The growls shook me to my core, low and dangerous, like they were warning me that I didn’t belong here. I pressed myself against the cold wall, wishing I could melt into it, wishing Devon would appear and make all of this stop. My heart beat so loud I was afraid they could hear it.
The tallest of the three stepped forward, her dark hair pulled into a braid, her lips curling over sharp teeth. “So this is her? The little rogue who thinks she’s worthy of an Alpha.”
The others chuckled bitterly, their eyes burning with jealousy and hate.
“I… I didn’t do anything,” I whispered, but my voice shook. My fingers curled into my dress, nails digging into my palms to keep me steady.
They circled me slowly, like predators playing with prey. One of them leaned close enough that her hot breath brushed against my cheek. “You don’t belong here. You’ll ruin him, you’ll ruin us all. Better you leave now before things get… messy.”
Her meaning was clear, and my stomach knotted.
“I’m his mate,” I said, trying to sound stronger than I felt. “Whether you like it or not.”
Laughter echoed off the walls. The sound stung worse than their words.
“Mate?” another sneered. “Devon deserves someone strong, not some scared little girl who looks like she’ll snap in two.” She jabbed a finger into my shoulder, hard enough to push me back against the wall.
I wanted to fight back, to prove I wasn’t weak, but my body refused to move. All the years of being beaten down by my own family came rushing back, choking me with fear.
Before they could strike again, a voice thundered down the hall.
“Enough!”
Devon’s presence filled the space before I even saw him. The she-wolves froze instantly, their eyes wide, ears flattening against their heads. He didn’t even glance at them at first—his eyes were locked on me, searching, worried, protective.
Then he turned his gaze on them, and I had never seen him look so furious. “What do you think you’re doing?”
“Alpha,” one stammered, lowering her head, “we were only—”
“You dare lay a hand on my mate?” His voice was sharp enough to cut through the air. “Do you question my choice?”
The hallway fell silent, so quiet I could hear the rapid pounding of my own heart.
“N-no, Alpha,” they whispered in unison.
“Good. Because if I catch any of you near her again with bad intentions, you’ll regret it.” His growl was low and deadly. “Now leave.”
They scattered instantly, not daring to look back.
Devon’s shoulders softened as he turned to me. He stepped closer, gently cupping my cheek. “Did they hurt you?”
I shook my head, though my body trembled. His hand steadied me, warm and strong.
“I won’t let anyone touch you,” he said firmly. “You’re mine, Adriana. And they will learn to respect that.”
Tears stung my eyes. For the first time in so long, someone was standing up for me—not out of duty, but because they cared.
“Thank you,” I whispered, my voice breaking.
He pulled me into his arms, holding me so tightly that I finally felt safe again. For the first time, I began to believe that maybe I did belong.
I woke the next morning to the warmth of sunlight streaming across my face and the steady sound of Devon’s breathing beside me. For a moment, I forgot all about last night—the threats, the growls, the fear. All I felt was peace, something I hadn’t known in years.
When I shifted slightly, Devon stirred, his arm tightening around my waist as if he didn’t want me to move. His eyes blinked open, still heavy with sleep, but the moment he saw me, a smile tugged at his lips.
“Good morning, Addy.” His voice was low and husky, the kind of sound that sent shivers down my spine.
“Good morning,” I whispered back, trying not to blush under his gaze.
For a while we just lay there, quiet, like the world outside didn’t exist. But peace never lasted long in this place. A sharp knock on the door broke the moment, and Devon’s expression darkened.
“Alpha,” a voice called from the other side. “The council requests your presence.”
Devon let out a sigh, brushing his thumb across my hand before sitting up. “Duty never rests,” he muttered, then looked back at me. “Stay here. Don’t go wandering alone.”
I nodded, though part of me wanted to follow him everywhere. The thought of being left by myself again sent unease curling in my chest.
After he left, I got dressed slowly, trying to keep my thoughts calm. But the moment I stepped out into the hallway, I could feel the stares. Whispers chased me wherever I walked.
“There she is.”
“She’s too soft.”
“She won’t last.”
Each word was like a dagger, but I forced myself to keep my head up. I wouldn’t give them the satisfaction of seeing me break.
As I passed the training grounds, I stopped. Warriors sparred in pairs, their movements sharp and fast, strength radiating from every blow. For a second, I felt that same old ache in my chest—the memory of when I wasn’t allowed to learn, when I was told I was worthless.
But now things were different.
I walked closer, and one of the younger warriors noticed me watching. He smirked and called out, “Want to give it a try, Luna?” His tone was mocking, and laughter rippled through the group.
I clenched my fists, my cheeks burning. I could have walked away, but instead, something inside me snapped.
“Fine,” I said, surprising even myself. “Let’s see what you’ve got.”
The laughter stopped. Eyes widened, whispers rose again, but this time, I didn’t falter. If they wanted to see whether I belonged, I’d show them.
As I stepped into the ring, I felt a fire ignite in me, one that had been buried under years of pain. I wasn’t just Devon’s mate. I was Adriana, and I wasn’t going to let anyone forget it.