Chapter 194

Chapter 194
[Amelia's POV]

Alex's familiar silhouette appeared at the edge of our set, his hands casually tucked into his pockets. But there was nothing casual about the way his amber eyes locked onto mine the moment he spotted me. A flash of gold flickered through his gaze – so brief I might have imagined it if I didn't know better.

My breath caught. What's he doing here?

He moved toward me with that confident Alpha stride, cutting through the bustling crew like they were standing still. Pack members instinctively stepped aside, their conversations dying as they registered their Alpha's presence. The air itself seemed to shift, growing heavier with his dominant energy.

"Are you finished for today?" His voice was low, careful, but I caught the underlying concern threaded through his words – that protective instinct that seemed to surface whenever he looked at me lately.

I nodded, confused by his sudden appearance. "Yeah, that was my last scene. The rest is just background stuff with the supporting actors." I gestured vaguely toward where Director Joseph was setting up the next shot. "But... Alex, you're not scheduled to be here today. What's going on?"

Something flickered across his expression – vulnerability, maybe? Or determination. His amber eyes softened as they traveled over my damp hair and the towel wrapped around my shoulders.

"I missed you," he said simply, and the honesty in his voice made my chest tighten.

Before I could respond, his hand wrapped around my wrist. Not harsh, but firm. Unmistakably Alpha in its certainty. "Come on."

"Alex, wait—" I tried to pull back instinctively. But his grip was gentle yet unyielding, and my body seemed to melt under the warmth of his touch and the steady pulse of his Alpha energy.

"I haven't even taken off my makeup yet," I protested, glancing down at my soggy costume. "I'm still in my wet clothes from the river scene, and—"

"You're perfect." His voice cut through my rambling, that authoritative tone that made something deep in my chest flutter.

"Alex, where are we going?" Panic crept into my voice as he began walking, pulling me along with him toward the center of the set.

He didn't answer. Just kept moving with that purposeful stride until we reached the main area where most of the Silver Moon Pack crew was gathered. Directors, cinematographers, makeup artists, other actors – all the Beta and Delta wolves who made up our production team.

One by one, conversations ceased. Heads turned. I felt the weight of dozens of eyes settling on us, and my face burned with embarrassment. The mixture of Pack scents in the air – curiosity, surprise, excitement – made my head spin.

Oh God, what is he doing?

"Everyone," Alex called out, his voice carrying that unmistakable Alpha authority that demanded attention. The remaining chatter died instantly.

My heart hammered against my ribs. Alex's hand was still wrapped around my wrist, anchoring me to his side as I stood there dripping and mortified in my towel and wet costume.

"I want you all to know," Alex continued, his voice ringing clear across the set, "Amelia Brown is my destined soul mate, and the future Luna of Silver Moon Pack."

The words hit like a physical blow. My mind went blank, shock freezing every thought. Around us, I heard sharp intakes of breath, barely suppressed exclamations, the rustle of people turning to get a better look.

He just... in front of everyone... he actually said...

My knees felt weak. The towel slipped slightly from my shoulders before I caught it, clutching it like a lifeline. This was real. This was happening. In front of the entire Pack.

Ashley was practically purring with satisfaction, but I felt like I was drowning all over again.

But Alex wasn't finished.

Before anyone could fully process his declaration, before the whispers could start, he moved. In one fluid motion, he bent down and swept me up into his arms – a perfect bridal carry that showcased every inch of his Alpha strength.

The gasp that escaped my lips was echoed by half the crew.

My arms flew around his neck instinctively, the towel forgotten as I clung to him. His familiar scent enveloped me – pine and leather and something uniquely him – and despite my shock, I felt that treacherous sense of safety that came with being in his arms.

"Alex!" I whispered frantically, my face burning as I became hyperaware of every single person watching us. "What are you doing?"

He looked down at me, his amber eyes warm and possessive. "Taking my Luna home."

And then he started walking. Long, confident strides toward the parking area where his black luxury car waited. Behind us, I could hear the eruption of voices – Pack members discussing what they'd just witnessed, the significance of the public claim, the implications for the hierarchy.

I buried my face against Alex's neck, equal parts mortified and thrilled. My heart was beating so fast I was sure he could feel it against his chest.

"I can't believe you just did that," I mumbled into his collar.

"Believe it," he murmured back, his voice rough with satisfaction.

When we reached his car, Alex carefully set me down beside the passenger door. His hands lingered on my waist as he looked down at me, those golden flecks in his eyes more pronounced now.

"Here." He reached for the door handle, opening it for me. "Let me get you settled."

I slid into the leather seat, my wet costume probably ruining the upholstery, but Alex didn't seem to care. He leaned over me to buckle my seatbelt, his face close enough that I could see the determination etched in every line.

"Are you ready?" he asked softly, his hand briefly cupping my cheek.

I nodded numbly, still trying to process everything that had just happened. The public declaration. The claiming. The way he'd carried me like I weighed nothing at all.

Alex's smile was pure predator satisfaction as he closed my door and walked around to the driver's side. He slid behind the wheel with fluid grace, his hands steady on the steering wheel as he started the engine.

"Hold on," he said, that Alpha authority creeping back into his voice.

The engine roared to life, and then we were speeding away from Silver Moon Pack's private studio lot, leaving behind a crew full of shocked Pack members and the lingering echo of Alex's declaration.