A wave of shock and disbelief washed over me when my gaze settled on Lucius. My mouth fell open. Yet no words managed to escape. It couldn't be true... And yet, here we stood, his hands now intertwined with mine, connecting us in a way that defied logic.

My composure teetered on the edge of sanity as he closed the distance between us, his scent enveloping me in an intoxicating embrace. Struggling to catch my breath, I instinctively grasped the bar for support.

Across from me, Lucius's amber eyes transformed, their wild intensity mirroring the awakening of his inner wolf on a full moon. He gathered in my appearance with a confident smile, sparking a surge of excitement within my own wolf.

My heart thundered in my chest, and a primal impulse swept over me, compelling me to growl in declaration: Lucius Nightshade was mine.

Yet, almost as quickly as the intense moment had arrived, it was shattered by the careless brush of a passing guest, jolting me out of my frenzied thoughts, and the weight of reality settled upon us as we both came to the same realization.

Mates! We were fated mates!

Lucius promptly withdrew his hand. His expression morphed into a frown that reflected his frustration, but also... conflict. He was confused by us.

"This isn't right... You're not..." Lucius faltered, his words stumbling as he struggled to find the right ones. His fingers tapped restlessly against the surface of his glass. "You're not who I expected."

"And what's wrong with me?" I shot back, angered by his reply which insinuated that I was somehow unworthy of being his mate. Not that I wanted to be his mate.

"Nothing's wrong." Lucius' eyes scanned the lively hall, ensuring that our conversation remained private. "It's just not possible for us to be mates when I believe someone else is my mate."

"Well fate seems to think otherwise," I retorted, my irritation growing in response to his outright denial. How could he dismiss the undeniable connection we'd experienced?

He swept his hand through his hair. "You can't be my mate."

"Believe me I don't like it either. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I'd end up being mated to Lucius Nightshade!" A mix of frustration and disbelief colored my words. I rubbed my temples in an attempt to ease the throbbing ache in my head.

"What's that supposed to mean?" His forehead creased, and he forcefully brought his glass down onto the bar, causing nearby guests to startle. "Any wolf would love to be my mate."

"I don't like you."

"It didn't stop you from flirting with me," Lucius scoffed.

"Let's not forget, you're the one who addressed me as 'mate.'"

"That..." He halted, his lips pressing together in a firm line.

His jaw clenched visibly, and he took a sharp inhale, his voice remaining calm before proceeding. "That was a mistake. I honestly can't explain what came over me."

"Fate, that's what happened."

I reached for my glass on the bar and downed its contents in a single gulp, craving the numbing effects of alcohol to help me endure the remainder of this conversation. But what I really needed was a cigarette.

"Let's approach this rationally," Lucius intervened, gently taking my drink and setting it on the bar. I shot him a dirty glare, but he paid no mind as he went on. "It's evident that this is a mistake."

"Absolutely."

"Then let's go about our evening like nothing happened," Lucius confirmed with a firm nod.

"Works for me."

"Good."

Neither of us made a move, locked in a silent gaze.

My chest rose and fell noticeably as I assessed Lucius. Had he always been this striking when he wore a suit?

His appearance held an undeniable allure, captivating me in a way I had never before allowed myself to acknowledge. His biceps flexed subtly beneath the fabric of his jacket, his square jaw exuding a sense of strength, and his long brown hair artfully styled.

Most striking were his fierce amber eyes, blazing from behind his mask; seeming to peer directly into the depths of my soul. In that moment, a whirlwind of thoughts cascaded through my mind, many of them treading the line between intimacy and sheer temptation.

"Stop it." Lucius rumbled with a low growl. "I can sense your arousal."

"It's a challenge to look away from you." My lips curved into a smirk, letting my gaze leisurely trace over him once more. "Especially with a body like yours."

"Are you always like this?"

"Only when I'm in a certain mood." I replied with playful undertones.

A flush of crimson tinged Lucius's cheeks from beneath his mask. "I'm leaving."

"No one's keeping you here."

"You're insufferable." Lucius exhaled in frustration.

"I aim to please."

Lucius let out an incredulous scoff before grabbing a fresh drink and departing from the bar.

"You're aware..." I murmured, reclining against the bar.

My teeth captured my lower lip as my head tilted to the side, my eyes openly delighted as it trailed down to his rear. He did possess a rather appealing rear view. Why had I never noticed that until now?

When he turned his attention back toward me, I met his gaze head-on.

"If this is real, our paths will cross again. It's impossible to ignore the connection that links us."

"Even if you are my mate, it doesn't mean I have to tolerate you." Lucius' mouth clenched.

"You don't have to tolerate me. But it doesn't mean you won't desire me."

I took a leisurely sip from my drink and made sure to purposefully allow a slow, deliberate swallow. His attention fixated on the movement of my throat. A subdued growl inadvertently escaped his lips, quickly concealed by a suppressed cough.

"I'm left wondering how long you can resist before you end up pinning me to a bed." I swirled my drink around in my hand.

