Chapter 3
1266words
Three years had passed. I never imagined I'd return home like this.
The car my father sent was already waiting—a black luxury sedan with tinted windows and the exclusive license plate of the Moon Shadow Pack.
"Miss Selena, we have arrived," the driver said respectfully.
I approached the invisible barrier. Humans couldn't see it, but to any werewolf, it was a distinct wall of energy.
My hand touched the barrier, and familiar energy immediately surged through my body. My blood boiled as dormant power awakened. The territory recognized its heir.
The barrier parted for me. As I walked through, the rich scent of the forest enveloped me. The Moon Shadow territory lay deep in the mountains, hidden from the human world.
"Welcome home, Miss," pack members bowed respectfully.
I nodded and continued forward. More pack members stopped to bow, their eyes filled with reverence and curiosity.
"Luna has returned," someone whispered.
Luna—the title of the Moon Shadow Pack's heir. I had once fled from this identity, but now I had no choice but to embrace it.
The main residence stood atop the mountain. White walls with blue roofs, symbolizing the union of moon and sky.
Father stood at the entrance. He looked much older than I remembered, his hair completely white, though his gaze remained sharp.
"Father." I bowed my head in respect.
He didn't speak, only opened his arms. His embrace surprised me—Father had never been an emotional man.
"Welcome home, my daughter." His voice broke slightly.
I leaned against his shoulder as tears silently fell. All the emotions I'd suppressed for days finally broke free.
"I'm sorry, Dad," I whispered.
He patted my back. "It's alright. What matters is you're back."
Entering the main house, the familiar surroundings comforted me. A fire crackled in the hearth, dispelling the mountain chill.
"The elders want to see you," Father said, "but I told them you need rest. We'll talk tomorrow."
I nodded gratefully.
"However," Father hesitated, "there is someone I think you should meet."
The living room door opened, and a tall figure walked in.
My breath caught.
Liam Nightfall, Alpha of the Shadow Pack. My fiancé.
This wasn't the Liam I remembered. Three years ago, he'd seemed cold and arrogant, but now standing before me was someone who made my heart race.
He stood at least six-four, with broad shoulders tapering to a narrow waist—a perfect V-shaped torso beneath his black henley. His muscles were firm and powerful, every inch screaming Alpha strength. Dark jeans hugged his long, powerful legs, and his entire presence radiated raw magnetism.
What struck me most was his face. Deep blue eyes that seemed to contain the entire night sky, a strong straight nose, defined jawline, and full, sensual lips. His black hair was slightly tousled, adding to his wild appeal.
"Selena." He spoke, his voice deep and magnetic, sending an electric current down my spine.
My wolf stirred restlessly, practically howling: Mine! Want him!
The reaction shocked me. My wolf had never responded so strongly to anyone—certainly not to Ethan.
"Liam," I responded, my voice coming out softer than intended.
The atmosphere between us instantly became charged. His gaze felt almost tangible, caressing my skin and making me tremble.
"I'll go prepare dinner," Father said tactfully, slipping out of the room.
Silence stretched between us. I found myself drawn to him, my gaze involuntarily dropping to his lips, imagining their touch.
"Are you alright?" he finally asked, his voice laced with genuine concern and something more—something tightly controlled.
"I—" Just as I tried to answer, a wave of dizziness hit me. After being disconnected from the Moon Shadow pack's energy field for three years, plus my recent emotional turmoil, I was weaker than I'd realized.
My knees buckled, my vision darkened, and I pitched forward.
In the next instant, I fell into a warm, solid embrace. Liam's scent enveloped me—cedar and leather, mixed with an Alpha's unique wild musk—making my wolf even more restless.
"Careful," he murmured near my ear, his warm breath brushing my earlobe.
I looked up to find my face mere inches from his. Close enough to see the flecks of midnight in his blue eyes, close enough to feel his heart hammering against mine.
My hand unconsciously moved to his chest, feeling hard muscle and burning heat. My wolf completely took over, and I let out a soft whimper, my body instinctively pressing closer.
"Selena..." Liam's voice roughened, his eyes beginning to glow red—the telltale sign of a werewolf's arousal.
I couldn't control myself. My fingers traced the contours of his chest, moving upward to caress his neck, stopping at his Adam's apple. His skin burned beneath my touch, his pulse racing wildly.
I rose on my tiptoes, pressing my lips to his Adam's apple, gently sucking. This was the werewolf way of expressing submission and intimacy—my wolf guiding me to show acceptance of this powerful Alpha.
Liam's body instantly tensed as he let out a low growl. "Don't..."
His hand gripped my shoulder tightly, caught between pushing me away and pulling me closer. I could feel his wolf roaring in response to my invitation.
In the end, reason triumphed over instinct. Liam took a deep breath and gently pushed me back, though he kept hold of my arm to steady me.
"You need rest." His voice remained rough, the red in his eyes slowly fading. "After three years away from the Moon Shadow pack's energy field, your body needs time to adjust."
Only then did I come to my senses, realizing what I'd just done. Heat flooded my cheeks, and I couldn't meet his eyes.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to—"
"It's alright," he interrupted, his voice returning to its normal calm. "It's a natural wolf response. You've been gone too long, and your wolf is particularly active after returning home."
He released me and stepped back. I immediately felt both loss and relief.
"The Council of Elders has scheduled the succession ceremony for next week," he changed the subject. "They'll announce our engagement at the same time. If you need more time..."
"No," I interrupted. "Since I'm back, I'll take responsibility."
He nodded, something unreadable flashing in his eyes. "Then I'll take my leave. You need rest—tomorrow you'll begin Luna training."
He turned to leave, his movements somewhat stiff. At the doorway, he paused without looking back. "Welcome home, Selena."
Then he was gone, leaving only the lingering scent of cedar and leather to remind me that what had just happened wasn't a dream.
That night, lying in bed, I replayed the day's events. My face heated again. How could I have lost control like that? Been so... wanton?
I buried my face in a pillow, trying to smother the embarrassing memories. But my wolf remained excited—she liked Liam, yearned to be close to him.
This was something I'd never experienced before. Even during three years with Ethan, my wolf had never been so responsive. What did it mean? Was Liam truly my destined mate?
I rolled over to gaze at the full moon outside my window. Moonlight spilled across my bed, as if answering the questions in my heart.
Just then, my phone vibrated. A text from an unknown number:
"Selena, I have a fever. Where are you? I need you."
I immediately recognized Ethan's manipulation. Before, no matter where I was, whenever he claimed to be sick, I'd rush back to care for him.
But now, I simply deleted the message and turned off my phone.
