Fated to be Together

Chapter 3: Unknown POV

I step through the gates of the Silvermoon Pack, my presence here a reluctant necessity. The things I do for this kingdom. I hadn’t planned to attend, but a masquerade auction—now that was something I’d never encountered before. The concept was intriguing, and I wanted to meet the mind behind it.

Silvermoon had recently caught my father’s attention. After the brutal death of its Alpha, his daughter had suddenly declared a mate and taken over. A female Alpha was rare enough, but a fated bond with a Beta? That was unheard of. Our kind followed certain unspoken rules—power mated power. Females typically bonded with those of equal or higher rank, ensuring strong bloodlines and protection. If this Beta had truly claimed her, then he was either far more powerful than his title suggested… or there was something deeply wrong with this arrangement.

And yet, despite the odd circumstances, the pack had flourished. Their territory hadn’t expanded, but their business had surged, bringing in wealth and influence. Recently, a request had even come through for trainers from the Royal Pack—an attempt to strengthen their warriors. Whoever was leading this pack wasn’t just surviving; they were planning for the future. And I wanted to meet them.

As I move through the grounds, I take in my surroundings. The castle and packhouse aren’t as grand as my own, but there is an undeniable charm to them. Everything is meticulously maintained—hydrangeas and white roses line the pathways, twinkling lights casting a soft glow over the gardens. Fountains with crystal-clear water add to the illusion of serenity.

Inside the auction hall, I sink into a seat, ruffling my hair in irritation. I hate waiting. At least the mask shields my face, sparing me from unwanted conversation. No one knows who I am, and that suits me just fine. I can linger in the shadows, watching, listening.

I scan the room. The guests are dressed in extravagant formalwear, far more elaborate than I expected. So much for blending in. Still, the de-scenting spray has done its job—I’m just another nameless figure in the crowd.

The music shifts, the tempo changing, and then—

A voice.

Melodic, smooth, threaded with something I can’t quite name. It pulls at me, an invisible force tightening in my chest. My head turns instinctively, my eyes searching for the source.

But she’s out of sight.

And for the first time tonight, I feel truly restless.

The models start walking, but I barely notice them. My eyes are fixed on the jewelry.

Whoever designed these pieces has impeccable taste. Each one is unique, crafted with a precision that speaks of skill far beyond the ordinary. Even the presentation impresses me—most of the models wear simple, solid-colored gowns, allowing the jewelry to take center stage. Around me, whispers ripple through the crowd as guests discuss which pieces they’ll bid on, already imagining themselves wearing them to the Royal Ball.

Then I see it.

A necklace—no, the necklace.

It appears behind a woman in a striking red dress who soaks up the attention, blowing kisses to the crowd like a performer in a cheap theater act. Definitely not a professional. But it’s the woman behind her who steals my breath.

She moves with quiet grace, her presence unassuming, yet the necklace she wears tells a story I can’t quite decipher. It calls to me, ensnaring my focus so completely that the rest of the room fades into nothing.

And her.

She’s beautiful—stunning in a way that isn’t just about appearance but about the way she carries herself. Her gown is simple, but it fits her like a second skin, accentuating curves that would make a lesser man forget his name. But it isn’t just that. She’s scanning the crowd, observant, thoughtful. Could she be the designer? It must be her.

Ivy.

As her name solidifies in my mind, Erubus, my wolf, lets out a deep, pleased rumble.

What the hell? Erubus doesn’t pine over women. Ever. But he’s purring at the mere thought of her name.

Amused, I shake my head. So, my great and fearsome wolf has a crush? I almost laugh at the ridiculousness of it.

Feeling triumphant in my little discovery, I settle back, watching her. That’s when she looks at me.

And suddenly, I can’t breathe.

What the hell was that?

She can’t be my mate—she’s already bound to that Beta, isn’t she? And Erubus isn’t calling her our mate. He’s just… longing for her.

My wolf, one of the strongest in the kingdom, reduced to a lovesick pup?

I huff out a quiet chuckle. Well, there’s a first time for everything.