been her protector. Their connection ran so deep that both their mothers were convinced they would turn out to be fated mates.

When Damian turned thirteen, he had to leave for Warren Academy, where future Alphas and Betas were trained. That was when Aitana said goodbye — not only to Damian, but also to her older brother Alain, who would one day become the pack's Beta once Damian was named Alpha. When that happened, Aitana would officially become his fiancee and the future Luna of the Blue Moon pack. More than anything, she longed for the day she and Damian would be confirmed as fated mates.

Eight years passed. Aitana grew into a striking young woman, admired throughout the pack for her beauty. Plenty of young wolves hoped she might be their fated mate, but for Aitana, there was only one man — Damian, who would soon return from his training alongside her brother Alain.

"Aitana!" Sam called out, jogging to catch up. Sam was her best friend — blonde, green-eyed, and perpetually curious. "Where are you going?" she asked, falling into step beside her as the school day ended.

"To the Alpha's house. I'm helping Luna Dafne with the welcome party preparations for Damian and Alain," Aitana said, unable to contain her excitement. She walked briskly toward the school exit, wearing jeans that hugged her figure and a loose white blouse, her brown hair pulled back in a ponytail.

"Oh wow, this will double as your engagement party, won't it?" Sam's eyes lit up. Aitana smiled at the thought — soon she would officially become Damian's fiancee. "And maybe he's your fated mate, too. I mean, you turned eighteen last month and nobody in the pack has triggered the bond. It has to be him." Aitana kept walking without a word. Sam accompanied her until their paths diverged.

The Blue Moon pack wasn't enormous, but it was one of the most powerful, thanks to Alpha Elias's strong leadership. He'd not only kept the pack united but had built alliances with neighboring packs for protection against deserters — rogue wolves who'd been exiled for unforgivable crimes, the worst of which was killing one's fated mate. These alliances had made Blue Moon famous for both its warriors and its business acumen. Alpha Elias and Aitana's father had established trade with humans — who knew nothing of their true nature — and the pack prospered.

"Hello, Luna Dafne," Aitana said as she arrived at the Alpha's mansion. Luna Dafne was a beautiful woman who'd aged gracefully, with copper hair and warm brown eyes. She carried herself with a quiet authority that commanded respect, though her warmth drew people in just as easily.

"Oh, my dear Aitana! Perfect timing. I've been looking at some dress designs for the welcome party." Dafne held up her tablet, scrolling through a gallery of stunning gowns.

"Luna, that's too much. I can wear something I already have," Aitana protested, even as she stared at the designs in wonder.

"Nonsense. You need to look more beautiful than ever that night. My son is coming home, and I just know you'll be his fated mate. Oh, you two will be the perfect couple!" Dafne gushed. Since childhood, Aitana had been raised with the idea that she'd become the future Luna and Damian's destined partner. The title didn't matter much to her — what mattered was the boy she'd grown up loving, and the life she dreamed of sharing with him.

"Luna, please don't spoil Aitana too much," Andrea said, entering with a tray of tea. Aitana's mother was a striking woman with black hair and light-colored eyes. She set down three cups, handing one to Dafne and one to her daughter.

"Not at all, Andrea. You know I adore Aitana. She's the perfect woman for my son, the future Alpha," Dafne said, stroking Aitana's cheek with affection.

"But we shouldn't get ahead of ourselves. It's possible Damian found his mate at the academy..." Andrea said carefully, watching her daughter's expression dim. She'd considered this possibility herself, and she knew how deeply it would wound Aitana.

"Of course not," Dafne said firmly. "You know the academy is very strict — they barely allow visits or communication. But the few times Elias went to see Damian, he never mentioned a mate. And in every letter he sent, he always asked about Aitana. So don't worry, dear." Aitana nodded, clinging to those words. But Andrea couldn't shake the feeling that it had been a mistake to let her daughter grow up believing she was destined for the future Alpha.

