Page 5

I’m quite sure my brain has short-circuited as I allow Kaiden to usher me like a zombie toward a side room. In the background, I can dimly hear wolves celebrating, as though there’s about to be a huge party. They howl and cheer in the recesses of my mind, but it sounds a thousand miles away, the blood rushing and thumping in my ears drowning it out.

What the hell?

Before I can verbalize it myself, Kaiden does it for me. “What the hell, Rowan? What are you playing at?” I can hear the rage in my alpha’s voice as the door closes behind us. “You seriously think we’ll just go along with this?”

Rowan chuckles darkly, neither rising to the bait nor mirroring Kaiden’s fighting posture. I’m not sure if that will disarm the situation or escalate it at this point. I’m too concerned with my own racing heart and spinning head.

I can’t be Rowan’s luna. I can’t be anyone’s luna. I’m half-human, I don’t have a wolf, I’m a nobody.

“Kaiden, this is not the trap you think it is. Calm yourself,” Rowan replies, leaning against a table under a tall window. “There were concerns, and the pack expressed a desire to follow protocol. That’s all this is. Protocol.”

His eyes immediately flicker to mine, and the intensity is almost too much. His words do not match the emotion reflected back at me. Not at all. He’s lying about something, but why would he? What does he have to gain from any of this? Dimly, I consider what will be required of me as a luna. Will he expect me to sleep with him? I immediately blush from head to toe. Will he expect that? I’ve never been with a man.

I listen to the alphas going back and forth as though I’m not even here. Through the fog, I hear my name once and then twice, forcing me back to reality.

“Willow…?” Kaiden urges. “This is…a lot. Do you want to step outside while I deal with it, or do you have anything to add?”

Rowan rolls his eyes, “I’m sure Willow is capable of talking for herself, Kaiden; she knows what is at stake here. The work that must be done. This is merely a formality.”

“Is it?” Kaiden replies dryly.

Rowan gives him a look that would turn a lesser wolf to ice before turning to me. “Willow, love, your thoughts?”

Struggling to process a coherent thought, I stare at them both for a second. Kaiden looks pissed off, as to be expected. All alphas hate being blindsided, especially when alliances like theirs are so new and tentative. Which begs the question, why would Rowan risk it?

I take a deep breath, gathering my courage to address him properly. “Just a formality? And if I say no?” I attempt, wanting to gauge his reaction.

He laughs lightly and lifts his arms as if to dismiss the notion. “My pack has its unique laws; I’m sure yours does, too. They must be respected. It is a formality. If you don’t want to hitch yourself to me, even temporarily, I will, of course, be desperately wounded.” I would roll my eyes at anyone else, but his eyes are doing that mesmerizing thing again, and I can’t even look away. “My healer, Sara, will take over the research, and you are free to go. We will keep you updated, though, naturally.”

“No.” My reply is instant. I cannot and will not be cut out of this research. The satisfaction on Rowan’s face confirms that he already knew that. “I’ll do whatever is necessary to stop the Order and prevent the hunters from hurting anyone else.”

Kaiden sighs, his rage cooled by a fraction. “That is what we all want. But as your alpha, I won’t let you be forced into anything.”

“She’s not being forced into purgatory, Kaiden. I assure you. She will be a highly esteemed guest here.” Then, turning back to me, he adds, “My guest.”

Kaiden looks at me for final confirmation, which I give with a small nod. “Fine. I will go inform the others.”

“Of course, we will conduct the brief ceremony before you head out. The storm is almost here,” Rowan tells him as he walks away, leaving us alone.

I let out the last of many breaths I’ve been holding today, unsure where to place myself and suddenly very aware that Rowan and I are alone. His presence overloads my senses at the best of times; to think we’re going to go through a mating ceremony, even if it is fake, makes the tension even thicker.

“Don’t look so worried, love,” he smoothly reassures me. “Let’s get this formality concluded, and I can show you the house before the storm hits.”

“I thought I was staying at the lab?” I stumble over my words.

He chuckles again. “I think my pack would disapprove of my luna sleeping in the lab, even if she does like to work too hard.”

How does he know I work too hard?

Perhaps the question is written all over my face because he flashes the slightest bit of fang as he smiles, “So I hear.”

I laugh nervously, “So, um, which house am I staying in?” I suspect I already know the answer, and the smirk on his handsome face confirms it.

He steps forward, closer and closer. Everything around us seems to dip and tip on its axis, and I find myself unable to look away. “Mine, Willow. I think you’ll be very comfortable there, with me. Don’t look so petrified though, love; there are plenty of spare bedrooms.”

It’s like he can read my damn mind. I realize, too late, that I have been retreating as he approached, and now my back is against the wall. Standing so close, I can feel his masculinity rolling off him in waves, and it’s both petrifying and intoxicating. His expression remains amused, yet unreadable; I can’t shake the suspicion that he’s toying with me.

In an attempt to regain my usual composure, I laugh, but it comes out more high-pitched than I would have liked. “I…”

I’m saved by Kaiden reappearing. He glances between us, seemingly ready to say something again, but I smile reassuringly, and he nods. “Your beta says they are ready to conduct the ceremony now.” Then, looking at me, he asks, “If you are sure?”

I nod, attempting to sound confident and in control of the situation. “Yes, the lab is the most important thing.”

I let Kaiden lead the way back into the main hall and enter with my head held high. I can sense a shift in the pack as all eyes fall on me. They seem incredibly happy about the ceremony; more have piled into the hall, filling it. I can feel my cheeks burning as I’m led to the front of the hall. People smile as I pass, and I must admit, they seem friendly enough. I feel Rowan’s presence close behind me, and the pack cheers as we reach the small stage area.

