6. Sealed

RHEA'S POV

    I sat tucked away in a corner, watching the crowd sway and spin on the dance floor. Tonight was Miles’ birthday and the long-awaited moment when he would officially take on the role of Alpha. Alphas from far and wide had shown up, along with their entourages of high-ranking pack members. Alpha Dennis, Miles’ father, was one of the wealthiest and most influential Alphas in the region—probably even beyond—so when I say this coronation was extravagant, I mean it. The whole night felt like a grand fairytale, minus any fairytale moment for me.

Miles was not out yet, but his friends, Rico and Evans, were doing their best to keep everyone entertained. Since the whole mess with Roxy began, they were the only ones who still treated me kindly. It made me miss Yuri even more. Tall, handsome Yuri with his shoulder-length hair and that smile that could light up a whole room. He had been my only real friend, someone who had always told me to stand up for myself, to know my worth. But I didn’t really have any romantic attraction for him, and I had pushed him away for years because of Miles.

But tonight, as I sat alone in the crowd, I wished Yuri were here. I needed his calming presence, his unwavering support, because comfort was in short supply these days. Home was a battlefield, with Roxy and my mother making each day harder than the last. The verbal abuse from my mom had intensified since Miles’ return.

At least high school was over. The bullying might not stop entirely, but at least I wouldn’t have to face the same people every day. And there was college to think about. I could choose to study in another pack, a pack where no one knew my name or the scandal attached to it.

I took a sip from my wine glass, hoping the bitterness would drown out the ache in my throat. Across the room, I spotted Roxy in the center of the dance floor, glowing under the attention of some visiting Alphas, her arm was looped around a particularly handsome one. She moved with grace, her eyes darting over to me every so often, as if to prove that she could have anyone she wanted.

“Care for a dance?” A voice broke into my thoughts, startling me. I had been so lost in my own head that I hadn’t even noticed anyone approaching.

I turned to see Evans standing there, flashing me his signature easy smile, a glass of wine in one hand and his other hand extended toward me. Instinctively, I started to shake my head, but my wolf, Gold, had other ideas.

‘Go on, Rhea,’ she coaxed. ‘It’s time you had a little fun. Loosen up a bit.’

‘Fun with Miles’ friend?’ I shot back, skeptical.

‘He’s not going to bite,’ Gold replied smoothly. ‘Besides, who knows? This might even make our mate a little jealous.’

A small smile crept onto my face, and I finally accepted Evans’ hand. Did I really want to make Miles jealous? I know what the mate bond could do. Even if Miles didn’t want me, the mate bond could make him jealous if he saw me with someone else. But I didn’t want to hurt him that way.

As if sensing my hesitation, Evans gave my hand a gentle tug, pulling me to my feet with that mischievous glint in his eyes. He wrapped an arm around my waist, leaning in close to whisper in my ear.

“Relax,” he said softly. “Miles wouldn’t want you sitting here all by yourself.”

I blinked up at him, surprised. But he only gave me that mischievous smile and nodded. My heart fluttered—not because Evans was looking at me, but because Miles was kind enough to think of me. As we swayed to the music, I couldn’t help but glance around. I spotted Roxy whispering something to Mom, who, seconds later, shot me a look that could freeze a lake. Roxy then disappeared from the party with an air of urgency.

A moment later, I heard my mother’s voice through the mind-link. ‘Rhea, I need you to do something for me.’

I sighed. Couldn’t I go one night without someone summoning me? “Evans, I’ll be right back,” I said, excusing myself and making my way to my mother.

She greeted me with an oddly warm smile, brushing her hand over my hair like she was some doting mother. “Rhea, dear, I’m feeling a bit chilly. I left my mink shawl at home. Would you mind going to fetch it for me? I would’ve asked Roxy, but she’s off running an errand for the Luna.”

I bit back a sigh and nodded, resigned. Maybe a little escape from the party wouldn’t be so bad. A few minutes away from the cold stares could only do me good. “Sure, Mom. I’ll go get it.”

Once home, I searched the entire house, practically tearing every closet and drawer apart. But after combing through every room, I realized there was no mink shawl anywhere. Frustrated, I wondered if this was just my mother’s trick to get me out of the way.

I reached out to her through the mind link, only to find it blocked. That was odd.

‘We should head back to the ceremony,’ Gold warned. ‘I have a bad feeling about this.’

Sighing, I left the house and made my way back to the packhouse. By the time I arrived, Alpha Dennis had already named Miles the new Alpha. I spotted Miles seated among his friends, with Roxy and her posse gathered around, all toasting to his new status. My mother approached me, holding a glass of wine.

“Oh, Rhea, I didn’t realize Roxy had already brought my shawl,” she said, patting my shoulder. “I’m so sorry for the trouble, dear. Here—go on, have a drink and enjoy yourself.”