"****************"

Aitana woke before dawn, buzzing with anticipation. Today was the day Damian was finally coming home. She chose a sky-blue dress — his favorite color — and let her brown hair fall in loose waves past her shoulders. Her makeup was light, just a nude lip and the natural flush of excitement on her cheeks. She hurried downstairs to the kitchen, where her mother was already making breakfast. But someone else was there too — a young man with messy brown hair, honey-colored eyes, and a physique sculpted by years of rigorous training.

"Aitana?" he said, his voice deeper than she remembered. She stared, then turned to her mother, who couldn't stop smiling.

"Alain?" she whispered.

He nodded, stood, and pulled her into a tight hug. She squeezed him back.

"Moon above, when did you get here?" she asked, still holding on.

"A few minutes ago. Look at you — you're gorgeous, sis." He grinned, looking her over. "Not the crybaby I left behind."

"Shut up," she laughed, swatting his arm. Then her eyes brightened. "And... did Damian come back too?"

"He went straight to the Alpha's mansion," Alain said with a careful smile. He noticed the way her eyes sparkled and his stomach tightened — their mother had already briefed him on the situation.

"Then I should go say hello—"

"I don't think now's the best time. It was a long trip, and Damian's exhausted. Why don't you wait until this afternoon?" Alain suggested gently.

"He's right, sweetheart," Andrea chimed in. "Besides, breakfast is ready and your father will be here any minute. It's been too long since we've all eaten together." Aitana relented. Before she could say another word, the front door opened and in walked her father — the Beta of the Blue Moon pack.

"Alain! I dropped everything the moment your mother messaged me. Welcome home, son." Marcus was a handsome man with light hair and honey eyes. Beneath his rugged authority, he was someone who loved and protected his family fiercely.

"Thanks, Dad." Alain embraced him.

The family sat down to breakfast. Alain told stories about academy life and the brutal training regimen, but even as Aitana listened, her mind kept drifting to the Alpha's mansion. She was dying to see how much Damian had changed, to throw her arms around him, to tell him how much she'd missed him — and above all, to find out if they were fated mates.

"By the way, an invitation arrived from the Alpha King," Marcus said, drawing everyone's attention. "We're invited to a ball in honor of his birthday."

"I've heard unpleasant things about him," Aitana said. "Are you going?"

"We're all going. Alpha and Beta families from across the kingdom are invited. Start packing — we leave this weekend," Marcus announced.

"What do you think he's planning? The King rarely shows his face in public. He's quite the mystery," Alain said, sounding every bit the future Beta.

"Word is he's looking for a mate. He's been on the throne for years now, and he's reaching the age where he either finds one or his wolf takes over. And given his origins — lycanthrope bloodline, far rarer and more powerful than regular wolves — the stakes are even higher," Marcus explained.

Alain glanced at his sister with a teasing grin. "You could be the King's fated mate, little sis."

Aitana shot him a glare. She didn't want anyone but Damian.

"**************************"

After breakfast, Aitana waited for Alain so they could walk to the Alpha's mansion together. She'd been dreaming of this moment for eight years — seeing Damian in person again, watching their wolves recognize each other as fated mates.

"Aitana, there's something you should know," Alain said, stopping her just outside the mansion doors. She looked at him, waiting. "Mom told me about your feelings for Damian. But you have to understand — the Moon Goddess is the one who chooses fated mates."

"What do you mean? Did you find yours?" she asked eagerly.

"No, not me." His voice was tinged with regret. He watched the smile vanish from her face. "I'm sorry, sis."

Before he could say more, the door swung open from inside. An older household attendant greeted them. "Welcome."

Aitana's gaze dropped. "Damian?" she whispered. But before Alain could respond, a voice called out from inside.

"Alain! Glad you made it." A young man their age strode toward them — blond hair swept back, vivid green eyes, a body honed by years of training. Aitana recognized him from photographs, but in person, he was even more striking. "Oh, you must be Aitana, right?"

