Dance in arms of mystery man !

The cool breeze brushed against my face as I stood outside, trying to steady my racing thoughts. The fresh air calmed me momentarily, but then I heard a voice—strange yet familiar.

“It’s good to see you again,” the deep voice said.

I turned to find Alpha Elijah standing there, his dazzling presence as striking as ever.

“I hope what happened between us that night will stay between us,” he added, raising a brow.

“It’s a deal,” I replied curtly, turning to leave, but his hand brushed mine, stopping me in my tracks. A jolt of something—electric, intense—ran through me, making me pull my hand back quickly.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you. I just want to get to know you,” he said, his eyes narrowing as if studying me.

“Aren’t you quite the gentleman, Alpha?” I shot back, trying to mask my unease. I’d always heard alphas were strict, ruthless, and dangerous, and yet here he was—different.

He smirked. “Trust me, sweetheart, you don’t know anything about me. I’m a beast in wolf form, and you should be glad I’m gentle with you.”

The way his eyes bore into mine sent a shiver down my spine, igniting something within me I couldn’t understand.

“It’s better if I don’t know my sister’s mate,” I said sharply, my tone edged with defiance.

“Is it a crime to want to know my mate’s sister?” he asked, and I could tell he wasn’t going to let me go until he got the answers he wanted.

“Fine,” I sighed, conceding. “I’m Emma, a vet. I live in Dubai for now. I know nothing about wolves—by choice—and I’m perfectly fine leading a normal human life.” The words tumbled out quickly, my eagerness to end the conversation evident.

“Emma,” he repeated, a playful smirk tugging at his lips. “I’m Alpha Elijah, and unlike you, my life is far from normal. Tell me, do you have a mate?”

“I didn’t believe in mates before,” I admitted. “But now, seeing you and Violet together, I think I’d like to find mine.”

He laughed, a deep, mesmerizing sound that seemed to echo around us.

“You’re quite naive,” he said, shaking his head. “Violet talks about you often, about how innocent you are. But let me tell you something—love is for the weak, and I am not weak.”

His words caught me off guard. “So you don’t love Violet?” I asked, my concern for my sister bubbling to the surface.

He met my gaze, shaking his head slightly. “This world runs on power. Love makes you vulnerable, and I can’t afford that. Violet is my mate, and with her, my strength doubles. But love? I don’t even know what it means.”

“But Violet loves you,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

“Women express love in their own way,” he replied nonchalantly. “She’ll have everything she could ever want. The world is hers, and that should be enough.”

I chuckled bitterly. “Are you saying love doesn’t exist in the wolf world?”

He tilted his head, studying me. “Does that mean you no longer desire a mate?”

I hesitated, then spoke with newfound resolve. “If being a mate means living without love, then no—I don’t want one.”

For a moment, he seemed taken aback, his eyes searching mine. Then, he leaned in slightly and whispered, “Good for you. Because I won’t allow you to have a mate either.”

His words sent a chill through me. “What do you mean?” I asked, but he didn’t answer. Instead, I turned and walked away, desperate to escape his presence.

What is wrong with him? I wondered. But it didn’t matter. Soon, I’d leave this strange, fascinating, and cruel world behind.

Inside the mansion, the atmosphere was lively, with couples swaying to the rhythm of slow music. I spotted Dad speaking to Elijah’s father, and as I moved closer, a muscular man with raven-black hair approached me.

“May I have this dance, beautiful lady?” he asked, his voice kind and inviting.

I hesitated but found it impossible to say no. Something about his gentle demeanor reassured me. Placing my hand in his, I followed him to the dance floor.

His hand rested lightly on my waist as I leaned against his shoulder, swaying to the enchanting music.

“So, what’s your name, beautiful girl?” he asked, his compliment making me blush.

“Emma,” I said, smiling. “My sister is the Luna of this pack.”

His eyes widened slightly. “No wonder you’re stunning. You’re the sister of Violet Luna,” he said, his gaze locking onto mine, as if hypnotizing me.

I felt my mind drift, unable to look away, until a sharp voice broke through the haze.

“Back off, Marcel,” Elijah growled.

Snapping out of the trance, I stepped back, dazed.

“She’s off-limits,” Elijah said, his tone leaving no room for argument. Marcel raised his hands in mock surrender.

“Apologies, Alpha,” he said before disappearing into the crowd.

“What just happened?” I asked, holding my head as it began to ache.

“He was casting a spell on you,” Elijah explained, his jaw tightening. “Trying to get into your head—and your pants.”

The revelation left me stunned. “Wolves can do that?”

Without answering, Elijah extended his hand toward me. “Dance with me.”

Reluctantly, I took his hand, more curious than anything else.

As he pulled me closer, his hands on my waist, a strange pull tightened in my chest. My heart raced inexplicably, and for the first time in my life, I felt utterly and completely unmoored.

“Every wolf has different supernatural abilities,” he explained. “Some can read minds, some have the power to hypnotize, and others don’t even have mates.” There’s so much more to learn.

“How do we identify our mate?” I asked, curiosity taking over.

Elijah twirled around gracefully and, before I knew it, he was standing close to me again. He looked even more handsome up close.

“Mates share a special bond. They recognize each other by the scent of their other half,” he said, his voice soft. “That’s how I knew your sister, Violet, was my mate.” He placed his hand gently on my back as my hand rested on his shoulder.

“Do you mind if I take my mate back?” Violet’s voice interrupted, and immediately, Elijah and I separated.

“He’s all yours,” I replied quickly, stepping away.

“I’m just trying to make your sister comfortable,” Elijah said. “And you were right—she’s a little innocent.”

I rolled my eyes at both of them. Excusing myself, I went in search of my dad, but he was nowhere to be found. Instead, I decided to grab some food. The delicious aroma filled the air. I served myself and sat in a quiet corner to eat.

As I enjoyed my meal, I couldn’t help but glance over at Alpha Elijah and Violet dancing. They were in perfect sync, their chemistry undeniable. From the way they moved together, no one could doubt that Alpha Elijah loved her. But the words he’d said earlier still echoed in my mind. Could a mate and a lover be so different for one person? There was so much more to learn, but it wasn’t my place to pry.

Violet had clearly found a way to keep her mate close, and Elijah needed her—her presence doubled his power. They were perfect for each other.

Suddenly, I noticed Marcel approaching. I hoped he wouldn’t try anything funny again. I finished my meal, planning to get away before he reached me, but he stopped me just as I was about to leave.

“I’m sorry for using my tricks on you earlier,” he apologized, his voice sincere. “You can’t blame me, though. You’re the most beautiful girl here, except for Luna Violet, of course. But she’s off-limits.”

“It’s fine,” I replied, “but don’t try it again. My dad belongs to the Alpha clan, and I’m not someone you want to mess with.”

He seemed to pause, considering me with a curious look. “I think I’ve seen you somewhere before.”

I raised an eyebrow. “Drop the act. I’m not falling for it again.”

His expression shifted to one of uncertainty. “Do you know a woman named Lauren?”

I froze. “That’s the name of my mother,” I said, my heart skipping a beat.

His eyes widened. “I can’t believe you’re her child. You’re the one who’s going to change the fate of wolves,” he muttered under his breath.

“What are you talking about? How do you know about my mom?” I asked, my voice shaky.

“I’m sorry,” he said quickly, his face hardening. “I’ve said too much. I need to leave.”

Before I could say anything else, he turned and vanished in the blink of an eye.

What did he mean? What was he talking about—changing the fate of wolves? Was he bluffing, or was there something tied to my birth that I didn’t know about?