The Unruly Luna

A private party at the home of one of their many partners. Everything was top-tier.Drinks flowing, girls to suit every taste. Ruslan wandered through the crowd, nodding to familiar faces. His brother had already vanished among a cluster of women. Everyone adored that loudmouthed charmer — it was impossible not to like Alec. Ruslan sipped his drink lazily, already close to choosing a companion for the night. Then a warm spring breeze brushed past him — and he froze. The wolf caught a woman’s scent. Ruslan forgot how to breathe. His entire body locked up with the realization. A mate. A floral, bitter-sweet aroma of a female. She smelled like temptation. From now on, she would be his personal sedative — and his madness at the same time. He drew the scent deep into his lungs and moved to find its source. Ruslan hadn’t wanted to attend a banal party hosted by a corporate partner, but Alec had insisted. He said that after ten years of cooperation, it was time to show at least a hint of loyalty and appear at the host’s home. At this very moment, Ruslan was grateful. Alec sensed the shift in his brother’s mood. The younger one called to him mentally. “Hey, Rus! Where’d you disappear to? You were just here. Did someone catch your eye? I can feel it — your mood’s skyrocketing, emotions bursting into color, huh, big brother?” —Alec was surprised the Alpha had shifted from wrath to mercy so suddenly. “Mate,” — Ruslan answered curtly. His brother loved to tease and couldn’t resist now — but at the moment, it was distracting and irritating. All that mattered was the mate. “Wow. News of the century. But hold on — there are no females from our kind here. We’re the only shifters around. Tahir was supposed to come, but the lion flew to Istanbul to see Arslan. Some kind of trouble there.” “She’s human. A sweet little girl. I don’t care. She’s mine. Don’t interfere,” —Ruslan snapped. His thoughts were locked on the hunt. Find her. Corner his mate.The beast demanded to mark her and never let her out of his sight.Disappear together for a week. Or a month. “Should I tell the guys not to stray too far from the car?” — Alec offered immediately. “Do it. She’s not one of us. She might refuse to come with me willingly — but I want to try. Maybe she’ll bite for the name and the money. If not… kidnapping is always an option. I haven’t decided yet.” “You’re not exactly bad yourself, brother. Brutal men are all the rage right now,” —Alec teased lightly. “Or maybe she likes big, scary wolves in bed? Just don’t shift right away — don’t want her dying of fright.” “Thanks for the glowing review,” — Ruslan replied dryly. “Obviously, I’m not turning into a wolf. I need her alive and healthy. There — the girl standing next to the host. Is she his wife? Sister? What’s his full name? I only remember Amir. Too many partners worldwide to keep track. You’re my people expert.” “Amir Sabirovich Kogan. She’s not his wife — and definitely not his sister. He’s an only child. Amir’s single. His lovers change with his mood. If the girl’s name is Polya, she’s his assistant,” —Alec answered quickly. “The holding company manages a small portion of our assets well. We’re the primary investors — seventy-six percent of the capital belongs to the pack. Or maybe even more by now. He’ll be happy to do you a favor and hand her over.” “Thanks, brother,” — Ruslan said shortly. “Happy for you, Rus. Hope she agrees to brighten your evening. Take a look at her neck — and then a wedding’s not far off. How many pups do you want?” — Alec kept joking. “I pray to the Great One. Enough. Don’t interfere. Stay ready,” — Ruslan ordered. “Understood,” — Alec replied, realizing now wasn’t the time to push his luck.