"Hello, future Alpha Damian," she managed, her voice barely above a whisper. She tried to smile, but the ache in her chest made it impossible. Her wolf hadn't reacted to him at all. No spark, no pull — nothing.

"Come on, don't be so formal. I'm still the same Damian," he said warmly, looking her over with genuine delight. "You've become so beautiful. Come here." He pulled her into a hug, oblivious to the storm raging inside her. Aitana caught Alain's worried gaze over Damian's shoulder. "I missed you so much, little one," Damian said, releasing her and ruffling her hair the way he used to when they were children.

"Yeah, me too," she whispered. She smoothed her hair and exhaled. Her wolf hadn't reacted. It was obvious — Damian was not her fated mate.

"Come inside. Aitana, there's someone I want you to meet. I've been so excited for this — I've told her all about you, and I really hope you two become great friends." He took her hand and led her inside, Alain following close behind, his eyes never leaving his sister.

Damian brought them to the living room, where Luna Dafne sat beside a beautiful redhead with jade-green eyes.

"Oh, my dear Aitana," Dafne said, rising from the sofa. The worry in her eyes was unmistakable — she knew better than anyone how much this moment would hurt.

"Luna," Aitana said with a strained smile.

"Come here, babe," Damian said, crossing to the redhead and taking her hand. He guided her to stand before Aitana. The woman was slightly taller, her body more developed. "I'd like to introduce my fated mate and the future Luna of the Blue Moon pack — Melissa, daughter of the Alpha of the Black Moon pack." Pride radiated from every word. "Melissa, this is Aitana Hunter, daughter of Beta Marcus and Alain's little sister."

"It's so nice to meet you, Aitana! Damian and Alain have told me so much about you. I've been looking forward to this day — I really hope we can be good friends," Melissa said brightly, pulling Aitana into a hug. Aitana stood frozen, not knowing what to do or how to react with her emotions in freefall.

"The pleasure is mine, future Luna," Aitana whispered, struggling to hold herself together.

"Please, just call me Melissa. They've told me so much about you, I feel like we're already sisters," Melissa said sweetly. She was kind and genuine — she had no idea about Aitana's feelings for Damian. Even Aitana could see that.

"She'd be your sister-in-law, really. Aitana is the little sister I never had," Damian added.

That cut deepest of all. While Aitana had spent eight years loving him as a woman loves a man, he'd always seen her as a little sister.

"Well, Melissa, you should go rest. The journey must have been exhausting," Luna Dafne said kindly.

"Right, our room is all set," Damian said. Aitana watched him say our room and felt the last thread of hope snap. Alain placed a hand on her shoulder, feeling the grief radiating from his sister.

"I hope to see you at tonight's party, Aitana," Melissa said. Aitana could only nod.

"Be right back," Damian said, walking Melissa to their room. Aitana watched them leave — his arm around her waist, her hand on his cheek, the easy intimacy of two people who belonged to each other.

"Oh, I'm so sorry, my dear Aitana," Dafne said once they were gone.

"Don't worry, Luna. This is what the Moon Goddess wanted. We can't argue with her decisions," Aitana said, forcing a smile. Her eyes brimmed with tears she refused to let fall.

"I wanted to tell you, I really did. But Damian wanted it to be a surprise. I went along with it until Mom told me what you felt for him," Alain said. Aitana looked at her brother and tried once more to smile.

"It's not your fault." She took a steadying breath. "Listen, I need some air. Luna, if you'll excuse me." She kept her voice even, though it threatened to break at any second. Alain watched her with concern. "I'll be fine. Don't worry." She kissed his cheek and walked away.

Aitana plunged into the forest, stripped off her clothes, and let her wolf free. She rarely allowed the shift — her wolf was white with purple eyes, an uncommon combination that would make her the subject of whispers and stares. But right now, she didn't care. She needed to run, to feel the wind tearing through her fur, to forget everything. She'd spent nearly her entire life in love with Damian, convinced he would be her mate. He wasn't. He had a fated mate already — beautiful, kind, impossible to resent. Aitana couldn't blame anyone. She'd built a fairy tale in her head, and that's all it ever was. A stupid fairy tale.

