Claimed by the Ruthless Alpha by Vee Jay

Feared by many but seen by few, Alpha Dominic Grimstone is a name whispered with trepidation across the world. His reputation for cruelty is legendary, his ferocity and that of his pack the stuff of nightmares. Stories of those who have crossed his path and met their end at his hands are countless.Katarina Nightshade, the Beta's daughter, has led a life of simplicity within her pack. But as the Moon Ball approaches—a gathering of every pack in the United States—an overwhelming sense of dread begins to consume her. What will happen when Katarina is thrust into the arms of the most feared and ruthless Alpha known to mankind? Will she be the one to defy his cruel nature, or will she fall victim to the same fate that has befallen so many before her?

Blurb

Chapter 1

I jolted awake to the sound of my mother's voice calling my name. My disdain for early mornings is legendary in our household, so this wasn't an unusual wake-up call. Even though I was fully awake, I stayed in bed, letting her continue to shout through the door for a bit longer.

"Katarina, really?" I heard my mother's breathy voice snap as she opened my bedroom door. With a groan, I raised my head and met her piercing blue eyes with my own.

My bright blue eyes were one of the few traits I inherited from my beautiful but strict mother. My younger sister, on the other hand, was almost her exact clone, with her slender build, curly blonde hair, sun-kissed skin, and high cheekbones. "The good looks of the family," my mother once said when she thought I wasn’t listening. It wasn't that my father lacked in appearance, but he had a rugged look, with a massive build and a face scarred from defending our pack years ago. While the women in my family had slender figures, my body was curvier—my chest and hips continued to grow, but the rest of me stayed the same. My hair was the same shade of chocolate brown as my father's, straight as a pin, and my skin was just as pale, only flushing red when blood rushed to our faces. The one saving grace of my hair was its length—it had grown long over the summer, now reaching well past my waist. My face was round and youthful, giving me a much younger appearance than my actual age.

My height was a different issue altogether. The women in my family tended to be taller than the men, with my mother standing a few inches above my father. I missed the height gene entirely. At just 5'3", both my mother and father towered over me. Even my younger sister had outgrown me over the years. As I grew up, my parents realized I wasn’t the daughter they had envisioned. Stubborn, rebellious, and insubordinate—those were the words my mother used to describe me. My older brother, Valen, the future Beta of our pack, was the only one in the family who saw my stubbornness as a hidden strength. They considered themselves lucky with my younger sister Aria, whom my mother often praised as the perfect little lady worthy of a good mate.

"I'm awake," I sighed, dreading the fact that today would be a busy one.

Every year, the Moon Ball is held on a different pack's territory. This year, it was our pack's turn—the Blue Moon Pack, to which my family and I belong. The Moon Ball is supposed to be an elaborate and romantic event designed to help young wolves find their mates. I had successfully skipped the event every year until now, but this year, there was no escaping it.

I refused to worry. There was nothing to fear; I would simply attend the ball, and when no one was looking, I’d slip away and spend the rest of the night alone. My wolf, Rose, rolled her eyes at my indifference toward finding a mate. Although she shared my reservations, she understood my reasons. After everything that had happened, there was no way I was going to become the mate of some hot-headed wolf.

"You need to get up and dressed! Valen will be here any minute!" My mother snapped, her stern gaze locked on my face, even as Aria peeked into my room.

Chiding myself for almost forgetting about Valen, I climbed out of bed and made a show of getting dressed to appease my mother. With one last disapproving look, she sighed and closed the door behind her, granting me some privacy.

Valen had been visiting a neighboring pack when he found his mate. After spending a few months with them, he was finally coming home to introduce her to us. I couldn’t help but feel a surge of excitement at the thought of seeing him again. Unlike the rest of my family, Valen never viewed my personality as a flaw; he simply saw his 'feisty little sister.'

Without much thought, I grabbed a black off-the-shoulder top and a pair of ripped denim shorts, quickly dressing while pulling out my phone to text my two best friends. I created a group chat and sent them a message about Valen, knowing they’d both want to be there to welcome him home.

*Me - 10:55

-You guys up? Valen will be home any minute!

*Raven - 10:56

-Obviously we're up; not all of us like to sleep all day!

*Me - 10:57

-What can I say? I’m in a committed relationship with my bed!

*Gideon - 10:58

-Sh*t, he’s not there yet, is he? Be over in five minutes! I can give you a committed relationship, princess ;)

*Raven - 10:59

-Gross!!! Same here, I’m on my way!

