Chapter 6 The ball.

Maya's heart raced as she sat in the backseat of Meral's car, her scowl deepening at the unwanted attention of her ridiculous dragon mask. What was supposed to be a night filled with joy and excitement had spiraled into a cacophony of bad decisions. She couldn't shake off the feeling of dread as she thought back to Delbee, who had left her in a huff. All she could think about was how she had overlooked the most basic necessity: a mask that matched her striking royal blue dress. Instead, she had settled for this silly, decorative mask that did her no favors.

Upon arrival at the ball, she hurriedly joined the throngs of partygoers, her stomach knotting at the mere thought of the strangeness of the night. People danced and mingled, their laughter echoing in the grand hall, but for Maya, time felt like it was dragging on. Conversations around her became background noise; people drifted in and out of shallow small talk while she found herself smiling through the ennui.

And then he appeared. With tousled hair and an air of confidence that sent shivers down her spine, the handsome man approached her. The corner of his mouth lifted in a teasing smirk as he pointed to her mask. "You're really rocking that dragon look very avant-garde," he said, laughter dancing in his eyes.

Caught off guard by his presence, Maya was prepared to retaliate with a snarky comeback but stumbled over her words, completely captivated. "You think so?" she managed to respond, her confidence momentarily boosted by his charm.

"I do. The bold color, the audacity it really works for you," he said, stepping closer, his aura utterly magnetic. She felt her cheeks flush as he held out a hand. "I'm Nikolas."

The moment their hands touched, a current surged through her, awakening something deep within. They danced as they talked, his presence easing her insecurities. There was a depth to their conversation that felt refreshing compared to the banal exchanges she had shared with others that night. Time seemed to stand still as they shared laughs and intimate stories, creating a connection that felt both exhilarating and hazardous.

But as the last song played, she reluctantly released his hand, feeling the weight of reality settle back over her. The music faded into a distant hum as she watched him walk away, and panic flooded over her. She was a nineteen-year-old girl, bursting with dreams of travel and adventure, not someone destined to become the mate of an alpha, much less Alpha Nikolas of the infamous RedClaw Pack. The sudden realization of her actions crashed over her like a tidal wave, pulling her under into a chaos of emotion. She had shared an incredible evening with a man she had just met, but what lay beyond that spark?

As she stood there in shock, the announcement came. "Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention, please! The moment we've all been waiting for the chosen mate of our strong and noble Alpha Nikolas of the RedClaw Pack!" The words reverberated in her ears like a distant drum, and before she could fully grasp the weight of what was happening, her name was called.

"Maya Sarnai!"

The world around her blurred, and all eyes turned in her direction. Gasps of surprise and whispers filled the room, and she stood frozen, a statue of disbelief. She recognized the name from stories whispered among wolves tales of ferocity, power, and a legacy steeped in ruthlessness. The RedClaw Pack was notorious, their reputation sending shivers down the spines of even the bravest of warriors.

In that moment, she saw her dreams unravel. The plans she had woven with Delbee and Meral, the aspirations of studying abroad and exploring new cultures, all of it dissipated like smoke in the wind. Her heart ached at the thought of what she was losing: her freedom, her choices, her possibilities. Tears threatened to spill, but she fought against them, feeling the weight of her family's expectations and the chilling grasp of fate press down upon her.

The crowd began to echo the murmurs of excitement and surprise, some looking at her with envy, others with pity. Her mother stood with a proud smile, beaming at the news like it was the happiest day of her life. But Delbee cried; her friend had hoped for a different future for Maya, one where she could choose her path freely.

Meral's silence was deafening, reflecting confusion and shock as she processed what was unfolding. And her father? He wore a face of deep hurt, wrestling with the reality of his daughter's life being directed by fate instead of by her own free will.

"Maya, you must come forward," a voice commanded, firm yet gentle. It was Nikolas, walking towards her with a presence that seemed to part the sea of onlookers. As he reached her, his eyes intensely warm and searching made her feel both seen and vulnerable at the same time. "You didn't know?" he asked softly, a hint of surprise in his tone. "I thought you felt it, too."

"Felt what?" Maya asked, her voice shaky as the weight of that night pressed down on her. The mask felt heavier as she blinked away the grief clouding her vision, struggling to comprehend the enormity of what he was implying.The idea of being tied to someone especially someone as powerful as him filled her with both excitement and dread.

From the crowd, whispers grew louder. "How could she..." "Is it even possible?" "Does she know what it means to be mated to an Alpha?"

Just a moment ago, she had been on the brink of stepping into a world of possibility an exciting future filled with education and adventure. Now, it seemed that the universe had flipped a switch, extinguishing her aspirations in an instant. Her carefully laid plans crumbled like dry leaves in autumn, swirling away just as quickly as they had solidified. The emotional weight was immense, and she fought to keep the tears at bay, feeling the sting behind her eyes as she processed the overwhelming sense of loss.

