“Aria Willen! Hurry up, or you’ll get us all in trouble!” My mother’s voice echoed through the house.
I stifled a smirk, admiring myself in the mirror. The blue dress I wore was my absolute favorite, and I knew Leon would adore it. Tonight was Liana’s 18th birthday, and her father, Alpha Dorian, was throwing a massive party for the entire pack. It might surprise anyone that I was actually excited, considering Liana’s history of cruelty towards me. Her hatred was a long-standing tradition, and her minions never missed an opportunity to make my life miserable.
The feeling was definitely mutual. I loathed her for her constant bullying, making my life a living hell at school and everywhere else. As the queen bee of Mystic Claws & Fangs Academy, she practically ruled my existence. Well, that is until Leon came into the picture. “…hmm, thank the Moon Goddess for such a delectable mate,” I purred, wrapping my arms around myself as he had done last night.
Leon had promised to make our relationship public today. He was the most gorgeous guy in the entire pack, the Ember’s son, and next in line to be Ember himself. We’d been together for a month, ever since discovering we were mates on my birthday. He’d made me promise not to tell anyone, wanting to make the announcement in his own time.
Then, last night, as he undressed me under the moonlight, he vowed, “I’m going to make you mine—because tomorrow, I’ll tell the pack about us.”
“Really?” I gasped, clinging to his bare back as he explored my core.
“Yes, baby,” he whispered.
Last night was pure bliss. It was everything I’d ever imagined my first time would be.
“Aria!!!” My mother’s angry shout shattered my reverie.
“Coming, Mom!” I called, grabbing my coat and hurrying downstairs.
A sharp rap on my head made me wince. I glared at my mother. “Mom!” I groaned, rubbing the spot, but she’d already stormed out, my little sister trailing behind her.
“I’m sorry, Mom!” I called, trying to catch up. Amelia, my younger sister, shot me a dirty look, but I stuck my tongue out and hugged my mother from behind.
She grumbled, trying to shake me off. “Just pray to the Moon Goddess I don’t get punished because of you!”
“I’m sorry,” I pleaded, giving her my best puppy-dog eyes. She caved, returning the hug.
Amelia rolled her eyes and took off running. “Race ya!”
Hand in hand with my mother, we sprinted after Amelia, laughing. We arrived just in time for the party.
“Lily!” Aurora Marle, Alpha Dorian’s wife, stormed towards us. My mother visibly paled.
“Kitchen! Now!” she barked, yanking my mother’s arm. I looked away, helpless.
“I hate how they treat us in this pack,” Amelia whispered sadly. “Omegas or not, the Moon Goddess made us all.”
I ruffled her hair, sighing. “It’ll all be over soon.”
“You think?” My fifteen-year-old sister looked hopeful.
“Yes,” I smiled, thinking of Leon. Everything would change once he revealed our relationship. They’d have no choice but to respect my family. We’d no longer be outcasts.
“Aria! Ameli!” My friends, Stella and Clara, waved from across the hall.
After about thirty minutes of dancing with my “fellow omegas,” as Liana and her cronies liked to sneer, Leon approached. He extended a hand.
“Would you like to dance?” He winked, making my friends’ jaws drop.
“Oh my god, he just asked Aria to dance!” I heard Clara giggle. He pulled me away.
“Whoa! This is huge!” Stella exclaimed. Talia, my wolf, was ecstatic. She’d been waiting for our mate to show some public affection.
I chuckled, slipping my hand into his as he led me to the dance floor.
His hand rested on my waist, and I placed mine on his shoulders. We swayed to the music, our bodies moving in perfect sync.
Leon gazed at me with such love in his emerald eyes. For a moment, nothing else mattered. I leaned in for a kiss.
“Not now, baby,” he whispered, licking his lips. “Don’t want to spoil the surprise, do you?” He smiled, and I shook my head, giddy.
“No,” I breathed.
No matter what happened tonight, one thing was certain: I would be the luckiest girl in the Silver Moon pack.
“I’m making the announcement in a few minutes,” he whispered, his eyes sparkling. “Trust me.”
The music faded, replaced by a new melody. It was the Alpha’s dance.
Leon left me to ask Liana. I rolled my eyes, telling myself they were just friends. At least, that’s what he’d said.
My friends joined me as everyone watched them dance.
“That was incredible!” Stella breathed. “Though, Leon is a jerk, just like his friend over there,” she gestured towards Liana. “You guys have insane chemistry, though.”
I blushed. Yes, Liana, eat your heart out!
“You’d almost think you two were mates,” Clara squealed.
“We are,” I mumbled, pouting.
“What?” Stella and Clara’s eyebrows shot up. Amelia watched us silently, her eyes narrowed.
“Just kidding,” I said with a dry laugh. I’d wait for his announcement.
“You almost gave me a heart attack. Of course, the Moon Goddess wouldn’t pair a Ember with an omega,” Stella said thoughtfully.
“Yeah, I’ve read so many fantasies, I’m starting to imagine my friends and me ending up with powerful mates, maybe even hybrids,” Clara said dreamily.
Stella smacked her head. “This is reality! Hybrids would never fall for omegas like us!”
“Oww!” Clara glared at her, and they started bickering.
My friends. I sighed, watching Leon dance with Liana.
“They better just be friends,” Talia growled, imagining all the ways she could scratch Liana’s pretty face.
This possessive side of Talia was new. She’d always been so peaceful. But I guess even the quietest wolves turn possessive when it comes to their mates.
Suddenly, the hall lights dimmed, and the music softened. A hush fell over the party as Leon stepped back and dropped to one knee, pulling a ring box from his pocket.