Without checking my phone again, I slipped into a pair of worn-out shoes and half stumbled down the stairs. Knowing full well I had slept through breakfast, I grabbed a blueberry muffin from the pantry and began devouring it. I nearly moaned at the sugary goodness when I heard the familiar voices of my friends.

"Raven, Gideon! Thank you for stopping by!" My mother’s overly sweet voice rang out from the living room. Suppressing an eye roll, I made my way to the living room, unable to stop the smile that spread across my face. My two best friends stood there, ready to drag me out of the house.

Raven and Gideon had been my closest friends for as long as I could remember. Though Raven appeared to be a sweet and submissive girl, she had a wild side. Her brown eyes would often gleam with mischief, and her small lips would curl into a smirk whenever she had something reckless in mind. Gideon was one of the few males in our pack who didn’t expect women to be completely submissive to men. Both Raven and Gideon had grown into their looks over the years, catching the attention of many pack members. However, in this pack, it was frowned upon for women to be friends with unmated males.

The first time I brought Gideon and Raven home, my mother nearly lost her mind. She spent an hour screaming after they left, lecturing me on the importance of being more responsible and respectful toward my future mate. How would my mate feel about me being friends with an unmated male? Would I be able to resist the temptation of other men until I met my mate? I remembered all of this and resisted the urge to roll my eyes. After my past experiences, resisting the temptation of men had become all too easy. Sure, Gideon was flirty, but it was harmless, and he flirted with everyone.

As I entered the living room, Gideon and Raven’s faces lit up. I noticed the sly look in Raven’s eyes and wondered what she had planned, hoping it wasn’t something I would hate too much.

"You guys head outside now; Valen will be here in a few minutes!" My mother chirped excitedly, eager for her eldest son and future daughter-in-law to arrive. Without another glance at my mother or Aria, who was finally coming down the stairs, my friends and I made our way outside.

The three of us plopped down on the porch steps, just as we had done countless times over the years. I absentmindedly picked at the peeling white paint on the steps until Raven’s voice pulled me from my thoughts.

"You really don’t want to go to this ball, do you?" Raven chuckled, raising a thin eyebrow as she eyed the frown on my face.

"No, I really don’t. I’ll probably show up for the first half, but once the speech is over, I’m making my escape." I nodded and smirked at my smiling best friend.

"We can meet up if you want. I’m not too interested in the ball this year either." Gideon frowned, ignoring the confused looks from Raven and me.

Gideon had attended the ball for the past two years without protest, but something had changed this summer.

"Since when don’t you want to go to the ball?" Raven asked, eyeing him suspiciously. We all sat in silence for a few moments as Gideon considered his answer. From the look on his face and the glances he shot my way, I could tell he wasn’t going to explain.

"That’s fine; we can meet up in the forest. Rose wouldn’t mind stretching her legs." I shrugged, breaking the silence. My wolf, Rose, frowned at the thought of missing the Moon Ball but agreed that she would love a run.

"Well, suit yourselves, but I'm eager to meet my mate," Raven teased, sticking her tongue out at both of us.

"So you can bow down and start fulfilling your duties as the perfect submissive mate?" I mimicked my mother's speech, word for word, smirking at Raven, who was giving me a mischievous look.

"Maybe not quite that, but I do have some tricks up my sleeve," Raven replied with a wink, laughing as I pretended to gag at her comment.

"Oh, Katarina?" a sickly sweet voice called out, and I sighed before turning to face the spitting image of our mother.

"What do you need, Aria?" I responded, keeping my tone neutral. I knew she loved pushing my buttons and would run straight to our mother if I reacted poorly, playing the victim of my supposed cruelty. While my relationship with my younger sister was strained, it was the complete opposite with Valen. He had been there for me during my darkest times, the only one I trusted with my deepest secret. Gideon, too, was someone I could rely on completely. He helped me move on from the past and kept my secret safe.

"Mom wanted me to remind you not to even think about skipping the ball tomorrow night. She’s going to be watching you like a hawk," Aria said with a smug smile, placing a tanned hand on her hip.

My face heated up as it dawned on me that she had overheard our conversation and ratted me out to our mother. Anger surged within me, mirrored by the silent excitement from my wolf, Rose. But that anger quickly turned to a cold realization—I was going to be stuck attending this ridiculous ball.

The thought of finding a mate and being trapped in a life of servitude chilled me to the bone. The idea of being used in every way possible terrified me, making it hard to breathe.

