Chapter One

Behind every great fortune, there is a crime.

And Lucian Callisto’s crime was the massacre of her entire pack. If she hadn’t snuck out to Aubrey’s party that night, Elyssa Mazzeo would be dead too, burnt to a crisp with her entire pack in the Mazzeo estate. That warm October morning, she lost her family, her identity, and her inheritance, and was forced to roam the wilderness on the outskirts of Peskington as a lone, bitter wolf.

As Elyssa stood in front of the full-length mirror in her loft in the Ember Tower. Her brows creased in a frown as she pushed her rage into the dark recesses of her mind. The time had finally come to have her revenge.

“Are you sure Zuker got our names on the list? I don’t want to be drag out of the Callisto compound by my hair,” Taylor asked as she strutted to Elyssa’s side in her blue body-con ball gown.

“Tay, if Zuker said we’re in. We’re in.”

Zuker was one of the few people she trusted, few? She shook off the scoff, he was the only one she trusted. After wandering the Labyrinth outside the city following the loss of her family, his pack had taken her in; no questions asked. The two of them had come a long way together, and while she cared for him, she had no interest in unnecessary entanglements, particularly with any wolf who wasn’t her mate. Like her parents, she believed the goddess marked mates, and she would wait for hers no matter how long it took.

She adjusted her black one shoulder mermaid sequin dress that hugged her curves, and the only jewellery she wore was her mother’s sapphire bracelet that matched her eyes. From the dresser beside her, Elyssa grabbed the studded gold clutch and headed for the door.

“You look incredible, El.”

Elyssa flashed her an intentional smile; she knew. Getting around the Callisto mansion wouldn’t be easy, and she needed all her charms to reach the section where the alphas would be. Even with Zuker’s connections, they could only get so far without a reputable name. The wolf-sphere had long forgotten her family’s name, and she couldn't even bank on using it; it could get her killed.

“So do you, Taylor.”

Taylor’s dark shoulder-length hair swayed as she spun in front of the mirror, giggling like a school girl. Elyssa regarded her with a smile, sometimes it was hard to believe she was a twenty-four-old school teacher who was obsessed with attending the annual Moon Ball hosted by the alpha family of Peskington.

Taylor said, “I hope to snag a prestigious mate tonight! I don't know if I'll be lucky enough to get in again.”

Using her fingers, Elyssa smoothed her long, wavy red hair, then allowed it to fall in a centre part that framed her face.

“I have my sights set on the one.” Elyssa grinned. “Come on, our ride’s here.”

She drummed her fingers nervously on her clutch as she led an eager Taylor out of her loft and down the elevator. Neither Taylor nor anyone else knew who she really was. To them, she was just another unmated wolf looking for a high society mate and an end to her miserable life, but it was far from that. She wanted to make Lucian pay for what he did.

The chauffeur held the door open for them as they reached the limo Zuker had arranged for them.

After climbing in, Elyssa took a deep breath, gripping her clutch as her heart pounded. The car pulled onto the road, and she glanced at Taylor reapplying her lipstick from her black purse. The closer they got to the Moon Ball, the more nervous she became. This had been her goal for eight years now; avenging her pack had been her lifelong goal, so why was she anxious now?

“Everything okay, El?” Taylor’s cheerful voice snapped her out of the haze of nervousness.

“I’m shaking,” Elyssa said, holding out her manicured hand to Taylor.

Taylor took her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. “It will be okay, Elyssa. You look amazing. Don’t be surprised if an alpha snatches you up.”

As Taylor laughed, Elyssa nodded, smiling. Right, Taylor’s interest in this ball was a mate, nothing else. She squeezed Taylor’s hand before turning back to watch the road. Her fear was unfounded, and she was glad Taylor was here with her; her bubbling personality was exactly what she needed to remain calm.

Taylor gasped as she pointed to the large, majestic castle ahead. “We’re here. It’s massive!”

Their car was now on the queue to enter the Callisto’s compound, and she almost retched in rage this close to the enemy's lair. She relaxed her grip on the clutch again, afraid she would crush the weapon inside. They reached the stunning round curb of the driveway faster than she had expected, and climbed out.

