Scarred by Moonlight

Chapter 11: Uninvited Intrigues

The morning after the dramatic introduction of Olrun’s newfound cousin found Olrun pacing his office at Obsidian Securities. The sleek, modern space was all glass walls and polished metal, reflecting the tense atmosphere within. Ryker lounged in a chair, feet propped on Olrun’s desk, while Kade leaned against the doorframe, his sharp eyes watching the Alpha’s every movement. Grayson, ever composed, sat on a couch, flipping through a slim black tablet. For once his sharp mind was focused on business in front of him.

Olrun ran a hand through his hair, his frustration palpable. “He says he’s my uncle Alastair’s son. Alessandro Valleno-Blackfyre. I’ve never heard of this man, never seen him. How the hell is this possible?”

Ryker let out a low whistle. “Quite the mouthful. Makes him sound like he’s ready to storm a castle.”

Kade smirked. “Sounds like someone looking to make a quick buck off of the fact that your Uncle Alastair can’t keep it in his pants.”

Olrun shot them both a glare, his voice tight. “This isn’t a joke. The man looks exactly like me.”

Grayson finally looked up from his tablet, his tone matter-of-fact. “Given Alastair’s globetrotting and philandering, it’s plausible. He’s left enough chaos in his wake. Bastards don’t exactly come with a family reunion RSVP.”

Maybe not,” Ryker said, swinging his legs off the desk. “But this one has impeccable timing. Twenty-three? Twenty-four? What’s he after? A warm welcome or the Blackfyre fortune?”

“Both,” Kade muttered, crossing his arms. “Even so, bastards don’t come knocking on doors like this without a reason.”

Olrun growled low in his throat. “I’m not taking any chances. Grayson, schedule a DNA test. I want it done yesterday. Kade, dig into Alessandro’s past. I want to know everything—his friends, his enemies, all of it.

“On it,” Kade said, his tone brisk as he pulled out his phone. Olrun had all faith that Kade had already been digging into Alessandro but was waiting for an official order. It was just how the man was.

“Ryker, keep an eye on him. If he so much as sneezes wrong, I want to know.”

Ryker swung his feet off the desk and stood. “Got it. Babysitting duty it is.”

Olrun’s wolf, Atlas, stirred to life then, his deep voice growling in Olrun’s mind. There’s something off about him, Olrun. I can feel it.

Olrun froze mid-step. You’re finally talking to me again.

Olrun had, of course, released Atlas from the recesses of his mind only hours after locking him away. But Atlas was stubborn and proud, and that had meant that he hadn’t spoken a word to his human counterpart. Not even the kiss with River had stirred him, because Atlas knew –feared- that Olrun would screw it up again.

Don’t get used to it, Atlas replied. I’m still mad, but I’m honor-bound to protect you. Alessandro feels…wrong.

The Alpha clenched his fists, irritation bubbling beneath his skin. He didn’t have time to sort through the tension with his wolf now. “Fine,” he muttered aloud, earning a confused look from Grayson. “Meeting adjourned. Get to work.”

Hours later, Olrun prowled the packhouse, Alessandro’s arrival still gnawing at him. By all accounts, the man seemed genuine—charismatic, friendly, eager to bond—but Olrun couldn’t shake the sense that something was amiss. To keep him under control, Olrun had granted Alessandro a room in the packhouse, ensuring he’d stay under close watch. What was the saying? Keep your friends close, enemies closer.

He’d had breakfast in the packhouse dining hall with Alessandro that morning. By all accounts he seemed normal, and the pack took to him well enough. Besides the double takes their way, the she-wolves were practically tripping over themselves to get a peek at him, but that was to be expected. He was cheerful and seems warm and friendly, but Olrun had already made up in his mind that he didn’t trust the bastard.

Nevertheless, Olrun trusted that if there was any ulterior motives at play, his most trusted wolves would sniff it out. And in the event that he was genuine, well, no one needed to know he was suspicious in the first place.

He was so lost in his thoughts that he hadn’t realized he’d walked into the foyer. Not until the scent of whiskey and a summer’s breeze hit him face on. He hadn’t expected to cross paths with River Daniels—or for her to look the way she did.

