Author's pov
Derick pulled up in front of the pack house just as Leon, the pack’s Gamma, stepped outside to greet them.
After a few quick pleasantries, the three of them headed inside the mansion. The familiar warmth of home wrapped around them like a blanket.
The moment Macy spotted Mom, she rushed into her arms. The two women embraced tightly, laughing with genuine affection.
Derick didn’t waste time. He tugged Macy toward his room so she could freshen up after the long drive. They came back down just in time for dinner.
“This is incredible, Mrs. Torres! I forgot how amazing your cooking is,” Macy said between bites, her eyes lighting up.
Mom beamed. “Don’t mind my son. He should’ve brought you around more often.”
Derick raised his hands in mock surrender. “Hey, I’ve been busy! Besides, where are Dad and Liam? I haven’t seen them since we got here.”
“They had business to handle in the neighboring pac—” Mom stopped herself mid-sentence, clearing her throat. “I mean, nearby community.”
Derick passed her a glass of water, their eyes meeting for the briefest second. Something unspoken passed between them. But Macy didn’t notice—she was too busy devouring her food with a happy hum.
***
Liam’s pov
I’d been away for two years. Two long years of traveling from one pack to another, helping the smaller ones strengthen their defenses, training Alphas and Betas alike.
My Beta and I sacrificed time with our families, but it was worth it. Now, finally, we were back in Waterfalls. Back home.
Dad and I had a bit of business to take care of this morning, so we left early. We won’t be back until tomorrow. Normally, I’d skip a party like the one Mom’s throwing tomorrow tonight, but she made it clear I’d better show my face—or suffer her wrath.
I heard Derick is bringing his girlfriend. He talks about her constantly on the phone. I’m curious to meet the girl who managed to wrap my brother around her finger.
Still, something felt off today. My wolf, Rage, had been pacing all morning. Restless. Alert. I tried to shake it, chalking it up to nerves.
The next day, Dad headed out early again. No way he was missing his mate’s birthday party. As for me, I stopped at my apartment in the northern part of the territory, handled some unfinished work, and got ready for the celebration.
I was just buttoning up my shirt when my phone rang.
“Hey, bro. Where are you? The party started an hour ago,” Derick’s voice came through the speaker.
“I’m on my way,” I said, hanging up. I grabbed my jacket and left.
The pack house was alive with laughter and chatter when I arrived, packed with familiar faces and respected guests from neighboring packs. I made my way through the crowd, nodding at a few old friends, scanning the room until I spotted my parents.
I walked over, hugged Mom, wished her a happy birthday, and was just about to slip away from the chaos when it hit me.
A scent.
Sweet. Addictive. Unlike anything I’d ever smelled before.
Rage exploded in my head.
*Mate!*
My body moved on instinct, eyes scanning the room, drawn to that scent like a magnet. I followed it back inside, my pulse quickening with every step. And then I saw her.
She stood near the fireplace, radiant in a white dress that clung to her curves like a second skin. Her dark hair cascaded in loose curls down her back, and her laughter—the sound of it—made my chest ache. My wolf howled again.
Mine.
She was perfection.
I stepped forward, needing to be near her, to speak, to touch—but then Derick appeared. He walked straight to her, wrapped an arm around her waist, and whispered something that made her giggle. Then, he kissed her.
My heart stopped.
*Mate!* Rage snarled, his fury vibrating in my skull. I felt like I’d been punched in the gut.
Derick turned and caught sight of me. He grinned and headed over, hand in hand with her.
“I want you to meet someone special,” he said, pride dripping from every word. “This is my girlfriend—Macy.”
My world crumbled.
Macy.
The girl he wouldn’t shut up about. The girl I’d just realized was my mate.
Fuck.
I clenched my fists at my sides, struggling to stay calm, to hide the storm crashing inside me. The Moon Goddess must’ve been laughing when she made this choice.
As if that wasn’t enough, Macy was human.
She didn’t know. Not about our world, our laws, our bonds. She had no idea what she meant to me.
”It doesn’t matter what you think, Liam.“ Rage growled, voice sharp and hungry. ”We’re not letting him have her. She’s ours.“