Despite her efforts to deny it, the compound was spectacular; beautifully lit and grand. Taylor took her hand as she stared around in awe, and guided her along to the waiting line at the entrance.

Her heart throbbed as they neared the front of the line, where the concierge stood welcoming guests in. Elyssa looked around, tugging on her earlobe as an unfamiliar sensation crawled over her. The closer they got to the front, the harder it became to breathe, and it got unbearable fast.

“Taylor Wrubel and Elyssa.” She heard Taylor introduce at the head of the line, while she took pause to try to catch her breath.

This wasn’t panic, it was something else that drowned out the sound, like she was underwater. Wheezing quietly, Elyssa looked around the compound as the air thinned, before peeking a glance at the three black tuxedoed men in front of them. A pair of fiery amber eyes that knocked the little air left out of her lungs fell on her, and Elyssa grabbed Taylor’s arm for support.

Taylor turned to her with a whisper. “Are you all right, El?”

Mate.

Gritting her teeth, Elyssa squeezed her eyes shut. Clearly, she wasn’t fine. In the face of the pounding wind and the overwhelming feelings that weakened her legs, she struggled to stay upright.

“Allow me,” he said, snatching her from Taylor with torrid hands of fire that jolted her. “Welcome to the Callisto’s compound, Elyssa. I’ll escort you in.”

Mate.

Taylor grinned at him, “Such a gentleman.”

Elyssa froze in his arms, staring at his unreal amber eyes as her heart beat unnaturally against her chest. Stepping to her side, he held out the crook of his arm to her. A nod from Taylor goaded her to go along, and she slipped her hand into his.

In silence, they entered the castle, walked through the foyer, and headed straight to the ballroom. It took all her control not to glance over at him when his sandalwood scent overwhelmed her. Into the hall, Taylor followed in behind them, and when they reached the centre, the room turned to them.

“A dance, since you’ve got everyone’s attention.” He turned to her with a smile.

But Elyssa still couldn’t find her tongue, or form words. Her eyes slithered quickly over him, as she wondered who he was. Maybe if she asked, she’d know.

“I’m certain you can talk.” He held out his hand to her, and she glanced at his palm before squinting.

After a long silence, Elyssa finally said, “You did not introduce yourself.”

Taking her hand in one hand, he slipped the other around her waist, and spun her into a slow dance.

“Elyssa, I do not believe there’s anyone in Peskington who doesn’t know who I am.”

Her jaw clenched as she stared up into his eyes, that close to him, she could almost taste his virile scent. The thought of nibbling on his naked skin, or having him nibble on hers, clouded her mind and she shook her head to clear it. Her gaze drifted away from him, and she turned to watch the others on the floor; except there was no one else. The guests stood watching them from a distance, away from the dance floor.

“Why isn’t anyone else dancing?” Elyssa murmured against his chest.

Although she was wearing one of her highest stiletto heels, she barely reached his shoulders. Elyssa looked up into his eyes when he didn’t respond.

“It’s the Moon Ball. The alpha opens the floor.” He smiled into her eyes.

An alpha! He would be able to get her into the lounge where the alphas converged. This would be easier than she thought.

“Boss, a moment.” A young man whispered from beside them.

After slipping away from her, he curtsied. “Enjoy the party, Elyssa,” he whispered with a coltish grin.

Her name rolled off his tongue like a lover’s caress as he followed after the man who’d come calling, and she stared after him, hypnotized. She was roused from her trance by the guests’ applause, and Taylor scampered to grab her hand almost immediately.

“Oh my God!” Taylor whispered in delight. “He’s so unreal, who is he? Dish.”

He was her mate.

“I have no idea.”

Elyssa took Taylor by the hand and led her away from the prying eyes of the guests, who were now returning to the floor. Though she had looked forward to meeting her mate for a long time, it was such an inconvenient moment.

After what she intended to do here tonight, she was certain that he would reject her.