Chapter 16
“Hold still,” Arla scolded, yanking the corset strings tighter around my waist.
I groaned, gripping the edge of the vanity. “I swear, if you pull any harder, I won’t need an assassin to kill me.”
She rolled her eyes, but there was a flicker of amusement in them. “Stop being dramatic. You need to look perfect tonight.”
I sighed, glancing at my reflection.
The Grand Ball.
An extravagant event where all the neighboring packs gathered under one roof, a political game disguised as a celebration. It wasn’t just about dancing and fine wine—it was about power.
Every Alpha, Luna, Beta, and heir from every powerful pack would be in attendance. Alliances would be formed. Enemies would size each other up. Mates would be claimed.
This was more than just a ball.
It was a battleground.
And I was walking straight into the fire.
My dress was a deep emerald green, the silk hugging my body like a second skin. It draped off my shoulders, exposing the delicate column of my throat—a silent invitation and a warning all at once.
Arla finished lacing the back and stepped away, a satisfied look on her face. “There. You look perfect.”
I studied my reflection.
My dark curls had been pinned up, strands falling loosely around my face. My eyes, sharp and guarded, were lined with kohl, making the dark green of my irises stand out even more.
I looked like a queen.
Too bad I had no throne.
A knock on the door made me turn.
Alex stepped inside, dressed in a crisp black suit. His gaze swept over me, and he let out a low whistle. “Damn. You’re really trying to make Tyler suffer, huh?”
I smirked. “He made me suffer first. It’s only fair.”
Alex’s expression darkened, but he said nothing. Instead, he offered his arm. “Let’s go. The ball is about to begin.”
I exhaled slowly, pushing aside the unease in my gut.
Then, I took his arm and let him lead me into the storm.
The Grand Hall was magnificent, draped in gold and deep red silks. The chandeliers sparkled like diamonds, casting a warm glow over the sea of powerful figures dressed in their finest.
The air was heavy with tension and hidden agendas.
I could feel the weight of their stares as I descended the staircase, whispers curling through the room like smoke.
“That’s Aurora Watson. The rejected mate.”
“Did you hear? She’s still unmated.”
“I heard she’s dangerous. Debbie was in prison because of her.”
I ignored them. Let them talk. I wasn’t here to impress them. I was here to remind them who I was.
At the far end of the hall, sitting on a grand throne-like chair, was Tyler. His golden eyes locked onto mine instantly.
He looked like a king in his black suit, his broad shoulders tense, his jaw tight. But his expression darkened as he took me in, his grip tightening around his glass of whiskey.
I smirked and turned away, pretending not to care.
Let him stew in it.
The music swelled, couples twirling across the ballroom floor, laughter and conversation filling the space. But beneath it all, I could feel it—the undercurrent of something dangerous.
And then…
The doors swung open. A chill ran through the room. A powerful presence entered, commanding attention without a word. Tall. Broad. Ruthless. A man dressed in raven-black, his dark eyes scanning the room like a predator.
The hall fell silent. My pulse skipped. I knew who he was. Alpha Killian of the Shadow Fang Pack. A rival pack. A threat to Silver Moon. And his eyes were locked directly on me.
The moment stretched, thick with something electric, something heavy. Then, slowly, Killian smirked.
“Aurora Watson,” he drawled, his deep voice sending a ripple of unease through the crowd. “So we finally meet.”
Tyler stood abruptly, his chair scraping against the marble floor. Killian’s smirk widened. “Oh? No warm welcome?”
The tension crackled between them. I took a step forward, keeping my expression unreadable. “You came a long way for a party, Alpha Killian.”
He tilted his head, eyes gleaming with something unreadable. “I came for you.”
Gasps echoed through the hall.
I went rigid. “Excuse me?”
Killian stepped closer, completely ignoring Tyler, his eyes locked onto mine. “You are my fated mate, Aurora.”
The room erupted. A shocked murmur spread like wildfire, people whispering, staring, their expressions ranging from curiosity to horror.
I heard Arla’s sharp inhale behind me, saw Alex’s fists clench.
But the loudest reaction came from Tyler. His snarl ripped through the air, raw and violent.
“Over my dead body,” he growled, stepping forward, his aura pressing against Killian’s like a tidal wave.
Killian just laughed. “Be careful what you wish for, Tyler.”
Tyler’s entire body vibrated with barely restrained rage. His wolf was clawing beneath his skin, on the verge of breaking free.
And me? I did the only thing I could. I smiled. Then, with the entire room watching, I lifted my chin and spoke the words that sealed my fate.
“I accept to be your mate.”
Silence.
Everything froze.
Tyler’s breathing turned ragged. His fists clenched so tightly, I thought his bones might snap. Killian’s smirk widened, pleased. But the moment didn’t last. Because in the next breath, Tyler’s voice came, dark and deadly, shaking with fury.
“Then you’ve just officially started a way. I’ll burn his entire pack to the ground.”