"Goodbye, Aria," Gideon snapped, his voice laced with irritation, pulling me out of my spiraling thoughts. Aria’s blue eyes widened slightly at the sharpness in Gideon’s tone, but she wouldn’t dare challenge an unmated male. With a huff, she turned and stomped back into the house, the old screen door slamming behind her.

"D*mn," I muttered, pressing a cool hand against my hot forehead.

"You might not even meet your mate, Katarina," Raven said gently, placing a comforting hand on my arm. Neither of them knew why I was so against finding a mate, and I couldn’t bring myself to tell them the truth.

Revealing the truth meant reliving what happened, and I couldn’t put myself through that again. The nightmares weren’t as frequent as they used to be, but thinking about what happened brought them back with a vengeance.

"Let’s hope not," I trailed off, unable to find anything else to say. A heavy weight settled in my stomach, dragging me down as if it were made of lead. I had only felt this way once before, right before something terrible happened.

"On a brighter note, guess who’s coming dress shopping with me today?" Raven squealed, clearly trying to steer the conversation away from the topic of mates.

"Let me guess... Aria?" I half-heartedly smirked at her, and her eyes widened in mock disgust.

"No, very funny, but no. You are!" she grinned. Raven knew I wasn’t a fan of shopping, but the last thing I wanted to do was shop for a dress for a ball I was being forced to attend.

"Looks like I’m coming along too, huh?" Gideon chimed in, his expression less than thrilled, but there was a strange glint in his eyes.

"Of course, we need a guy’s perspective," Raven chuckled.

At that moment, our attention was drawn to the driveway as a black sedan pulled into the empty spot. The knot in my stomach momentarily forgotten, excitement surged as the thought of seeing my brother took over.

I noticed my parents and Aria emerging from the house as the black sedan pulled into the driveway. My excitement grew at the thought of my brother finally returning home. Maybe, just maybe, Valen would help me avoid this dreadful ball. He was the only one who truly understood my aversion to the idea of finding a mate.

The thought brought a mix of happiness and unease, making my wolf, Rose, growl softly within me. Rose always had my best interests at heart, even when we didn't always agree. She believed that finding a mate could change my life for the better, and while I understood her point, I couldn't shake the feeling that it would only strip away the parts of me I had carefully preserved. The idea of being reduced to someone’s plaything or merely a vessel for children filled me with dread.

"You alright, Katarina?" Gideon asked, running a hand through his sandy blonde hair, his expression full of concern.

"Yeah, just a bit chilly," I replied, keeping my eyes fixed on the sedan.

After what felt like an eternity, the car door finally opened, and my brother stepped out. The moment our eyes met, we both broke into wide grins. As Valen approached, I noticed how much he had changed. He looked stronger, more muscular, and his once lean frame now exuded the power of a true Beta.

Ignoring the rest of the family for a moment, Valen scooped me into a tight hug, lifting me off the ground. His familiar woodsy scent instantly calmed me, as it always did.

"Still holding strong, huh?" he teased, setting me back on the ground.

"Always," I smirked, though I knew Valen could see the truth in my eyes. He always could. A knowing smile played on his lips, and I fought the urge to spill all my worries to him right then and there.

A low growl suddenly broke the moment, causing me to step back in surprise. A striking brunette emerged from the sedan, her face a mix of shock and jealousy. I quickly reminded myself that new mates could be easily provoked. It wasn’t her fault, after all.

"Relax, Astrid, she's my sister!" Valen called out, and the brunette’s face flushed with embarrassment as she approached us. She was beautiful, with deep brown eyes and a sprinkle of freckles that added to her charm. Despite her athletic build and height, she was still much shorter than Valen.

"I'm so sorry! I don't know what came over me," she apologized, her chocolate eyes meeting mine.

"It's all good. I'm Katarina," I replied, wanting to move past the awkwardness.

Before I could say more, Aria stepped forward, giving Astrid a pointed look before throwing herself at Valen in an overly enthusiastic hug. Typical Aria, always making everything about herself. Despite my disdain for the idea of having a mate, I cared about Valen's happiness. If Astrid made him happy, then she was already part of the family in my eyes.

While Valen caught up with the rest of the family, I made my way over to Astrid. Raven and Gideon joined me after greeting Valen as well.

"Welcome to the family," I smiled warmly at Astrid, surprised to see her smile genuinely in return.

