The music fades, and so does Raiden’s touch.
His hands leave me as though my skin burns him, as though the very act of holding me is unbearable.
His movements sharp and deliberate, create a gulf between us that feels wider than the entire ballroom. My wolf growls low in my chest, restless and hurt, but I force her down, locking away the ache threatening to surface.
Not now Aaliyah.
“Siena, think about what you are doing. Think about Alpha Xeno-
I lift my chin, keeping my expression neutral, regal even, growling internally, trying my best to ignore her.
The ballroom is full of wolves–predators, judges, opportunists–watching our every move. Waiting for me to falter. I refuse to give them the satisfaction. Even as my stomach twists and my chest tightens, I maintain the façade. I’ve had years to perfect it..
But then, as if summoned by the tension between us, she
Lila.
appears.
She glides into place at Raiden’s side, her dress shimmering under the chandelier lights, every step calculated and poised.
Her beauty is the kind that commands attention, her every movement soft and deliberate, designed to make her look untouchable.
She’s effortlessly submissive. Always in tune with teh wants and needs of her mate.
But I know better.
Beneath her polished exterior lies something sharp and predatory, something that thrives on tearing others down so she can stand taller.
She cannot fool me as she fools my King.
“Alpha King,” she purrs, her voice dripping with sweetness. She tilts her head just slightly, enough to expose the mark on her neck–the perfect crescent that mocks everything I thought I understood about the mate bond.
My wolf bristles, her snarl vibrating through me, “That mark shouldn’t exist. It can’t exist.”
“Would honor
you
me
with the next dance?” Lila continues, her words smooth as silk.
Her fingers brush Raiden’s arm lightly–a possessive touch, deliberate and unmistakable. The glance she throws my way is quick, dismissive, but its meaning is clear: You don’t matter.
Not anymore.
“Roles must be filled.”
His words, an eternal lake of fire that I fear may burn my soul for all of eternity.
I stand still, rooted in place, my nails digging into my palms as I wait for his response. My wolf is a storm inside me, snarling and pacing, demanding I fight back. But I don’t move.
1/2
62%
Chapter 30
I don’t speak.
Raiden hesitates,
Before he can answer, my phone vibrates in my clutch, the sudden buzz breaking the tension. I glance down at the screen, grateful for the distraction. The name flashing across it is my beta.
“Luna,” her voice comes through the line, breathless and excited. “I’ve got incredible news! After your presentation, sponsors are calling non–stop. Three major corporations want to partner with Windhowl immediately!”
Her words hit me like a burst of sunlight breaking through storm clouds. Pride surges through me, fierce and undeniable, momentarily eclipsing the ache in my chest.
This is what I’ve been fighting for. This is why I’ve endured everything–Raiden’s indifference, the whispers, the doubts.
“That’s wonderful,” I say, my voice steady despite the emotions swirling inside me. “Email me the details. I’ll review them in the morning.”
“Yes, Luna. Congratulations!”
I hang up, the faint smile that lingers on my lips feeling more genuine than anything I’ve felt in weeks. This is validation, proof that my vision for Windhowl isn’t just a dream.
It’s real.
As I slip my phone back into my clutch, I glance back toward the ballroom. My gaze instinctively finds Raiden, still standing where I left him. H
