A lavender scent filled the air as Ashlee walked around the closet to pick her dress. Esyn had specifically chosen this low-cut, short but glossy dress for her.

Ashlee had never worn something this revealing before, but today, she was to be presented among many packs, officially announced as the Luna of the strongest pack of them all. Esyn wasn’t about to let her wear baggy clothes on a special occasion like this.

Ashlee sighed, picking up the deep red, ‘slutty dress,’ as she would call it. Dropping her towel, she slipped into it. Barefoot, she wandered over to the mirror to take a look at herself.

She looked amazing, even if she felt awkward in the dress. The fabric hugged her curves perfectly, accentuating her figure and showing off her rounded silhouette. She picked up some makeup, which Esyn had practically forced on her.

“She’s one crazy friend,” Ashlee muttered, raising her brows as she tried to apply the makeup like she’d seen in YouTube tutorials.

“I think it’s all set now.” She arched her brows, still looking at her reflection in confusion. Nodding to herself, she went back to the closet and took out her deep-red platform heels.

“Why do I have to wear these? Ugh!” She groaned, sliding her feet into the heels. The sound of the door handle turning caught her attention as someone entered the room.

She quickly stepped out to see Kyle, looking absolutely dashing in his formal wear. She swallowed hard, glancing at him from head to toe as he busied himself with a small jewelry box in his hands.

“That’s enough, señorita,” Kyle smirked, sensing her eyes on him.

“Wh… what?” She blinked rapidly, stumbling over her words.

He chuckled and approached her with the jewelry box in his hands. She looked up at him with curiosity in her eyes. Gently, he took her hand and guided her toward the bed.

“Sit down,” he commanded, his gaze intense. Her scent was tempting, but he needed to control himself or he might lose his restraint.

“Why? What is it?” she asked, taking a seat at the edge of the bed.

He gently lifted her foot and took out an anklet, a sterling silver piece with moon phases, set with tiny turquoise crystals that gleamed in the light.

“Do you like it?” He asked, letting his hand trace her jawline softly. She smiled and nodded.

“It’s very rare for me to receive a gift. Thank you so much.” She whispered, leaning toward him.

Kyle chuckled, hearing her confession. “I’ll keep gifting you on every occasion,” he replied, sealing his promise with a kiss on her soft lips.

“Come on, lovebirds, that’s enough!” Esyn shouted, knocking loudly at the door. Ashlee’s heart skipped a beat, startled by the sudden interruption.

“Come on, gorgeous,” Kyle muttered, holding out his hand for her to take.

“I’m really nervous,” she admitted, smoothing down her dress and taking a few deep breaths as they walked into the hallway. She knew there would be a lot of people, and the thought of talking to them was terrifying.

You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

“I’m always by your side. Don’t worry,” Kyle assured her, holding her close.

As they stepped out, Ashlee’s mind went blank. She felt no fear, no sound, no anxiety—only the warmth of the lights and the joy of the faces around her.

Even children were playing and running about. Where did all the kids come from? she wondered. Walking down the path with Kyle, she watched the children play. Suddenly, one of them shapeshifted into a wolf.

She was startled for a moment, but the little wolf looked so adorable she couldn’t be afraid.

“Kyle,” Ashlee muttered, closing the distance between them.

“Yeah?” He smiled, nodding to the guests around them.

“Why is everyone staring at me so weirdly?” she murmured through gritted teeth, forcing a smile.

“Because you’re the Luna. They’re probably just amazed by your beauty.” He teased, smirking down at her. She huffed, pinching his side.

“Well, well, well. What do we have here? Such a young and stunning Luna,” a man about Kyle’s age said, appearing suddenly with a drink in hand. “I must say, Alpha Kyle got more than he could’ve dreamed of. I’m Chester, by the way.”

“Uh…” Ashlee looked at Kyle as Chester extended his hand. “I’m Ashlee,” she smiled, a bit hesitant. Chester took her hand—and didn’t let go.

“What a memorable name!” he grinned, clearly drunk. Kyle sighed, yanking Chester’s hand off of Ashlee.

“Chester, enjoy yourself. We’d like to meet some other guests,” Kyle said, flashing a tight smile as he pulled Ashlee away.

“Stay close to me,” he murmured, still holding her firmly.

“I’m as close as I can get. Want to switch bodies?” Ashlee muttered sarcastically. Kyle said nothing, as they were surrounded by people, so he simply stayed silent.

They stopped by an older couple, close friends of Kyle’s parents. The conversation flowed easily, and the couple was a heartwarming example of love.

“Kyle.” A deep voice behind him grabbed his attention.

Kyle turned around, and so did Ashlee. She was surprised to see him—why hadn’t Kyle told her he was coming?

“Ashlee, this is Collin, a close friend. Collin, this is—” Before he could finish, Collin interrupted.

“I know Ashlee, the Luna of your pack and your mate. We’ve met before,” Collin said, with a hint of provocation, watching for Kyle’s reaction. He noted the look on Kyle’s face, realizing Ashlee hadn’t mentioned this encounter.

“Why didn’t you tell me you were coming?” Ashlee asked, ignoring Kyle’s presence and forgetting to mention the previous meeting.

“You never asked.” Collin chuckled. Ashlee smiled, clearly excited, while Kyle’s jealousy burned within him.

“And where did you two meet?” Kyle asked, barely holding back his irritation.

“Oh! I got lost in the forest, and Collin happened to be there. He helped me find my way back,” she explained innocently, oblivious to Kyle’s discomfort.

“How many times have I told you? Stop wandering alone—it’s dangerous. What if something had happened?” Kyle’s eyes darkened as he spoke. Guilt flickered in him, realizing he had invited Collin.

“It’s fine. Nothing happened, thanks to him.” She shrugged, smiling at Collin again.

“It’s no problem. As Kyle’s mate, it’s my duty to look after you when he’s not around, right?” Collin smirked, glancing at Kyle. Kyle felt his unease grow, sensing something off about Collin.

“Sure.” Kyle clenched his hands in his pockets, his veins standing out in tension.

“Drinks, gentlemen and lady?” a waiter offered, extending a tray of drinks.

Kyle took a drink to hand to Ashlee, but Collin was quicker. Kyle let out a frustrated sigh, watching her laugh with Collin, seemingly forgetting his presence.

Fine, he thought, frustration building as he watched. He turned to a group of single women.

The girls lit up with excitement to have the strong, handsome Alpha among them. Two of them tugged at his arms, but his gaze stayed fixed on Ashlee. Bitterness crept in as he watched her laugh with another man.

A few minutes passed, and still, Ashlee didn’t look for him. Sighing, he leaned back on the couch as the women leaned in close, showing off their dresses. He didn’t even spare them a glance.

His mind and focus were all on Ashlee’s smile with another man. He snapped back to reality as she suddenly appeared in front of him.

“Wh… I…” He was speechless. When had she come over?

“I can’t believe this.” She gritted her teeth, turning and storming away, putting her empty glass on a waiter’s tray as she rushed off.

“Ashlee. Wait!” Kyle tried to pull away from the women crowding him, struggling to break free.

Collin grinned, satisfied as he watched Ashlee storm off and Kyle scramble after her. Mission accomplished. He’d come here to plant a wedge between them—and he’d done just that.

“Interesting, how the tables turned,” he muttered, heading back to the bar for another drink.

“Ashlee!” Kyle shouted, entering the hallway, hurrying after her.