Alpha's Stolen Heart

The moon hung high, full and luminous, casting a silver glow across the forest clearing like the blessing of an ancient god. The ceremony grounds had been swept clean, ringed with glowing stones and pine torches that crackled softly in the hush of anticipation. Pack members gathered in a wide crescent, their breath forming soft clouds in the cool autumn air, eyes trained on the two she-wolves waiting just beyond the circle. Ariana stood still, heart pounding beneath her ceremonial cloak. It was white, trimmed in gray fur, the traditional color for an unclaimed female on the night of the Moonbond. The hood had fallen back, revealing the long curtain of her dark hair, streaked with silver—not by age, but by birth. A mark, some had said. An omen. She stood tall anyway. This was supposed to be her moment. Every step of her life had led here—to the night her mate would claim her in front of the pack. The night Alpha Caden would finally speak the words that would bind them in blood, in spirit, in scent. And yet... “Why are your hands shaking?” Liana whispered, voice sugar-sweet as always. She leaned in close, the floral scent of her perfume heavy and cloying. Ariana tried not to flinch. “Because I’m excited. Maybe you should stop clinging to me and let me breathe.” Liana laughed under her breath, tossing her honey-blonde curls behind her shoulder. “Sorry. Just nervous for you.” Nervous. That was one word for it. Ariana studied her once-best friend out of the corner of her eye. Liana had gone above and beyond tonight—her gown hugged her body, gold threads catching the torchlight like fire. Her scent, Ariana noted again, seemed stronger than usual—sharper, almost… familiar. Not hers, but eerily close. “You’re wearing the oil I gave you?” Ariana asked, suddenly uneasy. Liana blinked. “Of course. You said it was a gift. You didn’t want me to?” Ariana opened her mouth, then shook her head. “No, it’s fine. Forget it.” Liana smiled again, but it didn’t reach her eyes. Ariana turned back to the circle. The Elder stood beside the Alpha’s stone, gnarled staff in hand. Mira’s presence was commanding despite her age, her silver hair braided down her back like a woven river. She lifted her staff and the crowd quieted instantly. “Tonight,” Mira intoned, “the Moon shines full over a bond yet to be sealed. Alpha Caden will now step forward and choose his mate—led not by eyes or ambition, but by scent, by soul.” The crowd shifted as the Alpha emerged. Caden stepped into the light, tall and sure, the weight of his title in every confident stride. His dark hair was pulled back, his jaw freshly shaven, and his eyes—those silver-gray eyes that always found Ariana first—swept across the assembled wolves. Ariana straightened. Her heart raced. He would find her. He would follow the pull. She had dreamed it a thousand times—the look in his eyes when the bond snapped into place, when his wolf recognized hers. They hadn’t spoken openly of it, but he’d lingered near her too long. Watched her too often. Everyone had whispered. It had always been her. Caden’s chest rose as he inhaled, the ancient rite beginning. He closed his eyes. Turned. Walked. Not toward her. No. Ariana felt her breath lodge in her throat as he moved in a slow, deliberate arc—and stopped in front of Liana. Every breath left her lungs. Liana’s eyes widened dramatically. Her hand flew to her mouth. “Me?” she whispered, trembling. “Alpha… I—” Caden opened his eyes and nodded once. “Your scent calls to me. The bond is clear.” The clearing erupted in gasps. “No,” Ariana murmured, taking a half-step forward. “That’s not possible. Caden, wait—” He didn’t even look at her. Instead, he took Liana’s hand and drew her into the circle. “The Moon has spoken,” he said. “Tonight, I claim my mate.” Mira hesitated. Her wise eyes flicked toward Ariana, brow furrowed with concern. Ariana’s world tilted. It felt like falling through ice—watching Liana’s lips part in a breathy smile, watching Caden place a reverent kiss on her hand, watching the pack slowly bow in acceptance. Her scent. Her bond. Stolen. “Caden!” Her voice cracked like lightning across the stone. “That’s not your mate! It’s not her scent! She—she did something, I swear—” The Alpha turned to her now, but his gaze was cold, impassive. “Ariana. I understand this is difficult. But don’t humiliate yourself further.” “I’m not—” Her voice faltered as the crowd began to murmur. “She’s jealous.” “She’s always been close to him.” “Poor girl can’t accept it.” Ariana’s hands clenched into fists. Liana pressed a hand to her chest, eyes shimmering with tears. “I didn’t want this, Ari,” she said softly. “I didn’t ask for it.” “You stole it,” Ariana whispered, eyes blazing. “You took something that wasn’t yours.” Caden’s eyes narrowed. “Enough.” And just like that, the weight of his command silenced her. The Elder stepped forward, voice hesitant. “Shall the bond be sealed, Alpha?” “Yes,” Caden said. And before Ariana could speak again, before she could force the truth through her constricted throat, he leaned forward and pressed a kiss to Liana’s neck. Ariana turned and fled into the forest. The sounds of celebration faded behind her—the howls, the cheers, the ancient songs of the bond. Her feet hit the earth hard, heart crashing in her chest like a thunderstorm. Branches tore at her cloak, snagged her hair. She didn’t stop. Not until the trees closed around her, and the weight of betrayal collapsed her to the ground. She had been claimed. Not as a mate. But as a fool.