The pack’s common room was alive with laughter and the soft hum of conversation, pack members gathered around tables sharing stories and meals, their camaraderie filling the large, rustic space with warmth. Sophia entered on Ethan’s arm, a bundle of nerves hidden beneath a calm exterior. She could feel the curious gazes turning their way, the weight of interest settling on her as they walked in together. She held her head high, the solid presence of Ethan beside her grounding her, though she couldn’t help the slight flutter in her stomach.
Ethan kept his hand on the small of her back as he led her toward Beta Lila, who was quick to greet her with a friendly smile. Lila, tall and commanding yet exuding a welcoming warmth, stepped forward and gave Sophia a small nod of approval. “It’s good to meet you properly, Sophia. I’ve heard a lot about you.”
With a grateful smile, Sophia replied, “Thank you, Lila. It’s nice to finally be here.”
Lila proceeded to introduce her to the other members, moving gracefully through the room with Sophia by her side, exchanging names and pleasantries. Sophia noticed the warmth in the pack members’ eyes, though some watched her with quiet curiosity, perhaps measuring her up, others seemed genuinely welcoming. As Lila led her through introductions, she noticed the unspoken question hanging in the air—she was introduced as Ethan’s mate, but nothing was mentioned of the title of Luna.
Sophia didn’t dwell on it too much; she was just beginning to settle into her surroundings when a cold voice slithered through the room, breaking the warm atmosphere.
“Well, well, if it isn’t Ethan’s mate,” a voice sneered from behind her.
Turning, Sophia found herself face to face with a striking woman, her beauty sharpened by an air of bitterness and smugness. Her gaze swept over Sophia dismissively, a small smirk tugging at her lips as her eyes flashed with malice.
The woman’s smirk widened as she closed the space between them. “You really think you’re fit for him?” she said, her voice dripping with disdain. “A weak human—how quaint. Ethan will come back to me eventually. Only a real werewolf can give him what he deserves. You’re not his Luna, just a placeholder.”
Sophia’s heart clenched, a sharp pang echoing the woman’s words. She was about to respond when Lila stepped between them, her stance protective, eyes flashing with anger.
“That’s enough, Adrienne,” Lila’s voice was a low, dangerous warning, her presence like a shield as she stood firmly between Sophia and Adrienne.
But before Adrienne could open her mouth again, a fierce, guttural growl cut through the room, stopping everyone in their tracks. Heads turned as Ethan strode forward, his face set in a hard line, his glowing yellow eyes fixed on Adrienne with a simmering fury that made her take an instinctive step back. The air was thick with tension, Ethan’s power radiating from him in waves as he advanced, his gaze burning into Adrienne.
“Adrienne,” he said, his voice low and lethal, each word a command. “You’ll show Sophia the respect she deserves.”
Adrienne’s sneer faltered under his gaze, but she tried to hold her ground, lifting her chin in defiance. “She’s human, Ethan. You can’t possibly believe—”
“Enough.” His voice was a growl, deep and resonant, silencing her instantly. His anger was barely contained, his shoulders tense and muscles rippling beneath his shirt as he moved closer to Sophia. Ethan extended a protective arm, pulling her close, his warmth enveloping her. With a possessive tenderness, he buried his face in her neck, his lips brushing softly over her skin in a gesture that felt both reassuring and intimately marking.
“She’s mine,” he murmured against her skin, loud enough for everyone to hear. “And nothing, and no one, will change that.”
Adrienne’s face paled, her bravado crumbling as she met the unwavering intensity in Ethan’s gaze. Silence had fallen across the room, every eye on them as Ethan made his intentions unmistakably clear.
With his arm wrapped firmly around Sophia’s waist, Ethan turned his attention to her, his expression softening as he met her gaze. She could see the silent promise in his eyes, the fierce protectiveness that swelled within him, a strength that reassured her beyond words. In that moment, any doubts she’d harbored about her place here faded; Ethan’s loyalty and devotion to her were etched in every line of his face.
Then, in a show of unapologetic affection, Ethan tilted her chin up and captured her lips in a tender yet powerful kiss. It was both a reassurance and a declaration, one that made her heart pound with a rush of emotion, filling her with the comfort of his presence. She felt the warmth of his hands on her back as he pulled her closer, his grip steady and grounding. Around them, the pack members shifted, giving them space, some casting Adrienne looks of disapproval.
Ethan pulled back slightly, his gaze locking onto hers, a hint of a smile breaking through his serious expression. “Come on,” he said softly, his voice just for her. Without another glance at Adrienne, he lifted Sophia into his arms, her cheeks flushing with surprise and delight.
Holding her securely, Ethan carried her across the room, moving with ease as he ignored the stares and whispers around them. It was as if he wanted every member of the pack to witness his commitment, to see the depth of his feelings for her, and Sophia’s heart swelled with a newfound sense of belonging.