Within hours, she was given her marching orders. A single day to gather her belongings a surreal task that felt more like a dream sequence than a reality. Much of her life was already packed up in anticipation of travel and change, but this was not what she had envisioned. The knowledge that she was leaving home, leaving her family and her life behind, consumed her.

The farewells were muted, overshadowed by the shock that had settled over her loved ones. Her mother, a typically stoic woman with a heart that longed for stability, seemed almost relieved. "This is a great opportunity for you, Maya," she said, a hint of eagerness sparkling in her eyes, as if she had always envisioned her daughter's future intertwined with an alpha.

Meral, her best friend, stood frozen, uncertain of how to handle the emotional chaos. Her silence was deafening a contrast to Delbee, who was openly weeping. "How can you just go? What if he's cruel?" Delbee's fear seeped into Maya's soul, amplifying her own uncertainty. But Maya had no answers; she felt as lost and helpless as her friend.

Then there was her father, the strongest figure in her life, yet grappling with heartbreak. "You can't go, Maya! You have to run!" His voice broke, desperation lacing his words as he stepped forward, grasping her shoulders tightly. "This isn't just a choice about leaving; it's about your future! You don't have to accept this."

Maya met her father's gaze, his worry and fierce love spilling over like a dam breaking. She found herself wishing for the familiarity of their family dinners, the laughter that echoed through their home, the comforting smell of her mother's baking. But the reality loomed, and she felt the firm grasp of duty pulling her away.

"I don't want to leave, Dad," she whispered, her voice trembling. "But what can I do? It's already been decided."

With a heavy sigh, he released her. "We will find a way. We will figure this out together." But deep down, Maya could see the fear in his eyes, the realization that there may be no turning back.

As she finished packing the last of her clothes a mix of her favorite sundresses, jeans, and well-loved sweaters an unsettling thought struck her. What if Nikolas was everything they said he was? What if he was cruel and heartless, a monster disguised by power and charm? The hesitation teased like a haunting echo in her mind, weaving a renewed sense of dread within her.

That night, sleep eluded her as she lay in bed. The room felt foreign, like a forgotten dreamspace, engulfed in shadows but illuminated by the flickering memories of her cherished past. She thought of her friends, her family, and the life she had meticulously built, now overshadowed by the uncertainty of her fate. The fear wrapped around her like a thick blanket, suffocating and heavy it was stifling.

When dawn finally broke, spilling golden light through her window, Maya sensed a shift within her. No matter the outcome, she had to step into her new reality with strength. Perhaps she still had a choice she could either succumb to fear or give herself the chance to carve out her destiny amidst the chaos.

Her departure was fraught with silence, punctuated only by the occasional exchange of hollow farewells. The car that arrived for her felt like a wolf in sheep's clothing, a sleek black sedan that seemed to promise danger with every polished curve. The driver, a stony-faced man with icy blue eyes, offered no warmth or comfort, and Maya found herself clutching the seatbelt as if it were a lifeline.

As they sped away from the familiar streets of her hometown, Maya felt the scenery blur into a melancholy painting of memories her favorite coffee shop, the park where she had spent countless afternoons with Meral and Delbee, the corners of her neighborhood that had always held a sense of safety. With each passing moment, she was leaving behind pieces of herself, and it pained her to think of the life she was giving up.

Uncertainty coiled tightly around her heart like a serpent, squeezing her joy, her hopes, and biting into her resolve. "What if he doesn't like me? What if I never fit in?" The thoughts swirled relentlessly in her mind. She needed to prepare herself for whatever awaited her, and yet she felt woefully unarmed.

After what felt like hours of travel, they finally approached the RedClaw territory. An imposing archway marked the entrance, framed with ancient trees that created a natural barrier to the outside world. The landscape shifted from the gentle hills of her home to a rugged terrain that seemed to echo with primal power. Maya's heart began to race, anticipation and fear battling for dominance.

As the driver continued along the dirt path into the heart of the pack's territory, she caught sight of the sprawling estate. The mansion was majestic yet intimidating, a stark reminder of the power dynamics at play within this world. Spires reached toward the sky, and thick wooden doors stood as sentinels, hinting at secrets held within.

The car rolled to a stop in front of the colossal entrance, and Maya took a deep breath, forcing herself to face what lay ahead. She opened the door, feeling the cool, crisp air fill her lungs. But before she could step out, a figure emerged from the shadows, a silhouette cloaked in authority and presence Alpha Nikolas RedClaw.

He was tall, with broad shoulders and an air of confidence that seemed to ripple through the atmosphere. As he stepped into view, she caught the glimmer of his dark hair, just long enough to tousle slightly with the wind, and piercing green eyes that held an intensity she had never encountered before. Her heart pounded a wild rhythm in her chest, caught between awe and trepidation.

"Maya," he said, his voice deep and compelling, a soft command that sent a shudder running through her. "Welcome to my home."