The Wolf's Eye

Clara His large, hot hands gripped my body so tightly I couldn’t breathe. “Let me go. Now,” I gasped, my voice shaky. “Let go?” he asked mockingly, his aroused breath searing against my ear. “Let go. You’re hurting me,” I repeated. He loosened his grip slightly—only to spin me around to face him. His gaze was no longer human. His pupils were dilated with desire, and his irises, no longer brown, glowed gold—a telltale mark of alphas from the ancient werewolf clans. “I will never let you go, Clara,” he growled before devouring my lips with a kiss. At first, I tried to resist. My mind fought back, but my body surrendered to lust. Without breaking the kiss, the alpha lifted me in his arms and carried me to the couch. He laid down my trembling body and pulled away only to trail his lips down my neck, kissing it sweetly and hungrily. I melted under his touch. His strong hands caressed my thighs, trying to push up my already short dress. “No…” I whispered, barely believing myself as I tried to stop him. To my dismay, he paused. “You want this just as much as I do, Clara. What’s wrong?” he asked, looking at me like a puppy waiting for permission—or an answer. So big, so strong, so beautiful. Every girl wanted him. He could have anyone. But he wanted me—and I wanted him. “This is wrong,” I said through tears. He smiled and resumed kissing me, this time more tenderly than before, and I gave in again. My mind screamed that this was wrong, but my body couldn’t resist his touch. He tore off my lace underwear and continued to stroke the insides of my thighs. I instinctively ran my fingers through his thick black hair, arching with pleasure. Then he lifted his wild, golden eyes to meet mine. “What’s wrong is how long you’ve been pushing me away, Clara. You’re my mate—never forget that.” He buried his lips between my legs, and I lost all control, my body and voice betraying me in a cry—or was it a growl—of primal pleasure. “Clara! Clara, wake up!” It was my roommate shouting. I opened my tear-stuck eyes and looked at her, still unsure what was real and what was a dream. “What?” I groaned. “Why did you wake me up?” “Why? You were screaming so loudly I thought you were having another nightmare,” my friend pouted. “I’m fine,” I laughed, remembering the dream. “Although I wish it had been a nightmare.” “What were you dreaming about?” she asked, confused. “Was it… an erotic dream?” I blushed—and she understood. “Who was it? Daniel? Spill it. Now.” “I’m not telling you anything,” I muttered, throwing off the blanket. “I’m taking a shower. We can get coffee afterward.” As I turned on the water, the dream replayed in my mind. It wasn’t a nightmare. It was worse. It was a vision—so vivid and painful—that had haunted me for the past three years. It was the reason I lost my home. The reason my brother died. All because of a random encounter… one I wouldn’t even call a meeting. Three years ago… As Ashton Clark’s daughter, I always got what I wanted. Or at least, I thought I did. Clothes, bags, jewelry, spontaneous vacations—I had it all. I had a great relationship with my parents, my older brother, and sister. We were like a perfect family from a lifestyle blog—until I learned the truth. “We’re not exactly human, Clara,” my mother tried to explain. “Is this a joke? Are there hidden cameras, Mom?” “You’re not a child anymore,” my father said firmly. “I know, but what does that mean—we’re not exactly human? Are we werewolves?” I joked. “Not exactly, sweetheart,” my mother continued. “We belong to an ancient clan of werewolves,” my father said, “but our family lost the ability to take our true form long ago.” “No. This has to be a prank. And if it is—it’s not funny.” “I understand it sounds impossible,” Mom said gently, “but it’s the truth. It’s time for you to learn about our world, Clara.” “Learn what, exactly? If this is all real, why are you only telling me now?” “It’s the rule,” Dad answered dryly. “The truth is too heavy a burden for a child. You must be of age to carry it.” “So you’re saying Victor and Dara know everything?” “Yes,” my mother nodded. “And they’ve accepted the laws of our pack.” “Our pack?” “Our world—the world of wolves,” Dad said, choosing his words carefully, “ has a strict hierarchy we must follow by birthright. To survive, wolves form packs. Each member has a role. Breaking pack law can mean death—or exile, which is no better. Each pack is led by an Alpha, the strongest male, chosen by birth. The Alpha decides everything—where we live, who holds what rank, who protects the territory. He holds absolute power and may use it however he chooses. Most often, the Alpha is kind to all members, protective of the young. The first law of the pack is complete submission to the Alpha. Every Alpha has a mate—an Alpha female. She is the only one compatible by blood and the only one who can bear him a true heir, a future Alpha. Her role is to control the behavior of the other females. The freedom of she-wolves depends on her will and her character.” “Then you and Mom must be Alphas,” I smiled. “Not quite,” my mother said. “We’re Betas,” Dad explained. “ Loyal members of the pack. In peaceful times, Betas live independent lives—we have our own business, family, leisure—but when we come of age, we swear loyalty to the Alpha. You’ll do that in a week, Clara.” “Your life will change forever. Childhood is over. You’ll become a full member of the Moonlight Pack,” Dad concluded. “Our pack is the Moonlight Pack, sweetie,” Mom explained. “It’s a great honor to belong to it—one of the strongest, largest packs. We are feared and respected in the wolf world.” “There are other packs?” I asked without thinking. “Yes, but that’s for later. Some are neutral, and we cooperate in business or at social events. But there are two we avoid. They want domination, they glorify bloodshed. Fortunately, our Alpha is wise enough not to fall for their provocations.” “Ashton, let her adjust first. Politics can wait. Let her understand who she is,” Mom said. “Fine. We’ll introduce you to Roxanna next week,” Dad said. “Who’s that?” “She’s our Alpha,” Mom smiled. “The Alpha’s mate and the mother of the future.” “She liked Dara a lot. I think she’ll be enchanted by you too, Clara. There’s something special about you,” Dad said. “You know, when you were born, your irises were golden. After three days, they turned green—but when you were angry or very happy, they would flash gold for a second.” “Really? I never noticed,” I said, surprised. “It’s true. But don’t tell anyone—we don’t want to attract attention.” “So now what? Do I go on with my life as usual, or is everything changing?” “After you meet Roxanna, you’ll learn everything,” Mom said. “Is that all, or are you going to tell me Uncle Edward’s a vampire too?” I teased. “Don’t joke, Clara. You’ll be eighteen in a week,” Dad snapped. “Okay, okay, don’t get mad. It’s just… hard to believe my family belongs to a werewolf clan.” “Go to your room. Rest before dinner. Victor is coming today.” “You should’ve led with that!” I said, grabbing my phone to message my brother.