Chapter 18
Marissa had never seen anything like it. As the car rolled to a stop, she stared out the window, eyes wide with awe at the vast estate that lay before her. The Moonlight Pack‘ s territory stretched across miles of lush greenery, with well–kept gardens, towering oak trees, and the impressive mansion of the Alpha King himself. Unlike the grim, fortress–like structure she had imagined, the packhouse was warm and bright, with sprawling flowerbeds and bursts of color along the stone paths. It was so… inviting, a quality she hadn’t expected from the home of a man known for his ruthlessness.
but
She stepped out of the car, inhaling the scent of pine and fresh rain. A few pack members cast curious glances her way, they kept their distance, moving in smooth, silent unison. Marissa adjusted her grip on her bags, nerves knotting in her stomach as she took in the world that would now be
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her home.
“Miss Marissa?” A deep voice called. She turned to see a tall man with a
commanding presence striding toward her. His hair was neatly cropped, and his sharp eyes assessed her in a way that was neither unkind nor overly familiar.
“Beta Heron?” She asked, her voice steady despite her thudding heart.
The man gave a slight nod. “At your service. Welcome to Moonlight Pack.” He glanced over his shoulder at the grand mansion before turning back to her, his voice lowering with the hint of a smile.
“The Alpha is expecting you. I’ll take you to his quarters.
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She nodded, following him as he led her up the marble steps and through the front doors. Inside, the mansion was a symphony of warm light and elegance. Sunlight streamed through large arched windows, illuminating the polished wood floors and casting soft shadows across the
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Chapter 18
stone walls. Ornate tapestries lined the corridors, and chandeliers sparkled above like clusters of stars. Birds chirped from the garden that sprawled across the courtyard, their song mingling with the soft rustling of leaves. It felt more like a sanctuary than the cold fortress she‘ d imagined.
Beta Heron led her through a series of hallways, and as they approached the Alpha‘ s quarters, her pulse quickened, her heartbeat loud in her ears. She‘ d faced a lot of things before. But nothing compared to the weight of what awaited
her now.
Finally, Heron paused before a set of carved double doors, his face impassive.
“The Alpha King is inside,” he said, his voice respectful. “He’ll see you now.”
Marissa took a steadying breath, smoothing her dress as she nodded. Her hand trembled slightly as she reached for the door, pushing it open and stepping into
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a large, spacious room. And there he was.
Alpha King Idris stood by the far window, a tall figure wrapped in a quiet, unyielding strength. His back was turned to her, his broad shoulders casting a formidable silhouette against the morning light. The room fell into complete silence as he turned, his gaze meeting hers. Marissa felt. the ground tilt beneath her feet as their eyes locked. Time seemed to stop, the world narrowing down to the space between them, as an unmistakable, bone- deep recognition flooded her senses.
The sensation hit her like a lightning bolt. She could feel her wolf surging forward, howling, claws raking beneath her skin in a primal call. Her pulse roared in her ears as the scent of cedar and frost drifted toward
her, filling her senses. It was as though her very being recognized him, every instinct. within her urging her forward.
Idris‘ gaze darkened, his cold, composed expression faltering for the first time. His
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eyes, a shade of stormy gray, flickered with something raw, something fierce. The faintest scent of pine and fire seemed to roll off him, and she could feel his presence like a physical touch. Her wolf stirred within her, her senses honing in on every detail–the sound of his steady breath, the heat radiating from him, and the quiet, burning connection that hummed between them.
“You…” Idris‘ s voice was a low growl, his jaw clenching as he took a step forward, his gaze never leaving hers. “You‘ re… my fated mate