"Thank you. Valen’s talked about you a lot; I can tell you mean a lot to him," she said, her voice full of relief. Her words made me smile even wider, knowing that no matter what, I would always have Valen—and now Astrid too.

"See? Having a mate isn't so bad," Rose said smugly in my mind.

"It doesn’t mean I want one," I retorted, rolling my eyes mentally as Rose huffed in frustration.

"Do you think the rest of your family will be as welcoming?" Astrid asked quietly, glancing nervously at the others. I watched as my father clapped Valen on the back, his face glowing with pride at the thought of future grandpups.

"That depends on how submissive you are," Raven quipped, sarcasm dripping from her voice.

"I’ve heard this pack is big on submission to your mate, but in my pack, we’re more equal," Astrid said, looking genuinely confused. Her words surprised me; I had never thought about how different packs might treat their mates.

"Don't let them boss you around," I stated firmly, my mouth set in a thin line.

"Sometimes men need a good dose of reality," Raven laughed, giving Gideon a pointed look, to which he raised his hands in mock surrender.

"Oh, definitely not," Astrid replied, a mischievous glint in her eyes that made me like her even more.

"I think we’re going to get along just fine," I laughed along with Raven.

After a while, my parents and Aria began to head inside, calling Valen and Astrid to join them for lunch. I seized the moment to speak to Valen about my desperate plan to escape the upcoming Moon Ball.

"Valen, can I talk to you before you go in?" I asked, my voice tinged with anxiety.

"What's wrong?" Valen frowned, wrapping an arm around Astrid's waist. I kept my focus on him, trying to keep my emotions in check.

"Aria told Mom I’d try to skip the Moon Ball, and now she’s dead set on making sure I go. Can you help me out? You know how I feel about all of this," I pleaded, my voice trembling slightly.

Valen’s eyes clouded with thought as he considered my words.

"Katarina..." Valen began, his brows furrowed in concentration. I could tell he was weighing his options carefully.

"Could I speak to Katarina alone for a moment?" he asked, glancing at Raven and Gideon.

"Sure, we’ll wait in the car," Raven said, though I could see the confusion on her face.

"Do you mind if Astrid stays?" Valen asked gently, and I could tell he was trying to be considerate.

"...She can stay," I nodded, instantly regretting my decision.

"Where to begin..." Valen sighed, running a hand through his blonde hair, a habit he’d picked up from our father whenever he was stressed. I bit my lip nervously, bracing myself for what he was about to say.

"Katarina, I think finding a mate could help you," Valen said softly, his voice filled with concern. His words hit me like a blow, and I turned away, not wanting Astrid to see the tears welling up in my eyes.

"Valen, it wouldn’t. I can't give a mate what they want," I whispered, wrapping my arms around myself protectively.

"You might be surprised, Katarina. Not everyone is like Mom and Dad. Your mate is meant to love, help, and heal you. It could fix what's been broken inside you for so long," Valen’s words were gentle, but they didn’t lessen the sting. Why did everything always come back to finding a mate? It felt like my desires didn’t matter, that my only purpose was to find a mate.

"You're wrong," I choked out, turning away as tears finally spilled over. "Tell Mom I went shopping with Raven."

Without waiting for a response, I turned and walked down the street, willing myself not to cry. After a few deep breaths and a small pep talk, I made my way to Raven's car, plastering a fake smile on my face as I slid into the passenger seat.

"So... is he going to help you?" Raven asked, her disappointment evident.

"No, he thinks finding a mate will be good for me. I disagree, but whatever. I'll just try to make the best of it, and if I find a way to escape, I will," I shrugged, trying to sound nonchalant, though inside, I was anything but.

"Guess that means I'm going too, then," Gideon added with a small smile, though something in his eyes seemed off. I made a mental note to ask him about it later.

"Dress shopping it is!" Raven cheered, starting the car and speeding off down the road.

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

I didn’t exactly hate the idea of dress shopping with Raven and Gideon, though it wasn’t my favorite activity. I’m not usually very girly, but there are times when it’s nice to feel elegant. Raven, on the other hand, took immense pride in her fashion sense, and I quickly realized how fortunate I was to have her guidance.

Every dress I picked seemed to have some flaw according to Raven. One dress made my eyes appear lackluster, another didn’t complement my skin tone, and yet another made me look too boxy. Her advice was relentless, but I couldn’t help but be grateful for her input.

Gideon, however, seemed to appreciate every dress I tried on. Each time I emerged from the dressing room, his eyes would scan me with a smirk that I found slightly annoying but endearing.

