The Rogue Luna Memory

The music was the first thing she heard—a loud, heavy drumbeat that shook the floor under her shoes. ​Then came the smell. Pine trees, wet dirt, and that strange metal scent that always meant dangerous wolves were nearby. ​Sienna blinked against the bright lights above her. The big room was a blur of people in suits and fancy dresses, all smiling and clapping. Gold decorations hung from the ceiling. ​She looked down at herself. ​White lace was wrapped tight around her waist. A long dress trailed on the floor behind her. Silver thread sparkled on her sleeves. ​A wedding dress? ​Sienna’s heart started pounding. She tried to remember how she got here. ​Cold rain. Mud along the forest border. Running away from the guards. ​That was it. That was her last memory. She was a rogue wolf, starving and hiding in the woods. ​So why was she in a huge palace, wearing a dress that cost more money than she had ever seen? ​"You’re spacing out again, my Luna." ​The voice was deep, smooth, and full of power. ​Sienna turned her head slowly. ​Standing right next to her was a giant of a man. He had wide shoulders in a black suit, a sharp jawline, and messy dark hair. But his eyes were what scared her most. ​Gold like a wild wolf. He was a high-ranking Alpha. ​His big, rough hand was resting on her lower back. The heat of his palm burned through her dress. ​"The pack elders are watching, Sienna," the man whispered. A small, rare smile touched his lips. "Give them one last dance, and then we can leave." ​He bent his head down toward her neck—toward her collarbone, where a fresh, red bite mark stung against her skin. ​He was about to kiss her. ​Panic shot through Sienna’s chest. ​He’s an Alpha. He’s marking you. ​Her body moved before her brain could stop it. Sienna put both hands against his chest and shoved him away with all her strength. ​The sudden push caught him off guard. He stumbled back a step, his shoes sliding on the smooth floor. ​The music stopped instantly. ​Across the room, all the talking died down. Hundreds of people turned and stared right at them. ​"Sienna?" The man’s voice dropped. His smile vanished, and his gold eyes narrowed. "What are you doing?" ​"Don't touch me!" Sienna backed up, her heavy dress catching on her feet. She raised her hands to protect herself. "Stay back! Who are you?!" ​A loud gasp went through the crowd. ​An older woman nearby dropped her glass, sending it smashing onto the floor. Near the doors, two guards reached for their weapons. ​The Alpha didn't move. He stood frozen, looking at her like he couldn't believe what he was seeing. ​"Sienna," he said slowly. He took one careful step forward and raised his hands to show he was peaceful. "Look at me. It’s me. It’s Silas." ​"I don't know a Silas!" she yelled, her voice bouncing off the high walls. Her heart was beating like crazy. "I don't know who you are! I don't know where I am! Get away from me!" ​Silas stared at her. All the color drained from his face. ​For a second, the powerful Alpha looked completely heartbroken. ​Then, his eyes turned a scary, dark red. ​A wave of intense, dangerous energy burst out of him. It was so strong that a few wolves in the crowd fell to their knees. ​"Everyone out," Silas growled. ​People didn't move fast enough. ​"OUT!" he roared. ​The crowd panicked and ran for the doors, dropping their food and drinks as they rushed to escape. In seconds, the huge room was empty. Only the two of them were left. ​Silas took a step toward her. His red eyes were locked on hers, full of anger and pain. ​"Five minutes ago, we made our promises," Silas said, his voice shaking. He pointed at the fresh bite mark on her neck. "Five minutes ago, you let me mark you. You called me your husband." ​Sienna looked down at her neck, then back at the terrifying stranger. ​"You're lying," she whispered, her voice trembling. "I would never marry someone like you.”