She pressed the wine glass into my hand and walked off, leaving me standing there feeling more than a little used. Turning back toward the main party, I spotted Roxy practically glued to Miles. She was whispering in his ear, leaning close, while he laughed, clearly charmed by whatever nonsense she was feeding him. She poured him another drink, which he accepted with a soft kiss on her lips before tossing it back in one gulp.

My heart shattered right then, and I had to look away. I couldn’t bear to watch them anymore; it was like watching a train wreck in slow motion. I made my way up the stairs, each step heavier than the last. Alpha Dennis was too lost in the joy of the ceremony that he didn’t seem to notice Roxy’s bold behavior—or maybe he didn’t care. Either way, the scene left a bitter taste in my mouth. I knew I was going to feel that dreaded pain tonight. And with the way Roxy was pouring drinks for Miles, I knew they would end up in bed tonight. I needed to get drunk myself and brace for the unbearable pain.

As I made my way toward the stairs, hoping to find a quiet corner where I could sip my drink in peace—maybe even drink myself into oblivion so I didn’t have to watch Miles and Roxy together—Kitty suddenly stepped in front of me, her face twisted into a smug, taunting smirk.

“Well, well, if it isn’t the schemer herself,” she sneered. “Looks like your little plans didn’t work on the Alpha. He’s over there, happily occupied with his true love.” Before I could reply, she snatched the drink from my hand and shoved her own empty glass at me. “You don’t deserve him. Go get yourself another drink.”

With that, she strutted away, making a beeline for Miles and Roxy, drink in hand. I watched as she handed the glass to Roxy, who, without a second thought, downed it. Typical. Everything that was mine somehow ended up in Roxy’s hands. I sighed and moved over to the table, pouring myself another glass of wine.

Minutes later, feeling the warm buzz of the alcohol and the telltale signs of needing a restroom, I noticed the elders had all left. Alpha Dennis and Luna Lisa had excused themselves too, leaving the younger crowd to take over the night. It was a relief, at least, that I could slip away without anyone caring.

“Excuse me,” I said to one of the servants cleaning up. “Could you point me to the restroom, please?”

“Of course, miss. It’s down the hallway on the first floor, just past—” She was interrupted as another servant called for her, and she quickly scurried away.

“Thanks,” I mumbled, heading down the hallway, already feeling a bit off-balance from the wine.

When I reached the hall, I was greeted by three doors, each identical, and with my head spinning from a little too much wine, I didn’t have the patience to guess. Desperation trumped caution, so I chose the door on the right and stumbled in, finding the restroom just in time.

After a much-needed moment of relief, followed by an unfortunate round of nausea that left me feeling even more drained, I rinsed my mouth and washed up. Just as I was steadying myself, I heard the door to the main room open and close. I took a deep breath and stepped out, only to freeze at the sight before me.

Miles stood in the middle of the room, shirtless, clutching his shirt in his hand, his brows knit in confusion. The dim light cast shadows across his chest, making my heart stammer.

“What are you doing in my room?” he asked, his words slightly slurred from the alcohol. His gaze held the same mix of surprise and confusion I felt.

“I... uh... I was told I could use the bathroom here,” I stammered, then realized how ridiculous that sounded. “What... what are you doing here?” The words tumbled out before I could stop them, and I winced. This was his room, after all.

He scoffed, shaking his head as he moved toward the bathroom. “It’s my room, dummy. Roxy threw up on me.”

“Oh, um... sorry to hear that. I’ll, uh... just be going.” I turned to leave, but as I took a step, the room spun, and I stumbled. Miles moved quickly, catching me before I hit the ground.

“Easy there,” he murmured, steadying me. Our eyes met, and an intense, undeniable spark crackled between us. He leaned in, his face so close I could feel his breath. He lowered his head slightly, inhaling the scent of my hair, his eyes fluttering shut. “Why do you smell so... so damn good?” His words were soft, almost a whisper, as he drew me closer. “You’re... you’re drunk,” he mumbled, though he seemed equally under the influence, intoxicated by something much stronger than wine.

A voice in the back of my mind told me to step back, to break free, but I couldn’t. The mate bond was working its magic on both of us, clouding judgment, and igniting senses. The tingles that erupted where his skin touched mine were impossible to resist, and instead of pulling away, I melted into his arms.

Before I knew it, his lips were brushing against my neck, his hands exploring, the warmth of his breath sending shivers through me. I didn’t stop him—I didn’t want to. He kissed me deeply, a desperate, hungry kiss that left no room for doubts or hesitation. My own hands found their way around his neck as I returned the kiss, losing myself in the moment.

He lifted me effortlessly and carried me toward the bed.