Chapter 2

• Chapter two
• The drive to L’Havre Nocturne was long enough for me to reconsider my decision, but I forced myself to stay the course. This shadowed haven was built for alpha shifters like me, for those in power who needed discretion, and indulgence without consequence.
• Located about an hour from Obsidian Throne Pack territory, it was a well-guarded secret, a place where the world’s aristocracy, visiting officials, royals and supernaturals shed their titles and unwind away from prying eyes.
• Owned by Lazarus Cortez, a human billionaire with a knack for orchestrating the desires of powerful men, L’Havre Nocturne wasn’t just an elite establishment, he made it a fortress of silence.
• The she-wolves here weren’t from my pack, which was another reason I agreed to come. No familiar faces or pack politics to stir whispers.
• Every female was vetted and bound by NDAs.
• This was only my second visit, and though the luxury of it all should have relaxed me, I felt as tightly wound as ever.
• The moment we stepped inside, we were greeted like kings.
• Lazarus himself was waiting for us, his dark eyes alight with interest as he extended a firm handshake. “Mr. Vaelthorn, welcome to the L’Havre Nocturne, always an honor.”
• Before me, Vaughan had already shed his restraint. He was sprawled across the lavish velvet seating, a beautiful she-wolf and a human courtesan draped over him, their laughter soft and practiced.
• I, however, remained where I stood, holding the same iron control I wore like a second skin.
• Unlike many high-status males lost to their indulgences, I remained untouched, saving myself for my mate. Not out of weakness, but because I valued the fated, sacred vow.
• I know that somewhere, my mate is out there, and when I find her, she will be my equal not just in title, but in spirit.
• I didn’t come to L’Havre for the company or pleasure.
• I did this because I needed a release, one that didn’t compromise my principles.
• Lazarus escorted me into a private suite and gestured to a woman across the room.
• “For you Vaelthorn, only the finest”
• A tall she-wolf approached, her beauty undeniable.
• She was flawless in every way, full lips, long, dark hair cascading over golden skin, and curves sculpted to entice.
• Her name was Selene.
• I could feel her gaze trailing over me, a look of hunger masked beneath the cultivated elegance of seduction. Her hunger echoed the desire I’d sensed in others drawn to my alpha blood.
• Selene sauntered forward, her movements slow, predatory, like a wolf stalking moonlight. “You don’t come here often,” she murmured, her voice a low growl wrapped in silk.
• I said nothing.
• She took that as an invitation, stepping even closer, too close.
• Her delicate fingers reached out, intending to trace the edge of my jaw.
• I caught her wrist before she could make contact.
• “No touching.”
• My voice was low, commanding.
• Selene’s eyes widened slightly, caught between shock and intrigue. Most men wouldn’t deny her touch. I wasn’t swayed by her allure.
• Still, she composed herself quickly, offering a slow, knowing smile. “Of course, Alpha.”
• She took a step back, adjusting. If she couldn’t touch me, she would have to tempt me another way.
• Her hands traced her form, skimming over the fabric of her lingerie, accentuating every curve.
• I sat back, watching with detached interest, already knowing how this would go.
• She would weave her seductive dance and I would do what I always did, indulge in my own release.
• Selene moved to the slow rhythm of the music, her body swaying.
• My muscles tensed, her grace testing the edge of my vow, but held by self-control.
• I had desires, of course, I was an alpha.
• But they meant nothing, paled without my mate.
• This was about control.
• A test of discipline.
• A ritual that let me take the edge off without endangering what I valued most.
• I leaned back into the seat, unbuckling my belt. My breath slowed as I guide myself to quiet contentment. I let my mind wander, not to Selene or the shadows moving nearby, but to the unknown,
• to the mate I hadn’t met yet.
• I imagined her scent, her touch.
• What it would feel like to finally let go.
• My grip tightened as pleasure built, unhurried, my own hand delivering satisfaction with quiet restraint.
• Selene moved in perfect synchronization with my pace, an illusion of intimacy, a carefully constructed game of temptation and rejection.
• I never broke my discipline, yet when the release finally came, I allowed myself that moment of fleeting, solitary gratification.
• No connection or bond.
• I exhaled deeply, composing myself as I cleaned up and fastened my belt.
• Selene watched me, curiosity glinting in her dark eyes. She had seen many men come undone before, but never like this.
• Never with so much control.
• As always, I didn’t stay.
• I stood, adjusting my sleeves, giving her a single nod before turning away.
• One day, I wouldn’t have to rely on shadows of pleasure, but today was not that day.
• And so, as I stepped out of the private room and back into a world that did not yet hold my fated one, as ever, I waited.