Chapter 5
His name was Alexander-Alpha of the Bondrose Pack, and the man who had saved me last time.
The Bondrose Pack was an ancient, primal clan born at the boundary between moonlight and darkness.
Their territory was hidden deep within a forest untouched by human maps, where the trees twisted like bones, and moss glowed faintly green beneath the eternal twilight. They built no homes, planted no crops, and scoffed at the modern
werewolves who disguised themselves as humans.
Hunting was their main source of food-and their greatest pleasure.
As the Alpha of such a pack, Alexander was incredibly dangerous.
That day, when I collapsed on the desolate road, he had been nearby, hunting. Drawn by the scent of my sweet blood, he came closer.
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He could have easily torn me apart and swallowed me whole.
But instead, he carried me to the werewolf hospital.
When I woke up, the first thing he said was, “I was hunting last night when the Moon Goddess guided me to you. Will you become my destined mate?”
Of course, I turned him down. I already had a mate.
Even though I would soon be breaking that bond.
It was as if Alexander had expected my answer. He simply smiled and said, “That’s alright. I’ll still pursue you.”
His fingers brushed lightly over my shoulder. “You have a beautiful bond rose tattoo here. One day, I’ll bite down on it and make you mine.”
Startled, I turned to look. Sure enough, there was a black bond rose etched into my skin-mysterious and captivating.
I had no idea when it had appeared.
Suddenly, someone in the restaurant recognized him as the Alpha of the Bondrose Pack. A terrified scream pierced the air, and the alarm system was triggered.
Dozens of werewolf warriors were already on their way.
Alexander knew it was time to leave. He leaned down, placed a gentle kiss on the back of my hand, and whispered, “Take care of yourself.”
Then he shifted into his wolf form once again, leapt through the window, and vanished into the dense darkness.
Once the restaurant returned to an uneasy calm, Selena quickly stepped forward and tried to explain, her voice trembling.
“Charlie, I didn’t know he was the Alpha of the Bondrose Pack. I was just sitting here alone when he came over. He’s… he’s just a shameless flirt!”
But Charlie wasn’t paying attention to her. His eyes were locked on me, burning with suspicion.
“How do you know the Alpha of the Bondrose Pack?” he demanded.
Chapter 5
“I don’t know him,” I replied.
“Then why did he save you? Why would he kiss your hand? You are my mate-mine! The fated Luna of Lunar Crest Pack Alpha Charlie!”
Selena chimed in just in time. “Charlie, please don’t be angry. I believe Victoria didn’t do anything to attract him. She’s loyal
to you.”
But Charlie’s fury had already spiraled out of control.
Consumed by jealousy, he gave a chilling command to the mutated wolf still lying on the ground.
“Go. Tear the skin from her hand.”
“No! Charlie! You can’t do this to me!” I cried out.
The beast, fueled by his Alpha power, roared back to life. Its twisted form rose from the floor, eyes blazing with renewed
bloodlust.
I shook my head desperately and bolted for the exit.
But I wasn’t fast enough.
The beast lunged and slammed into me, its teeth sinking savagely into the back of my hand. Pain exploded through my body as it ripped into my flesh. I screamed for help, but-
Charlie only covered Selena’s eyes and murmured, “Don’t look. I don’t want you to be frightened.”
As the skin on my hand was torn away, I heard those words-and my world went white.
Then everything faded into darkness.
Chapter 5