She reached the lagoon and stopped to drink, catching her reflection in the clear water. Her wolf's coat was rare — only her parents had ever seen her like this. They'd agreed she shouldn't shift in front of others, and since her father was the Beta, no one questioned her absence from transformation drills. She still trained, though — privately, with her father, and sometimes with her mother, who had been a formidable pack warrior before settling into domestic life.

She lay down beside the lake and let the cool breeze lull her to sleep. When she woke, dusk was settling over the forest. Being out here after dark was dangerous — Alpha Elias had forbidden it because of deserter attacks. She bolted for home, never noticing the eyes watching her from the shadows.

"*******************"

"Aitana, I was worried. It's so late—" Andrea said as her daughter slipped through the back door. Aitana said nothing, grabbing a robe from a hook and wrapping it around herself.

"Sorry. I went to clear my head in the forest and fell asleep."

"In the forest? At this hour? Were you shifted? Did anyone see you?" Andrea's voice climbed with each question. Her daughter had come home naked beneath that robe.

"Relax, Mom. Nobody saw me." Aitana managed a smile and looked her mother over — Andrea was wearing an elegant green dress.

"Go upstairs and get ready. We have a party to attend."

"I don't want to go," Aitana whispered. "Please..."

Andrea shook her head gently. "You have to, sweetheart. I know how you feel, but this is important. They're presenting the future Alpha and Luna of the pack tonight." Aitana's stomach dropped. She'd known it was coming — she just hadn't expected it so soon.

"**********************"

At the party, the pack had already embraced their future Luna. Melissa was beautiful, gracious, and genuinely warm to everyone. She received compliments from all corners and beamed at the acceptance — this pack was very different from the one she'd come from.

"Look, it's Alain and Aitana!" Melissa said excitedly, spotting the Beta's family arriving. Damian looked toward them and smiled.

Aitana was stunning. Her sky-blue dress had a sweetheart neckline with off-the-shoulder sleeves, the skirt flowing loose from the waist with a slit up her left thigh. Her wavy brown hair was half pulled back, with two long strands framing her face. Her makeup was minimal — naturally flushed cheeks, perfectly defined pink lips, small earrings, and a delicate necklace with a tiny oval stone.

"She looks beautiful," Melissa said. "And so sweet."

"Yeah," Damian murmured. "She really does." He couldn't stop looking at her.

The party carried on. Damian walked Melissa through the crowd, introducing her as the future Luna, and she was warmly received by everyone.

"Hey, I'm sorry," Sam whispered, sliding up next to Aitana. "This must be really hard."

"It's fine..." Aitana said, trying to sound indifferent, though it was impossible not to feel the sting — or the unwelcome flash of envy toward Melissa. She noticed Sam breathing strangely. "What's wrong with you?"

"It burns..." Sam whispered, fanning herself with her hands, her eyes darting around the room.

"Sam?"

"Mate," Sam breathed, her gaze locking on something ahead. Aitana followed her friend's stare, and her jaw dropped. Her brother was walking toward them with deliberate steps, his eyes shifting color.

"Mate," Alain said, stopping in front of Sam. Aitana stared in disbelief — her brother and her best friend were fated mates. Sam's cheeks flushed crimson, and Alain couldn't take his eyes off her, his irises flickering between honey and black as his wolf surged with excitement.

Aitana stepped back quietly, giving them space. She was happy for them — genuinely — even as the contrast with her own situation twisted something in her chest.

"Aitana?" someone called. Her smile faded when she saw who it was.

"Damian," she said, fighting to keep her expression steady. Just being near him hurt.

"You look incredible. Blue really is your color — it's my favorite." He grinned, and of course she knew. That's exactly why she'd chosen it.

"Thanks. You look great too." She kept her voice light. "You and Melissa make a wonderful couple."

