His presence was commanding. All eyes were on him, including Belle's. She couldn't help but stare at the tall, muscular wolf with piercing Amber eyes. To her surprise, the Alpha King's gaze met hers, and for a moment, time seemed to stand still. Belle felt a jolt of electricity run through her body, and she quickly looked away, her heart pounding.
The celebration for the Alpha King was in full swing. Bonfires lit up the clearing, and pack members danced and feasted around them. Belle tried to blend into the background, sipping from her cup and hoping no one would notice her.
But someone did.
The alpha king, seated on his wooden throne, seemed bored with the attention. His eyes wandered across the crowd until they landed on her again. This time, his stare lingered.
"Who is that?" Belle overheard him ask his beta.
She pretended not to notice, but her cheeks flushed hot. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, trying to look busy examining the contents of her cup.
When she dared to peek up again, the Alpha king was still watching her. A small smirk played on his lips, making her stomach flip. She'd never had anyone look at her that way before—like she was something worth seeing.
The music grew louder, and people moved between them, breaking their eye contact. Belle took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart.
"Get it together," she whispered to herself. "He's the Alpha King. You're just... you."
But when the crowd parted again, the alpha king was no longer on his throne. Panic rose in her chest as she scanned the celebration.
"Looking for someone?" a deep voice rumbled behind her.
Belle nearly jumped out of her skin at the sound of that deep voice. She spun around to find the alpha king standing there, his massive frame blocking out the firelight behind him. Up close, he was even more intimidating—and breathtaking.
"I, um... no, Alpha King," she stammered, lowering her eyes.
He chuckled, the sound rumbling in his chest. "Call me Kael."
From across the clearing, Belle spotted Luna glaring at her, lips pressed into a thin line. Beside her, the pack Alpha's face darkened with obvious disapproval.
"I should go," Belle whispered, trying to step around him.
Kael moved slightly, blocking her path. "Dance with me first."
It wasn't a request. His hand touched her waist, sending warmth spreading through her body.
"People are watching," she murmured, feeling dozens of eyes on them.
"Let them," he replied, pulling her closer.
As they swayed to the music, Belle could feel the daggers her Luna was shooting with her eyes. This would mean trouble tomorrow, but right now, with Kael's hand on her back and his scent enveloping her, she couldn't bring herself to care.
"You're different," he said, studying her face. "I like different."
The celebration continued around them, but Belle felt like they were in their own bubble. A dangerous, forbidden bubble that would burst come morning.
When the dance ended, Kael's fingers lingered on her arm. "I'll see you again, little wolf."
As he walked away, Belle knew two things with absolute certainty: she was completely captivated by him, and she was absolutely going to pay for it tomorrow.
Belle woke the next morning with a strange mixture of dread and excitement swirling in her stomach. The memory of Alpha kings touch still lingered on her skin, but so did the image of her Luna's furious glare.
Her phone buzzed with a message that made her heart sink: "Pack office. Now."
Dragging herself to the packhouse office, Belle felt like she was walking to her execution.
"Come in," Alpha Drake barked before she even knocked.
Belle slipped inside, keeping her eyes down. Luna Eliza sat beside her mate, arms crossed, lips pursed.
"What were you thinking?" Luna hissed. "Dancing with the Alpha King like some... some desperate little hussy?"
"I didn't—"
"Silence!" Alpha Drake slammed his fist on the desk. "You've embarrassed our pack. The Alpha King was merely toying with you."
Belle flinched. "He asked me to dance. I couldn't refuse the Alpha King."
"You could have excused yourself," Luna Eliza sneered. "Instead, you were practically glowing in his arms."
Alpha Drake leaned forward. "Listen carefully. Kael Blackwood doesn't mate with weak wolves. He's using you for entertainment."
"Until the novelty wears off," Luna Eliza added with a cruel smile. "You're confined to pack borders. No pack gatherings. No celebrations."
Belle nodded, fighting back tears.
"And Belle?" The Luna's voice dripped with venom. "Stay away from Kael Blackwood. He's not for you."
As she left the office, Belle couldn't help wondering if they were right. Why would an Alpha King want someone like her?