The Luna they Never wanted

a's

s spread out across the bed, each one more elegant than the last. Tonight was the night. It had to be. The

ural. But for me? Nothing. No shift, no wolf, no mate. And the longer I waited, the more the whispers grew. I was the daughter of Alpha Xavier Nightshade, heir

o I hoped. Tonight was my first royal gathering, held at the grand Silverfang Castle. Every Alpha and next-in-line Alpha from neighboring packs woul

, step inside. His presence was commanding, as always. He dismissed the maid

harp eyes swept over the dresses on my bed. "This is an important night. I hope you can finall

hair. "I don't know, Father. I'm trying to stay hop

laxed, the way his voice lowered. "You are my daughter, Aria. You were born for greatness. Do not let doubt cloud your mind

rom the bed and held it agai

have two hours before the gathering begins, and it's at Silverfang Castle. I need to leave ea

nerves. "Don't worry, Father. I'll be ready.

efly before turning to leave. "Good

w. I chose the silver dress, its shimmering fabric catching the light as I slipped it on. The maids returned to help me

d on the dresser. I picked it up, my

real daughter of Alpha

royal like us. Maybe

people I hadn't seen in months but who clearly hadn't forgotten about me-or my failure to shift. Tears pricked my

in the glass, a mix of beauty and doubt. Closing my eyes, I whispered a prayer to the Moon

height to my frame. My maid followed me down the grand staircase, and my guard was close behind. The

self, something I'd never done before. "Give me a glass of w

widened

Just give

in one gulp, the warmth spreading through my chest. It did

ing spires glowing under the moonlight. Guards and warriors stood at attention, and the driveway was packed with sleek limos. The air b

moment to collect myself. I wandered toward the pool, the cool night air brushing agains

until I sm

A man stood before me, tall and broad-shouldered, his piercing ice-blue

n't think you're an Alpha, though. Your scent isn't strong e

slap him then and there. "It's none of

ng closer. "Spend the night in my bed,

nd and struck his face. The sharp sound echoed in the quiet night.

red. "Princess Aria," my guard said, bowing slig

e, my gaze sweeping over him wit

is eyes on me, watching my every move. What I d

.

l's

he others-those starry-eyed she-wolves who fell over themselves to gain my attention. No, she had fire. I rubbed the side of my face where her hand had landed, the sting still fresh. A slow smirk tugged at my lip

thing. And I wasn't about to let this slip of a girl be the first. I turned on my heel and strode toward my father, Alpha Wolfhart, who was

, my voice firm enough

arrowing slightly in irritation at being interrupt

"I want to get enga

stood, laughing softly at something another wolf had said. His exp

to be my mate. I haven't found mine

le. "You? Wanting to settle down? That's a first." He chuckled, shaking his head. "B

could tell she wasn't entirely invested in the conversation. Her shoulders were tense

inued thoughtfully, stroking his beard. "She's

en," I said, my vo

rking out the logistics in his head. "Alright, Kael. I'll see what I can do. But be patient. T

ning. "Don't worry, Father. I

e in her eyes still burning in my mind. She