THE NIGHT EVERYTHING CHANGED
BETHEL
“Bethel! Hurry up! We need to find our mates before the ceremony is halfway over!”
Elena, my childhood best friend, barged into my room, her emerald silk dress rustling as she hurried across my rug.
“I’m almost ready!” I smoothed down my dark blue gown. “Beryl is practically bouncing against my ribs.”
“Girl, you look stunning,” Elena said, squeezing my shoulders. “Now get moving before we miss everything!”
I was Bethel Ariana Gray, daughter of Beta Gray of the Red Moon Pack. Unlike most wolves, who relied on strength, I trusted my eyes. I noticed everything, from inconsistencies in patrol logs to flaws in defense strategies.
Unfortunately, my sharp eyes hadn't helped me understand Adrian Adric, the man I'd secretly loved for years.
When we were sixteen, I had defended his tactical strategy against a visiting Beta, using historical treaties to prove Adrian was right. Instead of thanking me, he had cornered me afterward and said, “I don't need a Beta's daughter fighting my battles, Bethel. Stay out of my way.”
His words had hurt, but Beryl had always encouraged me to hope.
Wait until our eighteenth birthday, she whispered. Everything will make sense.
Tonight was our joint succession ceremony. Alpha Adric was stepping down to allow Adrian to lead the Red Moon Pack, while my father prepared to pass his Beta duties to my older brother, James.
Elena grabbed my hand, and we entered the crowded ballroom.
Immediately, a rich scent of coconut mixed with warm summer rain overwhelmed my senses.
Beryl howled inside my mind.
“MATE! ARIANA, HE IS HERE!”
My heart raced as I followed the scent through the crowd.
Then I saw him.
Adrian stood near the eastern pillars, surrounded by visiting dignitaries. Before I could approach, a blonde woman from a neighboring delegation wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him.
He didn't pull away. His hand rested on her waist. My heart shattered.
Why would the Moon Goddess pair me with someone who doesn't even care enough to look for me?
“He doesn't know yet,” Beryl whispered hopefully. “Give him a chance.”
I couldn't watch any longer. I hurried toward the arched hallway leading to the gardens, desperate for air.
I had barely crossed the threshold when a strong hand caught my wrist. The coconut scent surrounded me.
“Mate...” Beryl purred.
I turned to face Adrian. His stormy gray eyes widened as the mate bond snapped into place between us.
“It's you,” he murmured.
“Let me go,” I demanded.
His grip loosened, but he didn't move away.
“You felt it too.”
“Of course I did. But you were just kissing another woman!”
His jaw tightened.
“It was political theater. Her father controls a trade route we need. She means nothing to me.”
“Then you should have stopped her.”
He stared at me, something vulnerable flickering beneath his commanding expression.
“You have no idea what you're asking of me, Bethel.”
“Then tell me. But don't expect me to accept half-truths just because the Moon Goddess chose you for me.”
For a moment, neither of us moved.
Adrian slowly raised his hand and brushed my cheek, giving me time to step away.
I didn't.
When he kissed me, I kissed him back. Not simply because the bond demanded it, but because I wanted to believe there was a man beneath the future Alpha's armor. When he lifted me into his arms, I wrapped mine around his neck.
That night, I consciously chose to trust him.
By morning, I would regret it.
Sunlight slipped through the velvet drapes. I woke in unfamiliar silk sheets, smiling as I turned toward Adrian.
He wasn't beside me.
Instead, he stood fully dressed by the window, his posture rigid.
“Adrian?”
His phone buzzed on the nightstand.
He glanced at the screen, and I caught a glimpse of a message from an unknown number.
The council is assembling. Do not let sentimentality compromise the perimeter.
His expression changed. His fingers tightened around the phone before he shoved it into his pocket.
When he turned toward me, the warmth from the night before had vanished.
“Get dressed.”
I sat up, pulling the sheet over my shoulder.
“What's wrong? What was that message?”
“I said get dressed and leave my room.”
My heart began to pound.
“Adrian, last night you said our bond was real.”
“Last night was a mistake.”
I stared at him, waiting for him to take the words back.
He didn't.
“Was everything a lie?” I asked.
He laughed bitterly.
“I was caught up in the excitement of becoming Alpha, and you happened to be there. Don't confuse one night of desire with a future together.”
Beryl whimpered inside my mind.
Adrian looked at me coldly.
“You don't have what it takes to be my Luna.”
I dressed with trembling hands, refusing to let him see me break.
“I don't know what changed between last night and that message on your phone,” I said, meeting his eyes. “But if you want me gone, have the courage to tell me the truth instead of pretending last night meant nothing.”
For a moment, guilt flickered across his face.
Then it disappeared.
“I regret letting it happen. Leave now.”
My heart shattered, but I lifted my chin and walked toward the door.
Before leaving, I turned back.
“You may hold the title of Alpha, Adrian, but treating your mate like trash doesn't make you strong.”
I met his cold gaze.
“It just makes you a coward.”
Then I walked out, closing the door behind me.
I had entered his room believing the Moon Goddess had answered my prayers. I left wondering what could have made my mate turn against me overnight. And I intended to find out.
