The Luna Reborn

Chapter 3

The moon hung high and bright in the night sky as laughter and music filled the night. The party had already begun, and the air was electric with excitement.

Music pulsed through the ground beneath my heels, and lights sparkled overhead like stars. The scent of roasted meat, desserts, and expensive wine lingered in the air causing my tummy to rumble.

I smoothed down the hem of my short, blue dress. It clung to my curves in all the right places, showing off my legs and making me feel like a walking temptation. My hair was styled in soft curls that brushed my shoulders, and my lips were painted a deep wine-red to match my mood. Vickie had squealed when she saw me step out of our apartment.

“Damn, Kris. If the Alpha doesn’t fall to his knees tonight, he’s got to be blind,” she had said, twirling in her own red flair gown that flared with every step she took.

We’d arrived fashionably late. The garden was lit up with fairy lights strung across the trees, tables covered with platters of food and drinks, and a dance floor already full of wolves swaying to the beat. But still, there was no sign of the Alpha.

Typical.

And I had to admit, there were hot dudes in the party. Really hot dude that kept throwing glances at Vickie and I.

We had only just begun dancing when she leaned over and yelled in my ear, “Be right back, bathroom break! Don’t cause trouble while I’m gone.”

I rolled my eyes and gave her a mock salute. “No promises.”

She disappeared into the crowd, leaving me alone. I didn’t mind—honestly, the music was loud and my stomach had started to growl. I wandered toward the food table like a woman on a mission, eyes locked on a chocolate cake that looked sinfully good.

I grabbed a slice and took a bite, moaning softly as it melted on my tongue. Sweet, soft, and absolutely worth the calories. I reached for a glass of wine to wash it down, the cold, fruity drink making me feel lighter instantly.

That was when everything changed.

A hush fell over the crowd like a sudden storm rolling in. The laughter died, the music faded into a low hum, and the air thickened with tension and awe. My senses flared.

I turned, still holding my wine glass, and my heart stuttered in my chest.

The Alpha had arrived.

Kaiden.

He walked in like he owned the night. Which, to be fair, he probably did. Tall, broad-shouldered, and dressed in a black shirt that clung to every muscle on his chest and arms like a second skin. His pants were fitted just right, his boots polished. His eyes were sharp, glowing slightly under the moonlight—eyes that could tear you down or make you melt, depending on his mood.

Every female in the vicinity stood straighter, cheeks reddening. Even the mated ones couldn’t help but stare.

And then—

"Ah!"

Someone bumped into me. My wine glass slipped from my fingers, crashing to the floor with a loud shatter. Wine splattered on the ground, and a sharp gasp echoed through the silence.

Shit.

I raised my head slightly, wishing the ground would swallow me as every single eye turned to my direction.

Including his.

Kaiden's eyes snapped in my direction, and for a second, the world stilled. My breath caught in my throat as our gazes locked. My heart thudded, my wolf stirred, and something deep inside me pulled toward him like it was calling on to me.

“Sorry,” I said sheepishly, offering a weak smile as I lifted both hands in surrender.

He didn’t speak, but his eyes didn’t leave mine. They burned into me, deep and unreadable.

And I—well, I was about to walk toward him, maybe say something bold and stupid, when Vickie magically reappeared at my side and yanked my arm.

"I thought I told you to not start any trouble." She whispered sharply in my ear.

"Yes, you did. But I just had to drop the glass deliberately and start the trouble cause I can't help it." I rolled my eyes, replying sarcastically.

“C’mon, Kris. Don’t start something you’re not ready for,” she whispered with a smirk, dragging me away before I could even think.

The music resumed. The party moved on. But Kaiden’s gaze didn't seem to leave me.

Hours passed and the party was starting to fade as people stumbled home in pairs or packs. My feet ached from dancing, and the wine was definitely making my thoughts a little fuzzier, my limbs a little looser. Vickie and I laughed as we made our way down the path back to our apartment.

“We should crash,” Vickie mumbled, her red heels in her hands, her hair messy from dancing. “I’m done.”

“Go ahead,” I replied, stopping under a tree. The moon was beautiful tonight, full and glowing. “I want to watch the moon for a bit.”

She gave me a mock salute. “Romantic weirdo.”

I giggled. “Guilty.”

Vickie waved goodbye, stumbling slightly before disappearing into the building. I leaned against a stone bench and stared up at the sky, feeling calm, almost… whole.

That was when I felt it—again.

The shift.

The pull.

And before I could even turn, I sensed his presence.

“I see you're alone now.” a deep, velvety voice said behind me.

I turned slowly. Kaiden stood there, hands in his pockets, his eyes glowing faintly in the dark. He looked unfairly good under the moonlight—dangerous and beautiful.

I offered a lazy smile. “Were you stalking me, Alpha?”

His lips twitched. “Would you be scared if I said yes?”

“Should I be?” I shot back, arching a brow.

He stepped closer, and the air between us thickened with something unspoken, something primal. “You were the only one who didn’t look scared of me tonight,” he said quietly. “Even when all eyes were on you.”

“I figured someone should keep it interesting,” I said, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear.

His eyes dipped down my body, slow and unhurried. “You definitely did that.”

The silence stretched, warm and charged. My breath quickened.

“You’re bold,” he said, moving a little closer. “I like that.”

“And you’re trouble,” I whispered, feeling the space between us shrink. “I’m not sure I should like that.”

“But you do,” he said, voice like silk. “Don’t you?”

I didn’t answer. Didn’t need to. My body had already given me away—every cell tuned to his presence.

Then he offered a hand. “Walk with me.”

I stared at his hand, then at him. “Where to?”

“My place.”

The world spun a little. Maybe from the wine. Maybe from his voice. Maybe from the way my stomach flipped at the invitation.

I licked my lips. “If I say yes…”

He leaned down, his lips brushing against my ear, his voice a husky whisper. “Then the night just gets better.”

I slipped my hand into his, heart thundering.

“Lead the way, Alpha.”