Page 30 of Alpha’s Hated Mate (Shifters of Clarion)

F ive months have passed and I still can’t believe how drastically Moonhelm Academy has changed. The End-of-Year Celebration at Shatterstone Hall buzzes with energy as I watch several Scarlet wolves twirling freely on the dance floor, their red hair flashing like flames under the twinkling lights.

“Are you seeing this?” I nudge Aydan, who stands beside me with his arm draped casually around my waist.

His eyes follow my gaze to where a Scarlet sophomore laughs openly with a group of wolves that once wouldn’t have acknowledged her existence. “Progress,” he murmurs, pressing a kiss to my temple. The clean scent of rain after a storm envelops me, and I lean into his touch.

Who would have thought that in less than a year, we’d witness the beginning of real change? Students who used to avoid Scarlets in the hallways now happily hang out with them. I spot three—no, four—mixed couples scattered throughout the party.

The Scarlet Wolf Protection Society that Aydan and Chad started has grown beyond our wildest expectations. Chapters are now forming at other academies and even in towns across Clarion.

Dean Fowler passes by us, nodding respectfully. “Quite the turnout,” he remarks, his bird-like features softening with pride.

“You must be busy supervising Neutral DNA tests,” I say, unable to resist teasing him a little.

He straightens his bow tie. “Safety precautions. We can’t have another Lamedia Hall incident. The financial cost alone . . . “ He trails off with a theatrical shudder before moving along to greet other students.

The royal decree changed everything. Within days of the Alpha King’s visit, every pack in Clarion received an official declaration outlining the new protections for all wolf bloodlines. Scarlets, Neutrals, hybrids—all suddenly found themselves with legal standing that had been denied for generations.

My heart fills with warmth when I think about our visit to the Royal House during Spring Break. The Luna Queen wasn’t at all what I expected, embracing me with tears in her eyes like I was a long-lost daughter. It’s hard to imagine she was raised in the Outer Lands as a human.

And my cousins—Goddess, I have cousins!—three royal wolves who insisted on showing me every corner of their home. They proudly introduced me as “our cousin, the beautiful Scarlet Princess,” to everyone we passed.

My phone buzzes and look down at a text from Yarra: You ready? Nervous?

I think so? I text back.

Of course I am! I text back. I’ve never done anything like this before. I’ve gotta be breaking some kind of ancient protocol or . . . something.

Three dots appear almost immediately. I can almost hear Yarra laughing at me. I’ve never known you to be embarrassed about anything! I think the Moon Goddess will forgive you for this one. After all, it’s her fault you’re in this mess in the first place, right?

I sigh. Interesting logic.

“Who’re you texting?” Aydan finally asks me since my phone keeps buzzing. “Everything okay?”

“Yeah, it’s just Yarra.”

“Where is she?” Aydan looks around. “I haven’t seen her for a while.”

“She’s around here somewhere with Chad . . . making fun of me.”

Aydan chuckles. “Sounds about right.”

Thank Chad for me, I text Yarra, thinking immediately of his contribution.

He’s happy to help , Yarra texts back. He might not seem like it, but he’s really just a big softy at heart.

Don’t let that get out, I text back, chuckling to myself. Wouldn’t want to ruin his rep as a hard-ass.

Showtime , Yarra texts. Good luck, bestie!

Thank you.

At that moment, Chad struts onto the stage at the front of the dance floor and gives the microphone a quick tap. The blaring music fades to background noise as party-goers begin to turn their attention to him.

“Good evening, everyone,” Chad says into the mic. “I have a special announcement to make.”

Murmurs ripple through the students and most of the faculty, their curiosity filling the air.

“Aydan Vaultmore and Saffron Kamaria, can you please come to the stage?” Chad gazes straight at us.

“What the . . . “ Aydan gives me a confused look.

I try to look as surprised as he is and shrug. “I have no idea.”

We walk toward the front together, passing Yarra on the way there, giving me an excited and not-suspicious-at-all thumbs-up. It feels like we’re in some cheesy high school movie, about to be crowned Homecoming King and Queen.

By the time we’re on stage, my heart pounds in my rib cage. I can’t believe what I’m about to do.

A few of the butterflies in my stomach settle down when I glance at Aydan. His golden hair under the spotlight, his slacks neatly pressed and his dark dress shirt outlining his pecs. He almost looks like the first day I saw him in the dorm. No . . . he’s even hotter tonight.

Chad hands me the mic with a wink and steps aside, leaving Aydan and me center stage with everyone’s eyes on us. My palms start to sweat. I’ve faced down a Blood Lycan, but somehow this feels more terrifying.

“Um, hi everyone.” My voice sounds so shaky. “So, I know this isn’t exactly traditional but . . . hey, when have I ever been known to be traditional?”