Lucius choked on his drink.

"That will never happen."

"We'll see."

I laughed, witnessing how he rolled his head with a hint of frustration as he struggled to maintain his inner wolf. His breaths became more pronounced, and the unmistakable glow in his eyes radiated an unmistakable yearning.

"Just a little something to mull over." I shrugged casually, pushing myself up from the bar and gently brushing past his shoulder.

Our connection was even more pronounced now, making it a challenge to leave him. But recognizing the riskiness of the situation, I withdrew and chose to end our fated encounter before it could evolve any further. Before anyone recognized the signs of our fated connection.

My inner wolf wasn't happy, and pleaded with me, urging me to stay by his side.

I could see the turmoil within Lucius' eyes as he tried to contain his inner wolf, struggling to make sense of the foreign feelings taking place within him. Now was not the time to explore the depths of our connection, no matter how much I or my wolf wanted it.

"I'll see you around, Lucius." I waved him off.

I could feel his eyes burning into the back of my head as I made my way through the crowd. My heart was heavy with unspoken emotions, and yet, our interaction left me baffled.

Being mates with Lucius defied all logic.

It had to be a mistake. I had always harbored a deep-seated resentment for Lucius.

Why was he of all people my fated mate? And why now?

***

"Who would have thought Lucius liked men?" I chuckled, shaking my head in disbelief as I brought the cigarette to my lips and took a much needed and slow drag.

I allowed the nightmoss to burn my lungs as I savored the short and sweet moments of stress relief when the drug hit. The purple smoke swirled above me into the night air as I stood under the half moon talking to my inner wolf.

After my encounter with Lucius, I made my way to the grass courtyard nestled at the center of the institute. In the center stood an intricate stone fountain, its design featuring the Lunar Goddess in her wolf embodiment. A powerful paw, adorned with large claws clamped down on the chest of the Wolf King sprawled beneath her. Defeated.

"I can't be quick to judge." I shrugged my blazer back on as a cool breeze swept through the courtyard. "He's dated too many girls. Bisexual?"

My inner wolf whined in acknowledgment.

"So he's bi." I exhaled another lungful of smoke.

I should really quit but ever since I was attacked five years ago by Sebastian Novak, my ex, nightmoss was the only drug that calmed my nerves. More recently I'd picked up the bad habit after the death of my friend, Hayley, which resulted in my banishment. It also helped to mask my scent from the other wolves in attendance at the ball. So it'd become my lifeline in recent days.

"I wonder why he's been hiding his sexuality, it's not like being gay is frowned upon anymore."

I paused, staring at the moon.

"Lucius." I said his name softly, shaking my head as I stubbed out my cigarette on the floor with my shoe. "Of course that dumbass is my mate."

My wolf once again whined in acknowledgment and begged me to go and find him. Instead I stared at the statue of the Lunar Goddess and prayed to her wondering why she thought it was a bright idea for me to be mated to Lucius Nightshade.

I still struggled with the idea of being mated to my rival. It sort of made sense, the way I had easily flirted with him at the bar like it was one of our teasing confrontations before we fought with one another. It had surprised me but it felt natural.

I touched my smiling lips and a sudden wave of frustration hit me hard when I realized I was thinking about him.

"Damn it, Lucius!" I scuffed my hands through my black hair. "Stay out of my head. You're the last person I want to think about!"

"Nate?"

I stiffened as my heart spiked, having almost forgotten I was at the Elders' Ball and I wasn't supposed to be here. I thought I was alone outside, clearly I had been mistaken. Too busy thinking about Lucius I'd let my senses drop. I pulled my mask back down and turned around.

Guilt surged through me, overshadowing the pull I had felt towards Lucius when I caught sight of my brother across the courtyard. Donavan stood there, frowning in anger.

"What are you doing here?" he asked, his voice spiked with rage.

Kind, honorable Donavan, wasn't so kind anymore. His claws sharpened by his sides as his eyes blazed with a vengeful fire. By no means was he a weak wolf, but he wasn't the strongest. His strength lied with his words.

Which was why after the accident that caused Hayley's death, Donavan was able to rally the pack against me. Before I had a chance to explain my actions to our father, Donavan had already told his story to everyone. Without even giving me a chance to prove my innocence, my pack sided with my brother and abandoned me.

The realization hit me hard—Donavan was never my brother. His loyalty proving to be superficial, leaving me feeling discarded and betrayed.

His presence reminded me of what I'd lost and what I wanted. I would take back my pack, no matter the cost.

"Hello, Donavan." I flicked open my pack of cigarettes and placed a fresh stick between my lips. "What brings you out here?"

"You have some nerve showing your face after you killed Hayley."

"I already told you." I cupped my cigarette and lit the end with the flick of my silver lighter. "It was an accident—"

"Stop lying!"

"I don't lie, that would be your specialty."

