Zara

I’d dealt with plenty of hatred in the past, so I waited for the petty gossip to begin.

"They wouldn’t dare," Alpha said without a moment’s hesitation, assuring me that this pack was very different from the one I grew up in.

"Not with you around, I wouldn’t dare." I chuckled, meeting the curious eyes watching us. "I wonder what they’ll say when you’re not around?"

Alpha snorted, a soft sound I barely noticed. There was a hint of amusement in the depths of his honey eyes.

"You’re glad they’ll challenge you," he said, as if it weren’t a question. I giggled softly, and then my father laughed hoarsely.

"Of course, I’m glad. I wasn’t shy about angering you, even before you met," he chuckled, and the sight made my heart flutter.

It was the happiest day my father had had with Ryan since Mom was killed. I was forcing him out of the house, and even with his injured leg, walking was becoming a little easier. He was making friends, rebuilding his life, which had once fallen apart.

The most surprising thing was how happy he was when Alpha and I announced that we were going to the capital of our pack. Of course, we invited them to come with us, almost without hoping Dad would leave the house. He’d been talking about the trip all week and how his bag was already packed.

I held back my anger.

I paused, not wanting to burst into tears over the steak I’d ordered. Instead, I lived in the present moment, oblivious to the curious glances skimming my skin.

I was already planning my late-night scavenger hunt when we left the restaurant, and literally bumped into two people who seemed more than happy to see Alpha.

I instantly recognized the first. The moment his azure eyes met mine, the same shade as Claire’s, and his smirk, the same one he shared with Alpha.

A woman with blond hair walked next to Brandon, arm in arm. Her rich brown eyes sparkled, and an enthusiastic smile blossomed on her face, causing her cheeks to flush.

"Well, if it’s not my brother’s date," Brandon grinned mischievously, pulled away from his companion, and took a few steps toward me. He was just a few inches shorter than Alpha, but still towered over me. His dark hair was slightly longer, giving him a mischievous and rugged look.

I felt my eyes widen, and surprise flashed across my face as his gaze dropped to my dress. "Brother, you didn’t tell me..."

"Kane!" the blonde squealed, the sound both soft and feminine. She clasped her graceful hands, her polished nails catching my attention. "Oh, you should have called me the moment you got here! We could have planned something..."

Her gaze shifted to me as I took a step toward Alpha, mossy green sparks flickering around her pupils. Her smile didn’t waver, but I swore I saw in her eyes in that brief moment...

"Is this your date?" Her petal-colored lips parted, casting a genuine, soft, and sweet smile at me. She stepped closer and took my hands. "It’s so incredible to meet you, Luna. I’m Kane and Brandon’s best friend, Cassidy. We practically grew up together, well, we’re their cousins, too."

It was hard to keep up with her enthusiasm, but the kindness with which she spoke seemed so genuine. I smiled back and introduced myself.

Her attention quickly returned to Alpha, and I tried not to let that fact get on my nerves. Suppressing my wolfish instincts, I listened intently to the conversation and was surprised to notice something.

Alpha was clearly glaring at Brandon, while Cassidy was talking only to him.

"I think we should definitely meet for lunch tomorrow," she said, giggling and lightly touching his arm to get his attention. His gaze slid over me as I visibly tensed, but Cassidy continued talking. "We have so much to discuss. I hope you won’t leave again anytime soon, since my birthday is next week."

"We’ll pop into town for a bit," Alpha nodded, his eyes reminiscent of his childhood best friend. "I’m sure Zara and I will find time to meet you, but only after the pack meeting tomorrow."

"Why don’t you invite them to the party on Sunday, Cass?" Brandon murmured, a silky smile on his face.

Brandon, like a twisted version of Alpha, whom I neither loved nor hated, was the complete opposite of his brother. Brandon tugged at her blond hair, causing her to giggle and swat his hand away.

His mocking gaze slid over me. "I don’t suppose you like to have fun, Zara. Kane was always such a miserable party animal. I’d hate it if his friend suffered the same affliction."

"Really, it would be great if you came." Cassidy smiled softly at Alpha. After a few long seconds, her gaze slid to me, but the smile didn’t fade. "It’s at the local swimming hole in town. We keep it a secret all year round so tourists don’t ruin it."

Alpha’s eyes were like hardened granite; he looked down at me, causing my face and neck to flush.

"Don’t you dare!" he warned, his gruff voice rushing through my head like a wave of command that nearly made my knees buckle.

Unfortunately, I wasn’t good at taking orders.

"Sounds fun," I pouted. "Besides, I need to meet the people from our pack, and they need to meet their Moon. There will be other opportunities..."

"We’ll be there!" I chuckled, feeling his rough growl flash through my head.

There was something incredibly satisfying about disobeying your chosen one, no matter how selfish and presumptuous it sounded. Perhaps it was the way his eyes darkened and his nostrils flared when rage consumed him, or perhaps it was the fact that, deep down, my defiance aroused him.

The respected and feared Alpha Kane was tormented and rejected by a girl.

From his possessive touches, which reminded me of who my body was responding to, and from the glances he gave me, flickering with anger, I realized what Alpha had planned for me the moment we returned home.