"I know. It's hard to explain, but when you find your mate, everything revolves around her. It's beyond words. You'll understand when you find yours." He beamed, and Aitana nodded. She'd spent so many years imagining he would be her mate that the idea of finding someone else felt impossible.

"There you are!" Melissa appeared, linking her arm through Damian's. "Hi, Aitana. You look gorgeous." She pulled Aitana into a warm hug.

"You look even more beautiful," Aitana replied.

"Oh, I just saw Alain with some girl," Melissa said. "He was smiling from ear to ear — he looked so happy."

"Yeah, he found his mate. It's Sam, my best friend."

"Now you're the only one left, little one," Damian said, ruffling her hair. "I hope your mate is worthy of you."

"Of course he will be. She deserves a love like ours," Melissa said, cupping Damian's face. He looked at her with so much love and kissed her — right there, right in front of Aitana. It was a blade through her chest. She forced her gaze elsewhere and willed her tears not to fall.

Alpha Elias and Luna Dafne addressed the pack, welcoming their son Damian home along with his fated mate. They expressed pride and entrusted the pack's future to the young couple. Then Damian and Melissa stepped forward. He pulled a small black velvet box from his pocket and dropped to one knee. The crowd gasped at their future Alpha's proposal.

From the back of the crowd, Aitana could no longer hold it in. Tears streamed down her face. Alain, despite his own happiness, felt the weight of his sister's grief. He crossed the room, pulled her into his arms, and held her. Sam was there too, rubbing Aitana's back, murmuring comfort.

"**************************"

The weekend arrived. Despite her heartbreak, Aitana couldn't avoid the Alpha King's invitation. She came downstairs with a small overnight bag — they'd only be at the palace for the weekend, just a few hours' drive away.

"Can I stay home?" she asked her father.

"I'm sorry, sweetheart, but it's not safe. There have been attacks on several packs lately — they usually target Alpha and Beta families. I wouldn't be able to rest knowing you were here alone," Marcus said. He understood what his daughter was going through. He'd been against the so-called arranged engagement from the start, afraid of exactly this outcome.

"Come on, sis. Sam's coming too," Alain added, trying to cheer her up.

"Yeah, but you two have been glued together since you bonded. You're stealing my best friend," Aitana grumbled. Alain laughed and kissed her forehead.

The drive to the palace was quiet. Aitana put in her earbuds and listened to music the whole way. Sam and Alain tried to engage her, pointing out the scenery, but she wasn't in the mood.

When they arrived, the sheer size of the palace left them speechless. Towering walls, gleaming architecture — none of them had been here before, except for Alpha Elias and Beta Marcus, who attended the King's councils.

"Do you think we'll see the King?" Sam whispered.

"At the party," Aitana said flatly, stealing a glance at Damian and Melissa walking hand in hand ahead of them, radiating happiness.

"You know, maybe you'll find your mate at the ball," Sam said, trying to lift her spirits. "Imagine if he's an Alpha from another pack. Oh God, but then you'd have to leave with him..." She trailed off at Aitana's withering look — the last thing she wanted was to be separated from her family. "Come on, babe. You have to move on. You've got your whole life ahead of you."

"I know. But right now, I don't want to find my mate," Aitana whispered. She wasn't ready. Her feelings for Damian were still raw — years of love didn't just evaporate. Finding a fated mate now would mean being bound to a stranger by destiny while her heart still ached for someone else.

During the afternoon reception, the families of Alphas and Betas from across the kingdom gathered. Aitana's beauty drew attention from every direction — sons of Alphas and Betas hoped she might be their fated mate, but the bond never sparked.

"We could have some fun with her," one young man said, watching Aitana with hungry eyes.

"Are you insane? That's Beta Marcus's daughter. The Blue Moon pack is no joke — their Alpha and Beta are terrifying. Plus her brother Alain was one of the top fighters at the academy," his companion hissed, nervously eyeing where Alain stood with Sam.

"Relax. He's busy with his little she-wolf. He won't even notice his sister's gone for a bit," the redhead said.

