Fated to be Together

Chapter 6: Who are you?

He walked over to the table where I was sitting, his presence commanding attention in the room. “Hello, ladies,” he said smoothly, his voice rich with a confidence that sent a ripple of unease through the air. One of the girls at the table fumbled with her fork, her hand trembling as she tried to hide her surprise. A couple of others flushed, clearly caught off guard by his proximity and charm.

“Got room for an extra chair?” he asked, his gaze sweeping over the group, as if inviting them to scramble for an answer.

The girls at the table were already hastily making space, vying to be the one to accommodate him. He made his way to the empty seat next to me, his movements fluid and deliberate. “Mind if I take a seat next to your Alpha…’s Luna?” he asked, the words lingering in the air, weighted with meaning.

Crap. Did he know?

For a split second, I froze. He’d caught me off guard with that title—Alpha. Was he testing me, or had he figured it out? The look in his grey eyes told me he might know more than he let on.

A few girls around the table visibly deflated, their hopeful expressions faltering as they realized I was the one to sit next to him. But the girl on the other side of him, her eyes wide with admiration, barely managed to contain her excitement. I could hear her soft breath hitching in anticipation as she practically radiated joy.

I rolled my eyes, trying to keep my face neutral as I quickly turned my gaze away from him, focusing on the swirling dancers on the floor instead. A dull ache in my chest reminded me of the delicate balance I was constantly walking—keeping up the charade with Kyle, while trying not to get caught up in whatever this was. The tension between us was undeniable, even if I didn’t want to acknowledge it.

I could feel his presence beside me, but I refused to look at him. There was something about him that felt too familiar, too dangerous.

He moved gracefully around the table, his smooth voice complimenting the beauty of everyone present. “You ladies are very beautiful. I have to say, the show was spectacular today. Well done.” His words sent a ripple of excitement through the table—he was a little devil, effortlessly charming all the girls. I couldn’t help but notice how they adored him; even Meagan, sitting across the table, looked like she was about to leap onto his lap.

He turned his attention directly to me, his eyes locking with mine as he said, “Hey Ivy, I’ve got a question for you. Why was it that you walked as a model during the auction, but never put your necklace up for bid? That’s the most beautiful necklace I’ve ever seen, and I wanted it.”

For a moment, I was taken aback. Did someone really notice that the statement piece was already around my neck? Or was this just a fluke? I quickly recovered, replying, “Well, Elena was wearing the statement piece—what I’m wearing is just a simple necklace.”

He leaned in closer, and I was immediately enveloped by his intoxicating, mouth-watering scent. It sent my thoughts spinning into a foggy haze. “I think you and I both know,” he murmured, “that the necklace you’re wearing blows every other piece out of the water. The coiled snake design, the flawless cut of the diamonds, perfectly encased in gold—it’s as if you’re trapped and can’t escape.”

I was dumbfounded. This was the very piece I had designed for myself—a masterpiece I’d never planned to part with, unless the price was right. “It won’t be cheap,” I managed to say, even as my heart raced.

He chuckled, flashing brilliant white teeth, his canines just a bit longer and sharper than usual—almost predatory. I couldn’t help but think, goddess, he’s hot. Then I chastised myself silently, Get a grip, Ivy. This isn’t the time to be a hormone-raged teenager.

Extending his hand toward me, he proposed smoothly, “Why don’t you tell me your price over a dance? I have some questions about the necklace, and you can answer them too.”

I looked up at him, and for a moment, the rest of the world faded away. His gaze was unwavering and sincere, filled with an unexpected warmth that made my heart skip a beat. I felt the urge to reach out, to take his hand and let him lead me into a dance—a chance to escape the memory of Kyle’s earlier cruelty and the throbbing ache on my cheek.

Isn’t the whole point of tonight to be social—to forge new relationships that might one day help me escape this mess? I took a deep, steadying breath and offered a polite smile. “As much as I’d love to dance,” I began, “you know I twisted my foot. I don’t think it’s the wisest decision for me right now.”

He leaned in, his concern evident, and murmured, “Let me take a look.” As he bent down, my heart fluttered unexpectedly—I hadn’t felt so cared for in a long time. In that fleeting moment of tenderness, the lingering pain and my turbulent thoughts were almost forgotten.

He studied my wrapped ankle with a pointed look, then extended his arm. “Why don’t I accompany you to a healer? Get someone to take a proper look at that?” he offered, his tone laced with genuine concern. “At least, that’s the least I can do after all your hospitality.”

With a roguish wink, he turned to the table. “Ladies, who wants to do me a favor?” His playful challenge sent a ripple of excitement across the room. The girls nearly tumbled over each other in their eagerness. “How about helping me convince your alpha to send your Luna to the infirmary? I’d be forever grateful.”

The smoothness of his words made a few of the girls giggle and blush. Two of them boldly marched over to the dance floor, practically tugging Kyle along. Kyle, clearly relishing the attention, grinned, while Elena’s eyes burned with a murderous intensity as she watched her mate being distracted.