It’s just a formality. Just a formality, I remind myself on repeat as an older man I don’t recognize begins to speak about unity and allegiance. I nod and say yes when prompted, the words all blurring into one until there’s a conclusion in the speech, and the crowd cheers. I nervously plaster a smile on my face and look up at Rowan. His eyes are fixed on mine, and I’m suddenly aware that he’s leaning toward me.

“Sealed with a kiss, love,” he says milliseconds before he brushes my cheek with a kiss. We both seem to freeze in the moment. Just as before, the world around us feels distant.

I still think he’s toying with me, and I shouldn’t care because my focus is the lab and my research. But just for a moment, I find myself wishing this was real. That I was his luna and this was a fairytale. Before I can even shake the thought away, the world around us swings back into focus, and the moment is lost.

The hall is jovial, and I suspect many would welcome a proper celebration of sorts, but the storm is picking up outside, and the rain lashing the windows serves as a reminder that it’s best not to linger.

Kaiden steps forward, his brow furrowed. “I’m not looking forward to explaining this to my mate. Make sure you call her.”

I laugh. “I think she’ll understand. It is just a formality, and this research is incredibly important to her, too. To all of us.”

He nods solemnly. “Yes, of course. Keep me informed at all times.”

I nod as he walks away, but it occurs to me that I have pledged allegiance to the Nicholson pack, yet am still loyal to Kaiden as my alpha. Do I have two alphas now? That’s not technically possible. Lost in thought, I watch everyone start to leave.

I suddenly feel Rowan’s warmth next to me, and his hand slips into my mind as though it belongs. “Come, love, let us retreat to the warmth of our home. I’ll have someone retrieve your bags.”

Our home.

I frown, not wanting to consider the implications. But I can’t help but ask anyway. “Rowan...” I begin, looking up at him, my heart hammering in my chest.

He looks down at me with a disarmingly soft smile, his eyes glowing as he gently tugs me toward the exit. “Don’t overthink it, love. The storm is here, and we have a long night ahead of us and plenty of time for questions.”

I want to believe him, but I can’t help but feel like this is all a dream that will shatter at any moment. As we step outside, the rain is nearly horizontal, the wind nearly gale force. It feels like we’re being pushed by it. The walk to his cabin is thankfully short, as it is just across from the hall, but it feels long as my mind races. Is he really just waiting for me to come around? Or does he expect more?

The cabin sits nestled against the forest, its glass walls blending in with the trees that surround it. It’s impressive yet warm and inviting. Rowan leads me inside, and a few lights come on automatically, revealing a modern interior with steel beams and glass doors. There are wooden floors and furniture, and a large fireplace crackling in the corner that was clearly lit earlier in the day still warms the room with a strong smell of woodsmoke. It’s cozy despite the storm raging outside.

He turns to me and flashes his trademark fanged grin again. “What do you think?” His voice is smooth and inviting as he almost circles me, watching me take in my new surroundings.

I walk around slowly, taking in every detail of this place that seems so contradictory yet somehow harmonious. Artifacts from ages past litter the home, some even older than this country itself. They seem out of place among the modern furnishings but don't feel out of place around Rowan.

I can feel his power here. It's palpable.

Suddenly, a knock on the door breaks my train of thought. Rowan walks over and opens the door to reveal Rian, one of his betas who will be working at the lab, holding my bags. He nods his thanks and closes the door before turning back to me. "Now," he says, gently taking my hand, "let me show you to your room."

He leads me up the beautifully carved staircase and into a spacious bedroom with a king-sized bed draped in red velvet, which looks soft and inviting after the long day. Large windows along one wall look out over the forest beyond, but they're frosted with condensation from the storm outside. The room is warm and homely, with soft lighting casting shadows across the walls covered in paintings of wolves in various stages of life—family, perhaps?

"This will be your room," he says softly, releasing my hand as he turns to face me fully. "Feel free to make yourself at home." He lingers for a moment, almost as if he intends to say more, but then changes his mind, and with a nod, he's gone, leaving me alone with my thoughts once again.

I walk over to the window and press my palm against it, feeling the cold glass against my skin as I watch the storm rage on outside. It's mesmerizing, terrifying, and beautiful all at once. What am I getting myself into?

After finding all the drawers and wardrobes empty, I get to work putting the few things I brought with me away. The last item I unpack is the small picture of my parents I kept in the lab to remind me why this matters so much—not just my family, but everyone’s, and the packs themselves. I was going to put the picture up in the new lab, but somehow, having them here with me feels better. Perhaps I need the comfort more than I thought.

Wearily, I try to sleep that night, but sleep doesn't come easily between the storm and my racing mind. Usually, I’m kept awake by ideas for more research, but tonight, all I can think about is Rowan. Will he come back into my room? Do I want him to?

I finally feel myself drifting into a deep slumber. My dream is strangely realistic, and I’m back at the window, looking out at the storm. Rowan appears behind me, and I reach out to him, longing for his touch. He steps closer until there’s barely any space between us. Our breathing becomes ragged as he leans down and whispers against my ear, "You're safe with me."

He kisses my neck softly before trailing his lips down towards my collarbone. The sensation sends shivers down my spine, making me gasp softly. His hand finds its way to mine and intertwines our fingers as he guides it up under his shirt, over his warm skin...

Suddenly, I jolt awake with a gasp, tears streaming down my face from the intensity of the dream. My heart is pounding so hard it feels like it might burst out of my chest. With trembling fingers, I reach between my legs only to find myself already wet with desire—a new experience for me. I bite back a moan as I start to touch myself, trying desperately to relieve some of this ache inside me.

Rowan's voice echoes in my mind: "You're safe with me."

It feels so real, like he’s here, but I’m completely alone.