"Don't do it, Morgan. You'll get yourself killed."

"And you will," Melissa said, materializing behind them. Her voice was ice. "Don't even think about touching her. Are we clear?"

"What, you're playing nice now, sister?" Morgan sneered.

"Listen to me, Morgan. I belong to the Blue Moon pack now, and I'm going to be their Luna. Damian cares about that girl, which means I won't let you lay a finger on her."

"Idiot. You joined a weak pack. You should've rejected that fool Damian," Morgan spat.

"Is there a problem?" Damian appeared, eyeing Morgan. He knew Melissa's relationship with her brother was toxic — they'd clashed at the academy more than once.

"No problem. Just telling my sister she can still reject you. She deserves better," Morgan said. Damian's fists clenched, itching to swing.

"Damian, don't. He's not worth it," Melissa said, taking his hand. She turned a cold stare on her brother. "You've been warned. Watch yourself — you're not in your pack anymore." She led Damian away.

"She's right, man," Morgan's friend said. "Mess up here and the King will punish you himself. Word is he's ruthless but fair — don't start trouble."

Morgan glared at him, then stalked off, his eyes still following Aitana.

Aitana went up to her room feeling uncomfortable. Her body was having strange reactions, and she thought perhaps she was getting sick from everything that had happened. Her body felt heavy and hot. She lay down on the bed and began tossing and turning. The heat was unbearable — even her clothes felt uncomfortable. She stripped down to her underwear and turned the air conditioning to its lowest temperature. She continued feeling that way until she finally fell into a deep sleep.

"Aitana, wake up." She heard someone calling her name. She opened her eyes and found her friend standing there. "Damn, it's freezing in here," Sam said, turning off the air conditioning. "Are you okay?" Aitana nodded as she sat up in bed. The heat in her body had diminished to a tolerable level.

"What time is it?" she asked, glancing toward the window. It had already gotten dark.

"Time to get ready — the party starts soon." Sam pulled out the dresses they'd be wearing that night. "By the way, I found out this party isn't just to celebrate the King's birthday. It's also for him to choose a mate, whether fated or chosen. It's been many years since he took the throne, and there's still no Queen Luna. People are worried because they say the King is losing control of his wolf and turning savage."

"Savage?" Aitana whispered. She'd heard about that — those who didn't find their mates within a certain time would turn savage or could even die. "But from what I know, he's not even thirty yet. He still has time to find his mate," she said, getting up and taking her dress.

"Remember, the King is of lycanthrope descent. He's different from us wolves who live normal lifespans. Lycanthropes can live hundreds of years without even aging, so finding their fated mate is essential once they come of age. If that doesn't happen, they have to choose a mate and perform a blood pact to keep their savage side under control," Sam explained as she began undressing.

"Oh, I see... Poor King, then," Aitana said, grabbing a towel. "I'm going to take a bath. I'm still so hot." She headed into the bathroom, leaving Sam somewhat surprised — Sam actually felt cold, and not just because the air conditioning had been blasting at full power minutes ago. The night itself was very cold.

"Are you okay?" asked a man with chestnut hair and hazel eyes, dressed in an elegant black suit.

"I don't know. My wolf has been restless all day — more than usual," said a tall man with a well-defined build, his eyes blue and his black hair tousled. He was putting on a white shirt that fit snugly, outlining his muscular arms.

"You need to stay calm. There'll be many guests, and hopefully you'll find your fated mate — or choose one. Everything's ready, even for the blood pact," the brunet explained.

"Good. I hope it doesn't come to that," he whispered as he finished buttoning his shirt. He walked to the mirror and studied his reflection. He'd spent so many years searching for his fated mate. He still held out hope of finding her rather than resorting to a blood pact with a chosen mate. But he also didn't want his wolf to take over and destroy everything his predecessors had built — a powerful kingdom backed by great packs. "Please, Moon Goddess..." he whispered. His loyal friend and Beta sighed upon hearing his King's plea.

