The Alpha's Forbidden Luna

Evelyn’s POV In my five years of organizing weddings, the one lesson I learned was that wealthy folks had a unique kind of craziness. I was standing in my small, overly warm office on the outskirts of downtown Atlanta, looking at an email that had entered into my inbox as if by magic. No salutation, no context. Just a phrase. "You have been chosen to organize a private event at Ravenwood Estate." Further information will be provided. Reply if interested. "Ample remuneration assured." That was the end. No title. No date provided. Nothing. "Scam," I murmured, sipping my hot coffee while I read the message. “Surely this is a fraud.” However, there was something about it that disturbed me. The term "Ravenwood Estate" flashed before my memory yet I couldn't pinpoint its origin. I tapped the link in the email to get more information about the place but all I saw was merely coordinates, not even a real place. A multitude of woodlands. Paths with no sign posts. No structures. A chill sensation ran down my spine. However, I noticed the figure in the second email that arrived two minutes after: $50,000 in advance. In addition, a bonus will be provided upon completion. I lowered myself carefully, my legs failing to follow my brain's instructions. I had fifteen dollars in my bank account. Fifteen. My previous client disappeared after I organized a bridal shower she said “lacked emotional depth.” Whatever that was supposed to mean. My rent was past due. My vehicle emitted a noise similar to a dying goat whenever I inserted the key. Fifty thousand dollars can fix many issues. Yet, there was something about the entire situation that seemed…wrong. I clicked reply regardless. “Engaged. When should we talk?“ The reply arrived in just a few seconds. “You depart tomorrow. The car will get here at 7 a.m. Only take necessities. You will be away for a week. Phone usage restricted due to confidentiality agreement. The contract and advance will be provided this evening.” I closed my eyes momentarily. Seven days. No mobile device. Remote location. What on earth is this kind of wedding? The contract came three hours later in an elegant black envelope, personally delivered by a man in a gray suit who looked like a bodyguard more than a delivery person. He said nothing—merely passed it over and left. It felt weighty in my hands. The document within was official, bound in heavy, cream-coloured paper, and sealed with a wax insignia I didn’t know - a wolf howling beneath a crescent moon and with the inscription “ShadowFang”. Strange, but it didn't matter. I turned the pages. The conditions were clear. I would be employed by "The Thorn Client," organizing a private ritual for one night, referred to as "a conventional, spiritual unity ceremony." That was as unclear as one could be without saying anything at all. However, the payment clause was genuine. The funds would be transferred that evening. No refunds will be issued if I change my mind after the trip has started. While I was through reading the contract, I signed. Two hours later, my phone vibrated. The deposit had arrived. $50,000 received I gazed at the figures on the display for an entire minute. Was this genuine? The following morning arrived quickly. At exactly 7 a.m., a shiny black SUV arrived in front of my apartment. The driver remained quiet. He was large, sturdy and wore sunglasses despite the cloudy weather. I got in with my carry-on and garment bag, feeling unexpectedly anxious. “Are we attending a wedding or a memorial service?” I attempted to make a joke. He didn't show any reaction. We traveled for hours by car. The city transitioned into suburbs, followed by rolling hills, and then dense forests. By midday, we had ventured far into the wild, with the road resembling more of a dirt track than anything else. My phone received no signal. I had officially disconnected from the grid. The silence in the vehicle was heavy. I peeped out of the window, observing the trees streak by, thinking about the kind of rich folk who resided so far from society. And what is the reason for the secrecy? Finally, we eased up. The trees gave way to show a huge iron gate, so high that I had to tilt my head back to see the top. Dark vines coiled around the bars, and etched into the metal was the identical wolf symbol I had noticed on the contract. The driver pushed a button. The gate creaked as it opened. We drove up a gravel path that wound among towering pines. Then I saw it- Ravenwood Estate. It felt as if it were from a dream. The mansion emerged as a shadowy gem in the woods, crafted from stone and aged timber, its spires reaching into the fog. It appeared old, yet flawless. Every window was clean. The lawn was untamed yet stunning, with lavender and dark ivy twisting around the foundation of the building. As I alighted from the vehicle, I sensed it; that vibration, like the atmosphere was filled with something invisible. My skin tingled. “Welcome to Ravenwood,” the driver remarked coldly. "Thank you," I whispered, fixing my coat. “This place is...” However, I did not complete it. At the top of the stone steps stood a man. High yet clothed in black from top to bottom. And observing me as if he was already aware of every thought in my mind. Our eyes locked, and something within me skipped. My breath stopped. His eyes were an unusual, light silver. Not dull. Not blue. Simply...silver. Similar to moonlight captured in a tempest. "You’re the wedding planner, right?" he said. His voice had depth. Sleek. Similar to velvet on metal. "Sure, Evelyn Whitlock." He offered a slight nod but didn’t come close to welcome me. "Come. There is a lot for us to talk about. The event will take place in four days.” As I went in after him, I couldn’t ignore the sensation creeping up my back. This was not a wedding. At least, not the type I was familiar with.