He spotted her at the base of the grand staircase, talking with Ashley. River’s laughter rang out, light but laced with something teasing, and then Olrun saw her.

And she looked… devastating.

The burgundy velvet dress clung to her curves like a second skin, its hem teasingly short, showcasing her long, toned legs. Her burgundy-streaked hair fell in loose waves over her bare shoulders, and her whiskey-colored eyes sparkled with mischief as she spoke.

Olrun’s wolf, Atlas, growled low in his mind. Mate.

Ashley was saying something, her silver mini-dress catching the light, but Olrun couldn’t focus. His world had narrowed to River, standing there, looking like a goddess sent to torment him.

She caught sight of him, her gaze locking onto his with a challenge. He crossed the space in a heartbeat, his voice a low growl. “River.”

He crossed the foyer in a few long strides, his voice a low growl. “River.”

She turned, her whiskey-colored eyes meeting his with a mixture of annoyance and challenge. “Yes, Alpha?”

“Where are you going dressed like that?” he demanded.

River arched an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed by his tone. “Out.”

The growl that escaped Olrun’s throat threatened to shake every window in the building. “River, unless you want to end up tied to my bedpost. I suggest you tell me, where the f**k you’re going.”

Ashley snorted beside her. “We’re going to Howler’s.”

Olrun’s jaw tightened. Howler’s was infamous—a hookup spot for wolves looking to blow off steam. The thought of River there, surrounded by leering males, made his wolf roar in protest.

“You’re not going,” he said, his voice cold.

River stepped closer, her tone icy. “Excuse me?”

“I said you’re not going,” Olrun repeated, towering over her. His hands itched to grab her, to pull her closer and wipe that defiant look from her face, but he held himself back.

River crossed her arms, unfazed. “Last I checked, I’m single and MATELESS, so if I want to go to a bar, I’ll go to a bar. No one controls me.”

“You’re in my pack,” he growled. “And as your Alpha, you do answer to me, Little Wolf. And I said, you’re not f*****g going, River!”

River’s eyes flashed with anger, but before she could retort, Ashley grabbed her arm. “Come on, River. We’re going to be late, babe .”

River shot Olrun one last glare before letting Ashley pull her toward the door. The sight of her walking away, her hips swaying in that damn dress, was almost too much.

The door closed behind them, and Olrun stood frozen for a moment, his fists clenched at his sides. Then he pulled out his phone and dialed.

“Ryker,” he barked. “Get dressed. We’re going out.”

The interior of Howler’s was dimly lit, the air thick with the scent of alcohol, perfume, and wolf pheromones. The music was loud, the bass thrumming in Olrun’s chest as he and Ryker walked in.

Olrun’s eyes scanned the crowd, his wolf pacing in the back of his mind. It didn’t take long to spot River and Ashley. They were at the bar, laughing and sipping on brightly colored drinks.

River’s dress shimmered under the club lights, and she looked more radiant—and more infuriating—than ever. A group of male wolves hovered nearby, clearly interested, but River paid them no mind. Just as soon as her eyes raked over then, she was looking away and giggling with Ashley.

Ryker nudged Olrun. “There’s your girl. You gonna claim her or keep growling from a distance?”

Olrun ignored him, his eyes fixed on River. She turned slightly, and for a brief moment, their gazes met. Her expression was unreadable, but Olrun could see the fire in her eyes.

Mine, Atlas snarled in his mind.

Olrun took a step forward, determined to close the distance between them, but Ryker grabbed his arm. “Careful, Alpha. If you lose your temper here, it won’t end well.”

Olrun hesitated, his wolf urging him forward, but his Beta was right. For now, he would watch and wait. But one thing was certain—River Daniels was not leaving Howler’s without him by her side.

Olrun stood at the edge of the dance floor, his eyes locked on River as she moved to the pumping music, her body swaying to the rhythm. That dress! The way it ride up just a little to taunt him. His possessiveness grew with every second, his resolve hardening. If River thought she could ignore him, she was about to learn just how wrong she was.