“This one is it, Katarina. I can feel it,” Raven announced proudly as she emerged from the dressing room in a baby pink, floor-length gown. Even Gideon’s eyes widened a bit at the sight. The gown, an ocean of lace and silk, had a dangerously low neckline that showcased what Raven was confident enough to reveal. The light color made her dark eyes pop and her skin appear like smooth marble.

“That’s the one,” I agreed with complete approval as Raven twirled. She smirked at my compliment but also looked skeptical.

“I don’t entirely trust your opinion, but I’ll take the compliment,” she joked, sticking her tongue out at me.

Raven turned to Gideon with a challenging look. “What do you think?”

“That’s definitely the one. I didn’t even know you could look so attractive,” Gideon teased, causing Raven to fume slightly. I exchanged a knowing look with Gideon, who winked back at me.

Raven retreated to change back into her regular clothes, emerging with her pink gown neatly packed. “Alright, your turn now. Let’s get to work,” she said, scrutinizing me with a critical eye. I felt my face flush under her intense gaze and jokingly covered my chest, though my shirt already did that.

“Oh, very funny. We need to find a dress that shows off those curves,” Raven retorted, heading back to the racks of dresses.

If I thought Raven was demanding before, I was mistaken. I must have tried on over a hundred dresses, striking countless poses. Each time, Raven analyzed my figure with a distant look. None of the dresses received her stamp of approval. Just as I was about to settle for something random, she excitedly held up a gorgeous blue dress.

“This one, you need to try!” she exclaimed, presenting a dress in a beautiful baby blue shade that matched my eyes. The top of the dress was adorned with delicate blue flowers, and the gown flowed to the floor in elegant waves of silk. I could tell it would expose my shoulders and neck, which would definitely raise eyebrows with my parents. I smiled at the thought of it, knowing my sister Aria would choose a more conservative gown to please our mother.

I took the dress into the dressing room and emerged, smoothing my long chocolate hair and running my fingers down the fabric. Both Gideon and Raven looked at me with shock.

“D*mn, girl. I’m impressed with myself,” Raven said, her approval evident. Gideon’s eyes roamed over me with an intensity that felt different this time.

“Wow, Katarina. You look absolutely stunning,” Gideon said, his smile sincere.

“Girl, I know you don’t want a mate, but whoever he is doesn’t know how lucky he is,” Raven added. I scowled at the comment. My body was my own, and the idea of a mate didn’t appeal to me. Gideon’s face fell slightly at Raven’s words, and I caught him mumbling “Lucky” to himself.

“Okay, I’m coming over tomorrow at 5pm to get you ready for the ball!” Raven announced, giving me a gentle push towards the dressing room. I knew better than to argue; Raven was relentless when it came to glamour.

After changing and buying our gowns, we spent the rest of the day shopping for shoes and accessories. By the end, my anxiety had only increased. Raven insisted I get plenty of sleep and use a fancy hair mask she’d bought for me. I agreed grumpily, looking forward to sleep more than anything. Gideon had been quiet during the ride home, which made me wonder about his mood.

As we arrived at my house, I got out of Raven’s car and headed for the front porch. Gideon followed, his expression uneasy. With the setting sun casting a glow, I noticed the flecks of green and warm caramel in his eyes, his sandy blonde hair slightly tousled. A small scar above his upper lip stood out as he bit his lip nervously.

“What’s wrong?” I asked, noticing his tense posture.

“What happens if one of us finds a mate?” Gideon’s voice was barely above a whisper.

I was confused by his question. “Well, I don’t plan on finding a mate, and Raven is eager to meet hers. How do you feel about finding a mate?”

“I think we should be free to choose our own mates,” he said quietly, sadness visible in his eyes.

I looked at my friend, feeling a pang of sympathy. “Unfortunately, it doesn’t work that way. If I had the choice, I’d choose not to have a mate. The thought of freeing someone from that bond is liberating. But rejecting a mate means living a life of constant pain and sorrow. I’ve never heard of a wolf living a long life after rejecting their mate.”

“If only,” Gideon murmured, turning back towards Raven’s car. I watched him walk away, feeling a deep sense of sadness for him. He deserved happiness, just like Raven. I wasn’t sure what I deserved. The more I thought about it, the more confused I became. My wolf urged me to believe I deserved love and happiness, but the fear of getting hurt again loomed large. At that moment, I made a decision, one that my wolf protested against, but I didn’t care. I would rather endure anything than risk being hurt again.

