I love the crescent moon tattoo on your inner thigh," his deep, smooth voice whispered against my skin. "It makes me feel as if the Moon Goddess herself is protecting me. My heart beats for only you, Lyra… and no one else is allowed to touch what's mine."
My breath caught in my throat.
"But I don't even know who you are," I whispered back. My body shivered at the warmth of his touch, at the way his words curled through me like a spell.
His lips brushed my ear, a faint touch that made my chest tighten. "Soon, you will find me," he breathed.
I opened my eyes suddenly, gasping. A frustrated groan escaped my lips. It was that dream again. The same faceless stranger, the same burning warmth that lingered even after I woke.
I glanced at the clock. 6:15 a.m.
Today was the day I'd start at Kaeltech Innovative Company. Another step into a future I wasn't sure I was ready for.
And of course, Raze would be there too.
His name was on the list—along with Lorn, his closest friend and the loudest troublemaker in class.
I pushed myself out of bed, heart still pounding from the dream, and opened my wardrobe.
First day, I reminded myself. I have to look responsible.
I picked up a pair of black suit pants and a red long-sleeve top, laying them neatly on the bed before heading into the bathroom. The cool water against my skin chased away the last traces of sleep. After brushing my teeth and bathing, I changed into the outfit.
I hardly ever wore makeup, but this morning, for some strange reason, I found myself brushing a soft powder across my face and adding a hint of lip balm. Maybe it was because of Raze—
No, I shook my head at my reflection. Not him. This is just for me. My confidence.
When I walked downstairs, the warm smell of toasted bread and eggs wrapped around me like a hug.
"Good morning, Mum," I greeted softly.
"My sweetheart, you're awake," she replied, her face lighting up as she stirred the pot on the stove. "Sit down and eat before you go."
She wiped her hands on her apron and reached for something on the table. "I brought a bracelet from the Serene Shrine. With this, you'll be protected. And remember—don't ever let anyone see the crescent moon tattoo under your lap. Only your mate is allowed to see it," she said, carefully slipping the silver bracelet with a tiny crescent moon charm onto my wrist.
I shut my eyes briefly. She was always like this—too wrapped up in her faith and signs from the Moon Goddess. Every year there was a new ritual. Last time, she'd dyed my brown hair white for six whole months to 'protect my soul.' The teasing had been endless, they called me a 'white pigeon '.
At least this time, it was only a bracelet.
"Thank you, Mum," I whispered, forcing a small smile.
Breakfast was quick—a few bites of toasted bread and a glass of orange juice. My stomach was too knotted with nerves to eat more.
By the time I stepped out, the sky was already bright. It was almost 7:30. I had to get to Kaeltech Innovative Company before 8:00. Today wasn't just another day. The CEO—our Pack Alpha—would be there.
And so would Raze.
~~~~~~~
We all sat around a long table, a projector facing us. I noticed some students from other schools were there too. The company orientation started right away — they showed us the rules and regulations. We had to resume before 8:00 a.m. and close by 5:30 p.m. every day. Lunch would be served from the company canteen, and we weren't allowed to bring food from outside.
"Any questions?" the man in front asked.
Lorn's hand shot up immediately. I followed his eyes and caught Raze smiling at him. My stomach already knew something embarrassing was coming.
"Okay, Lorn, what's it?"
"Sir, are we allowed to ask anyone out in the company?" he asked.
The whole room — especially the students from my school — burst into loud laughter. I wanted the floor to open and swallow me alive.
"It's a six-month training," the man said, trying not to laugh. "You can date, but keep it outside the company. Separate your private life from your professional life."
"Thank you, sir," everyone chorused except me. I was too busy wishing I was invisible. When I turned, Lorn blew me a kiss in the air. I rolled my eyes and looked away.
"In the absence of any more questions, you can all head to your departments," the man said, then left.
We were given numbers that matched different departments. I got number 30 — which meant the last floor. Great. I just hoped those two clowns wouldn't be there.
"Hi, my name's Vera. And you?" a girl said beside me. She kind of looked like Raze… only softer, a girl version of him, or I'm too wrapped up in him I'm seeing everyone like him.
"Lyra," I replied.
We entered the lift together. I pressed the 30th button. She didn't.
"Aren't you pressing yours?" I asked, gesturing at the panel.
She smiled. "We're heading to the same place."
When we got to the floor, the space opened up at a door we stepped inside. Six chairs faced each other in rows of three, each with a desktop in front. On the far end was a glass door with bold letters that read Alpha Verruk.
Vera and I sat next to each other. I was just starting to relax when the door opened — and in walked Alina and Kara. My stomach twisted. So much for escaping my nightmare.
Then came Lorn… and Raze.
I shut my eyes in frustration. What did I do to deserve this?
Raze walked past me, his eyes catching mine for a second. My heart thudded. He brushed Vera's hair playfully before sitting behind her.
"Have you lost it, Raze?" Vara barked. "I don't even know why Alpha Verruk allowed you to join this company."
Raze mimicked her voice. "I don't even know why Alpha Verruk allowed you to join this company." I'd never seen that side of him before. It was kind of cute. I caught myself smiling.
"Really?" a voice said.
I turned to find Lorn leaning on my desk, his chin resting on both hands, blinking like a fool. My soul almost left my body. I really hated this guy.
"You're daydreaming of your angel again," he teased.
"Fuck off, Lorn," I snapped, embarrassed. Everyone laughed.
"You look different today, Lyra," Kara said with that smug smile. "I thought you'd show up with a new pigeon look. Or are you trying to compete with Alina now?"
"No, don't say that," Raze cut in, pretending to be serious. "You can't compare her to Alina with her. She's nowhere near her."
"Yes, you're right," Vera said before I could even speak. "Because she looks prettier than Alina."
"Vera," Alina hissed, flipping her hair. "I don't know why you hate me. But get used to me, because soon I'll be your Luna and Queen."
Before anyone could respond, a cold, calm voice came from behind.
"Is that why you're all here?"
We all stood up immediately. A man stood in the doorway, hands in his pockets, green eyes sharp and cold like they could cut through walls. He was tall, confident, and way too handsome. His aura filled the entire room — dark, powerful, commanding.
"Alpha," everyone whispered and bowed.
I just stood there staring at him, completely lost. I had heard stories about Alpha Verruk, but seeing him in person was something else. The Kael family truly did look like they were blessed by the Moon Goddess herself.
"You are?" he asked, his voice low and calm.