A few nervous chuckles ripple through the crowd. I clear my throat before returning my gaze to Aydan, whose blue and green eyes hold equal parts confusion and curiosity.

“I had this whole speech planned, but . . . “ I suck in a deep breath and try to drop to one knee in this ridiculous skin-tight dress. Chad swoops in, steadying my elbow as I wobble, then backs away once I’ve managed the awkward descent without flashing the whole school.

“Saffron, what are—” Aydan says.

“Don’t, please. Let me get through this before I lose my nerve.” I pause for another deep breath before continuing. “Aydan, when I first saw you walk through those academy doors, I thought you were the most gorgeous, entitled Alpha jerk I’d ever seen.”

Laughter erupts across the hall. Aydan’s lips quirk up at one corner as he crosses his arms over his chest.

“And I was right about half of that.” I smile as more laughter fills the room. “You were an entitled Alpha. But you were also brave enough to question everything you’d been taught. Strong enough to stand up to your family and their legacy. And kind enough to see me—really see me—when most people just saw my red hair.”

“Excuse me, folks.” I turn toward the back of the stage as my fingers fish for the velvet pouch that I secretly tucked into my bra earlier and pull it out. A golden band etched with the phases of the moon—Chad and Yarra helped me pick it out—falls out of the pouch into my hand.

“I always thought that Scarlets don’t get happy endings.” Tears threaten to fall from my eyes, but I push through. “But somehow, against all odds, I found mine with you.”

I lift the ring toward him, and it gleams in the light. Aydan’s eyes widen as realization dawns on his face. Scattered whoops and whistles erupt from the crowd. I spot Yarra grinning wildly at the front, her phone raised to capture this moment.

“Aydan Vaultmore, I love you.” I stare into his sparkling eyes. “I am yours, my Alpha. Truly. Completely. Will you accept me as your mate and allow me to be your Luna forever?”

Aydan just stares at me, like a deer in headlights. For one heart-stopping moment, I start to worry that he might reject me. Then his lips curve into that devastatingly beautiful smile that still makes my knees weak.

“Get up, you crazy wolf,” he finally says, reaching for my hand.

“Is that a yes?” I ask, staying firmly on one knee.

“Saffron Kamaria,” he says, loud enough for everyone to hear, “you’re the most infuriating, beautiful, stubborn woman I’ve ever met.”

I almost drop the ring as he pulls me to my feet.

“Yes,” he says, taking the ring from my hand. “I am yours, my Luna, forever.”

The crowd erupts into cheers so loud that the stage vibrates beneath my feet. Aydan places the ring on his finger, then cups my face in his hands.

“That was supposed to be my job,” he whispers against my lips.

“Too slow,” I whisper back, before he kisses me deeply.

And it is the mother of all kisses. I feel like I’m flying. Wrapped in his warm embrace, everything just falls away around us. There is no one but the two of us in this world .

He’s mine and I’m his. Truly.

When we break apart, the music starts up and students flood the dance floor again. Yarra practically tackles me with a hug. “Oh, my God! You did it! Congratulations!”

I laugh. “We did it! Thanks to both of you.”

Chad shakes hands with Aydan, patting in him on the back.

She turns me loose long enough to hug Aydan, who nearly stumbles over from the force of her hug.

Yarra starts to drag me off the stage with Chad and Aydan following behind.

“We’ve got so much planning to do,“ she starts rattling off. “You have to get a dress, and we have to decide where in Claymore you two are going to be married.” She gasped. “We need to invite the Alpha King as soon as possible. He’s a busy man and his calendar fills up quick.”

“I . . . guess?” is all I can say. I look over her shoulder at the guys, who are both laughing at Yarra’s excitement.

Chad finally pulls Yarra off of me. “Let’s not overwhelm her. They literally just got engaged.”

Professor Robertson and Dean Fowler come up and congratulate us. “It’s about time we had another wedding to attend,” Professor Robertson says with a wink. “May you have many, many happy years together.”

I tug Aydan’s hand, nodding toward the French doors leading to the balcony. “Come on,” I whisper. “I need some air.”

He follows without question, his fingers laced through mine as we slip away from the celebration. The cool night breeze caresses my skin as we step outside, the music fading to a distant thrum behind us. Stars twinkle overhead like diamonds scattered across black velvet.

Aydan wraps his arms around me from behind, his chin resting on my shoulder as we gaze out over the moonlit campus grounds. I lean back against his chest, savoring his warmth.

“So, Soon-to-be Mrs. Vaultmore, are you happy with your little stunt?” His breath tickles my ear.

“Extremely.” I lean back against his chest. “Were you surprised?”

“Extremely.” He chuckles.

My gaze catches distant figures strolling through the gardens below. “I can’t believe how much has changed. Sometimes I wonder if it will last. What happens when we graduate and aren’t here to keep pushing for change?”

