My eyes snapped open. I gripped the door handle without thinking, yanked it open, and stepped inside.
The scent—juniper and spice—was stronger now. Overwhelming.
I’d always figured my mate must be from another pack. No one here ever stirred that reaction in me. But no one was supposed to arrive until tomorrow. Why was someone already here?
Across the cabin’s small living room, I spotted a tall, muscular figure—an Alpha—carrying luggage toward the bedroom. He turned at the sound of the door opening.
And my entire world stopped.
His eyes—deep emerald—locked onto mine, and something ancient and electric passed between us.
The pull of the mate bond slammed into me like a wave.
He took a few long strides toward me, and suddenly he was standing just inches away. He was massive, even more imposing up close. I wasn’t small—I stood at 5’10 and carried natural muscle from years of labor—but next to him, I felt petite. He must have been at least 6’5, his chest broad and sculpted like those marble statues in ancient history books. Wavy, coal-black hair was slicked back, though one rebellious lock had slipped free, brushing his chiseled cheekbone.
He’s perfect.
And he’s… mine.
Then fear crept in.
He’s an Alpha. What if he doesn’t want an omega like me?
Before I could spiral any further, he lifted his hand and gently cupped my cheek, tilting my face to look up at him. His touch sent sparks rippling across my skin, igniting every nerve ending in a blissful hum. His gaze wasn’t curious—it was reverent, like he was seeing the divine.
We barely had a second of stillness before he leaned in and claimed my lips.
His mouth crashed into mine, passionate and consuming. His arm slid around my waist, and he lifted me like I weighed nothing. I gasped, my legs wrapping around his waist by instinct.
“Mate,” he growled against my ear.
The sound of his voice sent shudders down my spine. Raw and deep. Alpha.
He carried me through the doorway into the bedroom, our mouths still locked in a feverish kiss. My hands threaded into his thick hair, pulling him closer, greedily savoring the taste of him.
His body pressed into mine as he laid me back against the bed, lips never leaving mine. My wolf howled with delight, her energy flooding my chest.
Heat bloomed between my thighs, and I couldn’t stop the quiet whimper that escaped me as I felt his hardness grind against my core. I was already soaked—my body responding instinctively, helplessly, to his touch. My scent filled the air, thick with arousal.
He groaned low in his throat, inhaling deeply.
The sound alone made me moan, my mouth parting just enough for his tongue to slide in and explore mine. The kiss grew deeper, hungrier. His hands gripped my hips as he moved over me, pinning me like a predator claiming his prize.
And I wanted to be claimed.
I had heard stories—of how intense the mate bond was, how no other touch could compare—but this… this was consuming.
For a moment, I forgot who I was. Forgot where we were. There was only his scent, his touch, his lips.
But then a sliver of clarity broke through the haze.
I don’t even know his name.
I pulled back slightly, breathing hard, resisting the urge to pull him closer again.
“Wait…” I said, chest heaving. “Before we go any further… can we just talk? For a minute?”
He paused, lips brushing mine as he breathed heavily.
“Of course, my beautiful mate.” His voice was like velvet soaked in whiskey. “Forgive me. I didn’t speak because I couldn’t believe the moon goddess had blessed me like this.”
A blush crept up my cheeks at his words.
I’d never been complimented like that before—never looked at like I was worth more than a tray of dishes or a clean floor. Yet somehow, in just a few moments, he made me feel like I was priceless.
He sat up and pulled me gently onto his lap, wrapping his arms around me as if I might vanish.
“What would you like to know, little wolf?” he asked, his voice amused, curious.
“Well,” I said, smiling shyly, “your name would be a good start… maybe where you’re from?”
He chuckled softly, a glint of mischief in his emerald eyes.
“My name is Wyatt Kingston. I’m Alpha of what used to be the High Moon Pack. And now… you will be my Luna.”
My breath caught as he nuzzled into the crook of my neck, inhaling deeply.
“And now,” he whispered, “tell me about my gorgeous mate.”
For a second, I hesitated.
“I’m… Ginger Blue,” I said quietly. “I’m an omega servant in the Red Moon Pack.”
I looked down, shame bubbling up from deep inside. Even Amethyst, usually so quiet, bowed her head slightly. She didn’t speak, but I could feel the sting of doubt coiling inside her too.
What if we’re not enough for him?
But she spoke up quickly, her voice gentle and firm. He’s our mate. He will love us no matter what. The goddess makes no mistakes.
Warmth spread across my cheek again. Wyatt had lifted my chin, his eyes finding mine.
“You will never serve anyone again as long as I live,” he said, every word wrapped in conviction. “I have waited nine long years to find you. I will do anything to make you happy.”
My heart swelled at his words. No one had ever spoken to me like that. Not even once.
I leaned into his chest, letting myself feel the safety of his arms around me. Still, anxiety buzzed faintly beneath the surface. This bond was powerful—too powerful. I couldn’t help but worry it would all disappear.
But Wyatt held me tighter, as if he already knew I needed reassurance.
“You don’t have to prove anything to me,” he murmured, pressing a soft kiss to my temple. “You are mine. That’s all that matters.”
I nodded into his chest, burying my face against his warm skin.
For the first time in my life, I felt like I belonged to someone.
Then a loud noise shattered the moment—a crash, followed by raised voices from the front of the cabin.
Wyatt immediately stiffened beneath me. His eyes snapped toward the bedroom door, jaw tightening.
I pulled back, instincts kicking in. “That sounded like the front door.”
Wyatt growled low in his throat and stood, placing himself in front of me protectively. His entire body shifted into Alpha mode. I felt myself folds dampen even more seeing him in this state already.
“Stay here,” he ordered, then softened. “Please. I’ll handle it.”
But I stood up too.
“I’m coming with you,” I said firmly, surprising even myself.
His eyes flickered with something like pride… and maybe love.
He nodded once, and we moved toward the door together.