Within moments, they returned to our table. The models began chattering, trying to persuade Kyle to send me off for proper treatment. Sensing the mounting pressure from the crowd, Kyle finally relented with a curt, “Of course.”

Then, Mr. Grey Eyes stooped slightly, his gaze locking on me. “Well, Luna Ivy, that solves your problem. Come, I’ll take you,” he said smoothly.

Before I could even process his offer, Kyle intercepted him by placing a firm hand on his chest. “What do you mean you’re taking her to the infirmary?” he demanded.

Mr. Grey Eyes raised an eyebrow, unfazed. “You don’t expect the ladies to miss out on the party by escorting her on their own, do you? I can take the two who volunteered with me, but the rest of the models would love a dance just like Elena got with you. Ain’t I right, ladies?” His words dripped with charm, and a murmur of agreement rose from the onlookers.

For a split second, Kyle’s expression wavered—torn between letting me go with this mysterious stranger and keeping me there for his own amusement. Meanwhile, Elena’s glare turned even more venomous.

After a moment of palpable tension, Kyle finally agreed, though not before leaning in close. He brushed a kiss across my cheek, whispering, “Remember the terms of the contract, Ivy. You can’t be fooling around with a nobody.” With that, he straightened up and added with forced cheer, “Take care, Ivy.”

He then turned to the crowd, calling out, “Who wants the first dance?” Almost immediately, Elena snatched his hand and led him to the middle of the dance floor, clinging to him as if her life depended on it, desperate to keep his attention solely on her.

I stood there, a mixture of indignation and resignation swirling inside me. The night’s events had taken another unexpected turn, and as I watched them vanish into the sea of dancers.

“Well, Ivy, shall we? Don’t make me carry you again,” he teased, that infuriatingly charming, toothy grin making my heart flutter despite my better judgment.

Before he could lean in for another bold move, I pushed myself up. But he was quicker—he slipped an arm around my back, effortlessly taking on my weight. “No need to put pressure on your foot,” he murmured soothingly.

I let him guide me out of the ballroom, though his intoxicating scent muddled my thoughts. Once outside, with the cool night air a welcome contrast, he swept me around and, to my utter astonishment, lifted me off my feet.

“Put me down! What the hell—” I protested, thrashing in his grasp as panic surged through me. But he just held on tighter, a low growl rumbling from his chest that both startled and intrigued me.

“Listen, princess,” he said, his tone firm yet tender, “you’d better settle down right now. That leg looks worse than before, and I’m not letting you walk on it any further—especially not like your stupid git of an alpha would want.”

I recoiled at the mention of Kyle. “You can’t talk about him that way!” I snapped. “If anyone hears, I’ll be tried for treason!”

He grinned, an impish sparkle in his eyes. “Oh yeah? I’d like to see him try to take me on.” His challenge hung in the air, daring and disarming.

It was clear he wasn’t going to put me down, so with a mix of frustration and reluctant resignation, I let him carry me. As he held me steady, my mind swirled with questions I had longed to ask.

“Then—are you going to tell me your name? Who are you, really?” I asked, my voice soft but insistent, meeting his gaze as steadily as I could despite the flutter in my chest.

His eyes darkened for a fraction of a second, but it was gone before I could make anything of it.

He gave a slight, apologetic smile and said, “I can’t reveal my real name right now, Ivy. I don’t want to lie to you, but I also can’t share details about my rank or my pack. All I can say is that, for reasons I can’t explain at this moment, my wolf trusts you—he likes you and wants to protect you.”

I furrowed my brow, frustration mingling with disbelief. “What kind of answer is that? Why can’t you just tell me who you are? And you expect me to believe you’re some good guy?´´

As Mr. Grey Eyes carries me down the hallway, I notice his eyes flickering, with hints of midnight blue surfacing—he’s likely communicating with his wolf. This situation feels off. Who is this man? How did he get past security? And why won’t he reveal his identity? I’m vulnerable—he carries me effortlessly, and with my injured ankle, escaping isn’t an option.

He finally speaks, his voice calm. “I spoke with my wolf. He allows me to share his name—Erubus.”

The name resonates within me, stirring something deep. Erubus—the personification of darkness in Greek mythology. An apt name for a mysterious wolf.

“Why are you here?” I ask, trying to keep my voice steady.

He pauses, then replies, “I wanted to understand this pack’s situation. An alpha dies in a rogue attack, and the same day, his daughter finds her mate—a beta. Unusual, since an alpha’s daughter typically mates with another alpha. Yet, under your leadership, the pack has thrived. Observing your beta, it’s clear he lacks alpha qualities. While he parades around with a model, you’ve managed tonight’s events with poise and intelligence. This leads me to believe you’re the true force behind the pack’s success. But why the deception? Why claim the beta as your mate?”

His words hit hard, uncovering truths I’ve tried to hide. The masquerade auction was my creation—a facade to maintain appearances and protect the pack’s stability.