Donavan was ready to throttle me. His shoes scraped forward on the gravel path. But he didn't dare take a full step. He wasn't stupid enough to pick a fight with me by himself. I was twice his strength.

I inhaled the smoke and leaned my head back as I exhaled slowly. Watching the purple smoke billowing up into the air. It was a clear night full of stars. I sighed, scrunching my face in deep thought. There was no reasoning with Donavan. He'd made up his mind about me and that night.

"Don't worry," I took another drag. "I'm leaving."

"You're not going anywhere." Donavan's fists scrunched tight. "Dad was lenient, letting you go with a banishment. Any other pack, and you would have been executed for killing Hayley."

That was true. My father had let me off easy, but he'd always had a soft spot for me. He didn't have the heart to bring up the accident with the Elders who would have had me executed for taking the life of a wolf.

My father covered up Hayley's death, and hushed those who knew the truth. In return for sparing my life, I was banished and couldn't step foot in Silver Moon territory ever again.

By being an outcast, the Council of Elders no longer held any power over me. It was the lesser of two evils.

My father saved my life by having me banished, and I risked everything he did for me by being here tonight.

Donavan turned to run back inside. I couldn't let him reveal to anyone I was here. Then I really would be in trouble far worse than a banishment.

"You're not going anywhere," I growled, flicking the cigarette from my mouth.

I was quick on my feet and he went rigid when my grip closed around his shoulder. My claws pressing into his flesh. A faint, pained whimper broke from him, and he panicked with the sudden desire to break free.

"If you're so eager to want me dead, then let's settle this. Right here, right now, under the watchful eyes of the Lunar Goddess." I declared, extending my hand toward the statue. "No need to inform the Elders of my presence."

I let Donavan go and he hissed, as his fingers clenched around his bleeding shoulder.

Meanwhile, I loosened my shoulders, my claws poised for action, ready to engage in combat. 

"I'm not fighting you." Donavan responded, still rubbing the wound with a pained expression.

"I thought you wanted revenge," I taunted. "Or are you all bark and no bite. You won't fight, because you know you'll lose. Because you're weak."

Donavan snarled and pounced at me. His animalistic instincts took over his common sense. Swiftly, I sidestepped his advance and delivered a powerful kick to his stomach. He went flying back and doubled over, struggling for air.

I knew he was weak, but I hadn't anticipated him crumbling after a single blow. Pathetic. There were plenty of younger wolves stronger than him.

Donavan hoisted himself back up, and met my gaze. His eyes darkened with revenge as he extended his claws in preparation for another round.

"No matter how long it takes, I'll make sure everyone knows you're a murderer!"

Anger fuelled me as I raised my leg, spun round and delivered another forceful kick. This time targeting his face. His lip burst open, and he careened backward howling.

Donavan winced, as his hands rose to cradle his injured face. Then he started laughing maniacally as he spat blood and wiped his mouth. He lashed at me. I managed to evade his attack and extended out my foot, sending him tumbling into the mud.

My eyes glazed over him with pity, watching as he flailed about in the mud.

"I'm truly sorry for what happened that night. But it was an accident." I kept telling myself. It was the only way I could suppress the guilt, that and the nightmoss.

"Sorry won't bring back Hayley." Donavan retorted, his voice low, raw with emotion. His face screwed up in anger as he held back his tears. "I'll do whatever it takes to make sure everyone knows you're a monster."

"I'm not a monster." I lashed out, my claws tearing into his flesh and leaving four deep gashes across his cheek.

"Like I said..." Donavan clutched his bleeding face. "Monster."

I swallowed dryly, taking a staggered step back from Donavan as I stared, unblinking at the blood dripping from my claws. The nightmares from that night came flashing back to mind. Hayley's terrible screams.

"I'm not a monster!" I grabbed Donavan by the collar, his face squirming as my fist loomed threateningly.

I saw my reflection in his eyes.

I released my grip and forcefully pushed him back. My fists dropped to my sides.

Riddled with guilt, I turned and strode back across the courtyard, heading towards the hall where the lights still gleamed, and the guests continued to dance.

"I'm not a monster," I muttered.

My breathing was heavy, my hands shaking. I patted down my blazer for my cigarettes.

"It was an accident. I lost... I lost control of my wolf."

"Don't turn your back on me!" Donavan shouted, and I heard movement from behind me. Then the distinct sound of metal being unsheathed. "Monsters like you deserve to be put down!"

In an instant, my senses surged to full alertness. I spun around just in time to witness him hurtling through the air. A hunter's knife was clenched in his hand and aimed directly at my throat.

On pure instinct, I snatched the blade, feeling it bite into my palm, and the searing pain ripped through my hand.

I let out a pained howl. My hand was drenched in blood.

Donavan's other fist swung; wielding a second knife. This time aiming for a low blow to my abdomen. I had no time to react as the blade sliced through the air toward me.

A sudden burst of motion blurred across the courtyard. Shadows and claws materialized from the darkness to seize Donavan's swinging hand mid-air.

Lucius.