Chapter 3 The Alpha's Claim

Selene stood barefoot on the cold wooden floor of her bedroom, blood drying on her fingers, her breaths shallow. She stared down at the shredded bedsheets, trying to make sense of the impossible.

Had she really... changed? Or had it all been a dream?

The moon still hung low outside, veiled in mist. And somewhere in the forest beyond the ridge, something howled. Again.

She shivered.

A soft knock came at the door.

Selene flinched. "Who is it?"

"Rowan," came the voice. Calm. Steady. "May I come in?"

Selene opened the door just enough for the elder to step in.

Rowan's eyes immediately went to the blood. Then to Selene's trembling hands. She gave a solemn nod.

"It's begun."

Selene turned away, clenching her fists. "What's happening to me?"

"Your wolf is waking," Rowan said gently. "The dreams, the mark, the bond-it's all connected. You can't suppress it much longer."

"I didn't ask for any of this," Selene whispered. "No one does," Rowan replied. "But the moon calls who it will. And when it calls, we must answer." Selene dropped onto the edge of the bed. "Luca... he said I belonged to him."

Rowan's brow lifted. "He said that?" Selene nodded. "He said I'm his fated mate. But how can that be? I barely know him. I don't even know who I am."

"You're Selene Ryder. Daughter of Alina Ryder-Luna of the Silverclaw bloodline," Rowan said, her tone reverent. "The last Luna, before she gave it all up for love."

Selene looked up sharply. "You mean my dad?"

Rowan hesitated. "Yes. A human. Your mother defied tradition. Left the pack. Paid a terrible price." A silence fell between them, heavy and mournful.

Rowan finally spoke. "Tonight is the Gathering. The Blood Moon rises to its peak. It's the one night the Alpha can publicly claim his mate in front of the Elder Council."

Selene's heart thudded. "He wouldn't..."

"He will."

The Gathering was held deep in the forest, where towering pines circled an ancient stone clearing carved with runes that pulsed faintly in the moonlight. Torches lined the perimeter. The scent of firewood and earth filled the air. Figures moved through the shadows-pack members in human and half-shifted form. All eyes turned as Selene arrived.

She wore a long midnight-blue cloak fastened with her mother's pendant. Her hair fell in waves over her shoulders, and her eyes burned with confusion and fear.

Luca stood at the center of the circle. He was barefoot, bare-chested, and crowned with the ancient marking of Alpha-a silver fang pendant glinting against his heart.

He turned as she stepped into the clearing.

Their eyes met.

Everything around them fell away.

She felt it again-that pull, magnetic and primal, a tether of invisible light stretching between their souls. A low murmur ran through the crowd.

Luca's voice rang out like thunder, strong and sure. "Under the Blood Moon, before my pack and the Elders, I claim my mate."

Gasps echoed across the clearing.

Rowan stepped forward. "Do you accept this bond, Selene Ryder?"

Selene felt every gaze upon her. Her breath caught in her throat.

This was madness.

And yet-her heartbeat thundered with something other than fear. Her wolf stirred inside, restless. Hungry.

"No," another voice cut in.

Caleb Voss stepped into the circle.

The Beta. Selene blinked in shock. He was handsome-golden-haired, strong, the picture of honor and strength. His eyes were kind, but cold now as they landed on Luca. "You can't claim her. She's already promised."

Luca's expression darkened. "You would deny the moon?"

"She's mine," Caleb growled, stepping between them. "By alliance. Her family owes mine." "I don't belong to either of you!" Selene snapped, finding her voice.

The circle fell silent.

Selene stepped forward, eyes blazing. "You're all talking about me like I'm some kind of prize. I didn't come here to be claimed. I came here to bury my aunt."

Luca's eyes searched hers. "But you feel it, don't you?"

She clenched her jaw. "I feel confused. Angry. And maybe... something else. But that doesn't mean I'm ready to belong to a man I don't know." Caleb smirked. "Even she knows better than to fall for your fairy tale, Thorne."

Luca's growl rumbled low in his chest. "Say that again."

Rowan stepped between them, raising her hands. "Enough."

The Elders conferred in whispers before one stepped forward-a gaunt man with eyes like flint. "Selene Ryder," he said, "you are of two bloods. One grants you freedom. The other binds you to our laws. You must choose."

Selene's hands trembled.

She looked from Caleb to Luca.

Then to the moon-blood-red and pulsing.

"I need time," she said.

The Elder nodded. "You have three nights."

Luca's jaw clenched, but he said nothing.

Caleb turned and walked away without a word.

The Gathering broke up soon after, whispers trailing like smoke. Selene remained in the clearing, alone, staring up at the sky.

Luca approached quietly. "You stood your ground," he said. "That took strength."

Selene didn't answer right away. "Why me?"

"Because I searched for years," he said. "I didn't believe in fate until I saw you. Then I had no choice."

She turned to face him. "You think this is love?"

"No," he said softly. "Not yet. But it will be."

She looked away. "What if I choose the other path?" "Then I'll respect it," he said. "Even if it breaks me." He started to walk away, but paused. "You should know," he added, voice low. "If Caleb binds you under oath, your wolf will fade. The bond dies with it."

Her breath caught.

And then he was gone.

That night, Selene lay awake under the full red moon, the pendant warm against her skin

Three nights

Three choices.

One bond.

And a destiny she could no longer deny.