Aydan turns me to face him, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. “Real change doesn’t happen overnight, Saffron. It takes patience, effort, and consistency. Look how far we’ve come already. There’re already a ton of freshmen in the Scarlet Wolf Protection Society. When we graduate, there will be others to take our place.”

“I know. I guess I need to pack that same patience to survive a whole summer in Claymore with your sister.” I smirk.

Aydan’s expression softens, knowing that I’m teasing. “Nadia’s trying. I think her remorse is real.”

“I know. I’ve seen it.” And I have. Nadia’s change has unfolded gradually yet sincerely over the past few months, just like Aydan’s connection with her. She started by simply organizing research materials and flyers for the Scarlet Wolf Protection Society, then began sitting in on meetings when permitted. “The volunteer work seems to be helping her.”

Aydan nods. “That’s why the Alpha King and the academy agreed to her release. She’s shown genuine change.”

“Supervised redemption,” I muse, remembering Dean Fowler’s exact words when he announced that Nadia would be released to Aydan’s custody for the summer. “Do you think she’s ready?”

“I don’t know,” Aydan says honestly. “But I do know that keeping her locked away won’t heal anyone—not her, not the people she hurt. She needs to face what she’s done and make amends in a real way.”

“Yeah . . . I meant I need patience for her pretentious attitude, which I assume will eventually resurface.”

Aydan laughs. “Yes, Goddess help us all. I think if we can handle her as a Blood Lycan, we can handle her as an entitled brat again, right?”

“True. We can handle anything.”

I gaze into his beautiful eyes once more, losing myself in that strange, captivating mix of blue and green. There’s something almost hypnotic about them—like looking at the horizon where the ocean meets the sky. Even after everything we’ve been through, that small detail still makes my heart skip a beat. I have to remind myself to breathe sometimes when he looks at me this intensely, like I’m the only person in his world. It’s terrifying and thrilling all at once.

Aydan pulls me closer, his warmth enveloping me as our lips meet under the silver glow of the moon. His kiss is gentle at first, then deepens with a possessiveness that makes my lower half pulse. The familiar scent of rain-washed forests surrounds me.

As his fingers tangle in my hair, the world around me shifts—not in the terrifying way my visions usually arrive, but something softer, gentler. Like a dream, not a nightmare.

I find myself in a meadow bathed in sunlight. I recognize the landscape—it’s the valley behind the Vaultmore estate in Claymore.

Small wolf pups—red, white, black, brown, silver—run together in joyful abandon. Their laughter fills the air as they play with wanton abandon. No separation, no fear, no hatred.

As the wolves tumble together in the grass, the fiery red pup pauses to turn toward me. Its eyes—one blue and one green—bright with hope looks back at me, its smile filling my heart with pride and joy.

They aren’t just any pups. They’re the future. Our future.

The vision fades as quickly as it came, leaving me breathless but not frightened. Not this time.

“Hey.” Aydan pulls back slightly to study my face. “You okay? You tensed up for a second.”

I blink, refocusing on those familiar mismatched eyes. “I’m perfect,” I whisper, tracing his jawline with my fingertip.

“What happened? Was it a vision?” His brows furrow with concern.

I consider telling him but decide to keep this one to myself—a precious treasure to hold close to my heart until the time is right. “Nothing bad,” I assure him. “Just . . . feeling overwhelmed with happiness.”

His expression softens as he tucks a strand of my hair behind my ear. “You’re a terrible liar, Saffron.”

“Not lying,” I say, pressing another kiss to his lips. “Just keeping a happy secret for now.”

The moon bathes us in silver light, and I feel its energy coursing through my veins. Not just my power as a Scarlet, but something deeper—a connection to all wolves, to the land, to our shared history and future.

For the first time in my life, I feel like I truly belong. Not just with Aydan or at Moonhelm, but in this world. I have a place. A purpose. A pack.

“What are you thinking about?” Aydan asks, his thumb caressing my cheek.

I lean into his touch. “About how far we’ve come. And how far we still have to go.”

“We’ll do it together,” he says with quiet certainty. “One day at a time.”

“One day at a time,” I agree, resting my head against his chest. His heartbeat is strong and steady under my ear, a rhythm I’ve come to rely on.

The balcony offers a perfect view of Moonhelm’s grounds. Students move between buildings, their laughter carrying on the night breeze. Somewhere, a wolf howls—not in pain or loneliness, but in celebration.

Soon, we’ll graduate and return to Claymore permanently. The thought no longer fills me with dread, but with anticipation. We’ll build something new there—a pack that accepts all bloodlines, that values strength in diversity rather than purity.

The vision of those pups playing together wasn’t just a dream. It was a promise—one I intend to keep.

“Ready to go back in?” Aydan asks, pressing a kiss to my forehead.

“In a minute,” I say, savoring this moment of peace before we dive back into the celebration. “Let’s just stay here a little longer.”

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