Chapter 3

Nicole An uncharacteristically chill wind swept my hair from my face as I gazed up at the looming gates of the Thornfang Pack estate. A uniformed driver opened the door of Damien's black SUV. I stepped out, clutching the only bag I'd brought from the hospital. Alpha Damien was already beside me, his tall frame casting a long shadow across the drive. In the morning sun, he seemed cut from stone—cold, immovable, every line of his body carved by power. I straightened my shoulders, forcing professionalism into my posture."Good morning, Alpha Damien.I confirmed and signed the contract last night" "Fine,follow me" he said, guiding me inside. My shoes echoed on the marble as we entered a grand hall lined with ancestral portraits and gleaming trophies. His territory radiated wealth, but the air was heavy with expectation. As we rode the grand staircase, I noted every turn like an outsider mapping unknown land. "You'll stay in the east wing," Alpha Damien intoned, gesturing at a corridor."Your quarters are there—adjacent to my own. Access to the medical wing, central lounges, and gardens is unrestricted. All other areas are off limits." "Ok," I replied, meeting his unreadable gaze."I'm here for my mother and the contract. I won't cause trouble." He nodded, approving, and a small shiver ran down my spine."Good. We have a delicate balance to maintain—especially with the Elders watching." We moved in silence to my room—a sumptuous suite with a sweeping view of Moon Valley's skyline. My bag looked lonely on the pristine bed. Alpha Damien instructed. Then, softer,"And Nicole—my house is loyal, but word travels quickly. Avoid unnecessary conversation." His words held a veiled warning. Before I could reply, a chime sounded. Alpha Damien checked his phone and swore under his breath."My grandmother," he muttered."She never misses a thing." I followed him to the main sitting room, where sunlight filtered through tall French windows. Alpha Damien took his place at one end of the velvet sofa, body language formal, posture impeccable. I perched at the other end, careful to keep the proper distance. He started a video call. Instantly, the formidable features of Teresa Gatsby filled the screen. Her blue-gray eyes sparkled with the wisdom, and though age had silvered her hair, her presence commanded the room. "Damien! Let me see your Luna, am I seeing Dr.Nicole?" she demanded, voice both sharp and warm. During my time as a doctor at Moonwatch Medical Center, I was in contact with Luna Teresa and we had a good impression of each other. Alpha Damien's jaw worked, then, without warning, he wrapped one strong arm around my waist and pulled me flush against his side.Let me sit on his thick thigh. I tensed as the sudden heat of his palm seared through the fabric of my blouse. He leaned down, cheek brushing mine as he whispered, his breath warm against my ear:"Smile, Nicole." I forced a smile, trying to ignore the heat radiating from his body—his arousal pressed hard against the curve of my ass, hot and insistent. Every breath he exhaled hit the sensitive skin behind my ear, like fire licking down my spine. My traitorous body reacted before I could stop it—a shiver, a quickening pulse, the unmistakable pull low in my belly. Damn it. I clenched my fists at my sides, fighting the urge to lean back into him, to give in to the magnetic pull between us. This was dangerous. He was dangerous. Luna Teresa's eyes twinkled knowingly, but she nodded in satisfaction."Much better. You two look good together. I expect to see you both at the Equinox Festival this Saturday. I'll be calling again tomorrow!" "Of course, Grandmother," Alpha Damien replied smoothly, his voice velvet and steel, still holding me close like I was already his. The call ended, and I shifted slightly, trying to step back, but his arm tightened—not forcefully, but like a reflex he hadn't yet decided to resist. Instead of releasing me, his hand slid just slightly, fingers brushing along my ribcage, thumb circling in slow, teasing strokes. The motion was subtle, but it sent a shockwave of awareness straight up my spine. "You could have at least prepared me," I muttered, keeping my voice low, though my skin felt like it was on fire. Then he leaned in, his lips brushing the shell of my ear as he added."Nicole, the Council watches for even the slightest crack in our facade. If my own grandmother suspects a lack of chemistry, the Elders will swarm." His eyes narrowed, but there was something molten flickering behind the cool surface."If we can't master the basics—proximity, contact, scent cues—how would anyone believe you're truly my Luna?" I scowled, heat rising to my cheeks."You enjoy this, don't you? Keeping me off-balance." He didn't deny it. Instead, he brushed a strand of hair from my face, the back of his knuckles grazing my jaw."I enjoy being convincing." The touch lingered just a breath too long. I stepped back, finally slipping from his hold, but his scent clung to me, curling around my senses like smoke. ... After dealing with the phone check,I finally went to my new room. I was exhausted. Like, I can feel it in my bones kind of tired. Outside, soft spring rain tapped on the windows. It was the only sound in this giant, fancy part of the house. Everything felt too big, too fancy, and honestly a little too quiet. Like I'd accidentally walked into someone else's life and couldn't find the way out. I dropped my bag by the bed, kicked off my shoes, and grabbed my phone. I didn't even think—I just called Dodie. She picked up on the second ring, sounding way too chipper.Then her voice got a little more serious."Okay, spill. You've been off the grid for 24 hours. What happened?" I let out a long breath and rubbed my face."Yeah… something definitely happened." And boom—everything came out. "Francisco cheated on me. With Bella. I walked in on them—literally.They didn't even look guilty. Just smug." There was a pause. Then:"You've got to be kidding me. That dirtbag? And Bella? Are you serious?" "I wish I wasn't," I muttered."I left that night. Packed my stuff, and went straight to the hospital when Mom's condition got worse. And then... it got even crazier." Dodie's tone softened."Nic… I'm so sorry." I blinked back the sting in my eyes."That's not even the wildest part." "Oh no. What now?" I took a breath."I signed a Luna contract. With Alpha Damien Gatsby." Silence. Then Dodie nearly shouted,"I'm sorry, you WHAT?!" I winced, pulling the phone slightly away from my ear."It was the only way to get Mom the treatment she needed. Alpha Damien offered a deal—pretend to be his Luna for a year, and he'd pay for everything." Another pause. Then: "Okay, hold up. You got cheated on, walked out, saved your mom's life, and now you're fake-married to the hottest Alpha in The Faellac Town? All in like…one day?" "Basically." "Damn. When you go off the rails, you really go big." I let out a dry laugh. The tight feeling in my chest loosened just a bit."It doesn't feel real yet. Earlier today, his grandma called, and he pulled me in like we'd been mated for years." Dodie gave a low whistle."Wow. Day One? That's either super Alpha… or super dramatic." "Probably both," I said."Wanna hang out tomorrow? I desperately need to get out of this gilded cage and just… breathe. ." "Say when. I'll bring coffee. And we'll scare the rich people with our terrible fashion sense." I laughed—really laughed this time."Deal. See you at ten?" "Ten sharp. And wear slip-ons. We're going dress shopping." "Wait, what?" "My first fake-Luna event is coming up I need a dress that makes a statement. I've got to look the part of the Luna."