Chapter 2

• When we finally reached the ball, an hour later, my heart was still pounding.
• The packhouse loomed ahead, nothing like ours. Ours was a private mansion built for the Alpha’s family alone. This one was alive, open to everyone. The way a packhouse should be.
• My father would never allow that. He was too much of a tyrant to let others walk through his doors.
• We climbed the steps and were greeted by the hosts. Ryker led me into the grand ballroom, and my breath caught. Candles and fairy lights sparkled from the ceiling, a massive chandelier gleamed at the center, and gold and silver shimmered across every table, chair, and curtain. It was dazzling.
• Ryker chuckled at my wide-eyed expression, but my attention shifted to the endless banquet tables. He guided me there, as if he already knew where I would want to go.
• But before I reached the food, I felt eyes on me. Everywhere. The weight of the room pressed against my skin. My hands trembled and I tried to steady them.
• “Don’t you see? This proves Dad wrong,” Ryker said with a sly smile.
• “What do you mean?”
• “They are not staring at me. They have seen me every year. They are staring at you. Because you are beautiful.”
• Heat rose in my cheeks. I turned quickly to the buffet, pretending not to notice. I had never been to an event like this. Father always kept me away, convinced I belonged hidden at home.
• As I reached for a plate, a voice I dreaded froze me in place.
• “Hello, Summer. I am so glad you are here.”
• Alpha James!
• He stepped between Ryker and me, tall and broad with slicked-back hair and that sickening smile. The one I had seen too many times before. He seized my hand in a crushing grip. I tried to pull away, but his hold only tightened.
• “Hello, Alpha James,” I said, forcing my voice steady though my heart was about to break free from my chest.
• “Your father told me you would be here. I am so pleased you agreed to come, Summer.”
• “I just turned eighteen. This is what we are meant to do.” My hand twisted under his, desperate for release.
• “Yes. Of course. Summer.” He dragged his thumb across my palm, savoring every syllable of my name. My skin crawled.
• “And what are you doing here, Alpha James?” Ryker’s voice was sharp. “Still chasing that mate you can never seem to find?”
• James did not even glance at him. His gaze stayed locked on me.
• Ryker stepped forward, forcing his presence between us, and clasped my other hand. His stance was rigid, protective.
• “I was invited by the hosts,” James replied coldly. “They thought it would be good for their image to have older unmated wolves attend. To prove that hope never dies.”
• His lip curled as if Ryker’s nearness offended him.
• “I insist you join me at my table,” James said firmly. “I will not take no for an answer, Summer.”
• My stomach twisted. I looked to Ryker, who was barely holding back his temper.
• “Alright. Only if Ryker joins us,” I bargained. I had no choice but to agree, but I refused to sit alone with him.
• His eyes darkened, but he relented.
• At his table, men shifted to make room for Ryker. James slid his chair as close to me as possible, his legs brushing mine. Every touch deliberate. Ryker ended up three seats away, glaring helplessly.
• I grabbed a champagne glass from a passing tray, trying to calm the storm inside me.
• The men spoke of politics, ignoring me, except for James who never once stopped staring. His eyes followed my every breath.
• I scanned the room, desperate for escape. Faces still turned toward me, but one table caught my gaze. Five men sat there, and the one in the middle leaned back in his chair, a beer bottle turning idly in his hand. He radiated authority, even seated beside the hosts.
• Then his eyes met mine. Emerald green. Intense. Unyielding.
• I could not look away.
• He rose to his full height, towering above everyone, at least six foot six. Broad shoulders. A body carved like stone. His messy brown hair somehow perfect. Each stride toward me made it harder to breathe. My chest tightened. My fingers gripped the table as the room tilted. Then a scent hit me. Sweet, rich honeycomb.
• My gaze locked on his. His emerald eyes held me captive. My pulse thundered.
• The table grew silent. Everyone turned to watch. James’ grip crushed my hand as if he would never let me go.
• “Alpha Ethan. I am surprised to see you tonight,” James said, his smile faltering. His eyes flickered black with rage.
• Ethan’s gaze dropped to James’ hand on mine. His voice was low and lethal. “Unless you want to lose that hand, let her go.”
• James’ fingers trembled, but instead of releasing me, he slid his arm around my shoulders.
• “This is none of your concern, Ethan,” he sneered.
• In one swift motion, Ethan seized him by the shirt and yanked him upright, chair clattering to the floor. James’ feet dangled as Ethan’s glare bore into him.
• “Do not ever touch my mate again!”