The celebration began. Families from different packs enjoyed the grand banquet the King had prepared. Everyone danced and chatted, and some had even found their fated mates at the event. Aitana observed it all. Her rose-gold mermaid-cut gown accentuated her curves beautifully, with a straight neckline and no sleeves, her hair loose in well-defined waves. All eyes were on her — and not only because of her beauty. Those without mates could smell a scent emanating from her, one that could become an addictive drug.

"Shit," Damian muttered, covering his nose. He looked around, searching for the source of that scent. He was being affected because he hadn't marked his mate yet, nor had she marked him.

"What's wrong?" Melissa asked, concerned. She looked around and noticed that even her brother was in the same state as Damian — though he seemed to be enjoying it.

The music stopped. Everything went silent. Those affected by the scent struggled to keep themselves under control. The King made his entrance accompanied by his loyal Beta, and everyone bowed. They were in the presence of the most powerful lycanthrope King they had ever known.

Aitana stared at the blue-eyed man. Her breathing quickened. The heat in her body intensified — she felt like she was burning. Even her tongue was unbearably hot. She began fanning herself with her hands, but it was useless. Her vision started to blur. She placed both hands on her neck, feeling like she couldn't breathe. Her throat was on fire. She didn't understand what was happening to her. Her entire body was boiling, especially her most intimate area.

"What is that smell?" Alpha Elias whispered. Even he, with a mate of his own, was beginning to feel drawn to that scent.

"Aitana?" Marcus said, looking at his daughter. The sweet aroma was coming from her. "Alpha," he said, turning to Elias, who was covering his nose.

"We need to get her out of here — she's going into heat," the Alpha said. He looked around. Everyone was being affected by the scent Aitana was releasing — even he was affected. But his love for Aitana wouldn't allow him to harm her, and he wouldn't let anyone else harm her either. "Dafne, get Damian away from here," the Alpha ordered, seeing his son on the verge of losing control to his wolf.

Aitana began backing away, though she stumbled from side to side. Her legs were giving out. She called to her she-wolf for help, but her wolf seemed to be in the same state — or worse. She looked around, her vision barely able to make out how everyone was closing in on her with lust in their eyes. Fear gripped her. She fell to the ground and began dragging herself backward until her back hit one of the great hall's pillars. She hugged herself and looked around in terror, searching for her father, who was fighting his way through the men to reach her. She could even see Alpha Elias punching some of them, and her brother pushing others away. She looked for Damian — he seemed just as affected as the other men. Luna Dafne and Melissa were struggling to keep him under control.

"What the hell..." Aitana whispered. The heat was unbearable. The desire to be touched by a man began flooding her mind. The heat between her legs was so intense she couldn't help pressing her thighs together, trying to find relief. She saw a redheaded man just inches away from her. Fear overtook her despite her sexual urges — that man disgusted her. She didn't want him to touch her.

"What a delicious thing you are..." she heard the man say, licking his lips.

Aitana squeezed her eyes shut and clung to herself. She could hear her father, her brother, Alpha Elias, and even Damian screaming her name, but their voices sounded so far away.

"I don't want this..." she whispered. Tears began rolling down her cheeks. Then, suddenly, everything fell silent.

Every person in the hall felt a crushing pressure descend upon them. Their bodies weakened. They looked toward the source of that force and began clearing a path wherever he walked, lowering their gazes in fear. The dark-haired, blue-eyed man reached the woman who wouldn't stop releasing that sweet scent. He looked at the redhead who had been about to touch her. He wanted to punish him — end his life — but it wasn't worth wasting his time on the man right now. He intensified his authority over the redhead, who had no choice but to back away and clear the path to the brunette. He knelt before her and caressed her face, wiping away the tears that had wet her cheeks. He felt her trembling. She opened her eyes slowly, and those dark gray eyes met deep blue ones, as blue as the sea.

Mate, she heard her she-wolf say.

"I found you," the King said with a smile, admiring his mate's beauty.