The rest of my night was spent laughing with my brother and Astrid as if no time had passed, forgetting my worries. After a long evening of reminiscing and laughter, I went to bed, following Raven’s advice. I showered with her luxurious hair mask, then put on an oversized t-shirt and collapsed onto my bed. Sleep took over almost immediately, the knot in my stomach finally easing.

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

"Draven, put me down! You know I hate that," I grumbled, kicking my feet in protest until he finally set me down.

I noticed a grimace cross Gideon’s face as he watched the exchange. Normally, he and Draven got along fine, but something seemed off.

"So... want to dance, Katarina?" Draven asked hurriedly, glancing at Gideon.

"Sure, why not. Wanna join us?" I asked Gideon, flashing a smile. He sighed, explaining that he needed to keep an eye on his younger sister. I frowned as I watched him walk away, his shoulders slightly slumped.

"Doesn’t take a hint, does he?" Draven scoffed, his eyes following Gideon’s retreating figure.

"Um, what?" I turned to Draven, confusion evident on my face.

"He likes you, Katarina..." Draven trailed off, raising an eyebrow at my dumbfounded expression.

"Well, yeah. He and Raven are my best friends," I replied, feeling my cheeks heat as I realized what Draven was implying.

"Not like that. He likes you, Katarina," Draven emphasized, smirking at my embarrassment.

I grimaced, "If that’s true, he can tell me himself. Now, are we going to dance or what?"

With a shrug and another glance in Gideon’s direction, Draven led me onto the dance floor. As we moved to the upbeat music, I made sure to keep some distance between us. I couldn’t help but notice how close some of the other couples were dancing—too close, in my opinion. Draven didn’t try to pull me closer, but I caught him glancing at those couples.

After a few songs, I excused myself, telling Draven I was going to get some food and a drink. In truth, I just needed a moment to myself. I wandered further from the entrance, searching for a quiet spot to collect my thoughts. Finally, I found an empty table near the back of the tent, close to a large table laden with food and drinks. I grabbed a soda and a small plate of colorful pastries before sitting down. For once, no one paid me any attention, allowing me a moment of peace to sort through the turmoil inside me. The anxiety I felt at this ball was different from what I had experienced in previous years.

Just as I bit into one of the pastries, I caught a scent that made me freeze.

Sandalwood with a hint of citrus. The smell of fresh earth after rain.

My body stiffened as the scent enveloped me. While my mind screamed in panic, I found myself taking deep breaths of the intoxicating aroma. Nothing in my life had ever smelled as good as this. My brain tried to rationalize what it could be, but my heart already knew. I could feel my wolf, Rose, pacing and panting, urging me to find the source.

Mustering all the strength I could, I stood and faced the crowd. As the music fell silent, people began looking around in confusion. Breathing in the scent deeply, I watched as the crowd parted in fear, someone making their way toward me.

I had never seen this man before, but my gut told me who he was.

"Mate. That’s our mate!" Rose rejoiced as my world came crashing down.

Alpha Dominic Grimstone emerged from the crowd, towering over everyone in his path. The people around us stared at me in horror, as if bracing themselves for something terrible.

Standing just five feet away from me, I finally understood why the rumors surrounded him. He was enormous, easily over six feet tall, with a frame that dwarfed mine. His hands were as large as my face, and I suppressed a shudder, thinking about how easily he could end my life. Taking a deep breath, I looked up into the face of my mate and felt my mouth go dry.

Despite the rumors painting him as a monster, he looked anything but. His dark hair was longer on top, shaved short on the sides, and tattoos snaked up his neck and down his forearms. Unlike the others, he wasn’t in a suit but wore a deep blue button-down shirt with the sleeves rolled up, paired with black slacks. His face was sharp, with a chiseled jawline, full lips, and deep gray eyes that seemed to bore into me. His expression was cold and distant, not pleased in the slightest. Maybe he didn’t want a mate either. A flicker of hope ignited in me—perhaps he would let me go.

But that hope was crushed the moment he spoke.

"Mine," his rough voice growled, leaving no room for doubt.

I woke up that morning with an unusual sense of relief. For once, I wasn't jolted awake by Aria’s incessant yelling or my mother’s early-morning demands. Miraculously, I hadn't been disturbed by the anxiety-inducing nightmares that usually plagued my nights. It was as if the universe was giving me a reprieve in light of the Moon Ball I was expected to attend that evening.

