THE ALPHA'S HEALING MATE; BONDED TO THREE

of clothes onto her bed, he

oaned, running her fingers

everyday skirts, tunics, and plain dresses that screamed "v

ard the open doorway. "I don't have a

something draped over her arm. A soft, flowing fabric that shimmered faintly in

ing forward and holding the dress u

h a deep forest-green hue that seemed to shift as the light touched it. The fabric was soft and smo

this?" Celeste asked, her vo

t in her eyes. "It was your mother's.

ad always felt connected to, like a shadow that lingered just out of reach.

tiful," sh

her tone warm yet firm. She stepped closer

awaits you,

other's face for some hint of doubt, but there was none. Her grandmother's gaze was

tching the dress to her

te awai

head, growing louder w

masked man, his voice, the pull she had felt deep in her soul. It was as if the univers

of her bed. The dress slid from her fingers, pooling on her lap

happens," she prayed softly, her voice trembling, "

of her, a part she tried desperately to sile

mate? What if her destiny was

again. It seemed to shimmer, almost like it was alive,

ead. "This is just a stupid festival. Nothin

ething was already in motion, and n

-

tered staring around as she grabbed

she suppo

way!" She

, she saw how the ladies swayed thei

away lookin

me to see my mate?" She thoug

elt different tonight. The annual pack festival was in full swing-music

ust any scent. It was warm, intoxicating, and it sent his wolf into a frenzy.

ered to himself, his voice b

"Mate," it growled within hi

ching his fists. "There'

deeper into its hold. It was unmistakab

ces around him becoming a blur,

calm but her aura radiant. The dim lighting caught the soft waves of her ha

hispered, his hea

es purposeful. The closer he got, the stronger the scent bec

one's gaze pressing on her, sharp and piercing. She lo

t can't

casting a shadow over her. His intense gray eyes bor

oice deep and steady, though

e herself. "Hey," she replied, he

was overwhelming, and then there was the scent, familiar yet

t, her fingers tightening around the glass

studied her. His wolf was practically clawing at him, sc

ate?" he asked, though he

s widened at

ed, a nervous la

herself, realizing she was a

g hers. "Why are you asking?" she demanded, try

act unaffected. "Just curious," he said casu

g about his eyes..stormy, intense, yet oddly comfo

this him? Is

ing. Her fingers trembled slig

d to reach out, to say something that would calm her, but he knew better

ack slightly, giving her sp

tle against his instincts. His wolf growled, furious at

as she tried to steady her breathing. She watch

t tonight would bri

sn't

vously as he made his way toward Celeste, who was still seated at the t

ly, licking his lips in a way that ma

pearance. She gave him a polite smile, sha

d, his tone teasing.

edged with a touch of annoyance. She pushed her chair back

, gripping her wrist. "Come on, don't be like that,

, but his grip tightened. His audacity sent a spar

ly, her voice steady despite

traight at h