Chapter 1 The Gathering

Elena's POV

The courtyard of the Northwest Pack was already crowded when I arrived, more like a celebration with Clara, my cousin by my side. Wolves from every family were gathered for the yearly event, some in groups laughing, their voices loud and carefree. A few lone wolves kept their distance, the servants and omegas to be precise. I was one of them, me and Clara.

I didn't want attention. I was used to being unnoticed, and I preferred it that way. My long dark hair fell over one shoulder, covering part of my face as I scanned the gathered people as Clara nudged my arm against my side, snapping me out of my thoughts.

"Elena," she called, her voice teasing but soft, her eyes glinting with mischief. "You're acting stiff. Come on, it's the Gathering! Lighten up."

I turned to her, smiling at her. "I'm fine here," I muttered, crossing my arms. "I don't belong with them, and I don't need to pretend I do."

Clara sighed, tossing her blonde hair over her shoulder. "You're too stubborn for your own good. It's a party, not just any kind of party. You know what today is right? At least try to enjoy it. Who knows you may find your mate here, hehehe" She teased.

I didn't answer, my gaze drifting to the crowd again. The Gathering was the pack's biggest event of the year, a night to celebrate unity, renew alliances, and honor the Alpha on his birthday. This time, though, the air filled with extra excitement. Word had spread that Andrew Kane, our Alpha, was returning from a visit to the neighboring town, where he'd been negotiating with their leaders for the betterment of our pack. Everyone was eager to see him, to be blessed in his presence. I could feel the anticipation rippling through the courtyard as they pulled toward the center where the bonfire crackled, its flames casting shadows on their faces while they danced to the background drums.

"But I hope the alpha brings back good news." Clara said, leaning closer, her voice dropping to a whisper as she spoke again. "I heard most of the neighboring pack Alphas had refused to accept his alliances." Clara looked around to be sure no one had heard her. "Well, that's on him." She added.

I shrugged, my fingers tugging at the sleeve of my jacket. "Careful. Someone might overhear you. He's the Alpha anyways so he'll do what he wants."

Clara snorted. "You say that like it's a good thing. Andrew Kane's the strongest leader we've had in years. And he doesn't accept no for an answer."

I nodded. I had seen him too many times from a distance, his tall body hovering through crowds, his steel-grey eyes cold and emotionless. At twenty-five, Andrew Kane became the Alpha of the Northwest Pack, heir to a bloodline of dominant leaders, feared by rivals and respected by all. His reputation preceded him, cold, domineering, prideful, and ruthless when challenged. Yet, he was fiercely protective of his pack, a trait that made even the lowest members feel safe under his rule. But still, I kept my distance. I do not like him as a person. For every reason, I try not to be noticed by him. Someone like me, orphaned young, raised with no high standing in the pack had no business catching the eye of someone like him either.

The noise in the courtyard dropped suddenly as I felt his presence. Majestically, Andrew Kane stepped into the light of the bonfire. He stood tall and muscular, his white skin glowing under the moonlight. His dark, cropped hair was neat, and his steel-grey eyes scanned the crowd with an air of authority that made my skin prickle as I hid behind another pack member slightly. Every head bowed in respect, including mine. I kept my eyes on the ground, my heart thudding, wishing not to draw his gaze. I'd seen him before, but never this close. His presence was like the presence of the devil, dangerous and inescapable.

"Welcome, Northwest Pack," Andrew's voice boomed and commanded, cutting through the night. "Tonight, we gather as one. Our strength lies in our unity, our loyalty and our blood. Rejoice for we have reasons too."

The crowd erupted in cheers, fists pumping, voices rising in a chorus of agreement. I stayed quiet, my hands clasped tightly in front of me. When I dared to glance up, his eyes swept across the crowd and landed on me. My stomach tightened, a cold jolt running through me. His gaze stared at me for a moment, dark, intense and unreadable, before moving on. I quickly looked away, my cheeks burning and suddenly, I felt a pull tugging right inside of me. "Mate! Mate!" My wolf Kira sneered.