But the thought of the Moon Ball quickly extinguished my fleeting tranquility. A gnawing sense of dread settled in my stomach, making it hard to breathe deeply. I couldn’t pinpoint the exact source of my anxiety, but it was undeniable that it had everything to do with this dreaded event. I clung to the hem of my oversized t-shirt, desperately wishing I could just sleep through the day and avoid the ball altogether.

If it were just our pack attending, the ball would be a manageable affair. I knew none of the unmated males in my pack were potential mates, so it wouldn't have been a big deal. However, the ball would see every pack in America in attendance. The thought of my mate being among them made my anxiety spike. I squeezed my eyes shut, hoping to escape reality, but it didn’t work. I forced myself out of bed and shuffled downstairs, lured by the smell of breakfast.

I arrived in the dining room just as a conversation was unfolding between my father and Valen. Aria and Astrid were already seated, listening with rapt attention.

“So, every single pack will be here tonight?” Aria’s voice was filled with awe as she nervously twisted a lock of her curly blonde hair. Her blue eyes darted around, seeking reassurance from our faces.

“Yes, every one of them. Most have already arrived. Alpha Ragnar requested they keep their distance until the ball,” my father confirmed, casting a glance at my mother, who was setting plates on the table. The aroma of baked chicken, garlic, and potatoes wafted through the room, briefly distracting me from the conversation.

“And what about the Silver Moon pack?” Aria whispered, breaking the uneasy silence. Instantly, the room fell silent, and my father’s face paled. My mother froze in the doorway, the food in her hands forgotten.

The Silver Moon pack was a subject of fear and awe, spoken of in hushed tones. I straightened in my chair, trying to maintain a neutral expression, though my eyes betrayed the same fear as everyone else. The Silver Moon pack had a reputation for being unmatched in strength and ruthlessness.

“Are they real?” Aria’s voice trembled. No one I knew had ever seen them or their Alpha. The Silver Moon pack was almost like a myth, used to scare young wolves into behaving.

“Oh, they’re real. And they’re as fearsome as the rumors suggest,” my father said gravely, locking eyes with my mother, who seemed to share his silent dread.

“But how do we know they’re even coming?” Valen’s voice was firm, though doubt tinged it.

“Many have encountered them, and most of those encounters didn’t end well. Alpha Ragnar has met Alpha Dominic Grimstone once, and it left a lasting impression,” my father said, shuddering at the memory. I’d never seen my father so unsettled.

“They’re coming tonight, aren’t they?” Aria’s voice was laced with panic. I felt a chill run down my spine at the thought of sharing space with the Silver Moon pack. The stories I’d heard of their brutality replayed in my mind, making me shudder.

“Yes, they will be attending,” my father confirmed, his face glistening with sweat.

“But we can’t go!” Aria gasped in horror.

“We have to. We can’t risk embarrassing the pack,” my mother’s voice was firm, though fear flickered in her eyes. “You both need to attend. You’re old enough to meet your mates, and we can’t pass up this chance. Just stay away from the Silver Moon pack.”

With that, the conversation was effectively closed. We ate in silence, the gravity of the evening weighing heavily on us. I caught Aria’s anxious gaze, and we shared a look of shared dread. It felt like we were being sent into a den of wolves, with no way to avoid the danger. My stomach churned, and I was relieved when a knock at the door broke the tension.

“I’ll get it!” My mother’s cheerful tone was strained. We watched as she opened the door, revealing Raven’s bright smile. Her cheerful demeanor cut through the heaviness of the moment, and she immediately picked up on the tension.

“Let’s go upstairs and get started on your makeup! I have so much planned,” Raven said with a playful smirk, pulling me away.

“Have fun, girls!” my mother called, her forced cheerfulness betraying her concern. As Raven and I headed upstairs, I could hear the underlying worry in her voice.

“What was all that about?” Raven asked dramatically, gesturing to the door of my room as she unloaded her makeup supplies onto my bed. Her anxiety was palpable as she sorted through her products.

“The Silver Moon pack is coming to the ball tonight,” I said, my voice steady despite the shiver of fear that ran through me. Raven’s eyes widened in disbelief as she processed the news.

“They’re coming?” Raven’s voice was tinged with disbelief as she raked a hand through her hair, a rare sign of her own nervousness. She searched my face for any hint of a joke but found none.

“What do we do?” Raven’s voice was uncertain.

