Lunas Wildfire

The Alpha’s Claim

I stood in front of the mirror, smoothing my hands down the short black dress I’d chosen for tonight. It clung to my curves in all the right ways, the plunging neckline leaving just enough to the imagination while the hem flirted scandalously with mid-thigh. My long ringlets cascaded over my shoulders, and a dab of gloss on my lips completed the look.

“Fiery and untouchable,” I murmured to myself, smirking as I grabbed my heels from the bed.

Lily and Jackson had insisted on dragging me out tonight. A new wave of visitors was still flooding into the pack for Carter’s official return, and the energy around the territory was infectious. Normally, I’d jump at the chance to let loose, but tonight I had an extra reason to make an entrance.

I wanted to be seen. To feel powerful.

Slipping on my heels, I grabbed my clutch and headed toward the door. I was just reaching for the handle when a knock sounded from the other side.

My heart jumped, and before I could even wonder who it might be, the scent hit me.

Him.

The door opened a crack, and then there he was. Carter.

His towering frame filled the doorway, his sharp jaw tight, his piercing eyes blazing with something primal. He was dressed casually in a fitted black shirt and dark jeans, but even in simplicity, he exuded authority.

And desire.

That desire hit me like a wave as his eyes raked over me, lingering on my exposed legs, the curve of my hips, and the hint of cleavage peeking from the neckline of my dress.

A low growl rumbled from his chest, his hands clenching at his sides. “You’re going out dressed like that?”

I raised an eyebrow, leaning casually against the doorframe. “And what if I am?”

His gaze snapped back to mine, the heat in his eyes undeniable. “Where?”

“With Lily and Jackson,” I said, crossing my arms as a teasing smile played on my lips. “Why? Is there a problem, Alpha?”

Carter took a step closer, his presence suffocatingly magnetic. “Do you always dress like this when you’re going out?” His voice was low, rough, and it sent a shiver down my spine.

“Only when I want to turn heads,” I replied, my tone dripping with challenge.

He growled again, the sound vibrating between us. “Emmaline, you’re playing with fire.”

“Am I?” I said, tilting my head as I took a step closer, closing the distance between us. My heart was racing, but I refused to back down. “What are you going to do about it?”

For a moment, he didn’t respond, his eyes locked on mine. The tension crackled between us, thick and electric. Then his hand shot out, grabbing my wrist gently but firmly.

“Don’t test me,” he warned, his voice dangerously soft.

“Or what?” I whispered, my lips curving into a smirk.

Before I could say another word, he pulled me closer, his other hand sliding to the small of my back. The heat of his touch seared through the thin fabric of my dress, and I sucked in a breath as his face lowered to mine.

“You drive me insane, do you know that?” he murmured, his lips hovering inches from mine.

“That’s the idea,” I said, my voice breathy.

His grip tightened slightly, and I could feel the restraint he was clinging to, the bond pulling us together with a force neither of us could fight. His eyes darkened, his thumb brushing against the pulse point on my wrist.

“I can smell your desire,” he said, his voice low and filled with raw hunger.

I swallowed hard, my teasing façade starting to crack under the intensity of his gaze. “Then do something about it,” I challenged, my voice softer now.

For a moment, I thought he might. His lips were so close, his breath warm against my skin. But then he pulled back, releasing me and stepping away.

“You’re mine, Emmaline,” he said, his voice steady but filled with promise. “And when the time comes, you’ll know it.”

The air left my lungs as he turned and walked away, his broad shoulders disappearing down the path.

I stood there for a moment, my heart racing and my skin tingling.

The night was far from over, but Carter had already set it ablaze.