"Elena, did you see that?" Clara whispered, grabbing my arm. "He looked right at you! What do you think?" She teased.

"Stop it," I hissed, shaking her off. "He was just looking at everyone."

"Sure he was," she teased again, but I ignored her, my heart still racing.

The event dragged on with speeches from the elders, their voices droning about tradition and unity. Wolves stepped forward to pledge their loyalty to Andrew, their heads bowed as they spoke their vows before presenting their gift to him.

Clara chatted with friends nearby now as I suddenly felt suffocated by everyone, the heat, the memories of the Alpha's eyes on me. When no one was watching, I slipped away as I headed toward the forest behind the courtyard. The cool night air hit my face, and I breathed deeply, my shoulders relaxing.

I stood alone in an open space.

I hadn't stayed for long when I realized I wasn't alone. A twig snapped behind me, and I could feel someone's presence behind me. My pulse is spiking too as I felt the hair on my body stand uncomfortably. Turning slowly, I saw Andrew Kane, standing just a few feet away, his body towering over me. His expression was unreadable, his eyes glinting in the moonlight directly at me.

"Running away already?" he said, his voice cold. He stepped closer, and I instinctively took a step back, my back brushing against a nearby tree.

"I just... needed air, Alpha." I stammered, my voice barely above a whisper. My heart is beating so fast.

He tilted his head, studying me. "Elena." He called.

My name on his lips sent a shiver down my spine. "...," I wanted to speak but no words came, lifting my chin, though my voice shook. "I'm fine here."

His lips curved into a faint smile that didn't reach his eyes as he took a step forward and I took a few backwards. "You're wrong," he said, closing the distance between us. He was so close now I could feel the heat radiating from him. "You can feel the pull too, don't you?"

"I feel nothing alpha." I said.

"You're my mate," he replied, his voice leaving no room for doubt. Before I could process the words, he reached out, his hand gripping my arm as he pinned me to the tree with both hands pinned above my head, his eyes staring right into mine as I watched them glare into gold. His face moved closer to mine, inhaling my scent with both eyes closed as I could feel the air from his breath on the skin in between my neck when suddenly, a sharp, burning sensation seared into my skin, on my neck and I gasped, my knees buckling as I clutched tightly to him. He sank his teeth in. The pain was real, undeniable, etched into me deeply. My heart raced, my mind spinning as the pain grew more intense.

Me? His mate? I was no one's mate. Just a low-class, orphan.

"You can't..." I started, but his voice cut through mine.

"Don't fight it," he said, his eyes locking onto my wet eyes. His hand slid from my arm to my waist, pulling me even closer. "You are mine now."

He pulled away. His touch was possessive, his fingers trailing along my thigh, sending sparks through me. Before I could speak, he leaned forward, his lips claiming mine in a kiss that was fierce and unrelenting. My hands pressed against his chest, but I didn't push him away. I wanted more. His steel-grey eyes held mine too, intense and hungry, as if he was staking a claim no one could challenge. My body is caught between fear and something I couldn't name.

Just when the pleasure was taking over me, he suddenly pulled back. "You shouldn't say this to anyone," he warns coldly, his voice softer but no less commanding. "No one else."

I couldn't speak. My background, my low status, my stubborn heart screamed that I wasn't his, that I couldn't be. But the mark on my arm burned so much, a reminder that fate didn't care what I thought.

Leaving him, I ran back to the gathering in silence, holding my arm where his mark still throbbed. Clara noticed the change in me the moment I rejoined her. "Elena, where'd you go?" she asked, her brow furrowing. "I've been searching for you."

"Nowhere," I mumbled, brushing past her as I headed into my room. I lay awake, my mind racing, the memory of his kiss and his words looping endlessly.

The next morning, heading towards the garden to clean. I overheard two maids gossiping as I passed the courtyard.

"Did you hear?" one said, her voice hushed but excited. "Alpha Andrew Kane's making an announcement about his mate today."