BOUND BY THE ALPHA'S DARK SECRET

Chapter 1

A New Beginning, A Dark Proposal”

Ariana’s POV

Standing near the brink of the Bloodmoon Pack's domain, I smelt pine and moist ground. Before me, the jungle opened out large and menacing. I used to take solace in the far faint howl of wolves. It now simply brought back the life I was bidding farewell to, the one I was free from. Though I didn't let it show, the suffering of the dead mate link still bit me. Nobody should be able to view the damage hidden far down inside.

I was not Ariana today—the betrayed friend. I was another thing. I stood in for someone else.

Breathing deeply, I moved further across into Sebastian Thornfield's territory, a territory dotted with wolves under one of the most strong and lethal Alphas in the area. Sebastian lacked Luca in every way. Sebastian was chilly and deliberate, whereas my previous friend was a charmer, fast with false promises. He stayed a mystery even though he governed with an iron hand. Not even the tales about him could clearly depict the man—or wolf—who oversaw this ferocious group.

I came here nevertheless, for safety, not first. I arrived in search of retribution.

The sound of leaves beneath let me know another was there. Knowing full well who it would be, my senses had already detected the aroma of the approaching person, and I steeled myself.

Little Wolf, you live on treacherous terrain. Sebastian's voice was low and as cold as the night breeze blowing across the woods. Though I kept my stance straight, reluctant to exhibit weakness, it made me shiver down my spine.

"I know," I said, my voice firm and my eyes fixed unbroken. I turned gradually to meet him. Sebastian was a few steps away, his tall, strong physique defined by the low light coming through the trees. His black hair was pushed back, and as if he could read my every thought, those sharp blue eyes appeared to look right through me.

"Why are you here??" His voice more inquisitive than aggressive, he asked.

I refused to be intimidated and squarely addressed his stare. "I came to give you something."

Though his lips curled into a small grin, it did not reach his eyes. And what else may that be?

"Revenge," I said, just as plain. " On Luca."

When his son came up, Sebastian's smile disappeared. His face grew stiff, and I sensed his energy changing. The air between us got tight and laden with unsaid resentment.

And why would I wish to support you in that regard? Sebastian's eyes closed as he examined me closely.

Stepping forward, I answered, "Because I know what he's planning." "I understand his behind your back behavior. And I understand you have been waiting for the appropriate occasion to correct him.

Though he said nothing, his eyes flicked with curiosity. I could see the wheels moving in his head, the computation underneath those cool blue eyes.

"I want him to suffer," I said, low and steady. "I want him to experience the type of suffering he has caused me. And you presumably desire the same as well. Has Luca not been a thorn in your side for years? This is your last opportunity to properly dismiss him.

Sebastian said nothing at all for a minute, his face incomprehensible. I inhaled and watched for his reply. Standing before one of the most strong Alphas in the Highlands, I realised I was asking for his support in a personal grudge—a risk. But my only option was none. This was my only chance to have Luca pay.

Sebastian spoke last, his voice cool but with a hint of malice. Ariana, you are engaged in a deadly game.

"I know," I responded, my chest thumping in time. Still, I am not terrified of risk. Not anymore.

For a long time, Sebastian watched me, his eyes fixed on my face as though he were looking for something. He nodded then, a little, almost invisible motion. Excellent. But realise that there is no turning back once you enter my universe. You will have to be ready to pay the cost, whatever your goal is, whatever kind of retribution you pursue.

I spoke without thinking, "I'm willing."

He stepped in front, his presence intimidating. Then we reach an accord.

The weight of the choice I had taken followed me into the Blood Moon estate. Sebastian's great house loomed above me, throwing long shadows in the low evening light. It was a fortification, where authority and control were imposed with a relentless hand, not only a dwelling.

Following Sebastian throughout the large hallways, I was alertly sensing. Wolves watched me from the shadows here, their eyes following every step. I did not inspire their confidence. It seemed obvious to me. And why should they as well? In their Alpha's territory, I was an alien stranger. I came here for one goal, though, not to be accepted.

Sebastian stayed mute as we strolled, his movements methodical and his presence dominating. Something about him appealed to me—something dark and magnetic. He was tougher, colder, and more menacing than Luca. Still, I discovered I was strangely pulled to him.

Sebastian halted and turned to face me at last at the end of the corridor, at a big, oak door.

"This is where you will stay," he continued, his voice as cold as it always is. "for now."

I nodded, passed him, and went inside the room. Though it was roomy, it was hardly furnished; the huge windows let one see the gloomy forest outside. Sebastian's stare on me as I turned to the window weighed me, but I ignored looking back. Not able to. Not right now.

From the doorway, he murmured, "You have one night to rest." His voice lowered now but still loaded with power. "We start tomorrow."

He closed the door behind him, thereby isolating me in the quiet of the room. Heart pounding with expectation, I gazed out into the night. My agenda would really start tomorrow. I would move first toward Luca's ruin tomorrow.

Still, I felt something more was at work as I stood there gazing into the inky blackness of the forest. Sebastian's icy attitude and calculated stare made me uncomfortable. Though Sebastian exceeded my expectations for a merciless Alpha. He was a riddle I wasn't sure I wanted to tackle.

And yet here I was, entering his universe, aware fully that there was no turning back.

A loud, piercing knock sounded in the room as I turned from the window and started to settle down for the evening. My heart leaped, then I hurried across the floor to open the door. I hadn't expected to see a man with dark eyes and a knowing smile so soon—standing in the corridor.

"Hello, Ariana," he murmured, his voice tinged with humor. "We ought to talk."

It was Caleb, Sebastian's beta; the one wolf I knew would complicate everything far more than I had imagined.

Not only was Sebastian among the people observing me. Caleb had his own ideas, and when his eyes locked with mine, I realised I was not merely entering a conflict between father and son. I was stepping into something far, far larger.