I took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing thoughts. The odds of any of us—me, Raven, Gideon, or Aria—being matched with someone from the Silver Moon pack were slim. I forced myself to focus on the present, pushing aside my fear. I wouldn’t let the legends and rumors intimidate me. I was determined to face the evening with as much composure as I could muster.

“We’re going to the ball, and we’re going to avoid their pack at all costs,” I declared firmly, my face set with resolve. My voice was steady, which seemed to ease Raven’s anxiety slightly.

“Do you think we should tell Gideon?” Raven asked, her expression worried.

“I don’t think it would help. He’d only try to act all protective,” I replied, rolling my eyes. A small smirk played on my lips as I noticed Raven’s shoulders relax and a hint of a smile appear on her face.

“Well, I’m not going to let this ruin my night. I can feel it, Katarina, tonight’s the night I’m going to meet my mate!” Raven’s excitement was infectious as her grin widened. I attempted to match her enthusiasm, but deep down, I knew my attendance at the ball was more of a duty than a choice.

Raven gently guided me to sit on the edge of the bed and began applying my makeup. I had no idea of the products she used, but I trusted her expertise completely. If Raven weren’t the Delta’s daughter, she could easily have become a top-notch cosmetologist or fashion designer. As she worked, we chatted casually, and I tried to play along with her excitement, though she could see through my facade.

“Katarina?” Raven’s tone was lighthearted as she applied eyeshadow. “Why do you seem so resistant to the idea of having a mate?”

A familiar knot tightened in my stomach. I took a deep breath, ready to recite the usual excuse. “I told y—”

Raven cut me off with a knowing look. “I know what you say, but I don’t think that’s the whole story.”

“You can tell her...” Rose’s voice echoed in my mind.

“I can’t relive that again,” I responded mentally, feeling overwhelmed.

“You’ll never heal if you don’t try, Katarina,” Rose sighed, her sadness palpable.

“Sometimes people don’t heal. Sometimes we stay broken,” I whispered back.

Raven’s question sent me spiraling back in time, to a summer filled with sunlight and the scent of sunblock. I could almost feel the sun on my skin and the warmth it brought. The soft sand beneath my toes and the cool breeze were vivid in my memory. I recalled familiar voices calling my name, and images of someone with moss-green eyes and a chipped front tooth. The memory of their sly smile and the sharp, coppery scent of blood flooded back, bringing with it an overwhelming sense of pain.

“Katarina? Hello? Earth to Katarina?” Raven’s voice pulled me from my reverie. I jerked my head up, causing the eyeliner to smudge down my cheek.

“Sorry,” I mumbled, my fingers brushing over my lips as the painful memory lingered. I took a few deep breaths, forcing those thoughts away. I wasn’t ready to confront them. They had left me so broken that even Valen had seen I might never fully recover. If I let those memories surface, they would consume me.

“You’re lucky I’m almost done. Then we need to do your hair!” Raven said, her excitement barely contained. I groaned, feeling as if I had been sitting there for hours. I longed to collapse back into the comfort of my bed.

After what felt like an eternity, Raven finally stepped back, satisfied with her work. She had spent a lot of time curling my long hair, and to my surprise, the curls held perfectly. I glanced at my reflection in the vanity mirror, almost gasping at the transformation.

My long, chocolate-brown hair cascaded in large, elegant curls down my back. Raven had styled two front sections, twisting and pinning them back. The simple yet beautiful hairstyle highlighted my features. With the eye makeup she had applied, my eyes now sparkled like a clear sky, brighter than I had ever seen them. My lips, glossed and shining, complemented the look perfectly.

“Now, for the grand finale!” Raven exclaimed, her beaming smile showing off her teeth. I looked at her in confusion as she handed me my dress. Understanding dawned, and I headed to the bathroom to change.

Despite the knot in my stomach, I had to admit Raven did an incredible job. The ball gown accentuated my curves beautifully. My slim waist and fuller hips were highlighted, and the low-cut, off-shoulder design of the dress showed just a hint of cleavage. As I looked at my reflection, I couldn’t help but smile. Raven had managed to make me look elegant and radiant.

Stepping out of the bathroom, I twirled dramatically, and Raven’s eyes sparkled with excitement as she took in the sight.

“That absolutely settles it. I’m amazing,” Raven declared with a satisfied shrug and a beaming smile.

For now, the looming presence of the Silver Moon pack seemed to fade into the background, overshadowed by Raven’s triumph and my own reluctant anticipation for the evening ahead.

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