A Hidden Crown

Chapter 2: Not Him

Chapter Two

Lyla

Fairy lights laced the pack house porch and spilled across the lawn, throwing gold spotlights on anyone nearby. Tables were spread out, topped with white tablecloths and a glass wolf centerpiece.

Michael Rivers had officially completed his alpha training and was returning to take back over his father, Alpha O’Ryan’s, pack. He was the last piece of the puzzle. His uncle, Alpha Donnie, had planned a welcome home party for him, and all the pack members were to be in attendance.

When I arrived, all the girls were dressed to impress because Michael was returning without a Luna, and every girl wanted to fill the position. My father wasn’t strict, but he taught me the best way to survive was to blend in with your environment. I made sure that I wasn’t flashy but still stylish. I wore a black dress, no jewelry, little to no make-up. If something were to happen, I could hide in the shadows.

Everyone started cheering when a black SUV with tinted windows pulled up, pulling me from my thoughts. Josh, the driver for the Alpha, stepped out and opened the door. Tafari exited the SUV first. Michael’s Beta. He looked taller than before. His long, curly black hair was now short. His onyx skin sparkled when the light hit him. He’d filled out since he left. He was a giant stalk of well-defined muscles. He sported a warm, confident, and white smile.

Michael exited the car next. He was inches taller than Tafari. Not bulky, not showy. He was lean, cut. The way his shirt outlined the strength in his arms.

I could feel my wolf stirring under my skin. What is it, girl? I asked her. She didn’t respond, but that was nothing new. I knew how she felt about Michael; in her heart, she would always be his beta.

My relationship with Michael was complicated. When we were younger, he lost control of his wolf, and I ended up in the hospital. It wasn’t his fault, and he didn’t do it on purpose. My dad was furious at Michael and even more so at me because I, a wolf-less wolf, had tried to calm him down and could have been killed.

I kept my distance from Michael, scared of his strength, but over time, our friendship mended. Mending and mixing, blurring the lines between friends and something more. Closing my eyes, inhaling deeply, I prayed silently that Michael wasn’t my mate. Not when I was so unsure of how he would react when he found out I have a wolf. I waited until they made the big announcement before attempting to dip out. I was getting ready to leave when I heard someone yell my name.

“Lyla! I’m so glad you came out tonight,” my friend Shantel shouted happily, while wrapping me in her arms. She was letting it all hang out. I admired her confidence. She wasn’t afraid of being herself, and she loved hard. She was taller than me with red hair, very curvy, and light brown eyes. She treated me like a sister, and I did the same. Shantel and I did almost everything together. She would convince me to sneak out to parties, try to make me go out on dates, and just about anything crazy she could come up with.

“Hey, love. Yeah, I only came out to welcome our alpha home. I’m going to head back home now,” I replied, letting go of our hug.

“No, you must stay. Listen, just because Logan rejected me doesn’t mean you can’t find your mate tonight.”

She had a smile on her face, but I knew deep down she was hurting. Logan was never a good mate to Shantel. He was constantly cheating and blaming her for it. After a year of mistreating her, he rejected her for some wolf in another pack. Not wanting to upset her, this was supposed to be a fun night for everyone. “You’re right, but let's not ponder over the past or the future. Let’s just party and have fun,” I replied.

“Yes, let’s shake it till we pass out,” she yelled joyfully.

I let Shantel drag me into the crowd. Dancing until my feet ached, until laughter burned in my throat. Eventually, I slipped away, aiming for a table that wasn’t too far from my friends.

That’s when I felt the tap on my shoulder.

“Lyla?”

When I turned around, I met a pair of emerald eyes and a familiar grin.

“Hey Ian!” I said, with excitement. “It’s been a minute, hasn’t it?” Ian had left after high school to travel with his dad.

“It has. How have you been?” he asked, pulling me in for a hug.

“I’ve been well, thank you,” I said, breaking away from the hug. “Are you here to stay?”

“I only came for the party. I’ll be leaving back out to visit my mate.”

His tone was questionable for someone who had just found his mate. He should sound excited, in love. “Why the face?” I asked as I continued to walk to the table I wanted to sit at.

He rubbed the back of his head nervously. “I was thinking about the plans we had made.”

I chuckled, “Don’t tell me you’re feeling bad because we won’t be chosen mates?” We had made a silly pact that we would choose each other if we didn’t find ours. It was his idea. I just went along with it to pacify him.

“No,” he said childishly. “I just don’t want you to be alone.”

There was genuine concern in his eyes. “You don’t have to worry about me. I’ll be fine,” I said, but he didn’t seem convinced. “I’m happy you found the one made for you. Will I ever get to meet her, or will you two be busy traveling the world together?”

“You know me better than anyone in this pack, Lyla,” he said with a chuckle.

“Just don’t keep her away from us for too long,” I teased. “Or I will have to assume you’re lying.”

He laughed. “I hope you find your mate.”

“Bye, Ian,” I said, rolling my eyes.

I watched my friends party their hearts out. I liked seeing them enjoy themselves. It was like nothing could stop them from living their best lives.

The wind turned the smell of citrusy moss mixed with sweet jasmine, which hit me like a ton of bricks. My wolf was going insane, and my body began to heat up.

His scent became stronger as he walked closer, stalking me like I was his prey. It took everything I had to keep my face neutral. I played human: breathe, blink, smile like nothing’s wrong. Tucking one hand under my thigh and resting my other hand on my arm, I pinched myself, ignoring the pull to latch myself to him.