Chapter 2: Chapter 2

JASMINE

Ragnar was introducing Erik to Angelina, the daughter of one of the southern alphas. Her pack was far from ours, known for their alliances and resources, but they weren’t nearly as skilled at forging weapons as Erik’s pack.

Our best weapons came from the Bellator, forged in the hottest fires by the most talented hands. Of course, that was exactly why Ragnar was introducing Erik to her.

It made sense—strength in alliances, strength in weapons. But even knowing that didn’t stop the uneasy feeling forming in the pit of my stomach.

I watched as Erik smiled politely at her, their conversation too far away for me to hear, but close enough for me to imagine. Was she charming him with stories of her pack’s influence?

Were their families already planning something? I clenched my hands around the railing, trying to steady myself.

I told myself it was nothing, that it wouldn’t matter. But my heart didn’t believe it—not when he stole another glance in my direction, just like he used to, making my heartbeat jump in my chest all over again.

Seeing Erik again was like stepping back into a memory I’d tried so hard to forget. The pain hit me all over again—raw and real, like an unfinished wound that never healed properly.

How could it? Our story had never truly ended, just…paused, suspended in time, waiting for the moment I’d face him again.

The thought sent a shiver through me. How could I claim to be the strong alpha daughter if I couldn’t even bury the ghosts of my past?

I wanted to close my eyes, to block out the sight of him with someone else. But even if I did, the ache inside wouldn’t disappear.

I stood there for a few minutes, observing the people at the ball—the interactions, the looks, the conversations. I watched Erik from afar, but after a while, I lost sight of him.

I turned to the moon and whispered a small prayer. I asked her to take care of me, of my destiny, and to choose the best path.

It was the moon that determined the right person for you, your destiny, and no one dared to contest that. It was the only thing I could do.

“She’s even more beautiful on ball days, isn’t she?”

The velvety, familiar voice wrapped around me, and I closed my eyes, smiling softly, not even needing to look to know it was Sebastian.

“That’s true,” I replied, turning toward him while still leaning against the railing.

Sebastian wore a tuxedo tailored perfectly for him, the flawless fit making him look even more elegant. His light-blue eyes sparkled in the moonlight.

His pack was the oldest, the richest, and the most mystical. They had an ancient connection to magic, and some said they had the closest contact with the Goddess herself.

He was beautiful enough to make anyone else uncomfortable—the kind of beauty you couldn’t stop staring at. His dark hair contrasted with his bright eyes, his lips perfectly shaped, making him look almost unreal.

“You look beautiful today, Jazzy,” Sebastian said softly, looking deep into my eyes with a subtle smile on his lips—one of those mysterious smiles that always made me want to know more.

And he called me by my nickname, Jazzy, as if they were all plotting to confuse me tonight.

“You don’t look bad at all yourself, Sebastian,” I teased back, making his smile grow even bigger.

“You know you don’t need to be nervous about today, right?” His voice was gentle as he tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear. His fingers lingered just a moment longer than they should have, and I found myself leaning into his touch.

“I’m not…,” I began, trying to sound confident, but my voice faltered.

His laughter broke through, a deep, rich sound that sent a wave of warmth through me. For a moment, I wished I could stay wrapped in the safety of that laugh forever.

Sebastian shook his head slightly, still grinning as he tilted his face closer to mine. “You don’t have to pretend with me, remember?”

His voice dropped, serious now. “You can tell me anything.”

My breath caught in my throat. He was right, of course—he always was.

We’d been more than lovers once—we’d been allies, confidants. He could see right through me, into the core of my nerves and uncertainty.

He always said we could tell each other everything.

“And I can see that you’re nervous,” Sebastian added softly, reading me like an open book, as if our hearts and feelings were shared.

“I know why you’re even more anxious today. The responsibility of leading your pack eventually goes to your mate, and he needs to deserve it.”

He paused, looking me straight in the eyes with a gentle smile. “But never forget that her plans are always bigger and more complex than ours. Sometimes we just need to trust.”

Sebastian stepped closer, and suddenly his scent surrounded me completely. He smelled like amber and wood, sophisticated yet comforting, like a cozy fireplace on a cold winter afternoon.

He smelled like ~home~. He was so close now, only inches separating our bodies.

“But you forget that you’re a force of nature, Jazzy,” he whispered, his breath warm against my skin.

The air between us felt electric, and my heart started pounding like it knew something I didn’t.

He reached out, gently brushing a strand of hair away from my cheek. The simple touch sent a shiver racing down my spine.

“You’re an alpha in your own right,” he continued softly, his clear blue eyes searching mine as if he could see every fear I’d ever hidden. “A determined leader with an immense love for your people.”

I opened my mouth to respond, but nothing came out. His closeness overwhelmed me, his scent wrapping around me like a blanket I never wanted to let go of.

“Anyone the Moon chooses as your mate will have to measure up to ~you~,” he said, his voice barely audible now, his lips so close they almost brushed my forehead.

My pulse quickened, and I felt the strength in his words, in his nearness—but also the weight of what he was saying. I didn’t see his next move coming.

He leaned in and kissed my forehead softly. The gentle touch of his lips against my skin made me sigh quietly in his embrace.

“And maybe he’s another alpha,” he murmured against my skin before pulling away and heading back into the hall.

I stood there, numb on the balcony, trying to process what had just happened. My mind flooded with thoughts, doubts, and uncertainties all at once.

Finding a mate meant more than just love—it meant surrendering a part of myself, my independence, my role as alpha. Would any of them accept my power, or would they challenge me for it?

And if my mate was one of the three? I’d already broken their hearts once—would I end up doing it again?

Would they even trust me if the Moon Goddess chose one of them for me?

Would I even deserve that trust?

But at the same time, how could I give myself fully to one of them, knowing they only filled a part of me?

What if they never filled me entirely—could I live forever longing for more?

It was a good thing I was already outside because I definitely needed some air.

But after a few minutes, even the outdoors felt suffocating.

I decided to head back inside, and just then a waiter passed by, offering me another glass of champagne.

Maybe the alcohol would help—I sure as hell needed it.

I took the glass and drank it down in one gulp, placing it back on the waiter’s tray.

“Rough night?”

It was the voice I feared most—and yet, the one I desperately wanted to hear.

Aaron.